Gangster

by Sapphire Knight

  She touches lightly to the dainty, diamond-encrusted tiara resting in her long blonde, Cinderella hair. “This, um, this was Mishka and Vivi’s; they wore it for their weddings.” She gazes at me, seeking my approval.

  “It’s very fitting. I’m really happy for you Elaina; you and the Boss deserve this.”

  She leans in, clutching onto my forearm and squeezes affectionately. Elaina’s eyes begin to crest with tears, full of happiness, as she whispers kindly, “Thank you, Spar. You helped keep us safe so we could have this day. I’m so happy you get to be a part of it.”

  I close my eyes briefly, thanking the Lord that my close friend can have this day and that she’s genuinely happy.

  I shoot her a sheepish grin. “I must go. Alexei is monitoring the guests on the beach and tent area. I need to find Mr. Masterson; I don’t like him being alone.” She smiles at me gratefully, backing up a few paces so I can slide the door closed again. At least I know Elaina’s surrounded by others and is protected.

  I make my way down the small grassy path, toward the shop building. It’s more of the guards’ building now, but it should be empty at the moment. I believe all the men are on assignment—either here or out handling business.

  I don’t quite make it to the shop when I hear Viktor arguing with someone. It sounds as if it’s coming from behind the building, so I head straight back there.

  Viktor glances up, a scowl adorning his flushed face when he sees me. I stay silent, standing in the shadow of the building in case he needs me.The other gentleman has his back to me, but by the voice, I recognize it as his Uncle Victor. I’m curious as to why he’s back here, considering he was not on the guest list.

  His uncle places his placating hand on Viktor’s shoulder, and Viktor glares in return as if he may head-butt the older man. “Look, Viktor, I apologize for barging in on your wedding day, but Sabrina Chestkolav was sold in a previous deal.”

  “She was traded to me, Uncle. I don’t care which ratty family thinks they have claim to her. I’ve warned you about selling women. I told you to stop; you are no longer in charge, and you are forcing my hand.”

  “I’m not here to step on your toes, Nephew, only to collect for her betrothed.”

  Viktor grits angrily, “She’s going nowhere. Sabrina belongs to me now. Not only that, but she was obtained for Nikoli. You are aware how close Nikoli is to my brother?” Viktor’s voice turns to ice as he finishes. “You warn this interested family, that they will have every element of the Mafiya and my Bratva after them if they do not back off.”

  The older man huffs but keeps his words to himself.

  “Now, pack up and leave. You are not going to disrupt my Printsyessa’s day.”

  “This isn’t finished, Viktor.” The old man attempts to argue as Alexei appears.

  Viktor glanced from me to Alexei. “Lexei, you and I shall escort my uncle off the grounds. Spartak, you may go back to the main party.”

  Uncle Victor stares at me angrily, unaware I was privy to the conversation, and I swallow nervously. I know my Boss is in charge of the Bratva now, but his uncle is still an extremely intimidating, powerful man.

  “Yes, sir,” I answer dutifully and watch as Alexei and Viktor lead his uncle to the cars.

  Before I turn around myself, someone grabs onto my shoulder, startling me, since I'm still on alert from the threatening conversation I just witnessed. I grip onto the person’s arm harshly, propelling them forward and bringing their back to my chest. I drop the knife resting in my jacket sleeve, sliding it carefully and swiftly down my wrist, digging it into their neck, just enough for them to stand still.

  I have to stop myself from gasping when I discover long brunette hair cascading over the feminine shoulder, enveloping me in a sweet smell.

  The woman stutters out in a whisper-soft voice, “Um, um.”

  I drop my arms, deftly stepping back and putting a few paces between us. “Forgive me,” I mumble as my heart beats frantically enough to feel as if it may pop out of my chest.

  She promptly spins around, and I'm met with dark, sinful eyes, wide with excitement. Her hand clutches her neck at the area my knife was just touching as she swallows nervously. Her chest is rapidly rising and falling with each labored breath.

  “I didn't mean to startle you. I was following you because you ignored me at the party.”

  Shit. I hadn’t even glanced at her face back there. Stupid Spartak. This woman could have stepped straight out of a fantasy, and yet she’s chasing me around.

  Clearing my throat, I tug on my jacket, attempting to fix the rumpled mess. “Yeah, I’m sorry about that. Did you need something?” I may as well go with being polite since I’ve already snubbed her once, and then almost impaled her with my blade.

  She grins mischievously, her irises gleaming with intent as she approaches. She stops about four inches from my face, and I lick my lips nervously, as I feel my throat get tight. I don’t do well with people in my personal space, but her, well I want to pull even closer.

  “Yes, Spartak. I do need something.” My eyes widen with the way her smooth voice caresses over my name, surprised that she was behind me long enough to hear Viktor mention it.

  She grasps onto my suit lapels, pulling my body against hers, molding her plump breasts against my firm chest as she takes me for a kiss so powerful I’ve never felt anything like it in my life. With a few twists of her skilled tongue, my cock stands to attention, seeking something it hasn’t had in quite a while. I clutch tightly onto her small biceps, probably bruising the lightly tanned skin as I kiss her back with everything I have. If this is some sort of attack plan, I’m screwed.

  After a few minutes, I pull back, panting, heavily turned on. “Fuck,” I gasp. She nods, her eyes dilated with heat.

  “I want more,” she orders as she deftly undoes the button on my slacks, backing me up to the shop’s back wall.

  “More? What’s your name?” Stupid, but it’s the only thing I can think of as she wraps her petite, soft hands around my throbbing member.

  “Victoria,” she murmurs hastily as she finishes pulling my boxer briefs down and pumping my cock a few times.

  I clear away the frog in my throat, twisting her body so that she’s the one pressed against the wall and hike her mid-length, plum colored dress up, around her waist. Then sliding her pair of tiny lace panties over so I can get to her sweet spot, I slip my finger in her deeply, watching for any signs that I’ve gone too far. I’ve never met this woman before, yet she seems keen on getting to know me. I don’t know what I’ve done in my previous life to deserve this sort of reward, but I’ll gladly accept.

  “Yessss,” she lowly groans out, as her head leans against the building, exposing the smooth skin on her neck. “Mooore.”

  Victoria laces her fingers behind my neck, raising her breasts a little higher and causing my gut to clench tightly with need. Slipping my fingers free from her center, I hike her leg up, lining my cock up where I want to be the most.

  I peer down at Victoria. “Are you sure?”

  “Damn it, do it already!” Her small hands cover my scruffy jaw as she pulls my face down, vigorously taking my mouth again.

  Victoria’s tongue slips in my mouth at the same time I plunge into her tight heat. I groan through the fantastic sensations, pulling out slightly and then fully seating my cock inside of her.

  “Perfect, Spartak!” she moans in between kisses. Her hands skate up and down my chest, further rumpling my clothes, but I can’t make myself give a shit about any of that besides the delicious feeling of her wrapped snuggly around me.

  “Fuck, you’re amazing,” I croon as I use my free hand to slip her sleeve off her shoulder, freeing her full, left breast. I hike her leg up farther around my hip, grinding into her and leaning down just enough to slip her perfect pebbled, strawberry-colored nipple into my mouth.

  My head is wrenched backward, my eyes meeting hers as I suck strongly. Victoria pulls my hair forcefully, gazing down at me
. “Bite it,” she demands.

  I nip down on the morsel, treating it as if it were my favorite sweet treat, even if that would be the juncture between her thighs. She yanks on my hair again, and I wrench upwards quickly, her breast making a ‘pop’ as I let go. I grasp her hand, raising it above her head.

  “Enough, unless you wish for me to pull your hair; you asked for it, and I’m giving it,” I grit, winding my other arm around her waist to save her from hurting her back. I pump into her a few times, clenching my ass as the feelings coursed through me, begging for a quick release.

  Her face flushes, and she bites her lip, grinning slightly. She uses her free hand to grasp tightly onto my shoulder, helping herself climb and wrap her legs around my waist.

  “Pull it.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Don’t threaten me Spartak; pull my hair, because when you do, I’m going to cum all over your big cock.”

  “Fuuuck me.” Groaning, I let go of her wrist and weave my hand into her thick hair, winding it around my large fist and pull.

  Victoria’s mouth gapes as she lets loose a near silent moan, her pussy pulling and clutching at my engorged cock. I thrust wildly through her orgasm, gritting my teeth as her cunt spasms around me. Little droplets of sweat gather on my hairline from concentrating so hard on not filling her up.

  “Cum inside me, Spartak,” she orders as she licks up the side of my neck. I shiver and growl low in my throat, attempting to hold myself back from slamming her into the wall like I want to. My inner beast claws inside my chest, pleading for me to rip her apart and bury my seed deep.

  Her tender lips pepper kisses along my neck right before she sinks her teeth into my skin, sucking intensely, no doubt leaving her mark. It doesn’t faze me as I know my suit will cover it for the ceremony.

  “Nooow,” Victoria croons against my throat, her hot breath whispering over my skin, and my dick lets loose, painting her in my essence. My balls were so full I thought they were going to fucking explode.

  I lean into her heavily against the wall as I finish throbbing through my release, resting my forehead on her shoulder and breathing in her scent.I’m startled by my Boss’s voice, as I catch my breath, “Spar, time for the vows.”

  “Yes, sir,” I reply in a gruff voice, glancing back toward him. His chest rises slightly quicker as he watches us. Viktor nods, his gaze skirting over us one last time and then turns around, giving us his back.

  I draw away slowly and cover her up with her lace panties. Victoria pants, silently watching my face. I can’t break eye contact as I catch myself murmuring the words I never fathomed would leave my mouth, “Come with us.”

  “Where are you going?” she questions softly.

  “Russia, for the honeymoon. I have to work, but I’ll have time off.”

  Victoria peers off to the side briefly, then meets my gaze again. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because my friend and I flew in from Italy. I leave tomorrow.”

  “Italy? Fuck!” Grumbling I straighten my suit, as she combs her fingers through her hair. My mind races with ways for me to see her again. Viktor grunts, drawing my attention to his stern face, nodding for me to come on.

  “I have to go; are you coming, too?”

  “Yes, I’ll be right there; I’m going to visit the ladies room first.”

  I bring her knuckles to my lips and kiss them softly before walking toward Viktor. Halfway to him, I turn back and glance at her, taking in her beauty once more. “How will I see you again?”

  Victoria’s eyes twinkle as she smiles. “If it is meant to be Spartak, then we will see each other again.”

  I bite my tongue and nod. I hate being unsure of things; I like simple laid out plans. Following the Boss down the short path to the lake, I can’t stop picturing how her face looked while I was deep inside of her.

  The beach is adorned with a wooden pergola and platform, draped in some silky white material, the little lights wrapped through it, twinkling in the evening air. The guests all sit patiently on the white wooden chairs; smiles grace their excited faces to see the other Russian leader find his happiness in love. The party isn’t that large; it’s overwhelming to me because of safety precautions with everything that has recently gone down.

  Viktor takes his place on the platform with Tate and Alexei standing beside him. I post up a little to the side and behind them. It’s the perfect spot for me to scan over everyone and keep a look out for Victoria.

  Elaina glides toward us, on Nikoli’s arm. They’ve gotten closer ever since Sabrina has come into the picture. Nikoli, decked out in his light gray suit, makes Elaina appear even more petite, dwarfing her small frame with his massive size.

  A motion catches my attention off to the side, and I watch as Victoria approaches, speaking to another woman sitting toward the back of the group before she eventually takes her seat. Her irises briefly meet mine, igniting a ball of need in the center of my stomach.

  Tate and Emily’s daughter squeals excitedly when she sees her Aunty Elaina approach the pergola, drawing all attention to Emily. She’s standing across from Tate, waiting to be beside her sister for the nuptials and proudly holding the newest addition to the Masterson family.

  Elaina lovingly kisses the baby’s forehead and then takes Viktor’s hands as they each say their vows, promising to love each other more than they already do. It seems impossible to me, as they are hopelessly devoted to each other.

  As the wedding winds down and the honeymoon time approaches, Alexei and I follow the newlyweds to Viktor’s Mercedes. I hop in the driver’s seat scanning for Victoria, but I haven’t seen her since she was sitting next to her friend.

  Alexei climbs in beside me after the Boss and Elaina load into the back seat. Viktor leans forward between the seats. “Is she meeting you in Russia, Spar?”“No, she’s from Italy.”

  “You’re not going to see her again?”

  “I don’t know. She told me if it was meant to be that we would find each other again.”

  Elaina pipes up. I know Viktor clued her in; he tells her pretty much everything. “You got her information?”

  “Nope.”

  “How will you find her?”

  “I have the guest list,” I grin cockily. All I need is some time off, and she’s mine.

  Chapter 2

  Lasting Impressions

  Now…

  Rolling my eyes at Alexei, I look at my Boss, Viktor. “Mr. Masterson, I don’t agree with him. I should accompany you to the fight and preliminary events. I know Alexei has been your guard for who knows how long, but you brought me along for a reason. Let me be the added security. This is obviously important, or you would’ve left me at home to protect your wife.”

  He nods, glancing at me respectfully. He’s taken me more serious since I’ve kept a good watch on his precious Elaina. I think he’s learned that she’s not only my Boss’s prized possession but also my best friend. Being the leader of the Russian Bratva, I understand his need to have protection around all the time and bringing me along to Chicago must mean he needs an extra set of eyes to watch his back.

  “I agree, this place is crawling with Italians. Alexei, use the extra help while you have it,” he replies and climbs back into the waiting Mercedes.Alexei’s irritated gaze meets mine as he grumbles, “Fine. Get some food and meet us at the hotel. Mr. Masterson will be having dinner with the fighter he’s sponsoring, and we won’t be eating, just watching.”

  I know the fighters Viktor sponsors are champions in their weight divisions. He knows how to pick them when it comes to business and gambling. He doesn’t bet often, but he has a few horses that do extremely well when he does.

  “Got it,” I nod as Alexei loads into the waiting car with our boss.

  Being accustomed to the warm weather nearly year-round in Tennessee has me shivering in the brisk Chicago breezes. It’s obviously the windy city for a reason. There’s a chill in the air crisp enough
to make you feel it deep in your bones.

  A bright red sign advertising hot sandwiches has my stomach growling, and my feet are quickly heading toward the shop. A sub sandwich and a warm building is pretty much the best thing on earth right now. The only thing better would be a good book and a nap along with it.

  The bell above the door jingles and I’m greeted with a cheerful hello as I enter. The smells of homemade Italian food assault my senses. Even being Russian, I can still appreciate good Italian cooking. One of the things I enjoy the most about traveling with the Bosses is the opportunities I’m presented with when it comes to tasting an array of authentic dishes from many cultures.

  “Can I help you?” an older woman asks. Her hair’s a short auburn cut, her face decorated with a few wrinkles, telling me she’s smiled and laughed many times in her life. Kind brown eyes meet mine, waiting for me to order.

  “Hi. Can I get…uh…what do you suggest?” I stammer out. Speaking to women of any age has never been a strong point for me; I prefer the quiet.“Oh, you’re cute, you!” She smiles, chuckling a little. “I have a son your age and he loves a good meatball sandwich. With extra mozzarella and parmesan to top it off and a Dr. Pepper to drink. What do ya think?”

  “I think it sounds wonderful, except will you make it two orders and to go?”

  “Working on putting some meat on those bones? Good boy. Of course, give me ten and it’ll be ready.”

  “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” She takes the twenty I hand her, giving me two dollars and nineteen cents in return.

  I place the remainder in the tip jar next to the register and take a seat by the largest window. I love people watching. One reason why I’m good at my job; I’m always paying attention to what’s going on around me.

  Time escapes me as I’m sucked into watching everyone rush down the sidewalks and angry drivers blare horns at each other. I’ve become so comfortable in the quiet cabin Viktor lives at, that this is damn near culture shock. The cold and all the people remind me of Russia.

  “Here you go, boyo. I hope you enjoy your dinner.” The woman from before sets a big bag in front of me filled with more than just two sandwiches and bottles of Dr. Pepper. I kind of hope she snuck in a few of the delicious cannolis I saw in the display case as well.