Chapter 2 I object!

NIKOLAI RIDER

I tilt my head to the side, waiting for her trembling lips to spill the words, ‘Yes, I do.’

“Do you, Kaitlyn Peterson, accept Nikolai Rider to be your rightfully wedded husband?" The priest’s voice keeps trembling to the point that it's becoming irritating to my ears.

I am trying so hard to stop myself from getting out my gun and blowing up the old man's head. It is the house of the Lord and I must respect that.

My piercing gaze meets hers and she shivers lightly, gulping hard before dropping her head.

“Yes… I do," she whispers in a voice that makes it sound like she is crying.

“Are you crying, mi amor?" I mutter.

She shoots her teary gaze at me and glares haughtily at me before rolling her eyes and looking away.

I chuckle at her childish behavior and throw my head back, waiting for whatever ranting the priest still has to do before our marriage is sealed.

“Is there anyone here who—"

A single glance from me shuts the priest up, and he quickly mutters an inaudible apology.

Who will dare stand against my marriage? Unless that person wishes to leave this world too soon.

“You may kiss your bride," the priest's blissful words have managed to drag me out of my bloody thoughts.

I stare coldly at the guests gathered in the hall and when my eyes fell on Mr Benedict Rider's pale face, I smirk.

I turn my head back to her direction and she flinches, looking away.

“Mi amor, come closer," I whisper but she remains frozen at the spot.

I sigh out and reach out, grabbing her small waist.

She gasps out in shock but before she can think of wriggling out of my grip, I lean closer and slam my lips on hers.

Gosh, her lips taste amazing, and I feel like it's calling me for more.

I'm going to kiss those little tempting lips till she loses her breath, fuck if people are here.

I stick out my tongue and make to part those juicy lips, but she digs her long nails into my chest, forcing me to pull away.

I smirk at her flushed face and extend my hand towards her.

She stares at my hand and then at my face before her shaking hands slowly clasp into mine.

I grip her hand firmly not minding the wince that escaped from her mouth.

"Let's go home, mi amor," I whisper, and she narrows her eyes as her lips repeat the word 'home'.

It must sound strange to her ears, but she is mine now, and nothing will be able to take her away from me. Nothing.

I look up, and my brows raise when Benedict Rider begins to approach us with an uptight face.

"You scoundrel!" He seethes in a low tone to avoid attracting attention to us.

"I told you to remain in your shell, didn't I? Are you so bent on destroying my family?" He growls and I chuckle.

I let go of my little bride's hand and push her behind me, though, I can still feel her curious head poking out from behind.

I gently grip his collar, and his eyes widen, fear darting across those ridiculous orbs that somewhat have a resemblance with mine.

"Your son took away my inheritance, now I have taken away his bride. Mark my words, Benedict, you will come running to me one day. You will come back to that prodigal son, you hear?" I grin widely as I lean forward and whisper into his ear.

He shudders slightly as my murderous breath grazes his large ear.

I straighten up and wipe his collar, which obviously doesn't need the effort.

"Tell your son to stay away. I won't hesitate to kill him if I find him snooping around my woman," I add and smile warmly at him.

The blood on his face drains as he takes a step back, his eyes as wide as saucers.

I throw an absurd salute to him and turn around to face her flushed face.

I can tell from the anger floating in her eyes that she didn't get to hear anything we discussed.

"Stay right here, Mi Amor. I will be back," I mutter and she huffs.

"Stop calling me that!" She grouses but I only chuckle and pull her slightly chubby cheeks.

"Don't even think of running away if you want your father's reputation to remain respected," I mutter and her jaws fall open.

A crimson color of anger washes across her cheeks as she glares at me.

I turn around and begin to walk off to the restroom, itching to pull out the pack of cigarettes in my pocket.

I have barely moved an inch, and people have gathered around her already.

So, I have been the one stopping them.

I crank my head back when I felt her eyes on me, and yes, her eyes are on me, begging me to take her away from the inquisitive crowd of people that will ask her that one question; why did you get married to that man instead of your dear fiance, stupid asshole Jesse Rider.

I chuckle at the words and slip out through the oak doors, ignoring her pleading eyes.

She deserves it, anyway. That's her punishment for attempting to be rebellious.

I push the door to the restroom open and slide in then light a cigarette, humming as I slam my lips against the stick and take a long drag of the cigar.

My phone rings and I pull it out.

A frown appears on my face as I stare at the name that flashes across the screen. With a huff, I slide the green button and place the phone on my ear.

"Bastard, don't you know that today is my wedding?" I snap and a gasp echo from the other line.

"Oh shit! Forgive me for being dumb, boss. I will call tomorrow," Tom quickly replies, cursing under his breath.

"Tell me the damn reason why you called!" I grouse and silence follows my order.

"Tom?"

"I don't wanna ruin your day, boss," he mutters and I scoff in indignation before throwing the burnt cigar on the ground.

"Seeing your name flash across my screen is enough to ruin my day. Besides, there's nothing special about today," I add, and he chuckles at my last words.

Tom has always proved how annoying he can be multiple times. But then again, he is the only one who can do a clean job without getting caught.

He is good at literally everything— taking care of bodies, leaving no traces after the operation, hacking devices, manipulating information, and, of course, switching my place.

That is why I haven't gotten rid of him for being an annoying dick.

"I found the asshole, boss!" His voice drifts into my mind, bringing me back to our conversation.

"Is that why you called?" I snap in anger and he mutters a low 'yes.'

"You damn–"

"He said Santo has the package," Tom quickly rasps out, and my lips shut.

"Santo?" I scoff and clench my fist in fury.

"Yes. The asshole was so reckless that it fell into the hands of Santo. What should I do, boss?"

I throw down the second burnt cigarette and exhale loudly, my eyes darkening.

"Leave Santo to me. I have a few scores to settle with him," I reply, and he hums in agreement, knowing fully well that Santo is no match for him.

"And the man?" Tom adds as I reach out to end the call.

"Come on, Tom. You know what to do with the living corpse!" I grouse, and he chuckles maniacally.

The man's whimpers and low cries for mercy reach my eyes but I only smile at the sweet rhythm and end the call.

I wash my hands and step out of the restroom, strolling back to the large auditorium.

Our eyes meet immediately I step in, and everyone close to her backs away, their frightened eyes on my face.

"Mi amor, it is time," I mutter when I reach where she is standing, rooted to the ground.

I extend my hands towards her and pull my little bride to myself before weaving my way through the crowd of guests who have their eyes fixed on me and my new wife.

"Who is he?"

"This is outrageous!"

Comments won't stop flying around and it's making me go crazy. I feel like shutting them up forever.

I ignore their comments and take her out of the church.

With my hands still wrapped around her slim waist, I lead her to the dark sleek limo parked in front of the church.

"Is this mysterious Nikolai Rider connected to your family? Why does he bear your family name?" The voice of a reporter behind me freezes my steps and that of my bride.

I crank my head backward, staring at Benedict Rider to give a reply.

He feels shaken when that question is thrown at him.

He darts his eyes around, perhaps searching for any of his bodyguards. But with the number of curios reporters swarming around him, there is no way for him to escape.

I have been waiting for this moment. The moment Benedict Rider will finally be publicly embarrassed.

"Sir, are you related to the man who took your son's place in Kaitlyn Peterson's life?" Another reporter questions.

His darting eyes land on me, and a flash of anger wave across his eyes.

I tilt my head, smiling in mischief at the helpless situation that I put him in.

"Yes, he is…" he pauses and flashes a glance at Kaitlyn before continuing.

"He is my son, " he quickly mutters and gasps fill the air, including Kaitlyn's gasp.

My smile widens, and I turn around, proceeding towards the car while dragging reluctant Kaitlyn along.

"He is an illegitimate son!" His wife's voice slices through the tense air.

I pull Kaitlyn into the car without giving any care about her words.

As the window glides up, I swerve my head in his wife's direction and send a silent message that she clearly understands.

A message that makes her stagger back and hold onto a guard for support.