“You will be okay, Radost’ moyA. I promise you that,” Nikola said, his breath ragged as he pulled her closer, kissing her forehead. She couldn’t die.
Corsica passed out as Ivan sped into the underground parking structure of Nikola’s building. The doctor was waiting by the elevator, his medical bag prepared for whatever damage was brought to him. He had seen evidence of much violence in his years with the family and this night was no different. But they had never brought him a woman. This was a first.
“Doc. Gunshot to the stomach. Fucking Italians,” Nikola snarled. The doctor joined them in the elevator, knowing the outside world was dangerous. Even here, in the parking garage of Nikola’s home, they were vulnerable to attack.
“Put her on the table there,” the doctor said calmly as they entered the penthouse apartment. He moved to the table and began preparing his things.
“What do you need?” Nikola asked, impatient for the doctor to begin.
“The dress must be removed. I need to be able to get to the wound.”
Nikola nodded as he fisted the dress, tearing it easily. He growled as the dress fell open, revealing Corsica’s naked breasts for all to see. Ivan shifted, turning his head away from the woman. He left the room, returning moments later with a towel. He handed it to his boss.
“Thank you,” Nikola said, spreading the towel over Corsica, covering her as best he could while leaving Doc plenty of room to work.
He watched as the doctor worked in silence, removing the bullet and suturing the wound closed. The bleeding had long since stopped, Corsica coming around only to pass out again moments later. He knew the pain was great. Many of his men had experienced the cold bite of lead; some made it, some did not. Even he was familiar with the pain of a gunshot wound.
Doc taped a bandage over the wound before turning to Nikola. “She’ll be fine. Don’t worry. She was very lucky. The bullet lodged in her side, missing the vital organs. She’ll need lots of rest and she shouldn’t move about for at least a week... and she’ll need to take it easy even after that. I’ll check on her in a few days.” He gathered his equipment, placed his things in his bag, and headed for the door. He glanced back at Nikola. “I’ve given her something to help her rest so she might be out for a while.”
“Thanks, Doc.” Nikola gently picked Corsica up and carried her to his bedroom, placing her on the bed. He removed the torn dress and covered her up. He’d never brought a woman here, never to his home. That was far more intimate than he wished to be with anybody. Seeing her here in his bed sent a chill down his spine. Looking at her now, injured and helpless, made him want to protect her, to care for her, to give her the world. Even though they had only recently met, he felt like she belonged here.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
I awoke to the sound of men with heavy Russian accents speaking loudly amongst each other. Without even opening my eyes, I knew where I was. The throbbing pain in my stomach a stark reminder of what had happened to me. I had been shot in the parking lot of Desire. The memory of that moment was clear as day, but everything that happened after was a blurry, muddled mess, with images of Nikola’s face fading in and out.
“Dobroe utro! Good Morning! How are you feeling?”
I hadn’t realized I wasn’t alone until I heard Nikola’s voice. I moved to sit up and the pain grabbed me, instantly letting me know I had made a huge error in judgment. “Fuck! That hurts.”
He chuckled as he stood, making his way to my side.
“I’m fine… except for this pain. It’s excruciating.”
“Da! I imagine it is. I am so sorry they hurt you. The doctor will be by soon to check on you.”
Settling back on the bed slowly, I looked around the room. Nikola sat on the bed beside me, wearing a black suit and crisp white dress shirt that did little to cover the tattoos on his torso. “Are you hungry?”
“Famished.”
He leaned over, kissing me gently on the forehead. I shivered at the feel of his lips against my skin as I realized I was in his bed. The masculine tones of the room did not escape me, from the thick black curtains over the windows to the black silk sheets and comforter covering the bed I rested in. The voices in the other room had quieted when Nikola left. I wondered what they must be thinking or doing after what had happened.
I smiled as Nikola returned with a tray of eggs, bacon, toast, and a large glass of orange juice. My stomach grumbled at the scent, reminding me of how hungry I was. He helped to prop me up in the bed, placing the tray before me. “Eat. You need to build up your strength.” He took a seat in the chair by the bed.
“How long have I been here?”
“Two days. The doctor gave you something to help you rest through the worst of it. The scar should be small.”
“Scar, huh?” Lifting the fork, I took a bite of the eggs. They melted in my mouth. “So good.”
Nikola sat there, watching me as if he couldn’t take his eyes off of me. I liked the attention, but it made me feel uncomfortable while eating. I pushed the thought away and continued eating.
“I’m sorry you were hurt because of me,” Nikola said. “I will see that the men responsible pay for their crime against you.” The fork was halfway to my mouth and I froze, stiff at his promise to make the men pay for hurting me.
“Don’t,” I said, shaking my head wildly.
“It is our way. They must learn a lesson.”
“Your way is wrong!” I yelped, dropping the fork on the plate.
“Nyet!’ Nikola yelled angrily. “They must pay. You don’t understand.” He stood and moved the tray, placing it on the floor by the bed. When he sat down beside me, my heart jolted at the feel of him so near to me. His hand caressed my cheek as he kissed me gently. I moaned as his tongue flicked across my lips, opening me to his assault. I melted in a heartbeat, forgetting everything except for Nikola.
Other than the pain from my gunshot wound, the only thing that stopped the kiss was the knock at the door. Nikola growled at the disruption and told the person to enter. Ivan hesitantly entered the bedroom, a soft smile on his face. I smiled back, hoping it reached my eyes.
“Boss, have you decided what we should do?”
I frowned at the question, immediately knowing what he meant. Nikola’s silver eyes met mine and he nodded. “Nothing for now. Is the doctor here?”
“Yes, I’ll send him in.”
Ivan left the room without looking back at me and I wondered if he knew I had something to do with Nikola’s change of heart. Part of me expected Nikola to throw his power around in a commanding way, but he didn’t. He was willing to listen. I liked that quality in him.
I glanced at the door, listening for footsteps. Before the doctor came in, I had one burning question to ask and I wasn’t sure exactly how to word it. Taking a deep breath, I forged ahead, hoping my question didn’t piss him off. “Nikola, are you...” I cleared my suddenly-dry throat. “Are you a mobster?” I couldn’t meet his gaze but I could feel his eyes upon me. I half expected him to avoid the question or change the subject, but he didn’t.
“I am,” Nikola said. “The details are not important to you. Just know I will never let another bring harm to you. I swear it! My word is my bond and you are mine to care for and protect from now on.”
A tear slipped down my cheek at the seriousness of his words. Did he truly mean it, though?
****
I hope you enjoyed Indulgence.
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Also by Jacee
Naughty Arrangement
My Russian Hero
The Boardroom
The Professor’s Lover
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Table of Contents
Copyright
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CH
APTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Also by Jacee
Indulgence: A Russian Mafia Romance (Grekov Mafia Book 1) Page 6
