Updated Apr 20, 2026 • ~5 min read
Chapter 27: By the Power of the Internet
Nadia
Six months after Riot’s proposal, Nadia stands in front of a mirror in a simple white dress that cost more than her first car and feels absolutely nothing like the terrified woman who used to believe love only ended in loss.
“You look beautiful,” Claire says from her position by the door, and there are tears in her eyes even though Nadia specifically requested no crying before the ceremony. “Riot’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.”
“He’s already seen me naked approximately five thousand times,” Nadia points out, but she’s smiling because the nervous flutter in her stomach has nothing to do with fear and everything to do with anticipation. “I don’t think a white dress is going to have that much impact.”
“You’re underestimating the power of bridal attire,” Claire says, and crosses to adjust Nadia’s veil with the efficiency of someone who’s been Nadia’s assistant for seven years and knows exactly how she likes things. “Also, you’re getting married. To the man who literally took a bullet for you. A little sentimentality is allowed.”
Nadia looks at her reflection—hair styled, makeup perfect, engagement ring catching the light next to the wedding band she’ll be adding in approximately thirty minutes—and tries to reconcile this version of herself with the woman who ran from Riot because she was too afraid to trust that love could last.
“I’m getting married,” she says, testing the words out loud. “I’m actually getting married.”
“You sound surprised,” Claire observes with amusement.
“I am surprised. Six months ago I was convinced I’d die alone because everyone I loved got taken from me. And now I’m marrying a man who makes me feel safe and seen and like maybe happy endings are actually possible.” Nadia turns to face her best friend. “When did I become the kind of person who believes in happy endings?”
“Around the same time you fell in love with a bodyguard and decided to stop running,” Claire says gently. “You’ve been different since Riot. Happier. More open. Like you finally figured out that letting people in doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human.”
“He taught me that,” Nadia admits. “Taught me I could trust someone with my broken pieces and they wouldn’t leave. Taught me that love doesn’t have to end in loss if you’re brave enough to fight for it.”
“Then go marry him,” Claire says, handing her the bouquet. “And be brave enough to let yourself be happy.”
🔥
The ceremony is small—just close friends and Marcus, who insisted on officiating because “someone needs to make sure you two don’t screw this up”—held in the penthouse rooftop garden where Riot first told Nadia he loved her.
And when Nadia walks down the makeshift aisle and sees Riot waiting for her in a perfectly tailored suit with tears already streaming down his face, she thinks: *This is what it feels like to choose love over fear.*
“You look incredible,” Riot says when she reaches him, his voice rough with emotion.
“So do you,” Nadia says, and means it because Riot in a suit is devastating in ways that should be illegal.
“We’re gathered here today,” Marcus begins with a smirk, “to witness two incredibly stubborn people finally admit they’re meant for each other. Nadia, Riot—you’ve written your own vows, and God help us all. Riot, you want to go first?”
Riot takes both of Nadia’s hands, looks at her with an intensity that makes her breath catch, and says words that sound like they’ve been living in his chest waiting to be set free:
“Nadia Volkov, you taught me that my past doesn’t define my future. That protecting people isn’t penance for the ones I couldn’t save—it’s proof that I can still make a difference. You taught me I deserve happiness, deserve love, deserve someone who sees the broken parts and loves me anyway. You’re my safe place, my home, my forever. And I promise to spend the rest of my life making sure you never doubt that you’re the most important thing in my world.”
Nadia’s crying now, and she doesn’t even try to stop the tears because this is Riot, who’s seen her at her absolute worst and loved her anyway.
“Tobias Hawke,” she says, her voice shaking slightly, “you taught me to trust again. To let someone protect me without feeling weak. To believe that love doesn’t have to end in loss if you choose the right person to love. You’re my partner, my protector, my best friend. And I promise to spend the rest of my life being brave enough to choose you, every single day, no matter what comes.”
“Do you, Riot, take Nadia to be your wife?” Marcus asks.
“I do,” Riot says, and his voice is absolutely steady despite the tears on his face. “Forever.”
“And do you, Nadia, take Riot to be your husband?”
“I do,” Nadia says, and watches Riot’s expression transform into pure joy. “Forever.”
“Then by the power vested in me by the internet ordination I got specifically for this wedding,” Marcus says with a grin, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Riot, kiss your bride before she changes her mind.”
Riot doesn’t need to be told twice—he pulls Nadia into his arms and kisses her like maybe he’s trying to communicate everything he’s feeling through the contact, and Nadia kisses back with the absolute certainty that this is exactly where she’s supposed to be.
Married.
Safe.
Loved.
Free.
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