His Mafia Prince
Chapter 32: Breathe, Tyler. Breathe

Chapter 32: Breathe, Tyler. Breathe

(TYLER)

"I...I... Tyler Leif Colton, take you... Sasha Ilya...Adonis...to be my husband." I clear my throat. "To love and to cherish from this day on, for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health―" My throat tightens and I cough a few times. "I...I promise to...I promise―"

"Love and obey." The Justice of Peace urges me.

I lift my gaze to meet Sasha’s and lick my lips. I expect him to look more mocking. Intimidating even. But I’m surprised to see that he actually looks concerned. He isn’t one to show his emotions. I’m even more surprised when he reaches over and takes my hands into his. My hands are so tiny they fit perfectly into his. My fingers are cold while his are warm. His heat warms me as I hold his gaze.

The sound of Mr Adonis sucking in oxygen from the tank and the sheer insanity of this situation makes my head spin.

"Oh God, what am I doing?" I mumble underneath my breath.

"Breathe, Tyler. Breathe." Sasha urges me softly. "Think of what’s at stake."

I hold his gaze, still unable to respond to the Justice of Peace. My insides are churning. I’m confused like I’ve never been my entire life.

"Focus." He hisses, squeezing my hand painfully as his lips purse.

I wince, taking in a deep breath. These vows terrify me because I know after this ceremony, I will officially begin to live a lie, but mostly because my very life depends on making Sasha happy. "I promise to love... and obey." My voice is barely above a whisper.

I finish saying my vows and now it is Sasha’s turn. He says his with more ease than I did. His hands are still holding onto mine, except now, the grip isn’t painful. He occasionally swipes his thumb over my skin, sending a frisson of nervous energy through me. I hold his gaze, watching him intently as he promises to love me for the rest of his life.

I’m forced to hold down a burst of hysterical laughter. Sasha? Love me forever? No. I think he should replace the words with ’Love’ and ’Terrorize’. That would be more befitting.

"You may now kiss your husband."

I stiffen when the Justice of Peace says that. I’m more surprised when Sasha tugs me closer, his fingers caressing the back of my neck as he tilts my face up to his. I’m fighting to breathe the closer he gets. I lean into the curve of his body and I’m actually surprised at how I’m enjoying his warmth, breathing his breath and his scent. He pulls me closer and I suddenly feel reckless.

He cups my face and I feel my muscles tense at his touch. My body goes hard. I know it is absurd but I suddenly wish we had more privacy. I want to lose myself in him, in us, even if it is for a while. I don’t understand why, but I want him. Desperately.

He presses his mouth to mine. The way heat jolts through my chest and down to my spine at the feel of his lips on mine makes me think I’m in shock. His soft tongue slips into my mouth sending me in haze that I have to stifle a moan. Why does he taste so fucking good?

The kiss ends quickly. My lips are left burning and my cheeks throbbing. Lucia comes over and hugs us as the house staff call their congratulations. The ceremony feels all too robotic and there’s no real excitement at the moment. With the help of his son, Jericho, Mr. Adonis rises. Sasha leads me over to him.

"It’s done. It’s over." Says Mr. Adonis hoarsely. He squeezes Sasha’s shoulder and then pats my arm. "You have my blessing, both of you."

"Thanks, Father," Sasha says in a respectful tone.

"Inform the men of the marriage." Mr. Adonis says, turning his attention to Miles who’s leaning over the door.

"Right away, Sir." Miles bows and then takes his leave.

Sasha hugs his father’s waist. Mr. Adonis seems to wilt even more by the second. Sure, I know nothing of family love, but this sight is heartbreaking. They aren’t good men. Not by a long shot. But it is still painful to watch them.

I know Sasha loves his father just like any other son would. Mr Adonis adores his family as well. Once again, I’ve been used. I just married into a mob family of rogues just because they are devoted to each other. They’re all safe now, thanks to me offering to be their sacrificial lamb.

Now I’m officially Sasha’s husband, yet I still feel left out. Lucia, Jericho and Sasha hover around Mr. Adonis. Even the staff leave the room. It’s just the family and me watching from the outskirts. Sure, I’m used to not being included. But this feels way awkward.

I have no place to go, no idea of how to distract myself. All I can do now is watch them implore each other. I may now have the Adonis name, but I’m no part of them. I’m just a tool to keep the family intact.

With Jericho’s help, Lucia walks her husband upstairs. I’m left with Sasha in this study. We stare at each other awkwardly in silence for a beat. It occurs to me that I’m married now and part of me can’t help but worry if I’m expendable. Would any of them worry now if something happened to me? Now that we are married, Sasha has finally satisfied the men. But what of me? I wonder if I’ve served my purpose.

"Now what?" I ask quietly.

"We wait." He shrugs.

"How long before you know if the men approve?"

"None of them will make a move if Father is still alive. There’s no way to know until he’s gone." He rakes his hand through his hair and rubs the back of his neck then heads to sit near the fireplace. He rests his elbows on his thigh and cups his face. For a few minutes, he stares into the fire then suddenly jerks up. His eyes are teary. The way his jaw clenches tells me he’s struggling to keep his emotions in check.

"I’m sorry, Sasha. I know this is horrible for you." I walk over to him. I don’t want to feel bad for him but I just can’t help it.

"I knew this day was coming. I’ve known for a long time." He says.

"Doesn’t make it any easier."

"No."

"Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?" I watch him intently knowing that even if he is in a position to accept, he won’t. Maybe they’re just bred like that. Or it’s just another façade. My heart truly breaks for him. I want to hug him and tell him everything will be okay.

"I don’t even know what to do." He shakes his head lightly.

If Sasha can be this unguarded with me then it means one thing. He is truly suffering. But this side of him that I’ve witnessed today is very different from how I usually perceive him. First with Dylan then now as he struggles with his emotions.

I have to be careful because if I’m not, I might mistakenly think Sasha has a heart.