As the man writhes in pain, his hand going to his injured eye, blood starts pooling down his face. Letting go of me, Vlad takes another knife, plunging it into the man's neck, cutting open the flesh and watching as more blood flows freely from his body.
Vlad's upper lip twitches, and his pupils dilate as his eyes hone in on the blood. He's in a trance as he brings his hand to the man's throat, coating his palm in blood and staring at it reverently.
Sensing the change in him and remembering the incident at Sacre Coeur, I move fast. Grabbing his arm, I turn him around, my hands framing his face so he looks me in the eye.
I note the paleness of his pallor, and the way his black eyes resemble a tar pit. He blinks twice, staring at me with no hint of recognition in his gaze.
Am I too late?
I'm not even afraid as I continue pleading him with my eyes. Even knowing what he's capable of, I have no desire to run, or hide.
"Come back," I whisper, "come back to me."
He tilts his head to the side, studying me like a predator, his ears pricking at the sound of my words. Still, he doesn't seem to understand me, or realize what's happening around him.
Unable to shake him off, I do the only thing I can think of.
I lift myself on the tips of my toes and at the same time I bring his face closer to mine. Still holding on to his cheeks, I pucker my lips and press them to his.
He doesn't react.
Undeterred, I apply more pressure, pushing into him until my lips are flush against his. His mouth is soft, a contrast to the hardness of him, especially now that he seems to be heading into murderous rage territory.
Holding my breath, I keep my lips on his for as long as I can before I realize I'm out of oxygen. Gasping as I fill my lungs with air, my mouth opens slightly on top of his, and for the first time I get a reaction.
His upper lip trembles faintly, but he responds to my kiss, brushing his mouth ever so slightly over mine.
It's surreal as I open my eyes and note the changes in his demeanor. Life flows back into his face, color infusing his cheeks as they immediately turn red.
Out of nowhere, his hands grab my shoulders, pushing me off him, his eyebrows pinched together in a frown.
"What are you doing?" He asks, his voice rough.
"Trying to help you?" I give him a sheepish smile that he returns, even in his shocked state.
"Ahh, the kiss of life," he purrs, suddenly back to his old self. "As much as I'd love more of that, we should make our exit before the cops get here." He notes just as we hear the sirens in the distance.
"You did well, hell girl," he praises once we get into the car, "you did very well indeed."
I preen at his words, hiding a satisfied smile.
"You said people wouldn't attack you." I add, unusually composed considering we've just been shot at and Vlad probably killed some of the men.
"They were fools," he chuckles, "but I can't say I didn't enjoy the exercise." He stretches in his seat, and my eyes fall to his biceps.
From the first time I saw him, Vlad's only been dressed in a black business suit. Now that his blazer is off, I get a better view to his bulging muscles, and I remind myself how easily he'd dispatched those men. Even with me by his side, he'd effortlessly waltzed around, everything more of a game than what it actually was—a life and death situation.
Not for the first time, I tell myself that I should feel differently about this... about him. There's just so much violence and brutality under his polished facade, all of it waiting to be unleashed. Yet, I can't help myself. Like a moth to a flame, that volatility of his is only drawing me in, making me want to know everything about him.
If before my place in hell had been secured, with Vlad by my side, it will be personalized into a true inferno.
"What would have happened if... if you'd lost your manners?" I ask, using the euphemism he'd suggested.
He purses his lips, his eyes on the road as he speeds into the night.
"I would have ripped everyone apart," he states bluntly.
I'm silent for a moment.
"Including me?"
He spares me a glance, his expression closed off, yet there's a hint of curiosity as he regards me.
"I don't know," he admits. "No one's ever escaped with their lives intact when I've... ahm, lost my manners," he says half-amused.
"I did. Twice," I note.
"You did," he narrows his eyes at me, "and I'm looking forward to finding out why."
"Maybe it was my magical kiss," I joke, chuckling.
"Then maybe you should do it again," he wiggles his eyebrows at me, and I elbow him in the arm.
"Is that how you thank me for helping you? By taking advantage of my kindness?"
"Is that what it was back there?" He asks, his deep voice making me tremble. "Just kindness?"
Put on the spot, I turn my gaze to the road, unable to think of an appropriate reply.
Because it hadn't been just kindness. It had been so much more.
Chapter Twelve
I wait for her to answer, wanting her, no, needing her to tell me it wasn't just kindness.
Imagine my shock when I'd come around, only to feel soft lips pressed to mine, the intoxicating scent of her body invading my nostrils.
It's never happened before. Never have I snapped out of one of my rages like today, and it's all because of her.
I sneak a glance at her, and for the thousand time I have to wonder what is it about her. I've only been around her for a few hours now, and already, I feel more at peace than I have in ages.
Maybe it's because Vanya is not around, invading my space and holding me accountable for everything that happens around me. For the first time, it's just me.
And her.
Fuck, and that kiss that wasn't really a kiss but more of a peck... Even now, thinking about it, I just want to close my eyes and embed it in my memory.
She doesn't realize that being this close to her has been the closest I've been to another human being in... forever. She's bold and open with her touch, sometimes her hand reaching for mine without her realizing it.
It shocks me.
It delights me.
I don't think I've ever felt the absence of touch until she decided to strut into my life and turn it upside down. What is a man to do when he's suddenly faced with all the things he's never had, all within reach?
Take. Take and selfishly take.
But the most bizarre thing is her easy acceptance of me. She'd neither been shocked, nor scared, when so many before her have shunned and ostracized me, fear being the ultimate impetus for their actions.
Not in her case.
So accustomed I've grown with others being terrified of me that I have to continually ask her if she's scared yet, worried there may come a moment when I'd be too much for her and she'd just... disappear.
No, that's out of discussion.
I'll keep her by my side even if I have to fight her, or Marcello and an entire army. I'd already pretty much decided that when I'd been in her room, but tonight just solidified my decision.
Besides, if she's there to stop my blackouts, then she's also helping other people, since I won't be killing as many anymore. The way I see it, it's a win-win situation.
Satisfied with my line of thought, a smile pulls at my lips.
"What are you smiling at?" She asks, looking all suspicious, her arms crossed over her chest... Already my eyes are following another path and I have to shake myself to focus on the road.
"Me?" I feign innocence, but seeing her pout at me, those full lips demanding my whole attention, I can't help myself. "When I lose my manners next time, will you kiss me again?"
Her eyes widen, and she blinks rapidly, looking at me as if she didn't hear me.
"If I must," she murmurs, a little too low, but it's all the incentive I need to pull over.
"What..." She trails off as she sees me open a small compartment, taking a set of knives and testing each blade bef
ore settling on one. Just as I'm about to cut my arm open, she stops me, her hand covering my own as she's trying to snatch the knife from me.
"You're crazy." She mutters, forcefully dislodging my fingers off the knife. "Why would you do that to yourself?"
"So you can kiss me again," I answer honestly.
She regards me curiously, all the while taking all sharp objects from my proximity and stuffing them back in the compartment.
"You liked it that much?" She asks, lowering her gaze as a blush envelopes her cheeks.
"It was nice." I shrug.
Her eyes immediately flash at me, and for some reason, I know I've said something wrong.
"Nice?" She asks, her eyebrows shooting up, "nice," she repeats numbly.
I nod. Maybe it hadn't been nice for her? I didn't think about that. What if she'd done it in the spur of the moment and then she'd regretted it? What if she didn't like it? I know I'm not that bad looking. Bianca used to tell me that I could get it if I weren't such a psycho. I don't know exactly what she'd meant, but I assume she was complimenting me.
"Just nice?" She inquires in disbelief, emphasizing the word nice as if it has a negative connotation.
Ahh, I see.
I must have offended her feminine sensibilities.
"Well," I start, and for the first time I find myself a little unsure, "I don't have anything to compare it to, but I know kisses involve a little... more," I give her one of my charming smiles. "We can try better next time," I quickly reassure her.
I may not have direct experience, but I've witnessed enough kisses to know they involve more than just lips touching.
For a moment she doesn't speak. She just regards me wide-eyed, and I'm afraid I've said something wrong. Again.
"You've never kissed anyone before?" She asks, confused.
I tilt my head to the side, studying her. Since this is foreign territory, I don't want to say something that will offend her or make her not want to kiss me again. The feel of her lips on mine had been unlike anything before, and I'd like to recreate it. Just to ensure it wasn't my erroneous perception at the time.
Science. Yes, it's just science.
"Is that bad?" I speak slowly. I've never in my life felt this uncertain about something, and it's like my entire being hinges on her next words.
She notices my perplexity, so she immediately replies. "No, not at all. Just surprising." Her lips stretch widely across her face in a blinding smile.
I still, staring at her, my mouth emulating hers as I return the smile.
Her eyes soften as she looks at me, and she touches her hand to mine.
"Since we're in the same boat, why don't you show me what you meant by more," she says, a blush staining her cheeks.
I look at her in wonder, mostly because I can't believe she's willing to do it again. Even though I hadn't wanted to believe it, deep down I'd been sure that the first kiss had been a fluke, and that she hadn't really intended to do it.
Because who would want to kiss me?
Over the years, I might have let my mind briefly wonder what it would be like to be with someone, mostly out my intrinsic curiosity. But even then I'd been more than aware that I had too many things going against me to get closer to another human being, all of which include a ghostly sister, a not so pleasant reputation and a lack of self-control. Not to mention the fact that I don't think I've ever found anyone attractive before.
And yet, this woman in front of me seems to cancel everything out.
She's peering at me from beneath her lashes, and I note a sudden shyness in her demeanor. Not one to miss an opportunity when it presents itself, I act—fast.
Leaning towards her, I undo her seatbelt, my hands firmly gripping her waist as I slide her towards me.
She's watching me intently, her legs coming on either side of my seat as she straddles me. Steadying herself against the sudden movement, she spreads her palms all over my chest, their warmth passing through the material of my shirt and into my skin.
Her eyes are wide with wonder as she studies my face, one hand creeping up to caress my cheek.
"You're dangerous," she whispers, her fingers leaving a trail of fire in their wake until they settle on my mouth.
I part my lips, sucking the tips of her fingers in. "Are you scared yet?" I ask and her eyes crinkle with amusement.
She shakes her head. "No, not yet."
I tug her closer, her chest flush to mine, my hands moving up her waist until I'm circling her ribcage.
The urge to move even further up is maddening, but I don't want to rush her. Not yet.
"What now?" she whispers, staring into my eyes. We're standing so close our breaths are mingling together, and I can feel her warmth on my skin.
"Now," I say, dipping my head and brushing my lips to hers. Just like before, she puckers hers, holding herself still at the contact. "Relax," I speak against her mouth, my tongue sneaking out to part her lips. She stiffens, and I feel her frown in confusion, but she doesn't move away.
"Let me in," I whisper, moving one hand to her face and cupping her cheek.
Soft.
I never realized just how soft a woman's skin is. And like a curious child, I keep circling my thumb around her face. It must please her, because she becomes boneless in my arms, slightly parting her lips and sighing deeply.
I take advantage and I fit my mouth to hers, letting my tongue probe inside.
This is it... theory vs practice.
She's hesitant as she strokes her tongue to mine, a moan escaping her at the contact. I swallow the sound, opening my mouth wider and devouring her.
Sisi starts returning the kiss, and soon our mouths are tangled in a slow dance, a give and take that tantalizes the senses.
The feel of her soft mouth opening under mine, the intensity of her kiss as she matches my tempo are driving me crazy as I bring her even closer to me.
Christ, but she wouldn't just make me a believer. She would make me a disciple worshiping her as my religion.
She wounds her arms around my neck, willingly offering me her embrace as she slowly rocks herself against me. I feel lightheaded as I give into this wondrous temptation, all the blood rushing down to my cock.
I'm a dead man.
I know she can feel it too because she's grinding up and down my erect cock, the movement coming to her so naturally.
It would be so easy... lower my zipper and push her panties to the side. I would slide right inside her welcoming heat and...
I groan against her lips.
Fuck! Never in my life have I been this aroused, and it's doing things to my brain. The power to think rationally completely leaves me and for a moment I have to wonder if the damage will be permanent.
Our mouths are ravenously devouring each other at this point, the tentative exploration from before gone and replaced with pure wild abandon.
Sisi is just as mindless as I am, her hands clawing at my back as she's trying to bring me even closer to her. Her pussy's fitted right on top of my cock as she moves, her lips rubbing against me through my pants.
Ah, fuck, she's soaking wet.
For all my destructive tendencies, I've never been a fan of exchanging bodily fluids. Yet I can't help but wonder how Sisi would taste, her flavor coating my tongue as I bring her to the brink.
"Vlad, I..." she wrenches her mouth from mine, pupils dilated, lips swollen, "there's something happening to me, I..." she looks confused, her mouth parting on a soundless moan as her body starts trembling in my arms.
I hold her even tighter, letting her ride her pleasure as I kiss her neck, my teeth nibbling at her flesh. A power rush like no other—not even killing—washes through me knowing I made her come without even touching her.
"Let it wash over you," I whisper in her hair, slowly trailing my fingers down her back.
She's breathing hard as she leans into my chest. My cock is still painfully hard, but I'd rather suffer with blue balls than force her into something she's not
ready for.
For once in my life I find something good, and I'm not about to let her go. If anything, I'll keep on holding on to her, ready to do anything to keep her looking at me like that–with innocence and wonder in her eyes.
She nuzzles her face in my the crook of neck, her mouth leaving a wet trail of kisses as she works her way up.
"Ah, fuck, Sisi." I groan, her small ministrations only making it harder for me to gain some control of my lower half.
Just then a knock on the window startles us both, and I turn my head to see a police officer shining a light at us.
For the first time I'm amazed at the fact that I was not aware of anything happening around me. Years of mental training went down the drain in one second.
And there's only one culprit.
Sisi.
She's snuggled against my chest, her eyes wide with confusion, and as she turns those big orbs at me, I can only do my best to shield her.
"A problem, officer?" I ask as I roll down the window.
The cop looks suspiciously between Sisi and I before asking us to step out of the vehicle.
My hand immediately reaches for the gun under my seat, and as Sisi notices my intention, she turns her dazzling smile towards the officer.
"What seems to be the problem officer? My husband was just comforting me after we heard some bad news," she lies, and I watch in wonder how her face changes immediately, her acting top notch. "You see, my cat, bless his heart, finally succumbed to his death," she releases a sob, taking a napkin from a compartment and dabbing at fake tears.
The officer's expression becomes softer, and he looks almost embarrassed.
"I see ma'am. I'm sorry for your loss..." he stammers, and as Sisi bats her lashes at him, I swear I see a blush appear on the fucker's face.
"Thank you, officer. But as you can see, my wife is going through a hard time. We shouldn't bother her further." I fix my eyes on him and he swallows uncomfortably. Whatever he's seeing in my expression is making him second guess his next move.
My smile slowly widens, and his discomfort only increases as he takes in the sharpness of my gaze.
Morally Ambiguous: A Dark Mafia Romance (Morally Questionable Book 4) Page 17
