Lev looked down at Nastasia’s hand, which still held Cora’s. “You were once like family, Corinna.”

Her lips trembled again and she uttered quietly, “I know I fucked up. And I’m so sorry.”

Lev stood. “I see no reason why you can’t see Lidi every now and again.” He looked at the little woman and told her, “She doesn’t have her mother anymore. I’d like for her to have access to someone who knew Irina when she was a child. Someone who can show her the good side of Irina.”

Cora’s face sad, she responded quietly, “I can do that. I can be that person.”

Lev nodded. “I know you can.” He checked his watch and muttered, “Mirella took her to the park. They’ll be home soon enough. You’re welcome to wait.”

He didn’t say another word, just turned and walked away.

My heart warmed, and that warmth spread throughout my entire body.

God, I loved Lev. He was a good man.

I stood too, looking down at a stunned Cora. “I’m guessing it’s been a while.” I turned to Nas and smiled. “I’ll give you guys time to catch up.”

My feet took the stairs two at a time—no small feat for a short girl—until I made my way into our bedroom, opening the door to find Lev in a state of undress. He looked up at me then threw down his boxers, leaving him in the nude.

My voice soft, I told him, “You’re a good man, Lev Leokov.” Then I started to undress.

His eyes landed on my bare stomach and he watched as I undid my bra. His voice came out husky. “I need to shower, mouse.”

“No,” I told him, hooking my thumbs into my panties and lowering them. They fell to my ankles. “You need to get me dirty.” I stepped out of my panties and moved toward him. When I reached him, I looked up into his face, the picture of innocence. “And then we’ll get clean together. Okay?”

His hands came up to rest on my hips and he squeezed lightly, his eyes hooded with lust. “Who am I to argue with my betrothed?”

I grinned as his lips descended. “Suck ass.”

We spent a long time in the shower.

And when we were finished, I was far from clean.

I was deliciously mussed.

Chapter Forty-Six

Mina

I watched in quiet amazement as the extended Leokov family met, hugging and kissing and chatting as laughter burst out of people left, right, and center. Normally, in situations like this, I would have felt out of place, yet somehow this amazing group of people included me like it was no big deal.

I didn’t care what they thought.

It was a big deal, for me.

We had made the half-hour drive to attend the small wedding that Lev explained would be held at his cousin’s club, The White Rabbit. I’d never heard of the place, but when we got there, I immediately understood the appeal.

I got it. I did.

It was freaking hot.

Who wouldn’t be taken by an Alice in Wonderland themed club? From the giant bronzed Cheshire cat, to the whimsical, artistic paint on the walls, my chest panged with regret from not bringing the good camera Sasha had bought for Bleeding Hearts. It didn’t matter; I whipped out my phone and snapped away happily at almost everything in sight.

Lev told me I’d need to dress up for the night, and when he sent me to buy an appropriate evening gown with Nas, the two of us came back arguing. I still couldn’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something I’d only wear once or twice.

We compromised in the end, buying me a stunning black dress that cost a hundred and fifty dollars. It was a cocktail–style dress, and although it wasn’t what I was sent to buy, I could see myself wearing this little number again and again, totally getting my money’s worth. When I came home and modeled it for Lev, he agreed that it was lovely.

He dressed in a black suit, a white crisp linen shirt, and a black tie. Mirella dressed Lidiya in a pale pink number, a pastel pink bow holding her curls together. I sat in the back seat with my chubby little angel, and wasn’t at all surprised when she fell asleep during the drive. It was so relaxing being a passenger that I felt I could have joined her.

It might have seemed strange to hold a wedding on a Wednesday night, but after Lev explained that it was only to be a small affair and that the club would likely be open to the public on the weekend, it kind of made sense.

We arrived at the club, parked, and made our way out. Lev pulled me into his side and held a sleepy Lidiya’s hand as we entered the party.

I was nervous, meeting more of the family. But I shouldn’t have been.

Lev’s cousin, Nik, greeted us at the door, grabbing Lev and heaving him into a long man-hug before pulling back and kissing both his cheeks. When Nik spotted Lidiya, his face changed. It seemed the guy was a sucker for kids. He got to his knees, smiled, and held his arms out to Lidi. Lidi, knowing a good thing when she saw one, didn’t hesitate to hug the man, and he lifted her, kissing her cheek. When Lev introduced us, I could have fainted dead away.

Why, you ask?

Because it went something like this.

“This is Mina. She was homeless. I found her. I’m keeping her. She loves me. So we’re getting married.”

And I died. Embarrassment seeped out of me like oozing slime. My gorgeous fiancée had unknowingly made me sound like a freaking gold digger.

I choked out a laugh. “He doesn’t mean that,” I told Nik, my cheeks flaming.

Nik grinned, and his single dimple came out to say hello. Lidi poked it with a small finger, and Nik gently nipped it.

Oh, my Lord. These Leokov men were stunning, every single one of them.

Lev frowned down at me. “That’s exactly what I mean, mouse.”

I glared up at him, stepped on my tiptoes, and whisper-hissed, “Maybe ixnay on the omelesshay, sweetie. Okay? Thanks.”

His face softened a degree. “I’m not ashamed of you, Mina.”

Nik coughed out a laugh before coming over and wrapping his free arm around my shoulders, leading us in. “Whatever, Mina. I’m not judging, sweetheart. Come meet the family.”

I spotted Nas and Sasha talking to another man who looked remarkably like Nik, and when we approached, the man spotted me, separated himself, and came at me like a bull going at a rodeo clown, only happily. He reached us, bent a little, wrapped his arms around me, and lifted me in a giant bear hug. I squeaked as he shook me around like a doll a moment, set me on my feet, and pulled back, beaming. “Lev’s woman! I’m Max, groom, cool dude, cousin.”

I couldn’t help but smile. This guy was crazy.

I looked him up and down. He wore a sophisticated three-piece suit with white Chucks, and still looked heavenly. When my eyes reached his face and landed on his smile, another Leokov dimple came out to play and my stomach flipped. Max put his arm around me and pulled me into his side, shaking me a little. “Don’t be shy, short stuff.” He grinned, and I swear his teeth sparkled. “We’re family.”

That was when Lev approached and Max pulled back, opening his arms wide. Lev smirked, walking into his arms. More hugs and kisses were exchanged then suddenly a gaggle of pretty women appeared, along with two other men—who were both sexy as hell, mind you.

What the heck were they putting in the water up here?

A brunette with a wide smile and green eyes stepped forward and eyed our gorgeous little princess, who was now resting her head on Nik’s shoulder and sucking her thumb. Smart girl. The woman smiled gently. “Hi there, honey. And who are you?”

“This little angel is Lidiya.” Nik jerked his chin to Lev. “Lev, this is my wife, Tina. Tina, baby. Lev, my cousin.”

Her face brightened and her excitement was completely genuine. She came forward and hugged a rigid Lev, rubbing a hand up and down his back. “Oh, wow. Hi!”