At His Mercy

by S. S. Richards

  The phone rings loudly, pulling me out of my thoughts. I walk over to my desk and pick it up.

  “Maksim speaking.”

  “I told you to kill her.” Leonardo’s voice is harsh and deep-toned.

  My nostrils flare and my blood throbs with fury.

  “How fucking dare you call me?”

  “I guess you didn’t take the deal. Fine. Rest assured I’ll eventually get to her. And once I do, there’s no guarantee she’ll stay alive.”

  He hangs up the phone right before I release my demons on him. He knows she means a lot to me. He knows and he won’t stop until he destroys me fully.

  I slam my hand hard against the desk, sending sharp pain radiating up my arm. I won’t let him. I’ll do everything in my power to protect her even if it means putting my own life at risk. I’ll protect her because she belongs to nobody but me.

  “Maksim?” she asks.

  “Yes?”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing,” I say into her hair, running my fingers through it. “Why?”

  “It just looks like something is bothering you. Plus, you’re not really the type to ask me to lie down in bed next to you so you can cuddle me in silence.”

  When I don’t say anything, she tilts her chin up and looks at me.

  “What is it, Maksim? Please tell me.”

  I place a gentle kiss on her forehead.

  “I have a lot of work. That’s all,” I say softly.

  “I’m not stupid. I know it has to do with me.” She pulls away from my arms and sits up. “It’s my uncle, isn’t it?”

  I don’t say anything, but my annoyance flares at the mention of him. If only I could get that fucker, I would crush his life with my own hands.

  “Does he want me back?” she murmurs, dropping her gaze.

  “I will not let him hurt you, Elena.”

  A single tear escapes from her eye and rolls down her temple.

  “You can’t protect me, Maksim. He’ll always find a way to get to me. That’s just who he is,” she whispers.

  Her words send a cold shiver running down my spine. My place has always been in the darkness and the cold. The world my father built that I found myself in. But she doesn’t have to be in this world. She shouldn’t be in this world.

  I swallow hard, wishing I could make both of us disappear once and for all. I’m too selfish to let her go and too stubborn to apologize to her for the beast that I am.

  “He’ll end my life eventually. I’d rather you end it instead.”

  “Do you trust me?”

  She nods.

  “Then I promise you I will do everything in my power to protect you. He won’t get to you. I promise you.”

  More tears come out as she throws herself in my arms. I wrap my arms around her, pulling her against me tightly as if she’d disappear if I don’t. She squeezes around me like she’s trying to hold onto dear life.

  Something flashes in me. I don’t know if it’s the beast inside that softens, listening to her sobs against my chest, or if the fear that lives somewhere deep inside of me finally found its way to blossom. Because protecting her against Leonardo Romano is easier said than done. He’s just as strong as I am. I would do everything in my power to keep my promise of protecting her, but the truth is, nothing is guaranteed. She’s at risk as long as Leonardo is alive. The only solution is to end his life, but the question is, am I gonna be able to get to him before it’s too late?

  Elena

  “Morning, Yeva,” I say, taking a cookie off the plate sitting on top of the kitchen counter.

  “Well, you look like you’re in a good mood today.” She smiles while pouring me a cup of coffee and handing it over to me.

  “I am. What’s the plan for today?”

  “I don’t know. There’s not much to do. Alyona is gone to visit her kids and won’t be back till next week. Mr. Jones is on vacation as well. So technically there’s only you, me, and the security men in the house.”

  “Hmm,” I say, snatching another chocolate cookie off the plate. “How about we chit chat a little bit.” I take a sip of my coffee while leaning against the counter.

  “There’s nothing really much to talk about.” She drops her gaze. Her cheeks turn a shade of pink.

  “Are you shy? That means you’re hiding something from me.”

  “Of course I’m not. What do you even mean?”

  I arch an eyebrow up.

  “You and Mikhail for example?” I mutter under my breath.

  Her eyes widen and her lips part in shock.

  “You thought I didn’t know? I see how he is around you every time he comes near you.”

  The more I talk, the more her cheeks become more pink and she can barely stop herself from grinning stupidly. I smile warmly at her while placing my hand on hers.

  “You can trust me,” I tell her softly.

  She lets a deep sigh escape her lips.

  “I don’t know. He just makes me feel good. It’s hard to explain.”

  “When did it all start?”

  “About three months ago. He asked me out on a date officially last week.”

  “A date? Really? When’s your date? Did you already go on one?”

  I don’t realize how loud my voice is until she places her index finger against her lips.

  “Shh . . .” She looks past me, making sure nobody’s eavesdropping on our conversation.

  “Our date is tonight.”

  “Okay, hold on. Tonight is your date? What are you wearing?”

  “Yes. I don’t know. I have a dress, but it’s not much. Like I don’t have many nice clothes. I barely even leave the house, so how am I supposed to shop?”

  She takes a seat, disappointment sagging through her as she picks up a clean glass and wipes the water off of it.

  “I have an idea. Come to my room. I’m pretty sure we’re the same size. You can wear one of my dresses.”

  “Oh . . . no, I can’t do that, Elena . . .”

  “Come, let’s go.”

  I pull her arm and drag her out of the kitchen and up the staircase. When we get to my room, I open my closet wide, revealing all kinds of beautiful, elegant dresses that apparently, were purchased specifically for me. As if I even leave the house to own this much clothing. I stare at the fancy dresses hung and shake my head.

  “Take whatever you want, Yeva. Whatever you like is yours.”

  She doesn’t say anything. Her eyes get watery and she runs toward me, wrapping her arms around me and thanking me for being a good friend. I never had friends. Or more like I had them when I was young and free, before my uncle deprived me from my basic needs as a teenager. The simple need to have friends who would be there for me and I would be there for them.

  A knock comes at the door, startling both me and Yeva. My blood runs cold as soon as I see the man standing at the door, staring right into my eyes.

  “Yeva, leave me and Ms. Romano alone,” he orders Yeva, who nods helplessly and rushes toward the door.

  “Yeva, don’t go,” I blurt out and she stops in her tracks.

  “I’m not going to hurt you,” Aleksandr says and pauses, turning his attention to Yeva, who’s holding a couple dresses in her hands. “You can go now.”

  “Yes, sir.” She storms out the door.

  “Get out,” I say with a trembling voice.

  “I just came here to apologize.” His reaction makes my forehead furrow.

  “Another fucking game?”

  “No. I apologize for saying hurtful things to you.” His voice is deep and gravely with something dangerous and dark running underneath it. Exactly like his cousin.

  I swallow thickly and lift my chin up proudly.

  “You mean, apologize for lying to me?”

  He studies me closely with heavily lidded eyes roving all over my face.

  “I see why he chose you,” he says quietly. “You’re brave. Just like him.”

  I drift my gaze away from him, refusing
to meet his intimidating eyes. Although I can feel them following me as I make my way to the bed and sit on the edge of it, eyes pinned on the floor.

  “You’re everything he needs, but at the same time, you’re what’s gonna bring his end.”

  He says right before walking out of the room, leaving me confused and hesitant. When did I become this strong? This hope and strength that lives in me, the courage to face mafia monsters like them, without giving a fuck whether I’m digging my own grave with my own hands by standing up for myself or not. My vision clouds up as I open my eyes and find Maksim standing at the door. Hands clenched behind his back, bags underneath his eyes. He looks exhausted, fed up, and completely beaten on the inside. But despite it all, he stands strong, tough, and ready to conquer the world.

  He built so many things with his own hands. He’s the hero of his own book. The savior that so many people look up to. But he is also the only man who can tear my walls down, strip me of my soul, and leave me hanging like a nobody. He kisses me hard so I can never get the taste of him out of my mouth, and he fucks me even harder, making me forget my burdens and misery. He fucks the life out of me, and with every single thrust or touch, I only become more and more addicted to him.

  He lives in the darkness, the same darkness I’ve lived in for so long. The thing about darkness is that it never tries to seek out the light. It gets used to the taste, smell, and feeling of loneliness and emptiness. And oh how amazing the taste, smell, and feeling of it all is once you get used to it.

  “I never wanted this.” He breaks the silence. “I never wanted or asked for any of this either.”

  I get up and walk slowly toward him.

  “We never ask for the lives we find ourselves living in, Maksim. One thing I know for sure, meeting you and being at your mercy was meant to happen.”

  I place the palm of my hand on his cheek. “I was meant to go through it all, and I discovered so many things about myself.”

  “Like what?” he asks.

  “That my whole life I always thought I was not normal. Having the craving to draw blood and hurt every monster I come across. I thought I was crazy, that I needed help. But when I met you, I discovered I wasn’t the only one with the same syndrome. I was finally able to allow myself to live and not be ashamed of who I am. You made me believe in myself once again.” I tiptoe, getting closer to his slightly parted lips. I whisper against them, “Just like you said before, we are beasts, beasts in the dark.”

  Elena

  Standing at the top of the tall building, I smile as the night, fresh air fills my nostrils. Staring at the big diamond ring on my finger, I grin widely, recalling all the past memories that never fade out of my memory. Some of them are bad, but without those bad memories, I wouldn’t be here today, feeling free, light, and extremely happy as I wait for the love of my life to come and get me.

  “Baby.” His voice, deep and velvety, brings me back to reality. I turn around and stare at him in wonder. How can this man be mine? It still feels like a dream when he stands tall and handsome right before my eyes.

  “Hi,” I tell him, staring up and down his body. Dressed in a tux, he’s intimidatingly large with an equally impressive posture.

  “How are you feeling?” he says, taking a small step forward.

  “I’m okay. Come closer to me, Maksim,” I say worriedly, the tension building up between us making me feel like he’s miles and miles away from me.

  “Not before I show you the surprise I have for you.” His smile is devilish, but I ignore it, along with my instincts, the ones screaming in my head, ordering me to run away from him as much as I can and to never look back.

  “What’s the surprise?” I ask, smiling warmly.

  For a few seconds, everything quiets down to an almost scary silence. Then the door behind him opens, and the monster himself walks in—my uncle.

  My brain goes blank as fear crawls up my skin, twisting my gut and turning my mouth dry. I subconsciously take a step back, feeling the need to disappear, hoping the floor could open wide and swallow me whole.

  “Wh-What?” I say with a shaky breath.

  I take another step back, dragging my gaze back to my uncle.

  The gun cocking sound startles me, making me look straight into my man’s eyes. The man I love the most.

  Pointing the gun at me, I know the bullet is in the chamber and the firing pin is ready to strike as soon as he pulls the trigger.

  I close my eyes as tears roll down my cheeks. Bringing my hands to my chest, the sound of his voice echoes in my head. “This is not a fairy tale. Goodbye, Elena.”

  Bang.

  Breathing heavily as sweat trickles down my spine, I stare into the darkness. A moment of silence prevails before his hand touches my forearm. I scream at the contact, and he turns the light of his lamp on.

  “What’s going on, Elena?”

  It was a dream. A fucking nightmare. Nothing more.

  I stare blankly at him, still struggling to believe that I’m indeed safe. That the man sitting beside me is not a monster. That it was all a nightmare.

  When I don’t say anything, he brushes my hair away from my face and looks at me attentively.

  “What’s going on?” he asks softly.

  I close my eyes as hot tears burn my eyes. As much as I would love to tell him about that nightmare, I simply can’t.

  “Just a nightmare,” I whisper.

  I swallow thickly and throw myself in his arms. His hand pets my head, his fingers running through my hair gently as I calm myself in his embrace. Slowly, peace descends on me, replacing the fear and melancholy that was tearing at my chest just a moment ago. If I could remain in his arms forever, the feeling of being at home would never fade away. The air in my lungs leaves as soon as I pull away from him. I’m struggling. I’ve been struggling for so long. He just can’t see it. Nothing in me depicts the extreme mental exhaustion that rocks through me. Because I’m good at pretending. I’ve always been great at hiding everything I feel on the inside.

  He frowns when I pull myself off the bed and walk toward the bathroom. I lock the door behind me and instantly fall to the floor, every emotion rocking through my body like waves hitting the shore. Tears turn my vision blurry and cascade down my cheeks uncontrollably. But despite the scream that’s stuck somewhere in my throat and wants so desperately to be released, I remain silent, sobbing.

  Bringing my knees to my chest, shame, pain, guilt, and all kinds of emotions consume my body from within, making it tremble.

  The worst thing about what I’m feeling is that it has nothing to do with my freedom anymore, nor the fact Maksim Pavlov kidnapped me and introduced me to a new side of me I didn’t even know existed. What’s torturing me is the fact he ended up consuming all of me. Body and soul. And I did to myself the unthinkable—I fell in love with the beast, and there’s no going back.

  A soft knock on the door startles me. I wipe the tears away from my face and stare at the door, unmoving.

  “What is it?” he asks.

  When I don’t answer, he repeats the same question, but with a slight edge to his voice.

  “I want to be alone,” I blurt out and wait for him to lose it on me, to break the door and force me to tell him how I feel. But as seconds tick by, turning into minutes of complete silence, I frown.

  Then another knock on the door followed by the sound of Yeva’s voice.

  “Elena, it’s me. Sir is gone. Can you open the door, please?”

  My eyes widen and I instantly rise from the floor and unlock the door for her. I throw myself in her arms and howl like a beast in pain. The scream that was imprisoned in the back of my throat comes out desperately. She holds me tightly in her arms.

  “I’m sorry, hon, I’m so sorry,” she says softly.

  I don’t know how long I remain in her embrace, but once there are no more tears left to release, the room quiets down to an almost scary silence. Then Yeva decides to break it.

  “Do you wanna te
ll me what’s going on?” she asks gently. I lift my chin up and stare into her watery eyes that are so full of empathy toward me.

  “Yeva,” I say. “I need to be out of this place. Please help me. Can you help me?”

  A tear rolls down her cheek and she instantly wraps her arms around my shoulders, pulling me into her chest.

  “Oh God, Elena, my poor friend. I’ll do my best. I’ll do my best so you can get your freedom.”

  Maksim

  Time is always fucking slow when you’re impatiently waiting for something important. A beautiful night turned into a miserable and forsaken one when Elena pushed me away. Every fucking time this happens to her I get reminded I’m nothing but a monster, bringing misery and dejection into her life. I curse myself to hell when she distances herself from me. It breaks my heart and it falls dead to my feet every time she sheds a tear and I happen to know nothing about what’s making her hate me in that instance. The way her hazel eyes shine with lust, hatred, and something else. Something else I just can’t wrap my head over.

  I take a quick look at the clock sitting on my desk. I watch the time tick by observantly. With it, my heartbeat picks up its speed. I swallow the lump in my throat then chug the liquid from my glass audibly. Sitting here and feeling helpless while Elena is up there with Yeva is eating me alive. I could have kicked the door of the bathroom open and forced her to talk. But I didn’t. Because Elena is the kind of woman who isn’t scared of anything. I knew that forcing her to speak would have gotten me just more lies, or some sugar-coated bullshit I don’t need to hear.

  A soft knock on the door followed by Yeva walking into my office makes every sinew in my body tighten. I can barely hold my cool anymore. I get up instantly and walk toward her. By the reaction on her face, I know she’s bringing me bad news.

  “What is it Yeva? Tell me,” I say impatiently.