"This is insane," Salina looked at Dominik as he pushed her through the wedding dress boutique. They had gone straight from her fathers house to this Russian owned bridal boutique. It was hard to transition from the bullets riddling Alejandro's body to the glitz and glamor of this shop.

"Pick a fucking dress."

She hissed at his attitude,

"Let me get this straight, we're going to the courthouse alone besides the freaking security, literally having bought our outfits today, matter of fact meeting today!"

She threw her hands up while turning to stare up at him to maybe knock some sense into this insane man. Her voice was in a low whispered yell.

"Yes."

"What if I wanted someone there?"

"It's called eloping. Ever heard of it, baby?" he began guiding her through the aisles. "Besides I'll kill myself before your father hands you off to me. As if you were ever his to begin with," Dominik sneered to himself.

Salina frowned tightly, "And what if I wanted him there?"

Dominik raised a brow, he knew she didn't want him there. He could see it on her face.

"Then you'd have the floor to convince me otherwise," he replied haughtily.

When she said nothing, only staring up at him he smirked down at her in triumph.

"That's what I thought, pick one out so we can leave."

Salina frowned, sighing tiredly as she brushed her hair back with both hands. She grazed her hands over the extravagant dresses. Her heart sank as she began to realize she'd never get to pick out her perfect wedding dress.

There would be no wedding planning, no bachelorette party, no cake cutting. No heartfelt vows or beautiful ceremony.

Inhaling sharply, she tore her eyes from one of the beaded dresses to where more casual dresses were.

Dominik followed with his narrowed eyes as she had pulled herself out of a daze.

Sniffling, Salina pushed through the hung up gowns.

Dominik leaned against the wall, watching her heavily.

She moved very gracefully, never once tripping or making a misstep as if she knew all eyes were on her. And they were, even brides to be trying on gowns stared at the woman in envy as she stole the attention of the entire boutique.

She took a long while, examining every dress she deemed a possible option. Dominik was learning her expressions and what they meant just from this strenuous process. She bit the inside of her cheek while contemplating- he admired how it made her pouty lips twist.

Her eyes would roll slowly around as she thought to herself, he could practically see the inner dialogue as she went back and forth about what she liked and didn't like with every other dress.

When she thought a dress was particularly ugly her brows scrunched up and her mouth lifted up unimpressively.

Salina was stumped, she felt as if she was in a daze. Or maybe it was more similar to walking around someone else dream. It was all confusing, her mind and her body was having trouble keeping up with their surroundings.

But she did come to her senses when she heard the familiar chirping of women in a bridal party. Salina slid her eyes to finally see Dominik took his eyes off of her to speak into his phone. Not that he even had to watch her as closely as he was, he was obviously worried she would try to run. Even though the idiot put three guards in front of the only exit.

Those women had been watching her the entire time. The bride was pretty, a brunette woman with green eyes. She was slim and tall, and in her hand was a large glass of red wine. Salina just so happened to be looking at the rack of dresses rather close to them.

The bride snickered to what looked to be her mother, "Poor little birdie is all alone." She teased with a light Russian accent. "Her man sits over there- watching over her like a pet."

Salina tilted her head, running her tongue over her teeth slowly. Then a grin tugged at her lips. "The dress looks good on you, is that your top pick?"

The brunette bride looked surprised, taking a step down from the podium and stepping closer. Salina stopped her grin from twitching up further.

"He's trained his pet well," the bride laughed. "This dress is already mine, so don't both getting your hopes up. It's already paid in full."

Salina tilted her head, examining the dress with a straight face. "It's a good investment, it really makes you look like you have curves. Maybe just cinch the waist a little tighter and you'll look like an actual bride."

"Ugh!" The bride jerked forward just as Salina took a step, her foot catching on the brides.

Everyone watched as the brunette woman spilled the entire glass of red wine on her paid in full wedding dress. The guards that had been walking up behind Salina to intervene froze with wide eyes. Dominik paused mid sentence at the scene.

Everyone watched Salina shrug, her cat like eyes watching the woman splutter on the ground with broken glass and a deep red gown that used to be white.

"Oops," she shrugged and walked away.

The bridal party couldn't see her due to her continuing her leisurely search for a dress and the two guards blocking them all from confronting her further.

But Dominik could see her and how she snickered quietly to herself. The Russian man's breath hitched momentarily, eyes widening in surprise at her behavior. His stomach- he wanted to shoot himself at his next thought- his stomach turned with excitement for Salina. Their eyes met for a second and he physically felt electricity crackle between them, her gaze shot down to the floor.

Soon almost forty minutes of him watching her passed rather quickly before he watched her take a single dress to the room reserved for her. He immediately pushed off the wall to follow her. He adjusted the gun in the back of his pants.

Sighing tiredly, he braced his hands on either side of the doorway. And he waited.

When the rustling of clothes stopped once and for all, and he heard her padding of feet, he spoke up.

"Жена?"

wife

"Um," he heard her reply shakily. "I'll get this one. I'll take it off so we can buy it."

Salina observed herself in the dress. She felt pretty, she knew it wasn't too much for the courthouse they were going to apparently, and the expensive embroidering of the dress made her feel special.

"Show me," Dominik demanded.

"Don't we have to go-" Salina started quietly. She was still wary of him- rightfully so. They were officially on hour four of knowing each other.

"Salina," he grunted impatiently.

Her eyes closed slowly, forcing out an exhale before gripping the door handle and opening it.

Her hand shot out and she yanked him by his jacket inside. Dominik scoffed as he braced himself against the wall behind her after she yanked him so hard inside. Salina, not having anticipated this, gasped as she pressed herself flush against the drywall.

His dark brow cocked up in amusement, then he allowed his eyes to trail downwards. His arrogance fell away for a moment as he swallowed hard.

It wasn't what he expected her to pick. This was more casual than the other dresses she looked at while this was a solid ivory white color, little flower cut outs patterned over her entire body. Vintage buttons held the bust of the dress together and showed her supple skin. Her tits were pressed up distractingly in the soft fabric. The dress cradled her body and her curves gently, it was flattering in a way that should be illegal.

His hand came up, brushing just barely up her ribs.

She waited for him to say something. Anything.

But nothing came out before he cleared his throat. Her eyes that were staring up at him through her lashes fell down to the floor.

"Give me your hand," he choked out.

Her brows furrowed before holding one up.

His eyes rolled, "The left one."

Her face heated up and she did so, sliding his hand into his pocket he gripped a velvet box. Her eyes widened as he slid on the engagement ring he'd picked out for her.

And after that, he slid a gold band onto his left ring finger.

"Let's go."

"Now?" she croaked.

"Now," he nodded towards the cash register where one of the security details was paying for the dress currently on her body.

Salina stared at the ring, it was beautiful. It was unique too, not the classic diamond but instead it was a soft pink diamond surrounded by crystals in intricate patterns. Her eyes didn't leave it as Dominik turned her around to cut the tag off her dress with his pocket knife. Her fiance watched her weirdly as she examined the piece of jewelry. He couldn't help but wonder if it was a good or bad thing she was looking at it so hard.

Salina sucked on her bottom lip, it wasn't the cliche or boring engagement ring she expected. It felt personal to her, especially considering it came from a stranger.

Or was he a stranger? Apparently, he had been watching her this whole time. Oh god, did he get access to her Pinterest?

Twirling the ring, she saw Ivanov engraved delicately on the inside of it. A part of her thought about how that was such a typical man thing to do, putting his name and family crest all over her. On her neck, on her finger, who knows what was next. Another part of her reluctantly loved the ring in its entirety. It felt personal, it felt like it was picked specially for her. And for now that was enough to make her feel a little bit more important to Dominik.

~

The ride there felt like a blur, Dominik insisted on holding her hand close as he drove.

"Did you imagine getting married in a courthouse?" she suddenly turned her head to him as she spoke slowly. "Like- is this what you planned?"

Dominik's brows furrowed as he looked at Salina, wondering why she was so held up on this.

"Whatever the fuck was the fastest," he shrugged with his accent thickening.

Salina nodded.

He side eyed her, "You imagined eloping?" He couldn't help but wonder.

"Yes," she lied smoothly.

Dominik hummed shortly, not feeling it necessary to dive deeper into the truth or lie.

"Will my cat be at your house?"

The man scoffed, "You've got some fucked up priorities."

"I think that's completely rational," her chin tilted up indignantly.

Dominik's smug smile dimmed a bit at her bland retort. He sighed, squeezing her hand tight.

"It'll be at the house. What's its name?"

"Her name is Dulce."

Dominik grunted, accepting the information offered to him. "We're almost here."

"Do you have paperwork for me to sign...?" Salina's brows furrowed at him.

"Just the marriage certificate."

Her entire face contorted in confusion at that, "A..." She tried to find the right word. "A prenuptial agreement, no? People with money usually need that?" Her French accent was heavier as she tested the English word.

Dominik chuckled quietly, wondering if she was the only woman alive who would ask a man with endless amounts of money for a prenup.

"No, жена. We're not separating so it's not a concern."

Salina silently judged him for his decision. Although, she supposes if he truly wanted to get rid of her he could just kill her at any point.

Dominik parked, looking at her. "Let's go and get this done," he released her hand to let himself out.

Salina once again had that odd feeling that all of this was a dream. Whether it be a good one or bad one, Salina thinks she'll find out later as he opens the door for her. The woman was dazed as he led her into the empty courthouse save for a judge- she could only assume that was his doing as the security followed them.

"Ivanov," she breathed out shakily.

"The faster we get there the quicker you can unpack," he reached to grip her hand again.

Pulling her a little faster, her nude heels almost tripped her up as she sped up.

"Do we have to do anything else?" Her brows furrowed.

"Like what?" he frowned at her as they approached the judge who seemed to be waiting for them.

"Is he going to make us read vows or- or anything like that?"

Dominiks frown deepens, raising a brow. "What does it matter? I don't know," he was confused by all of her questions about this. The 'wedding' was the least important part to him. Making her legally his was the only thing he focused on.

Buying her a dress had been a courtesy if anything. Even if the simple cloth made him fucking wild- goddamn he should get it fucking framed.

"He's going to say what he fucking has to say and finalize the paperwork."

When they got close enough to the judge, the man offered Salina a mildly concerned smile before looking at the larger figure beside her.

Salina didn't continue asking anything as the judge spoke up to Dominik quietly, the taller man cut him off.

"Let's get this over with."

The judge stuttered. Salina sighed, brushing her hair back behind her ears. The older man visibly hesitated despite the brash command.

Salina softened her voice, looking at the judge through her long lashes.

"Can we just sign the paperwork?" Even as she tried to look reassuring, a moment of weakness brought her arms around her torso.

Her fiancé besides her had been glancing back at Gabriel who held up his watch, tapping it to emphasize the time. The judge looked crestfallen at the poor girl.

Catching the change in the old man's demeanor, Dominik glanced back at Salina who had shrunk into herself while leaning against the desk beside her.

Frowning, he slid his hand over her wide hip and pulled her into his side under his arm.

Salina yelped, looking at both men in surprise. Dominik bent down, grazing his nose over the shell of her ear and inhaling her sweet scent. "You look beautiful, honey," the Russian grinned slyly as he could feel the warmth radiating off her brown skin. His dark eyes slid to the judge daringly as he kissed Salina's cheek as if to just prove a point.

Salina's face felt hot as they both looked at her with completely different expressions on their faces.

"I need a pen," she assumed it was time to sign the certificate.

"You're waving the ceremonial sections?" The judge reiterated.

"Yes," the couple both nodded. "You're both consenting to the union of your own free will?" There was a pointed look at Salina. Dominik glared but she nodded quickly.

"I don't think that parts in the script huh, your honor-?"

"Yeah... we just-just wanted to have it done. We're so eager ya know?" She completely changed her demeanor while cutting off her soon to be husband. Giving the old man a reassuring smile while wrapping her hands around Dominik's arm. If he knew what was good for him, the old man would drop it.

She was under the impression Dominik either heavily funded this courthouse or paid the staff here exponentially considering it's been cleared out and the judge seemed relatively familiar with him.

"I'm sure he can make it up with a honeymoon, no?"

Salina's eyes widened, glancing at Dominik awkwardly.

The mafia don grit his teeth, "Enough with this. Get the fucking paperwork out. We're real eager to be married- got me?"

The Judge relented, turning to grab what was necessary.

Dominik bent down, his lips grazing her the shell of her ear. "Good girl," he praised her quietly for not cracking under pressure.

Salina felt a shiver shoot up her spine, swallowing hard and nodding up at him with wide eyes.

"I just need you to sign here."

"Discretion is key here, understood sir?" Dominik raised a brow in faux respect.

"Of course, Don," the judge shakily passed a pen.

"And her name will be changed today, she'll be mine?"

"Of course, Don."

Dominik gave a pleased smirk, signing his name.

The pen, slowly was passed to Salina who watched Dominik sign the paper as if it was nothing.

The pen between her fingers felt heavy. Her engagement ring gleamed in the dim lighting of the courthouse.

What- was it made of lead? Her breath was shaky as the two others stared at her.

Why was the room so stifling? Her palm was beginning to get sweaty. Was she really doing this? Did she even have a choice?

The simple answer was no. She didn't have a choice in marrying him and that was the reality. But if she did, would she be signing the paper anyway?

Dominik's hand slowly dragged down to the small of her waist, running his thumb over the small dimples in her back. Salina finally felt like she could breathe and inhaled deeply almost immediately.

Pressing the pen to the paper, in pristine cursive, she signed her name.

Licking her lips as her mouth felt insanely dry, she glanced up at Dominik who appeared smug.

"Can we go now?" Salina turned her face up to Dominik who loomed over her with a grin.

"Моя маленькая жена хочет, чтобы я отвез ее домой?"

my little wife wants me to take her home?

Her breath hitched at the unknown of what he was saying to her.

"Ivanov," she whispered exasperatedly.

"Why don't you say my name, huh baby?"

Her lips parted as he turned to push her against the desk of the judge they were just talking to.

"Dominik," Salina enunciated slowly. "I want you to take me to your home," she evened her voice and steeled her face.

"Married two minutes and you're bossing me around? Смешно."

Funny.

"Anything else, your honor?" Dominik chuckled as his shoulder and posture relaxed as soon as he got what he wanted.

"No... congratulations on your marriage. Good luck," the judge's gaze slid to Salina's warily.

Dominik grunted and firmly led her out by her hand.