by Stone, Piper
After several steps, I was able to see a partially open door. Swallowing the wretched bile that had formed in my throat, I pressed my hand against the solid surface. I stood in the doorway, uncertain of what the hell to think.
The bathroom was oversized, a luxurious tub and double sink covered in marble. As I walked inside, I was struck by the opulence. Every fixture and adornment were meant for a princess.
Not for a prisoner.
My feet remained heavy until I noticed that my clothes had been hung up in the expansive closet, along with two robes. There were various soaps and bath beads in a basket, plush towels folded on the counter. I was thrown by the realization that Kostya had checked on me at some point, providing me with some concept of comfort. I rubbed my fingers across the cool marble, marveling in the intricate design of the countertop. Everything in the room was beautiful, comforting in some crazy way.
I stared at the tub, biting my lower lip as I debated taking a bath. Granted, I’d never felt so filthy in my life, my skin crawling from the experience.
And from his touch.
I held my arms, turning just enough to be able to see my reflection in the shadowed glass. I expected a woman who was disheveled, her eyes riddled with fear. The way the subtle light created a shimmer around my face was entirely unnerving. I had to be in some level of shock. There was no other explanation for the way my skin glowed.
Hissing, I turned toward the tub, determined to rid myself of his stench as well as the unclean feeling. Fuck him. Fuck this.
Fuck the world.
If he thought he could break me this way, he was dead wrong. I was much stronger than he gave me credit for.
Every move stilted, I finally managed to turn on the water, making it as hot as I knew I could stand. As I knelt down, pressing my hand against the stopper, I shivered to my very core. Nothing would make this right. Nothing could ease the ugliness building inside.
My father had caused this. He was the reason I’d been snatched by the arms of a monster. And in my mind, I knew my father wouldn’t necessarily care.
I tossed in a handful of bath beads, my gaze pinned to the cascading actions of the water. When I was a little girl, I’d been taught right from wrong, learning early on there were consequences for bad behavior. Now I could only laugh at the thought. I should have paid attention to my inner voice when she told me to remain in Paris. There was no time to second guess any longer. I was embroiled in my father’s choices, whether I liked it or not.
The aroma of the bath was refreshing, silencing the nagging voices inside my head, if only for a short period of time.
There was no way of telling time in my prison cell. No windows. A single locked door. As I stepped into the heated bath, my entire mind was shoved into another dimension. What would I have to do in order to save my life?
Even more disturbing, why would I even consider helping the monster in any way?
As I sank deep into the tub, the utter silence of the room was deafening, the heat almost suffocating. I closed my eyes as the water lapped at my skin, tickling my senses.
And another round of depraved desire rushed in.
Chapter Nine
Kostya
Crack!
The shimmer of lightning was fucking beautiful, matching my mood, the heavy thunderstorm appealing in every way.
Monster.
The single word played over in my mind like a mantra.
I’d taken pride in the term, at least until now. I’d seen the hatred in her eyes. I’d felt her rage long before the attack. Perhaps I deserved her reaction.
Then why the fuck did it trouble me so much, digging into my mind like a dagger?
Caring about her in any manner wasn’t an option. She was merely the means to an end, a woman who would enable Mr. Worthington to see the error of his ways. If he didn’t cooperate, she would be dealt with in an appropriate fashion.
I closed my eyes briefly, envisioning her sultry smile seconds before I’d feasted on her sweet pussy. Her moans would play over and over again, and her dazzling eyes had burned a hole into my very soul. Jesus. I was freaking losing it. I’d been away from the brutal streets of mother Russia for far too long.
I swirled the drink, concentrating on the way the ice clinked against the dense crystal. The sound was soothing, matching the hard hammer of my heart. Even my chest felt heavy, my breathing labored. I wasn’t the same man as less than two years before. I took another swig, holding the cold liquid in my mouth for several seconds before swallowing. Unfortunately, neither the crisp edges of the liquor nor the rich taste could dispel the thirst that burrowed into every cell.
She was the reason, a temptress.
Forbidden.
Sighing, I wiped a few beads of vodka from my lips, marveling at the change in my life. While I’d been allowed certain luxuries as leader, what I’d experienced in my travels had been far more... destabilizing. I laughed at the thought. Could I ever go back to the life I’d led before?
Only time would tell.
The fact was, I enjoyed living in the states, particularly the freedom the country offered. Would I be required to return to mother Russia at some point? Absolutely.
Would I do so willingly?
A nagging remained in my mind. The answer was entirely different this morning.
I came close to polishing off my drink, grimacing as the first rays of morning light shifted in through the window. There were days I loathed the sunlight, today’s storm a respite. I rubbed the glass across the back of my head in an attempt to erase the ache from Giliana’s solid blow.
As well as the effects of her damning accusations.
I shook my head, sinking further into the leather chair as I studied the drops of rain pelting against the window. Why the fuck had I admitted what was considered a weakness to an enemy? I hadn’t told a single person about my upbringing, other than the man who’d ultimately raised me. There’d been no need and zero trust. I’d learned early on, men who talked wound up dead.
The day Pavel Baranov had found me breaking into his office, he’d been amused instead of angry. He’d even sent one of his soldiers to buy me lunch, remaining quiet as the stick-thin young man had devoured three hamburgers in less than two minutes.
His praise at my ability to infiltrate a security system that had never been compromised had led to a job offer that very afternoon. At first, his commands had meant little more than an occasional consult on security systems. Requests had escalated after that, but Pavel had never involved me in what he considered his dark side. In truth, he’d been the father I’d lost, teaching me tricks of the trade. While his reputation as being a dangerous man was well known, for a few years he’d only shown me kindness, providing an education as well as treating me as one of his own children, insisting on and paying for my college education in the United States. I’d returned without question, loyal to the man in every way. Only then had he trained me to be a top-notch assassin, required to handle the more arduous tasks in order to keep his hands clean.
And I’d done so initially without question, advancing in his ranks with ease.
I closed my eyes, a series of visions floating into the back of my mind, merely one of the missions he’d sent me on, trusting my abilities.
The darkness was overwhelming, the heavy snowfall making the roads treacherous. Fortunately, the majority of people had heeded the warnings, staying home on such a bitterly cold night. I moved through the streets with ease, tugging the collar of my coat as I made my way through the labyrinth of buildings. There was barely a sound other than an occasional barking dog.
And the damn wind.
I hated the winter, the bleakness of the days and treachery of the long nights. Tonight was no different, my hands almost numb. I took cautious steps as I rounded the corner, noticing there were several lights on in the penthouse suite. The back alley led to a series of fire escapes, the aging and rusted metal a portion of the building yet to be renovated. Very slowly I climbed onto th
e first rung, making certain it would hold my weight. Everything was icy as fuck, crystals clinging to the almost every inch of metal. I’d come prepared with appropriate gear, including a silencer attached to the Glock. There was no point in waking the neighbors.
I grinned as I climbed, ready to get the assignment over with. I had a cold bottle of vodka and a good book waiting for me when I returned.
The job had to be completed tonight, the asshole leaving the country for his winter house on an early flight.
And Pavel refused to wait until the traitor’s return.
I made my way to the upper floor, catching a glimpse of the lavishly decorated room, every beautiful item paid for from his extortion of Pavel’s funds. There was no sign of the man in question, but I was able to hear music; some kind of symphony coming from a set of speakers. The sound was beautiful, enchanting in an old-world manner. There was no difficulty opening the window, slipping inside with ease. I’d learned the man’s habits, knowing he never turned on his security system until he was ready for bed.
The habit allowed for his frequent female visitors he coveted to come and go as they pleased.
Once inside, I listened for any noise, smirking as I heard the sound of water running. I eased the Glock into my hands, finding a partially open bathroom door. This particular kill would be easier than the majority.
As I walked inside, the outline of his hulking body came into view through the transparent shower curtain. He wasn’t entirely a stupid and careless man, his holster positioned on the counter. I slid the gun from the leather, chuckling softly. He spared no expense when it came to a gun. I waited, shifting against the wall. I had a few minutes to kill. I even enjoyed his off-key hum, his ease in which he simply finished his shower.
There was no initial reaction on his face when he noticed me, other than reaching for a towel in order to hide his fat belly and overused cock. There was also expression of remorse. He clung to the towel, his dark eyes glaring at me.
“Good evening,” I said in English, still holding the Glock casually.
“Nikchemnyy lakey,” he muttered, shifting his gaze to my weapon.
Worthless lackey. I gazed at the gold and diamond cross necklace he wore, chuckling under my breath. “I assure you, Mr. Grebarski, that I am anything but Mr. Baranov’s lackey. However, I am your judge and executioner, a man who is going to allow you meet your maker.”
The fucker actually laughed.
I nodded, giving him a practiced smile. I wasn’t a man to be fucked with in any manner. I could easily take my time enjoying the moment, making certain he felt my wrath.
However, he wasn’t worth my time.
There was no fanfare, merely a single bullet meeting its mark between his eyes.
The memory was one of dozens, the majority much more brutal in nature. That had been the nature of my business. Then I’d advanced to leading one of the clans, my soldiers performing tasks of this nature. I’d often asked myself if I’d been happy. Perhaps.
But lonely.
I shifted to the edge of the seat, lowering my head, still wired from the events of the day. I also found it difficult to get Giliana off my mind. She was everything in a woman that I admired: tenacious and intelligent, sophisticated yet down to earth. And gorgeous. I’d had my share of women, mostly arm candy for certain events. Only one woman prior to Giliana had captured my attention in a way that had made it difficult to let her go.
Even still, her face haunted my dreams, turning them into nightmares.
I took my last swig of vodka, the liquor having no effect whatsoever. Besides, there was far too much to accomplish.
I rubbed my eyes again, trying to rid myself of the burning desire tearing through me. I’d stood over Giliana while she was sleeping, her body so damn tightly woven into a ball. The way her long strands of hair had cascaded across her face had been gut-wrenching. When I’d pulled her against my chest to lower the bedding, she’d wrapped one arm around me, nuzzling against my neck. I’d almost taken her again, driving my aching cock deep into her sweet little pussy.
I fisted my hand, the lurid thoughts far too overwhelming. Just the way her skin felt to my touch had been incredible, driving me to my own blackness. I lifted my arm, taking a deep whiff. Her scent continued to cover me, lingering in a way that wouldn’t soon be erased.
Not that I wanted it to.
She was mine.
My possession.
My pet.
What I felt for her was undeniable. What I needed from her was absolute surrender.
What I would obtain was every scrap of knowledge about her father’s enterprise, no matter how small the detail. If she truly had no idea where he kept his most precious objects, she would be able to provide a trail in order to find what I was looking for.
No matter what it took.
I wouldn’t have second guessed my longing with any other woman. With her, it would seem everything had changed. She was breaking through my defenses in ways she couldn’t possibly understand.
I rose to my feet, heading toward the basement. She’d deserved to be tossed into the cage given her behavior and escape attempt, but I’d reneged at the last minute. Hell, maybe I’d lost my touch. I would not be so lenient with her today. She would answer questions, providing everything I needed.
Or her punishment would be much worse.
There was no sound of movement as I advanced, the quiet unnerving. The bathroom door was partially closed, dragging me back to the wretched memory.
Using a single finger, I pushed it open, uncertain of what to expect. There was nothing more breathtaking than the vision of her naked body in the water, the curve of her breasts peeking out from the hint of bubbles forcing my cock at full attention. She seemed peaceful, completely unlike only a few hours before.
All I could think about was ravaging her.
Whatever slight sound I made interrupted the beautiful moment. She gasped, jerking up and folding her arms over her breasts as she snapped her head in my direction. There was such defiance on her face, the stunning emerald green eyes shimmering with fury.
“What the hell do you want?” she barked, sucking in her breath, her eyes falling toward the water. She was so rebellious in every manner, refusing to succumb, even to the smallest of commands.
I would take both great joy and pride in breaking her.
“I was making certain you found the items I’d left for you. While I have an appointment, when I return, you will need to be ready to come upstairs.”
“You mean I’m being allowed out of prison?”
Exhaling, I inched closer.
She shifted toward the wall, her entire body tense.
“I am not going to hurt you,” I said in a gentle yet firm tone.
“Of course you’re not.” She brushed her fingers through her damp hair, tugging several strands behind her ear. The slight move was far too much of a draw, dragging me further into the darkness.
She had no way of knowing how close I was to allowing the beast to surface. I clenched my jaw before speaking, providing the direction she obviously needed.
“But you will do as I say. You have no choice in the matter. I am finished with your attitude and your behavior. If you continue, I will have no choice but to make alternate decisions.”
She bit her lower lip.
“Do. You. Understand?”
“Yes. Sir,” she answered curtly.
I lingered, studying her face intently. I was no fool. She would try to escape again at any opportunity. There was no reason to allow my gaze to travel once again to her vulnerable state, but my near obsession with her was impossible to deny.
“Is it raining?” she asked in such an innocent manner, as if we were having a basic conversation.
“A heavy thunderstorm.”
She shivered visibly. “I hate them. The darkness. The anger of the swirling clouds. The power. It’s like the entire world is coming to an end. Maybe that’s exactly what should happen.”
> “No, sweet princess.” Her words were defining, hitting me harder than I would have imagined. “Storms provide a certain beauty as well as life.”
“If you say so.”
The silence was difficult to take; it wasn’t often I didn’t know what to say.
“Nothing will hurt you inside this house. That much I promise you.”
“Are you certain?”
My answer wasn’t one she wanted to hear. I was no longer certain of anything.
Giliana shifted slightly, lifting her head, her lips twisting in resolve. The sound of the lapping water burned in my ears, calling in a manner I refused to respond to. When she purposely lowered her arms, exposing her breasts, my cock twitched. She believed she had power over me. I couldn’t blame her for the attempt.
I turned away, taking a single step. “When I ask you to do something, you will do it. Period. Do not cross me, Giliana.” There was no mistaking the way the water sloshed or the soft thump as her feet hit the floor. When her naked body rubbed against me carelessly, the reflection in the mirror highlighted her voluptuous curves.
She was pulling out all the stops, goading me in the only manner she believed would work. As she reached for one of the towels, she allowed her gaze to slide in my direction. “I’ll do my best. Sir.” Every move she made was doused with a heightened level of seduction as she rubbed the soft material over her dripping body. Even the way her face glistened from the slight humidity was far too enticing.
“Very well.” There was no reason for me to remain, no need to worry about her actions.
But I found myself unable to walk away, drawn by more than just her beauty.
“You do know I hate you. Right?” she asked casually as she tied the towel around her chest, tucking one corner of the material just inside. She moved in front of the mirror, studying her own reflection, the same curt smile remaining on her face.
As if she was holding a secret.
Her words were far too brazen, my actions quick and without thinking. I surrounded her body, shoving her against the counter brutally.
“Oh!” she moaned before slapping her hands against the glass, her chest rising and falling. “What the hell do you think you are doing?”
