Claimed by the Thief

by Eliza Lockhart

  There was silence for a moment as Father frowned and Konstantine looked blank, his eyes roving just a little.

  “I’d like to discuss an itinerary for tomorrow after dinner,” I added, but Father waved his hand towards the door. I was being dismissed, my words falling on almost deaf ears.

  Letting out another frustrated growl, I left the room.

  I made a beeline for the pets, knowing I had a lot of day to get through and very little to do but check they had everything they needed, including some physical affection.

  Konstantine was an interesting character, but I didn’t like surprises. And having him in my father’s house wasn’t something I’d planned for or expected. Having him treat me like we’d never met only made things worse.

  If things continued like this I was going to lose my temper at one of them. I just wasn’t sure who first.

  14:21pm

  Lying on my bed, I cradled my chin with my hands and opened my book up. It was a crime thriller, a genre I enjoyed despite living a life far more real and sometimes scarier than the books in it. Sometimes fact was stranger and more dangerous than fiction painted it to be.

  I was soon lost in the pages, no sense of time or hunger when I was imagining a story like this. My body zoned out.

  As two hands brushed against my back, I jumped. I turned my head as a weight leaped up onto the bed and my back, pinning me in place. I tried to scramble away, instinct kicking in, but a strong hand clamped down on my wrists, bringing them together and pinning them at the same time the other hand gripped the top of one thigh and pulled me back where I had been.

  “Hello, princess,” I heard Konstantine’s voice whisper huskily in my ear, his mouth close enough I could feel his breath on my neck. A million thoughts and emotions rushed over me, from desire to fear and everything in between.

  “Is this any way to treat a woman?” I demanded, trying to wriggle and finding him too strong to get away from. He chuckled and kissed my neck, shifting his bodyweight onto my torso so his hand could move from my thigh but give me no more freedom.

  “I think we both know I treat women exactly how I please.” His hand went straight to my pussy, pushing my panties aside in the same movement. I gasped as he ran his fingers over my entrance and slid them between my lips, my body already wet enough it didn’t hurt.

  “Get off me,” I replied, trying to wriggle again. It only pushed his fingers against my body even more, the grip on me so tight my attempted escape backfired. He laughed again.

  “No, princess. I want to fuck you. Right here. Right now.”

  “You can’t just waltz in here and touch me and expect me to be okay with being seduced.”

  “I didn’t say I was going to seduce you. I said I was going to fuck you.” As if emphasising his words, he pressed his erection against my ass cheeks and kissed my neck again. “And you should have locked your door if you wanted to stop me. I know you want this.”

  “What makes you so sure?” I demanded, although I could feel my body betraying me, heat growing deep inside. Already my mind was struggling to focus on anything but his fingers as they moved back and forth across my pussy.

  “Your little diary,” he whispered. “I came looking for you earlier. Found your journal instead. I must say, it’s a long time since a woman’s orgasmed over a dream about being fucked by me.”

  I exhaled, wanting to swear, and not. Part of me wanted to be so angry at his audacity. Reading my diary. How dare he! And he’d have had to search for it. I kept it hidden under a loose panel in the bed, linen folded over the top just in case anyone did look inside.

  But I couldn’t deny he was right. I wanted this. I’d dreamed of it. My body continued to betray my emotions, relaxing beneath him, letting him do exactly what he wanted.

  “Good girl,” he whispered, kissing me once more as if the sweetness was a reward for my cooperation. Less than a second later he pushed two fingers inside me, making me gasp at the sudden sensation. I jerked my hips instinctively, brushing up against his groin as I did.

  “Steady,” he said. “You’re not ready for me to get my cock out to play yet. I want you wet enough it doesn’t hurt you too much. A little sting is enough.”

  “Thought you weren’t a sadist,” I retorted.

  “I’m not, but a little bit of pain can make the pleasure all the sweeter. And I do enjoy hearing a woman have the best orgasm of her life.”

  The thought made me whimper again. Once more he chuckled, before trailing kisses down the side of my neck, his fingers pushing and probing inside me, making me sweat with anticipation and desire. I wanted him so badly.

  All I could think about was how he felt inside me and the sparks that sizzled across my skin whenever he kissed it, until I was somehow almost entirely naked, his body still over the top of mine.

  “That’s better,” he said, sliding his fingers out of me just long enough to unzip his trousers and reveal his own manhood.

  Anticipation only made me want him more, the feeling of emptiness almost entirely overwhelming. And then he drove into me from behind. I hissed at the sting, the thrust far less than gentle, but I didn’t want him to stop and he knew it.

  His hand pinning my arms and the other underneath me, tugging on a nipple, stole my attention as he stilled deep inside me.

  “Do you want me to fuck you, princess?” he asked. When I didn’t respond right away he twisted the rosy bud on one breast between his thumb and finger. I gasped and nodded, unable to speak for a moment.

  “Say it. Tell me how much you want to be taken.”

  “Please,” I replied, barely able to think to form the sentence. “Take me, please.”

  He growled against my ear, shifting his weight so he could pull out just far enough to ram deep again. Once more I whimpered, the suddenness and aggression behind it almost overwhelming me.

  Being ridden hard, the pain soon slipped into pleasure, my body his to command. As the intensity rose his hand slid further under me and down until his fingers found my clit. Pushing against it, he let the rhythm grind me against him, the new sensation such a sudden addition it tipped me over the edge within seconds.

  I cried out as I orgasmed, but Konstantine didn’t stop or slow, pounding me so hard and fast I briefly wondered if he’d tear me open. He let out a yell of his own as he slammed deep one last time. Filling me with his cum, he held himself inside until he was spent.

  “Oh fuck, I needed that, princess,” he said as he let me go and rolled to the side.

  “I could tell,” I replied. “I’m going to be sore enough to feel that for a few days.”

  I shifted as well, bringing my torso to rest by his. He slid his arm around me and pulled me in tight and close.

  “Good. It can remind you that you belong to me now.”

  “And what makes you so sure I’m okay with that?” I demanded, looking him straight in the face.

  “It’s written all over you, princess.” He took my chin in his hand, holding my face so our gazes met. “I know your father’s been trying to match you off for months. And I bet every guy who has come to a dinner or fancy party has simpered and boasted, desperate to get you to like them. But I honestly don’t give a fuck if you like me or not. I want one thing from you. To screw you exactly how I please, when I please.”

  “And what do I get in return?” I asked, his words making me both angry and horny at the same time. No one usually dared to talk to me like this.

  “The best orgasms of your life. And someone who won’t try to change you, or care what you do the rest of the time.”

  I raised my eyebrows, his words not something I’d expected. Most men would have promised money, or affection. He’d offered me something I’d never had, freedom to be me and to allow my own interests to take flight.”

  As I looked him in the eyes, I knew he meant it as well. But could I spend the rest of my life with a man who made no mention of love? Just mind-blowing sex and personal freedom?

  Did he care at a
ll? And if he didn’t, why not?

  I almost opened my mouth to voice the questions I had, but instead I settled back down and rested my head on his shoulder. Something told me that I wouldn’t get a straight answer even if he let me ask them.

  For now, at least, I was willing to try this and see where it led.

  8:18pm

  Kostya

  I tried not to fidget as I was served my main course. Once again I was sat at Sokolov’s table, eating his food. A part of me felt uncomfortable. I’d sold out on a big principle of mine by coming here and offering my services. But I’d known I couldn’t continue in the life I had before.

  And as I stole a glance at Nadenka, busy placing her napkin back on her lap, I knew I’d gained something that almost made the deal worth it alone. Not only was she stunning, as I’d already told her father again, but she had a light to her that drew me in. At times I felt like a moth drawn to a flame, knowing one wrong word from her or reaction from me could burn me up. At other times I felt like a ship on an ocean, being guided to safer land. All I truly knew was I wanted her.

  But to get to her I had to please her father. And there was still the problem of Vasily. Would the father be enough like Yazov had promised?

  “Tell me, Konstantine,” Sokolov said, bringing my attention back to him. “What do you think I should do about my daughter?”

  “I don’t understand, sir,” I replied, genuinely not following and being aware of Nadenka’s eyes now boring into the side of my head.

  This wasn’t going to be an easy conversation. I could tell already.

  Outwardly I looked calm as I waited for her father to finish his mouthful and then explain further. Internally I was about ready to run away, or at least to go find Mitka and a cold beer. Or perhaps something more extreme, more calming to a turbulent mind.

  Memories of what I’d done to the previous girl flashed into my mind. I pushed them away as my groin stirred. I didn’t want to respond like that to the violence. Control maybe, but not pain like that.

  “Nadenka here has a headstrong streak.”

  “Father!”

  He only glanced her way, his expression making it clear he didn’t care what his daughter thought of his topic of conversation. “I hope such knowledge doesn’t put you off, but instead helps you take pity on me.”

  “Headstrong women can definitely cause their fathers some concern,” I replied, being as vague as I dared. Nadenka folded her arms across her chest.

  Great. She’s getting angry at me again, and all because I’m aware I need to impress her father and her, not just her alone.

  “This particular manifestation has seen her sneaking out of my house at night. To party and drink.”

  I frowned, knowing this already, but aware I needed to appear like this was a surprise.

  “That sounds more than a little dangerous,” I said eventually. “I hope you put a stop to it.”

  Nadenka humphed, finally getting her father’s attention. Instantly I relaxed, glad the scrutiny had shifted, even if she was likely to be angry at me.

  “You can get stroppy all you like, Nadenka. It’s not becoming. And you should pay us both some respect by accepting that.”

  Nadenka suddenly glared at me as if I’d just broken her favourite toy.

  “I’m sure you and Konstantine know exactly what’s best for me. Excuse me for trying to have any independence.”

  Sokolov sighed.

  “See,” he said, looking at me as he motioned to his daughter. “She just doesn’t see that I’m trying to protect her, not stifle her.”

  Growling, Nadenka got up, almost knocking over her chair in her haste to get to her feet.

  “You men are impossible,” she yelled, her hands screwed up into fists. She didn’t wait for me or her father to respond, instead hurrying from the room. I exhaled. That hadn’t gone well at all. And she’d been so angry she’d left most of her food behind.

  Sokolov sighed and continued to eat, evidently not ready to talk. For a moment I let him think and calm. It was no good for me to speak too soon, but it was possible I could turn this into something beneficial.

  “I understand as a parent you must worry for Nadenka a great deal. Especially after hearing the sort of things men like me have done.”

  He nodded, still eating. “She’s all I have left of her mother. I cannot lose her.”

  “I understand. Perhaps I can help.”

  “You? You actually want to?” He sat back, studying me. I chuckled, but nodded.

  “Yes. She has a lot of pent-up frustration and an independent mind, but it makes her strong. I think if I was seen with her she’d be safe. I’m the biggest threat to the daughters in Moscow currently. I’m the tool everyone uses. If I’m with her and obviously an ally, they’re not likely to risk having me used in revenge against her.”

  There was a silence so deep that I could hear my heart as it beat in my chest. Sokolov was either blown away with anger at my audacity or thought the idea was amazing. I just couldn’t tell which yet.

  “I don’t think I’m the one you’d need to convince,” he suddenly said, breaking into a broad grin. He was right, of course. It wasn’t him I was going to have to convince. Right now, Nadenka was angry at me. But I’d never given up once I’d decided I wanted something in the past.

  And I wanted her. Badly.

  Somehow I’d sort this out. Somehow I’d make Nadenka see how much I could provide and give her. I just had to hope I hadn’t sold my soul to the devil to win her.

  Although Yazov had provided more information, I’d still done something I’d never expected. I’d become affiliated with a don. And being seen regularly with his daughter was only going to make that worse. Would I one day regret that? Maybe. But I was too far in to back out now. Every taste of Nadenka, every moment we were alone together was perfection.

  I shook my head, glad Sokolov was focusing on his food again. My thoughts were becoming obsessive, even possessive. I’d felt like this once before. When I’d found out what kind of things I was truly capable of and how far I’d go to put food on the table. I hoped I wouldn’t have to go that far for love.

  10:31pm

  Nadenka

  Sighing, I sat with Levin once more. I’d have given anything to walk out of the house and go clubbing. To lose myself in the repetitive beats and a good vodka bottle. It felt like my whole world had fallen apart once more.

  For now I appeared to be free of Vasily, but there was no suitable replacement, as always. It had been a long time since I’d hoped some man would care, and I wondered if I’d found it in Konstantine, but he was as traditional and backward as my father.

  I didn’t need protecting, or looking after. I didn’t need keeping safe like a bird in a gilded cage. I needed to be free. I needed to fly.

  As usual, Levin seemed to sense my mood. He placed his head on my lap, letting me stroke him. I knew I should head to bed and regain my energy, but I couldn’t bring myself to get up. Moments of peace were rare, and I wasn’t sure it mattered how much I slept if I woke up to the same day every time.

  Thinking of the last time I could truly call myself happy, I was at least comforted.

  Suddenly Levin lifted his head, letting out a throaty half-bark. His way of warning me that we weren’t alone anymore. But when I looked to the door I couldn’t see anyone.

  Levin still looked that way, however, and wouldn’t settle back down again. Wary, I slowly got to my feet, stretching out all my little aches and pains from sitting in the one place for so long. I couldn’t see anyone but Levin refused to relax. None of my coaxing worked.

  Frowning, I went to the door to the pen. As I got closer, I realised it was ajar. My expression only grew darker. Someone had been here. Had it been Konstantine? If so, I could give him a piece of my mind.

  “You evidently really love animals,” Konstantine said. I whirled around to see him petting Levin, the wolf licking the palm of his hand. I froze, wanting to yell and be angry, but aware
this could easily drive the wolf to attack. If nothing else, Konstantine was brave. Or foolish. Very foolish.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked, keeping my voice even, but letting my expression tell the story as I walked closer. He wasn’t welcome here, especially uninvited.

  “I came to talk. You see-”

  “We don’t have anything to talk about,” I replied, not giving him time to finish. “I don’t want anything you’re offering. None of the sex, none of the safety and definitely none of the advice on my animals.”

  “Hold on a moment. I didn’t come here to preach at you.”

  “Then why did you come here? Because I certainly didn’t invite you.”

  “No, of course you didn’t,” he said, his voice menacing despite not getting any louder. “Heaven forbid the commoner comes to join you and your animals in your castle, princess. I thought you were different to the rest. Thought you wanted to get away from it all too. That you weren’t just another arrogant, stuck-up bitch who only gives men willing to throw money at her the time of day.”

  I growled before I could stop myself. Instantly Levin did too, baring his fangs. Konstantine backed off, but his eyes blazed.

  “Levin, down,” I said quickly, rushing forward to put a hand on him. He calmed, but it reminded me that I needed to as well. I couldn’t let Konstantine get to me.

  “I didn’t mean it like that,” I said, not sure where to go with what I was saying. “But I’m not willing to be some kind of reward that my father offers to the man of the hour.”

  “Trust me, if I didn’t need to please your father, I wouldn’t. But I’ve been backed into a corner. That Petrushkov kid is throwing his weight around. Won’t let a man like me be neutral. Tried to make me his errand boy for having the audacity to talk to you. I just want to stay alive, Nadenka, but equally, if it means I get to spend time with a woman I actually like spending time with, I’m not going to complain.”

  I frowned. Vasily had made it clear he didn’t like how much time I’d spent with Konstantine. He’d threatened to reveal my secrets. It had never occurred to me that he’d also put pressure on Konstantine. It hadn’t stopped him, however. He’d taken a great risk, if that was the case. Had he really done that for me?