Sweet Redemption_Sweet Duet, Part 2

by Ellie Jean

  I have to perform.

  I must have Dimitri onside.

  He must believe I am going to be married to him in two months’ time.

  My hand finds his ass, squeezing it to relieve the tension between us. A slight smirk releases from his mouth.

  “Christ, Isla. Hear these words. I will have you completely very, very soon. My dick is rock hard for you in that scorching dress you chose for tonight. Every man will want what is mine after seeing you.” Standing together, still embracing, with eyes at this point only on each other, the meaning behind these words ring through my ears clearly.

  Alex…must…stay…away…

  “They’re ready for you, Mr Sokolov.” A pleasant voice reaches my ears.

  The nightmare is about to become very, very real…

  She’s so fucking stunning.

  My breath actually catches when I see her standing in my foyer, wrapped against the one man who is proving to be ridiculously hard to penetrate. As good as my family is, they are looking at every angle of this guy and can’t seem to pinpoint where his weaknesses lie . A bullet to the head would be a great solution but bringing heat upon us isn’t a smart idea. However, if it takes much longer, I will be delivering it to him personally. Blazing heat or inferno heat… It doesn’t matter as long as the fucker is gone.

  The curve of her hips, the way the sleek black material sways when she walks, her hair bouncing slightly against the bare skin of her smooth back drives my dick hard, messing completely with my mind. And when I see her dainty hand swipe across the necklace I bought her in Las Vegas, I all but lose my sanity. I should be at her side. Walking with her, holding her, and announcing to the world what we mean to each other.

  Knock… Knock…

  What the hell?

  At this hour, on a Saturday evening, none of my employees would know I’m here in my office, watching the other half of my soul parade around with another man. Only a few employees, my named close friends, and my family are allowed in this office space.

  Watching Dimitri close his arms around Isla, I peel my eyes away from the screen in front of me. It’s as though I have to torture myself because I can’t fix this problem. I need to be able to protect her and I fucking can’t.

  Striding to the door, I open it brusquely.

  “Stefano…? Uncle… What do I owe the pleasure?” My voice conveys my anger, not the respect I should be displaying for The Boss. Opening the door wider, my uncle and Benito purposefully walk into my modern spacious office before placing themselves on the soft, rectangular black sofa I have in the corner for no purpose but to fill the void in the room. Their harsh eyes meet mine.

  My shoulders are rock solid and stiff from anger and tension. I yank the office chair from near my table to sit opposite them, taking a large breath. Seconds pass without a word.

  “What can I help you with, Uncle?” I try and state calmly. Much calmer than the cyclone brewing inside of me. “Do you have a plan? Is that why you’re here?”

  Benito pulls out a cigarette and lights it up without taking his eyes from mine. My uncle crosses his legs. A slow and steady deliberate action. My upper body leans forward, arms crossed.

  “Alex… We have come up with a plan. After much deliberation, Kolton, your IT specialist, and some of our men have found a powerful associate of Sokolov’s who we can gently coerce into thinking Sokolov is trying to take over his profitable drug run, causing a war within the parties.” My uncle uncrosses his legs, folding his arms across his chest. Taking this in, I lean back in the chair and wait for him to continue. “We will generate and spread speculation and rumors to fuel both sides, assisting our new allies to rid this world of Sokolov when needed.”

  Moving my legs, I get up and pace to my desk and back. “This will take too long. I’ve got two months before Isla becomes his wife and I won’t let it happen.” Gripping the back of my neck, I tighten my fingers, digging them into my flesh, trying to remain in control. My legs firmly set on the carpet in a wide stance.

  Without a twitch of a muscle, uncle stabs me with his eyes, “If he isn’t gone within that time frame, we will personally take him out. He will no longer be here when two months is up. You have my word.”

  Benito pulls his lit cigarette from his mouth. “We have to be smart about this and draw no attention to us. We never have, nor will we ever, lose control of our family and what we stand for. This can be no different, Alex. Years upon years of established rules and routines have got us this far, they won’t let us down now and we won’t risk our family name for anyone.”

  Unsure how to take this, I move back to my table and stand behind it. Rage builds within me. I want to lash out at everything and everyone. I know where I stand, and if I have to go against everything my family stands for, then I will.

  Isla is mine… This is not up for negotiation.

  I am to be head of the family soon and Isla will be beside me.

  Both men stand. Cautiously watching me.

  “It will work, Alex. Let our men handle it,” uncle says sternly. “And don’t you go anywhere near them tonight. We can’t have this mission compromised,” before he turns and leaves me watching his and Benito’s back leaving through my door, closing it swiftly behind them.

  Stretching my arms forward, leaning on my wooden desk, I stretch my neck and close my eyes to release some of the tension. Slowly, I move my left ear toward my left shoulder and do the same on the right side, stretching it. The pumping of blood slows through my neck. My breathing steadies. At least they have finally made a decision as to how to proceed. Now all they need to do is execute it with precision.

  Opening my eyes, I move my finger to the computer to display the scenes from the Ballroom where Isla and Dimitri are…together. I’m back to tormenting myself.

  The camera brings up images of a suit-clad Seth and strong-bodied Kameron talking with Jules and another man. At least Seth is there to protect her. I know there is our security on Isla but getting in to this function would have been impossible with Sokolov no doubt using his own security.

  So many men and finely dressed women move past the lens, capturing many smiling, happy faces. I keep flicking the button until I find her. My eyes roam up from her toes dressed in strappy black heels, glancing at her defined calf muscles, and over to her sexy hips. Seeing the naked skin on her back stirs me to zoom in on her. My eyes move up to her neck, which has been exposed as her long black locks had been placed over the left shoulder, showcasing this delicacy. My view catches a head zeroing in on her neck.

  Fucker…

  Fury bombards me. My arm swipes everything in its reach from my table, crashing it to the floor. My heart thumps… I won’t allow this for one more minute. Blood thrashes in my head. My major organ surges erratically. I can’t hold back anymore.

  Grabbing my coat from the back of my chair, I move with haste to the door, crunching my feet over the broken glass and paperwork.

  Time for my arrival…

  Hidden behind my false cheerful facade is anger, disappointment, sadness but determination outweighs all of them. Surrounded by so many happy people jolts my mind. I may have been resolved for the past six years to live my life as directed by Dimitri but finding Alex has changed this. Always thinking of my family and how they could be hurt had persuaded me to stay the course that has slowly sucked the life out of me. But the time with Alex has shown me what I have been missing from my life. I want a life full of happiness, protection, and mind-blowing sex now that I have tasted it.

  I want Alex…

  I need Alex…

  I love him… Alex is mine…

  I now just have to make it happen.

  Dimitri’s strong hand squeezes mine for about the hundredth time since we entered the stunning ballroom. Jules and I couldn’t have done a better job than what is before us tonight. The soft music from the musicians in the corner filters through, giving a calmness to the space. The dim lighting from the opulent chandeliers casts a romantic glow over
the two hundred plus guests here. The tables sparsely spread through the impressive room allows people to mingle around them, placing used glasses on them or a place to sit at. Waitresses and waiters dressed in black suits mingle through the guests, handing them bubbles, spirits, or their preferred cocktails. Seamlessly, the delicious finger food is delivered to patrons.

  “Two months… Isn’t that right, Isla?” A slight tug of the hand brings me back to the stunning couple in front of me, dressed entirely in formal wear.

  “Yes, this time will go so fast. It’s an exciting time for Dimitri and I.” Smiling shyly at my husband-to-be, “There is so much to organize but Dimitri has taken care of most of it already. I am a lucky girl.” The woman looks at us warmly.

  “You two look amazing together. Dimitri, where did you find this beauty?” The businessman takes a mouthful of his drink, waiting for an answer. I’m interested to hear it myself. But mostly I want to see if my fiancé pulls this asshole in line for eyeing me up and down. Practically drooling.

  “She’s been a family friend for such a long time. I finally won her over.” A small laugh follows as he pulls me closer to him, kissing my cheek. I lean in to it.

  “Good luck to both of you.” His joyful, hungry eyes look to mine. “Dimitri, don’t forget our meeting next Wednesday.”

  “Not a chance.” Releasing me for a minute, he takes the woman’s slender hand and kisses it before shaking the man’s hand.

  Always the gentleman…

  Securing his arm behind my waist again, he leads me toward a table.

  “You really are captivating. There’s not a single guy in this room that doesn’t want you, Isla. Married or not, they are all wishing they had you on their arm. In their bed. Having their way with you. Making you scream their name.” The warmth of his breath wafts past my neck as he murmurs in my ear.

  Closing my eyes momentarily, I pretend Alex is next to me. Focusing, I snap my eyes back to Dimitri, calmly I state, “But I’m all yours… This ring proves it.” Resting my left hand on his shoulder, my look doesn’t falter. Dimitri oozes confidence and sex appeal. He’s handsome, commanding, and a man any woman would want despite his mature age. Holy hell… If I met him in any other way, than being used and pimped out by him and his associates, I possibly would have fallen head over heels in love with him. Unfortunately, there’s no way in any universe I could ever love this evil man.

  “Don’t ever forget it, my dear.” A steely gaze casts over me.

  “Can we go and see my mother now?” I need to be among people who love me. People I know.

  “A great idea.” Standing taller than most of the guests, Dimitri surveys the large room and detects my mother.

  “She’s over by the cake. Come, Isla.”

  Linking his hand in mine, again, we walk toward my mother. My feet, heavy in these thin high heeled shoes, are getting sore. Being stopped by unknown well-wishers, laughing and displaying excitement, is weighing me down. My acting is holding firm, but I need to get to my loved ones.

  At least thirty minutes later, they finally are in eye shot. My family… Less my mother and Ben.

  Jules looks sexy in her low-cut, silver strapless dress that reflects the light from every precious mirrored gem attached to her short slim-fitting dress. Her blonde hair piled high on top of her head. Kameron looks ravishing in her black, tight leather dress, partnered with a black choker around her neck and black knee-length boots. Her intricate tattoos decorate her arms and wild windswept red-streaked hair delivers a dangerous vibe to anyone looking at her. Devastatingly sexy is Seth next to her, exuding command and respect. His protective stance over Kameron is noticeable. Dressed to kill any woman’s senses in his black formal tuxedo, his deep brown hair is slicked back, and his dark blue stormy eyes are heavily trained on his girl and every now and then around the room. For the first time tonight, I let a genuine smile erupt on my face.

  Trying to restrain myself from running, Dimitri leads me a few more steps to my family.

  “How is everyone on this momentous evening? Isla and I are so glad you could join us.” Reaching his hand out, he shakes Seth’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Seth and Kameron.” Crap, how does he know his name? He hasn’t met him before…

  Seth politely shakes his sturdy hand before Dimitri leans in to kiss Kameron on the cheek, moving swiftly to Jules. “You look lovely tonight, Jules. Nearly as stunning as my bride-to-be.”

  Is that a genuine smile from my fiancé? His eyes sparkle as though he actually means it. Shaking my head internally to clear the thought from my mind, I reach forward to hug my dearest friends. Jules hugs me tighter than ever before, releasing me into Kam’s warm embrace and a kiss on the cheek from Seth. Concern filters across all of their eyes temporarily before they restore their smiles.

  “I’m so happy you could all come tonight,” my tone bright and airy. “Doesn’t this place look amazing, Jules? We may need to steal some of their ideas?” My head tilts to the ground, as I remember I no longer work with Jules.

  “The room is an absolute beauty. Dimitri, you have done a great job getting this organized on such short notice. There’s no way we could have been able to prepare this with only a week’s notice,” Jules speaks freely and with confidence.

  “Money has a way of talking and getting the job done when needed. This night had to be perfect for my darling Isla. Nothing is too good for her and I would do anything to keep that smile on her face.” Lifting my chin with his finger, his lips seal a kiss over my mouth. It takes all my will power not to hurl my insides up all over him. I guess the men he served me to were up to his standards for his darling Isla…

  “All that romancing and fine dining you’ve showed Isla over the years must have finally swept Isla off her feet,” Jules sweetly says before taking a sip of her bubbly champagne. Her blue eyes spearing an arctic look his way. “I must admit, I was flat out keeping up with Isla’s commitments after work each day. Waiting for nightly calls to let me know she had arrived home in one piece. But it’s all worked out for the best now, hasn’t it, Dimitri?”

  Fuck… Moving my head to catch a waiter’s eyes, a young man heads my way, giving me a glass of alcohol. Tipping it back, I nearly finish the whole glass in one mouthful.

  Dimitri hasn’t taken his eyes from Jules. An amused smirk forms. “Maybe I could fix you up with one of my many friends, Jules. Show you exactly how you deserve to be looked after?”

  Slowly taking a piece of her hair and wrapping behind her ear, she continues to smile, and goad. “Thank you for your kind offer, but I have my hands full with work at the moment now Isla is no longer with me. No time for a male and their complications.”

  “You never know, Jules, when someone may just sweep you off your feet. Taking you to places you could never dream of.” The tone Dimitri uses can’t be mistaken. It’s sinister and a threat, even though his face conveys joy. I have to hand it to Jules, she’s one of the strongest women I know, she didn’t recoil at any of his words.

  Seth interjects, “Isla, Kameron’s been eyeing off your cake. When are you going to cut it?”

  My rapidly beating heart thanks Seth for his quick thinking. “I have to see mother first. After that, maybe? Dimitri?”

  As if on cue, my brother rounds Dimitri in a dark navy suit, looking very handsome holding my small mother’s arm. There’s concern etched upon his face. Mother is sobbing into a handkerchief, almost unladylike while Ben tries to console her and walk at the same time. With his back to us, he hasn’t noticed us standing there yet.

  “I can’t let this happen, Benjamin. We can’t let this happen.” Mother’s words aren’t quiet. Dimitri looks as though he is about to eradicate mother from this planet.

  “Sshh, it’s all going to be all right. I don’t know why all of a sudden you’re so upset.” Standing still and holding mother’s arm strongly, he looks with care at our mother.

  She’s trying to whisper but her hiccups make her voice louder. “He will hurt Isla. He has hu�
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  “Adeline.” Dimitri’s forceful voice is just loud enough for our circle to hear. His face shows the true evil Dimitri for a second. There’s no mistaking he would like to harm my mother at this point in time. Ben abruptly turns and sees me and my fiancé hand in hand. I can tell he wants to ask questions, but the boom of Dimitri’s voice must have snapped her out of her state, or sent her into a hypnotized trance where she now appears calm and collected. Wiping her nose one last time, she places her handkerchief in her clutch and tries very hard to smile.

  Eyeing her cautiously, Ben leans in and whispers in her ear.

  She smiles brighter, “I’m okay. I don’t know what came over me, but I feel better now.” Jules walks over to mother and gives her a large embrace, giving Ben the chance to acknowledge us.

  “This must be the man of the moment.” Ben is smiling now, albeit, he is not as enthusiastic as he normally is. Mother’s words and actions will still be foremost in his head. He has no idea of the actual truth that has been hidden for the past six years.

  He bro-hugs Dimitri, patting him on the back. “Welcome to our family, Dimitri.” Looking at me, he then adds, “I didn’t even know you had a boyfriend, Isla. You always did keep secrets well hidden from me when we were younger.” He leans his arm casually on Dimitri’s shoulder, like a brother would. “Mom told me about the engagement, Isla, why didn’t you call me?” His smile turns down slightly.

  Worried about what to say, I try to think of a response but Dimitri steps in, “Your mother said she would let you know after we told her the good news and showed her the beautiful ring. Isn’t she thoughtful, Benjamin?” I try and lighten my face with a large smile to comfort Ben and mom’s thoughts. I realize I haven’t introduced them officially yet.

  “Dimitri, this is Benjamin, or Ben, my little brother.” Hugging Ben, I hold on for a few seconds before moving over to hug my mother. Her floral A-line dress, makes her look younger than her forty-odd years. There’s a few tear streaks that remain on her face. I quickly wipe my fingers over them, smoothing them out.