“Don’t you need to get ready for tonight?” I asked, hoping to derail her questions.
Katya smiled and stood up, coming towards me with a watchful gaze. “Big brother, you’re hiding something.”
She reached for my collar, but I grabbed her hand at the last moment, raising an eyebrow at her. “You’ve been out in the sun too long. I think you have heat exhaustion.”
Her smile widened. “It’s a woman, isn’t it!”
I rolled my eyes. “I need to go.”
“Go where?” she taunted.
“Out,” I bit off the word sharply, turning away from her smug gaze just as Nikolai came out from our house wearing his swimming trunks and a towel thrown over his shoulder.
“Where are you going?” he asked as he sauntered over, his own suspicious gaze going up and down me.
I sighed. This was becoming tedious now. “Out.”
“Out where? You’re going to a party without me?” he scowled.
“I think he’s met a girl,” Katya said.
Nikolai’s gaze fell to her, and I didn’t miss the hungry look on his face as he studied my sister’s barely covered body, eyes roving up and down every inch of her. I’d seen that expression on my bestfriend’s face many times before, and for once a drop of doubt came to mind.
But, no. Nikolai would never pursue Katya sexually.
He may be an idiot in some ways, but he wasn’t that stupid.
“I did not meet a girl,” I growled.
Katya and Nikolai exchanged a look and I sighed.
“Fine. I might have met a girl,” I relented.
Katya jumped up and down clapping. “My brother, finally settling down!” she squealed.
Nikolai held a hand to his heart. “Say it isn’t so.”
“It’s just a date,” I replied dryly.
“It starts as just one date, and before you know it, you’ll be married off and having children and I’ll have lost my partner in crime and I’ll have to seduce all the beautiful women alone. I thought we were a team, Alexander.” Nikolai looked appalled by the idea of me settling down, his hand still resting over his heart dramatically, but we both knew that it had to happen sooner rather than later. For both of us.
“Awww, is poor Nikolai losing his best friend,” Katya teased with a laugh.
Nikolai reached for her, his hand going to her tiny waist, and he pulled her against his body. Her hands slammed against his chest as he held her tight against him. “I’ll always have you, Katya,” he said with a throaty growl and a wink.
“Ewww, have you even been vaccinated?” she pushed against him and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Nikolai scowled and let her go. “One day, Katya,” he warned, “one day you’ll say differently.”
Katya went and lay back on her sun lounger, picking up her Margarita. “One day when I’m blind and deaf maybe.” She dropped her Chanel sunglasses back over her eyes and sipped her drink. “And even then, I’d have to be forced.”
Nikolai stood staring at her for a moment, a look of annoyance on his face, before turning back to me. “Why does she hate me so much?” He must have recognized his dark tone, because he lightened it with a smile.
“Katya hates everyone,” I replied with a shrug. “I need to go.”
I turned and started to walk away, but Nikolai put his hand on my shoulder stopping me.
“You’ve really met a girl?” he asked, suddenly serious as I turned back around.
What could I tell him that wouldn’t put him in danger? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I couldn't risk dragging anyone else into this sordid affair, but it felt strange keeping things from him. Nikolai was like a brother to me. I told him everything and like he said, we were a team.
His eyes were still searching my face for an answer so I gave him what little knowledge I could.
“Yes, I’ve met a woman,” I admitted, “but I don’t think it will go anywhere. It can’t.”
“Why not?” he asked. “What woman could say no to the great Bratva prince?” he chuckled.
And he was right. No woman had ever refused me, and certainly Marisha wasn’t saying no, but things would keep us apart no matter what. Ivan was a roadblock for one. Our fates were entwined but we were not destined to be. That much I knew for certain. I knew this thing with Marisha was likely going to end in a bloody disaster; we had no future, yet I still couldn't seem to keep away from her. My self-restraint was out of the window where Marisha was concerned.
I sighed, not sure how to answer him.
“If there’s anything I can do, Alexander,” Nikolai offered, his expression still serious, as if sensing my turmoil. “You know I’ll always have your back.”
I placed a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you, your loyalty and friendship, as always, means a lot. However, I don’t think anyone can do anything about this though. It is what it is.”
Nikolai pursed his lips, probably thinking the same thing that I had been for the past week…that if I, Alexander Zolotov, couldn’t have the woman I wanted, then something was seriously fucked up.
“If you’re going to disturb my peace can you two do it somewhere else?” Katya sniped from her lounger.
Nikolai grinned at me, his serious expression falling away, before running towards our swimming pool and jumping in. The water splashed out, soaking Katya and making her scream, and she stood up cursing obscenities at him. I laughed as he climbed out and chased her around the pool, finally cornering her by the summerhouse.
“Get away from me!” she yelled, her eyes fierce. “I’m warning you!”
“You’re so rude, little girl. You need to be taught some manners,” he taunted, holding her in his firm grip. Her back was towards his chest, his arms wrapped around her tightly as she fought to be free of him, but there was little point. Nikolai and I worked out every day. He was incredibly strong, his body sculpted to perfection. He could hold her with one arm and she still wouldn't be able to break free.
I laughed and began walking away, listening to the splash of water and Katya’s high-pitched scream moments later as Nikolai jumped into the pool with her.
*
Brooklyn’s Botanical Gardens was 52 acres of stunning vivacious plant life. With gardens set within gardens, it was easy to find a corner to get lost in. A hideaway far from prying eyes. At least, that was my intention.
My mother and sister really were hosting a fundraising event here, it just wasn’t until much later this evening. Which was perfect for me. It gave Marisha the excuse to be here and me the excuse to keep her to myself for a few hours first. When she’d texted to confirm the official invite had arrived, I told her to find a way to meet me earlier, well before the event. It hadn’t even taken much convincing my mother to give me an invite for her, which I was surprised about. It seemed that after our meal at the Willow Tree, she’d begun to grow fond of Marisha. Or maybe it was sympathy for her being married to Ivan. Either way, it worked in my favor.
Marisha’s driver left the car idling by the entrance, insistent that he walk her in and stay until guest services verified the invitation and confirmed that the dinner was indeed a ‘women only’ event. There were two event times listed for the women’s shelter gala—a mixed social brunch for smaller donations, and the black-tie dinner for large contributions. It worked out beautifully for my desires, since guests could arrive at the gardens any time during the day to take advantage of free admission. And Marisha had covered her tracks well, saying she was coming early to tour the gardens with other wives.
I watched from the path outside the pavilion as she made her way through the glass corridor, passing by the information stations and other guests. Many different events were held here on a daily basis and so she blended into the mix of families in shorts and t-shirts and the well-dressed people here for formal events. Not that Marisha could ever really blend in.
God, she looked stunning.
A high collar, dark blue blouse kissed at her neck, flowing down in a loose parachu
te design. Easy to reach under, and she wasn’t wearing a bra, that much was obvious. Her nipples were hard, pressing against the thin silky material. As the breeze kicked up, the barest hint of her midriff came into view and the nude photos she’d sent, now seared into my brain from looking at them far too often, promised me that the reality would be even better. A cream skirt, tight and hitting at her knees, led down a stretch of pale leg to end in shimmery gold stilettos that matched the delicate bracelets and hoops she wore. Even the tiny purse was coordinated to perfection. A splash of red to catch attention.
Marisha’s hair was loose around her shoulders, but I watched as she stopped to look at her reflection in the smooth glass. She plucked something from her purse and pulled some of her curls away from her face and used the item to clasp the hair into place. I smiled in satisfaction as she smoothed her hands down her skirt and looked around nervously.
After several uncertain moments, she continued moving towards the gardens, and I met her as she passed through the doors outside. Her eyes lit up when she saw me, her cheeks already flushing in anticipation. Smiling back, I jerked my head to one side, and continued to walk, listening to the click of her heels as she followed obediently. We were out in the open and it was a risk that anyone might see us and place us together, so I made sure to keep my distance as we walked.
We passed by the Aquatic House and the Tropical Pavilion before making our way through some of the more popular gardens. There was a large pond to our left and trees overhanging the path as we walked, shading us from becoming too hot in the July heat. Plants colored our way on either side, and the crowds of people grew fewer and more far between as we walked. Finally, we reached a fork in the path and I ducked underneath a braided rope divider that blocked the right path to restrict visitors, bringing us to a more secluded area.
No one would see us here, yet the thrill of being out in public like this, even if we were hidden away from prying eyes, sent an electric current through me. But it did make my mood darken fractionally as a thought occurred to me. I hated that I would never be able to hold her hand and guide her through a sea of people, as Ivan had done at the party. I wanted men and women alike to know that Marisha was mine, not his.
I turned, finding Marisha directly behind me, her steps having hurried as she’d seen where I was taking us. A bench sat in a deserted area, a small canopy overhead that had seen better days but shaded the seating nonetheless.
I reached for her as she came into my arms automatically, our mouths meeting in a frenzy as we kissed each other. Her hands moved over my back as I held her face and tipped her head back, exposing her throat for me to lay kisses upon and she groaned into the air.
Russian words slipped from between my lips as my mouth roamed her skin.
“Fuck, I’ve missed you,” I ground out, laying another kiss against her waiting mouth. My tongue slipped in, desperate for hers. We kissed passionately, our mouths moving in tandem as I nibbled her bottom lip and our teeth clashed in our urgency.
My cell was vibrating in my pocket, distracting us both. I’d turned it on silent so I could give her my undivided attention, but this was even worse. a distinct and irritating buzzing vibrating in my chest next to my heart. Every plunder of my tongue distracted by the vibrations.
“Fuck, I’m sorry, Marisha,” I finally said, pulling out of the kiss. I tugged the cell from my jacket, seeing that it was my father calling and I looked at her and placed a finger to my lips as I answered. “Yes, Father.”
“The deal with the Italians is falling through. I need you and some of the men to meet me there in an hour,” he ordered. “Those bastards need to feel the full force of the Russians now. No more silly games.” He sounded pissed, and I couldn't blame him. We’d been working on this deal for several months and now it was about to break down. I should have been more concerned, yet all I could think about was Marisha and getting my hands on her curves.
“Did you hear me, Alexander?” he snapped angrily. “I need you to step up now and be a man. Get over there or I’ll have someone else do it. Ivan perhaps,” he taunted ruthlessly, knowing how much I’d disliked Ivan’s shunning of me at the restaurant the other night. He’d treated me like a goddamn child, instead of his future Bratva king and boss.
“I’ll be there,” I gritted out, “I’ll be a couple of hours though. I’m not local.”
He huffed out his annoyance. “Well, where the fuck are you?”
Excuses ran through my head, but none seemed good enough to appease him. I looked over at Marisha reluctantly, regret filling my bones. I was going to have to leave her here. This was my duty. I was my father's right-hand man. I’d be taking over fully from him one day and I couldn’t afford to fuck any of that up.
Father was talking away angrily in Russian to someone else in the room. “I need to deal with another issue first. Karik said he is going to arrange a meeting with the Italians for later tonight, Alexander. Get yourself back here now, I want you here. I’m going to show you what we do to men that back out on their agreements.” And with that he slammed the phone down.
I scoffed, irritated by his final comment. As if I didn’t know what happened to men that backed out of a Bratva contract… tonight would be bloody.
Marisha must have heard him hang up because she came and put her hand on my back. “Everything okay?”
I turned to her, taking a deep breath as I ran my fingers through her thick red-gold hair. “Yes, just business.”
“Do you need to go?” she asked, complete understanding in her tone.
God she would have made me a great wife. Regret and anger washed through me. If only I had been the one to save her from certain death instead of Ivan. But I was too busy fucking every woman in sight and getting drunk to really notice what was going on around me, outside of my direct responsibilities with Father. I hated that version of me. That version of me had lost me the chance at happiness with this woman, sentencing her to a life with a Bastard like Ivan, and me a life without her in it. It was becoming more and more obvious that this thing between us could only continue for so long, and the time was coming for it to stop, no matter how much we didn’t want it to. I couldn’t continue putting her in danger, and with every kiss and every touch, every illicit phone call and picture, that was what I was doing.
I already knew that I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if anything happened to her.
“No,” I said, “not yet, but we won’t have as long as I wanted.”
She nodded, her hands going to my chest. “Then we better make the best use of our time then.”
I smiled with satisfaction. She was perfect in every way. A mixture of obedience and defiance. Of hungry need and suppleness to bend to my whim. I reached down and cupped her face in my hand, pressing my mouth to hers once more.
This time the kiss was softer, less desperate but still with the same intensity, despite the urgency of it all. Once again, we were stealing quick kisses before having to separate. Hiding when we should have been free to be together. Fucking quickly in secret instead of taking our time whenever we wanted.
I hated this.
I wanted her for my own.
“Hey, hey,” she said, looking up at me, “where did you go, Alexander?”
I gripped her slim waist in my hands and picked her up, carrying her over to the bench. She squealed loudly and then caught herself, biting down on the excitement so we wouldn't be heard.
I sat down on the bench and pulled Marisha onto my lap. Her legs astride me, skirt bunching up automatically, she leaned down and our mouths joined in a hungry convergence of need and desperation.
I’d let myself fall too deep, too fast, and even though I knew we were in trouble, I couldn’t stop myself. And neither could she, it seemed.
If someone had told me weeks ago that I could feel this way over a woman, I’d laugh in their face. But now…
“It won’t always be like this,” I promised, but we both knew that was a lie. This was how it would al
ways be. This was all it could ever be. Until the day we ended it.
Unless I could get Ivan to fuck up…the thought came to me unbidden, and I filed it away, wanting to focus on her. We only had several minutes left.
“Shut up,” she whispered, kissing me harshly, her hands making their way to my zipper and pulling it down. “Don’t make promises. Don’t tell me lies, even if they’re beautiful ones. Just be with me right here and now in this moment. Make the darkness go away for a few moments, please.” She sat up, reaching into my pants to pull my hardness out and I hissed as she tightened her grip around me before lifting herself up and slowly lowering herself back down on to me.
I groaned as her pussy wrapped itself around my length, my hands moving to her ass automatically. Her body clung to me, tight and wet and hot, and it was like having sex for the first time all over again. Every thrust of her hips sunk me deeper inside her, every rock of her body had me starving for more. Her head was to one side, her gaze on mine as I let her fuck me. I felt her pulsing around me, her mouth open in a silent moan, every muscle contracting around my cock as she moved faster on me, desperate for the friction, desperate for the bittersweet end. For that promised high, the climax where she could tumble over to the other side with me.
Once again, we had to rush when all I wanted to do was take my time and relish every fucking inch of her perfect body.
I gritted my teeth and gripped her hips, pushing her harder on to me until every thrust was violent, every roll of her hips was sweet desperation, every squeeze of her pussy around me was torture. And then we were coming together in a perfect storm of heat and groans and passion, our bodies slapping together in harmony as I buried my face in her breasts panting.
A weight hit my chest as the throes of orgasm faded away. It was the heavy burden of a man who’d found his perfect mate but couldn’t have her. And I hated myself in that moment for not being able to have this beautiful woman for my own.
Deviant Prince: A Forbidden bad boy Mafia Romance. (Born to Darkness Duet Book 1) Page 11
