Blood And Roses (Tainted Hearts)

by Lylah James

  It felt like I had found a new purpose in life.

  My Angel.

  ***

  “Did you miss me? Is that why you’re calling?” the voice answered on the first ring.

  “Good morning to you, too.”

  “It’s actually still night here,” she replied drily.

  “Whatever, Lena.”

  “Well, what are you calling for? You do realize that you just disturbed my sleep?” she smarted off.

  “You do realize that I am your boss, right?” I replied tiredly.

  “Oops, sorry. I forgot. What can I do for you then, Mr. Ivanshov?” Lena continued. It was impossible to miss the sarcasm in her voice.

  “I am bringing someone home.”

  I waited as my words were received with silence.

  And then the screeching started. I took my phone away from my ear, only to hear Isaak chuckling from his seat across the room.

  “Oh. My. God! Is it a puppy? Please tell me it’s a puppy! You know I always wanted a puppy.”

  Hit her, Isaak mouthed while smiling.

  My own smirk appeared. Lena was about to have a heart attack. But it was going to be worth it.

  “No. It’s a girl,” I drawled.

  Silence. Complete utter silence.

  “So I need you to prepare one of the bedrooms. Preferably the one across from mine if you can. Order some clothes. She’s going to need them. Small size. And other accessories, whatever the fuck females need,” I continued.

  Silence again.

  “We will see you later. Have a good night, Lena. Enjoy your sleep.”

  I cut off the call before busting out laughing. Isaak joined me, and I wheezed, my stomach hurting.

  “Did we actually get her speechless?” Isaak said through his laughter.

  I nodded before taking a seat beside him. “I think so. She really needed to shut her fucking mouth. It looks like I finally found a way.”

  “Priceless!”

  We were still chuckling when the bathroom door opened. Maria walked out, now freshly showered. Her hair was in a bun, and she was wearing a dress that came down to her knees.

  I had made Isaak order it the night before, knowing she was going to need some clothes to travel back home.

  The dress was plain and simple, with only a small black belt around the waist. Tight around her chest but flowy from her waist. The color was a soft pink and perfect for Maria.

  It really made her look breathtaking.

  My beautiful little Angel.

  “Are you ready, Maria?” I asked before standing up.

  Without even asking her, she walked closer. My arms were still by my sides, fighting the urge to just pull her in my arms. But this was her choice. Her moment.

  And she didn’t disappoint me.

  With a gentle smile, her cheeks blushing beautifully, she almost glided toward me. Maria stood in front of me, her head tilted back, her eyes boring into mine.

  “I am ready,” she said.

  Her hand reached forward, and she grabbed mine. Instinctively, my fingers grasped hers.

  “I am ready,” she repeated again, more confident.

  My lips stretched in a smile, finding it so hard to hide my happiness. Good choice, Angel.

  I pulled her forward, and she fell into my arms, giggling. “Let’s go home, then.”

  She nodded without saying a word, laying her trust in the palms of my hands.

  Our hands were clasped together as we walked out of the hotel, Isaak and my other men using their bodies as our shields.

  The drive to the airport was silent. Maria’s eyes were wide as she stared outside. I saw a hint of fear in the depth of her eyes, but every time I squeezed her hand in support, she would relax.

  I loved her reaction to me. I knew she felt it, our connection. She felt it just as deeply as I did.

  She spent her time looking at the clouds during the plane ride. We talked very little, only because we found the silence between us more comforting.

  We reveled in it and fell deeper into each other during the silence.

  When the plane touched down, I gently shook her awake. She smiled sleepily and held on to my arm as we walked out.

  It didn’t take us long to be back into the car, this time to my estate. Maria’s new home. Now her sanctuary.

  When the car came to its final destination, I helped her out of the car. She was mesmerized by the sight, like I knew she would be.

  She stared for a long moment before I brought her out of her reverie.

  “This is your new home,” I said, bringing her attention back to me, where it should be.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said, glancing back at the stone mansion.

  “Do you like it?” I asked, my thumb rubbing over her cheek.

  Maria nodded before smiling. “I like it very much.”

  Her gaze found mine again, her blue eyes looking so bright in the morning sun. She pressed her cheek against my touch, like she wanted more.

  “Before we step inside, do you remember the rules?” I asked, holding her gaze firmly.

  She swallowed nervously before nodding.

  “What are the rules, Angel?” I demanded.

  “I will never address myself as a slave. I will never kneel, not unless you ask me to. I will always eat three meals a day, including snacks in between. I will always sleep on the bed. And never call you Master. I will always call you by your name, Lyov.” She repeated the rules quickly, looking desperate to please me.

  My heart felt light, and I couldn’t help but smile.

  “Good girl,” I said, placing a kiss on her forehead. She melted in my embrace, and I held her to me. “Remember those rules, Maria. If you break any of them, I will be very displeased.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t want to displease you.”

  My lips made contact with her right temple. “Good.”

  I held her, both of us completely lost in each other, before Isaak cleared his throat.

  Slightly pulling away, I held her hand in mine. “Let’s go inside, then.”

  We took a step forward, together. I saw my men; most of their eyes were on us. I saw the look they gave Maria.

  The way I held her as she walked on my right, they just knew.

  Their back straightened, their heads almost bowing in respect as we walked closer.

  Behold your Queen.

  Chapter 9

  Maria

  His arms were wrapped tightly around my waist, holding me firmly against his body. His embrace was strong and protective. I liked the way my body was cuddled into his warmth. Master—Lyov, he made me feel safe.

  I couldn’t remember the last time I felt safe, loved, or cherished. But in a matter of hours, he was able to make me feel all.

  I liked the way his arm tightened around my hips as we walked toward the main door. My eyes took everything in. Lyov was a wealthy man, I knew that, but for the first time, I was truly seeing his wealth.

  He was a powerful man.

  Strong, dangerous, and deadly.

  But compared to my last Master, it felt as if I would never feel his wrath.

  It felt like I would forever be cocooned under the protection of his wings. Kept safe next to his heart, by his side. Never underneath his feet.

  The front of the estate was gorgeous, and I found myself mesmerized. After being locked in cages and just a cold, lifeless room for so long, it felt nice to finally see something so majestic and beautiful in the sunlight.

  A few men were lined up along the path to the door. They wore similar suits as Lyov, although Master’s looked more expensive…and refined. It screamed he was the King and everyone else were just his puppets. His loyal subjects.

  They were at his bidding. One word and everyone would run as they were commanded. Lyov had that type of power. I knew it the moment my eyes found him—sought him out between all those other rich men.

  As if it were meant to happen. Meant to be.

  He found me kneeling
at Valentin’s feet. His voice caressed over my skin, both burning and soothing me at the same time. And then I found him, my body calling out to his touch and wanting to feel the soft caress of his rough voice again.

  Who would have known that a man like him could calm the screaming demons in my head?

  Lyov could make my heart thump, like the wings of a bird flapping desperately to soar toward the sky. Only he could make my body flush red under his penetrating gaze instead of making my skin crawl.

  As we walked toward the open doors, his men standing up straighter, their posture solid and unwavering—I felt safe.

  We took a step inside, and the moment my feet were past the doors and into the mansion, his lips grazed my skin lightly as he whispered in my ear.

  “Welcome home, Angel.”

  Lyov had the power to make me breathless. And I starved for more of him. All of him. His words. His voice. His touch. His kisses. Everything that was him—I wanted it.

  His lips moved down, and with so much gentleness, he kissed the side of my neck. A feathered touch. A kiss of devotion. A kiss with unsaid words. One kiss that could rival a thousand.

  His lips lingered there longer than necessary, but I couldn’t complain. My eyes fluttered closed, and I leaned more against his body, letting him feel me. I wanted the comfort he brought to my fragile soul.

  I turned in his arms, and our eyes met. His grey ones heated me to the core as he gazed fiercely into my face, watching me as if I were the only thing he could see in this moment.

  I had his sole attention, and he became the reason for each breath I took.

  His full lips pulled up at the sides as he grinned down at me. The darkness that shadowed his face was swept off, and Lyov transformed from deadly to carefree. He was no longer Lyov, a King who owned those around him, to a simple man gazing tenderly down at me.

  When I could no longer hold his eyes, mine dropped to his chest nervously. The way he stared at me, it did strange things to my stomach and heart. His hands gripped my hips, and he pulled me into his body, our fronts touching. He held me both firmly and preciously. It was a dangerous combination.

  My hands instinctively went to his chest. His shirt was soft, and everything underneath it was hard. His strong muscles were firm under my touch, and I felt myself wanting more—to touch and see more of him.

  His heartbeat was strong and sure, so much like himself—and so much unlike mine, which tripped with each breath I took.

  I was nervous, he was calm.

  I was unsure, he was confident.

  I was shy, he was arrogant.

  I was weak, he was strong.

  We were opposites, yet when we touched, it felt like a jolt of lightning, a never-ending wave of pleasure passing through us. From the tips of his fingers to mine.

  “Thank you,” I whispered, still staring at the rise and fall of his chest.

  With a finger under my chin, he tipped my head back. “For what, Maria?”

  I took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. Nervousness clawed at my throat, and I suddenly found it hard to speak. Lyov stared at me expectantly, waiting patiently for me to continue.

  With our eyes connected, I showed him my soul. I only prayed that he didn’t steal it and drag it to the crimson fire of hell.

  My lips parted, and I finally spoke again. “For bringing me here. You saved me. I don’t feel…like I used to with my previous master. It’s different. You are different. And you make me feel safe. I wish to be good for you, Lyov.”

  So that you never let me go.

  Those words were left unsaid. A slave never made demands. We only listened and obeyed.

  I was going to be everything he wanted and needed. Then he wouldn’t think of leaving me. I would be his, just as much as he would be mine.

  “It’s cute that you keep saying I saved you, Angel. If only you knew the truth. I captured you. I am the devil in disguise, and the devil…well, he likes to play games.”

  His voice broke me out of my thoughts, and I stared up at him in surprise. He was no longer grinning, like a man with no worries in the world. Instead, he wore his signature smirk. The same one that made him look vicious. His grey eyes were laughing at me, but the darkness in there couldn’t be mistaken.

  His fingers lingered over my neck before drawing upward. His touch moved closer to my mouth. Lyov paused, and then his eyes went to where his finger laid, just inches away from its destination. He thumbed my lips roughly, and I trembled in his hold.

  He brought his head down until our mouths were so close that I thought he would claim my lips. Instead, Lyov stayed there, letting anticipation lick its way into my body. His breath feathered over my skin when he spoke again.

  “I am the devil in a pretty suit, sweet Angel. Remember that.”

  His voice was soft, caressing me—yet those words—they were anything but soft.

  I should be scared. A small part of me was. After months of being a slave and living in captivity, it taught me to doubt everything. It had instilled fear in me.

  But with Lyov, the fear was mixed with something else. I couldn’t figure it out. He made me feel. I didn’t know what it was…but my heart skipped and my breath caught in my throat. My body moved on its own—moving toward him, even closer as I sought his warmth.

  His smirk grew, and he chuckled low under his breath. His chest vibrated, and I liked the way it sounded. Rich and smooth. Dark and deadly.

  Valentin was a handsome man. He truly was. His face was sculptured. He was tall, his build wide and strong, very much like Lyov.

  But there was just something about my Lyov that held my attention and made me want more.

  It confused me.

  But I’d rather let Lyov do the thinking for me. I chose to place myself in his palms and let him take care of me. I gave him the power to become my everything, so I could be what he needed.

  Because I trusted him. My reasoning might be naïve and weak, but I needed him. Our match wasn’t ideal. It wasn’t perfect. But I believed it was perfect for us.

  For now. Until how long?

  The thought broke through my delirious mind, reminding me of the future I couldn’t see.

  Even though Lyov told me not to call him Master, he was still one. Slaves are not kept forever. We are made to be bought and sold after being used.

  I squeezed my eyes shut, refusing to think of this. No, Lyov called me Angel. I was his sweet Angel. My heart told me that we could never end. Me and him.

  Yet…

  A hand gripped my jaw, the hold gentle but commanding. A strength to my weakness. “Open your eyes, Maria.”

  My eyes snapped opened, and I stared up at Lyov. His eyes were narrowed dangerously, and his gaze swept over my face, intently watching my expression. My teeth nibbled at my bottom lips, nervous, scared, worried.

  I didn’t want to lose him.

  Lyov seemed almost angry, but when he sweetly tucked my hair behind my ears, his eyes softened the slightest bit, but never losing that dangerous look on his face. His grip on my jaw didn’t loosen, and he brought my face closer to his. I had to stand on my tip-toes until our faces were only half an inch apart. Our noses touched, and if I leaned a tiny bit, our lips would touch too.

  “I can almost see the wheels turning in your head. The way you lost that happy look on your face, I don’t like it. Whatever you’re thinking, stop,” he said. My heart fluttered and stomach clenched.

  “If it makes you sad, then it does not concern you. Because, Angel, the only thing you should think about from now on is making me happy.” Lyov growled the last part, as if the thought of me thinking of anything else other than him displeased him greatly.

  “If I make you happy, then what happens?” I whispered as I fought the urge to cry. I felt unstable—drowning in an ocean of feelings I didn’t comprehend.

  “Then you will be happy too,” he simply replied. Lyov cocked his head to the side with a thoughtful look. He released my face, and his hands went to my hips
again. We fell into silence…and I liked it.

  I could feel his men watching us. We weren’t alone, but instead of pulling away, I melted into his embrace.

  My voice was muffled in his chest when I spoke again, but I knew he heard it before his hand tightened around my hips. “Your happiness is my happiness, Lyov. I will try to be the best for you. I promise. Until my last breath.”

  Lyov pulled away and sighed before giving me the smallest smile. It was a rare one, and I liked that too. “Good. Now let me show this place. This is your home now. You are free to go anywhere as long as you stay in the estate, on our grounds. If you want to go outside the gates, you are allowed, but you will need to let me know so I can assign someone for your protection.”

  He waited for my response. I nodded and listened attentively. “Everything I do is for your safety, pretty Angel. Do not think I am chaining you down, because even though I want nothing but to tie you up and make sure you never leave my bed—I want your wings to spread open so you can fly.”

  My heart soared, as if my invisible wings really were spread out and I was flying…higher and higher into the bright sky. I soared toward Lyov.

  He gripped my hand in his, our fingers entwining together as we continued inside. Our steps faltered as a woman stopped in front of us.

  She raised her eyebrow at Lyov and then looked at me, her eyes searching my face. She then smiled. It was honest and sweet.

  “I thought you were playing me,” she muttered under her breath before pouting. “But it looks like you were telling the truth. You really brought someone home.”

  Lyov groaned in annoyance, but when I peeked up at him, he didn’t look annoyed. Actually, he looked like he was fighting a smile.

  The woman was wearing a black dress that came just above her knees. Her curves were outlined in the dress, and she towered a bit over me. Her black hair was tugged back in a ponytail, and her kind brown eyes were smiling down at me.

  “Lena,” she said after a second of silence.

  I shook my head. “No. My name is Maria.”

  My eyes widened, and I moved closer to Lyov. No. What have I done?

  My hand came up, and I clenched his arm, afraid he would pull away from me and be angry. I squeezed my eyes shut and fought back a sob that was threatening to break free from my throat.