Hold On, page 22
With another round of applause and glass clinking, Igor coughed as he took a stand.
“Don’t worry, I am the last one, Ivan; it has been a privilege to witness your love with Aliannah grow and blossom into what it is today. I am proud of you, brother, for finally opening your heart. Aliannah, we may have had a bumpy start to our acquaintance, but I am truly glad to have had the opportunity to get to know you. You are the best thing to ever happen to my brother. I am glad for it. Welcome to the madhouse.” He winked as he raised his glass.
Everyone laughed as they toasted. The table descended into many small conversations and laughter. Ivan rested his hand on Aliannah’s thigh while they both chatted with different people. She felt him squeeze her shoulder, and she turned around.
“Come take a walk with me,” he whispered into her ear. They excused themselves for some fresh air. Ivan led her out the door into the night air. The sky was clear, and the moon was full and high. It was a lovely, warm night.
“Where are we going?” Aliannah asked as she struggled on the gravel in her heels.
“You’ll see.” Ivan’s smile was full of mischief.
Aliannah stopped walking. Ivan raised a brow. She stepped onto the grass and took her heels off.
“If we are going to be walking, I have to take these off, or I will break my neck.” She bent down to pick up her shoes. Ivan laughed as he took the shoes from her and carried them as they continued walking.
They walked in silence as they took in the gardens on their path. Aliannah began to wonder where they were going. They turned the corner, and a pergola came into view. It was decorated with a canopy of fairy lights. Aliannah gasped.
“I had the team set this up earlier today so we could have a moment to ourselves before the true madness begins.” Ivan smiled as he led her up the steps to the pergola.
“It’s beautiful… so magical,” Aliannah’s eyes were full of wonder.
The pergola was filled with cushions and blankets on the floor. Ivan sat down and patted beside him for Aliannah to join. The scent of blooming roses filled the air, adding more romance to the magical setting. They sat close together on the blankets as they gazed into each other’s eyes. The only sound was the distant water fountain and the crickets. Ivan leaned in and gently brushed a strand of Aliannah’s hair from her face as he cupped her cheek. He leaned closer and kissed her softly, a slow kiss full of love and desire.
The fairy lights above them encased them in their own little world. No one else was there, just the two of them in a little bubble of intimacy. At that moment, surrounded by nature and the warmth of their love, they knew this was exactly where they were meant to be: together in the pergola, lost in each other’s embrace.
Ivan traced his fingers across Aliannah's shoulder, marvelling at the trail of goosebumps that he had left in his wake. He passionately kissed her again as he lay her down on the blanket. Aliannah’s heart raced, knowing someone could stumble upon them at any moment; she didn’t know if this made her nervous or more excited. Ivan’s hands traced a pattern down Aliannah’s body to the hem of her dress, which by now somehow was shorter than when she had put it on earlier. He trailed kisses along her neck as his hand found what he sought. Aliannah let a soft moan; she was ready for him.
Lost in the moment, their bodies moved as one as they began their tango of souls. Two becoming one, a dance filled with passion and desire. Each movement ignites the next, connecting as one in nature.
They lost all sense of time as they climbed to their peaks. Aliannah’s release shuddered through her body as her vision exploded with stars; Ivan found his own moments later. He collapsed onto the blanket beside her. They both lay there panting, looking up at the canopy. Ivan lifted Aliannah’s hand and kissed it before kissing her forehead.
“I love you, Aliannah, through thick and thin, the ups and downs, whatever life throws our way. I will be by your side through it all.” He kissed her softly. Aliannah’s lips were puffy from their intimate moment seconds ago.
“I love you too, Ivan…. For longer than I can admit.” She kissed him deeply. Even with everything that had happened in the past year, she felt no regrets about being here with Ivan. It felt right.
They returned to the ballroom a while later. Everyone was very drunk, and Gavin sang karaoke. Aliannah sat next to Michelle while Ivan went to speak with Igor.
“Been busy?” Michelle winked at her.
“Nope, just went for a nice walk around the rose garden.” Aliannah blushed. Michelle shook her head as she sipped her drink.
An hour later, everyone retired to bed. The men had to be up early tomorrow for a round of golf on a nearby course, and the ladies had a full day of pampering in the spa planned.
The men departed at 8 a.m. for a 9 a.m. tee-off. The ladies enjoyed breakfast on the patio before heading down to the spa. They indulged in facials, steams, massages, and mani-pedis. Aliannah felt completely and utterly relaxed by the time the evening rolled in.
Tonight's dinner was pizza, much to Katerina's shock. Although she was more acquainted with fine dining than fast food, she absolutely loved pizza.
The ladies turned in for an early evening. Tomorrow was the BIG day. Michelle was bunking in with Aliannah tonight.
“All set for your last night as a Stackton?” Michelle fluffed the pillows and un-tuck the bed.
“Yes…. Yes, I am!” Aliannah took a breath before continuing, “Everything is perfect, the dress, the venue - even the weather!... but part of me can’t help but question, is it TOO perfect? I know money makes a lot of problems go away, but like Ivan said… this many Pakhans in one location…. Are we asking for trouble?” Aliannah paced, trying to make sense of her own thoughts.
“Oh, honey! This is just wedding night jitters. Everything will be fine tomorrow, don’t you worry!” Michelle climbed into the bed.
They settled in for the night and chatted, reminiscing about what they thought their weddings would be like when they were children and how wildly different the reality had become. Aliannah felt calm and happy. She felt ready to take on the world.
Chapter Forty-Six
It was a lovely sunny morning in Longhouse Reserve. The sky was clear, and the birds were chirping. The leaves on the trees were just beginning to turn for autumn, yet the air was still warm, like summer. It was perfect for a garden wedding. Aliannah hoped the weather would stay clear for their wedding ceremony this afternoon. The two ladies sat on the balcony, sipping coffee and munching on pastries.
“Gavin said they got back around 10 p.m. last night, and Sylvester has them banished to the other wing of the manor house, so you two won’t see each other until the ceremony,” Michelle read from her phone as she ate.
“Sylvester is a stickler for traditions and fears a curse,” Aliannah laughed at the thought of someone daring to tell Ivan what to do.
There was a knock on the door.
“Ivan, go away! We don’t want the bad voodoo!” Michelle shouted.
“It’s Oliver.”
Michelle walked over and slowly opened the door an inch.
“Are you alone?” she scowled.
“Yes, Michelle. I am alone. Ivan is furious at being forced to stay away.” Oliver tried to suppress a laugh.
Michelle opened the door a little wider and stuck her head out to scope the corridor. Oliver was indeed alone. She nodded and waved him in.
“Aliannah, Ivan sent me to give these to you; I must get back to ensure he does not sneak over.” He placed two small boxes on the bed and took his leave.
Aliannah opened the boxes. They contained a diamond drop necklace and a matching diamond bracelet. Inside the necklace box, there was a note.
Hold on, darling, it’s almost time – I
Aliannah was overcome with emotion. She was glad her makeup artist had not started yet. She was excited for today, a little nervous too, but it was a good kind of nervous.
Her mom and Katerina joined the room when the makeup artist and hair stylists arrived. It was a full-on system set-up. The photographer weaved in and out between them for the shots, and another photographer did the same over where the men were preparing for the day.
At 4 p.m., they were all ready to head down to the garden. Sylvester was waiting out the room to guide them down. Aliannah’s father met them in the foyer. His eyes welled up upon laying sight on her.
“My sweet baby girl…. I am so proud to be your father,” he kissed her cheek and took her arm. They headed to the rose garden. Her mom and Katerina took their seats at the front, and Michelle walked down the aisle as maid of honour. Aliannah could see through the drapes, but she could not be seen.
“Are you ready?” Her father smiled at her. She took a deep breath and nodded.
‘Here comes the bride’ played out from the harpist beside where the altar was set; Aliannah and her father stood at the end of the aisle. Ivan turned to look at her. His face lit up.
Everyone was standing and looking at her, but she only had eyes for him. Her father pulled her ever so gently to start walking, and so she began. Step by step, she made it down the aisle towards the man she would marry. Her man. Aliannah’s father shook Ivan’s hand as he handed her hand to him. The crowd sat down, and the ceremony began.
It was a beautiful ceremony, with no media interruptions, no drones—thank God—and so many security men lined the entire garden. The couple said their vows and exchanged rings.
“I pronounce you Mr and Mrs Kozlov; you may now kiss the bride!” The celebrant finished up.
Ivan swooped her for a romantic movie kiss, and the crowd cheered. Even the security applauded them. They ran through the crowd as everyone threw confetti. A drinks reception was held in the exterior dance area while they went and got their wedding photos taken. Aliannah was delighted the sun stayed out for them.
The sit-down meal was inside as protocol dictated, and as Ivan said, there were no warm fuzzy speeches. There was nothing. It all seemed extremely formal. When the meal was over, they began to make their way around all the guests, and Ivan introduced her to all the Pakhans. You would not think these men were Bratva leaders. They just seemed like high-society businessmen. Everyone was full of smiles and joy.
Ivan led Aliannah to the exterior dance floor for their first dance. The sun was setting, and the sky was golden and pink. Aliannah’s face hurt from smiling so much all day. Ivan wrapped one arm around her waist and took her hand with his other. They swayed to the music as everyone watched on.
“Mrs Kozlov….” He kissed her gently as they moved.
“Yes, husband?” Aliannah giggled.
“Are you enjoying today?” He smiled and twirled her before pulling her back into him.
“Best day ever” She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
After the first dance, they invited everyone to join them on the dance floor. The DJ picked up the pace and played all the hits. It was strange to see the Pakhans dance and even funnier to see all the goons trying not to shake it on the perimeter.
“I’ll go get us some drinks,” Ivan kissed her as he walked away. Aliannah kept on dancing with Michelle. Gavin broke out his robot dance moves, much to Michelle's mortification.
“Hey, Ivan wants you to meet him out the front; he has a surprise for you.” Igor took her by the hand and led her out of the crowd.
Aliannah stopped for a quick drink and followed Igor to the foyer. They descended the steps onto the gravel and looked around.
“Where is he?” Aliannah raised a brow.
“He should be here? Maybe we are too early?” Igor looked around.
A crash followed by a screeching noise filled the air. Three blacked-out cars sped up the drive and surrounded them.
“Igor… What’s going on?” Aliannah grabbed his arm.
“I don’t know.” His eyes were wide.
Six men jumped out of the cars, all pointing guns at them. One of them stepped forward.
“You bitch. You are the reason my brother is dead!” the man hissed at her.
“What? Who are you?” Aliannah was shaking.
“I am Dmitri Antonov. Viktor’s brother. You took what’s mine; I am here to take what is yours! You are a dead man walking, Ivan.” Dmitri roared.
Multiple shots rang out before Aliannah could speak. She screamed. Igor threw himself in front of her and took the hits. The blood sprayed everywhere. The men jumped back in their cars. Ivan came running out from the manor house, screaming as the cars sped away.
Igor slowly fell to the ground, gurgling and gasping for air. Aliannah clutched him to her to lighten his fall. She was covered in his blood. Her wedding gown now resembled something from Carrie.
“No!... NO…. NOOOO!!” Ivan roared as he dove on top of Igor, slapping his face and checking his pulse.
“Wake up, you motherfucker! You don’t get to die on me today!” Ivan began chest compressions.
Aliannah sobbed silently behind him. Igor had been hit in the chest and the leg. Everyone from the wedding filtered out from the wedding party and crowded nearby. Ivan’s men formed a human barricade to keep the guests back.
“It was Dmitri…. Viktor’s brother…. He thought he was you….” Aliannah whimpered.
“FUCCCCK!” Ivan roared. A woman’s scream pierced the air. Nikolai and Katerina rushed over.
“My baby boy!!!” Katerina cried out.
“Son….” Nikolai put his hand on Ivan’s shoulder. Ivan kept going with the compressions.
“IVAN!” Nikolai commanded his attention.
“NO!!” Ivan refused to give up.
The blood had pooled around Igor from the shot to the chest.
“My brother will not die today!!” Sweat had formed across Ivan’s brow as he refused to stop.
Aliannah reached for Ivan’s hands and gently pried them away from Igor.
“Ivan… You can’t do anymore… He’s gone…. I’m so sorry…” Tears fell silently down Aliannah’s blood-stained face.
“FUCCCKK!!” Ivan roared to the skies as he sat back on his heels, his shoulders sinking. Tears filled his eyes and tumbled down his cheeks. He had lost his brother, his right-hand man, his twin…, and his best friend.
Igor lay there on the ground between him and Aliannah.
His eyes stared vacantly. He was gone.
THE END
Acknowledgement
I must start by thanking my daughter, you inspire me to reach for my dreams just like you do. You are my world. The possibilities we can achieve are endless.
To my parents, thank you for your support in this new project.
To my friends, you have put up with my crazy theories and my disappearing to jot down the thoughts that popped into my head. Thank you for your patience and your encouragement.
To my Beta readers, for having the strength to keep up with me, chapter by chapter. I would not have finished without the support and your passion. You guys have been a guiding light in this process. I thank you for everything.
To my editor, Robyn, my never ending gratitude and appreciation for all your help. I have learned so much from you.
To my author pals: Amanda K Mann, Mary Cain, Sophia St Germain, Stephanie Amaral and Trinity Slain. Thank you for guiding me with your wisdom and experience. I truly appreciate each of you.
To my readers, thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope you have enjoyed Aliannah and Ivan’s story. I hope to see you again soon on our next adventure.
About The Author
Saz Taylor
Saz Taylor is an Irish independent author based in Dublin. In addition to being a debut author, Saz is a mother to a beautiful daughter. ‘Hold On’ is her debut romance novel. She wrote this during summer 2024 at a blazing pace. She loves to read romance books along with fantasy and paranormal, you will always find her reading a book in her free time or jotting down plots for future books. You can follow Saz Taylor on Instagram and TikTok and keep up with all the latest there.
Stay tuned for the next instalment in the Broken Hearts Series.
Saz Taylor, Hold On
