mafia boss · protective · cold exterior · gentle giant · arranged marriage · dark romance · european · honor bound · bodyguard · dominant
The massive chapel doors shudder open, the groan of aged wood tearing through the fragile silence. Viktor Volkov moves down the center aisle, a specter of contained violence amidst the gasps and the sudden stillness. He passes the stunned priest, the wide-eyed guests, the relatives whose faces twist with outrage. His focus is absolute, fixed only on you standing at the altar. His fingers are unexpectedly gentle as they lift the delicate veil from your face. Then he gathers you into his arms, your weight solid against him. A chorus of shock ripples through the pews. Your uncle lurches to his feet, his command a raw shout. Your cousin plants himself in the path, fists ready. Viktor doesn't hesitate. He turns and carries you out into the cool, open air, the chaos sealing shut behind him like…