The Collector: A Dark Russian Mafia Romance (The Cells of Kalashov Book 1)

by Vi Carter

  I hide my surprise as I return to the car to see Mila staring out the passenger door window. Her gaze flicks up to mine as I open her door.

  “Come on.” She climbs out and I reach in and pick the handcuffs off the ground. I hope I don’t have to use them.

  The motel room is clean and I immediately draw the curtains. “You need to get some rest.” Mila looks exhausted.

  I turn to an empty room. My hand immediately goes for the gun in my waistband. It’s a reflex, but I pause as Mila steps back into the room with a first aid kit in her hands.

  “Sit down.” She swallows before dropping my gaze. I take my fingers off the gun and pull off my suit jacket before sitting on the bed. The bed dips as she sits down beside me. Her hands move quickly across the bandages until they land on disinfectant wipes.

  Her blue eyes jump to me and I want to kiss her. She’s stunning.

  “Why are you smiling?”

  “The moment you got into the passenger side of my car, I knew you were different.” I reach out and she doesn’t move away from my touch. She might not understand what I’m saying, but I lean my forehead against hers and inhale her scent.

  “What have you gotten me into?” I ask her.

  The pulse flickers in her neck. I place a kiss on her jawline and her muscles tense.

  Small hands push against my chest. “Let me clean your face.” Her voice is breathy, but I sit back and let her take care of me. I close my eyes as she runs the wipe across the cut. I had been stunned by the news that she’s Victor’s daughter. Brian had caught me off guard. No one had ever caught me off guard before. Mila seems to have the ability to jumble my senses.

  “Are you okay?” Her voice is soft and I open my eyes.

  “Yeah, it was a lapse in judgment.”

  Her smirk has me smiling. She presses a band aid against the cut and the pain races down the side of my face, but I don’t look away from her.

  “Let me see your wrists.” They weren’t bad, I just wanted an excuse to touch her, but she stands up. Gathering the medical supplies, she places them back in the box.

  “I’m fine. I just need a shower.” The thoughts of her in the shower have my trousers tightening. I don’t say anything as she leaves and closes the door to the bathroom behind her. I get up and check the window again. It’s still dark. We need to sleep.

  Fixing the curtains, I pull off my tie and open the top button of my shirt before kicking off my shoes. The red dot, that shows where Mila is, blinks. It’s a habit now to check on her. She’s in the shower. Dropping the phone on the bed, I remove my trousers and pull off my shirt. My body aches from the car chase and exhaustion. I can’t think clearly, and going back to the house with the threat of Gail hanging over us, isn’t wise. I need rest before we can return, otherwise, I couldn’t possibly protect Mila. The sheets are clean as I pull back the duvet and get in. I close my eyes and listen as the water stops running. I’m picturing her soft body. I’m remembering how it felt to have my cock buried inside her. She’s perfection.

  The door to the bathroom opens and I keep my eyes closed. She doesn’t move and I’m tempted to peek. A few breaths later, she’s moving around the room. I slowly open my eyes as she opens drawers and closes them one after another.

  “What are you looking for?”

  “A hair dryer.” She speaks over her shoulder. Her small hands hold the towel tight against her chest.

  She swings around and marches to the bedside table beside me. Bending over, she opens the drawer. “How can a motel room not have a hair dryer?”

  She looks like a shampoo commercial with her long blond hair flowing down her back. Her gaze meets mine and I love the pink hue that burns her cheeks. I sit up in the bed and her gaze travels across me. She sucks in her bottom lip and my cock twitches. I reach up for her and pull her down. She comes with no resistance at all. She doesn’t let the towel go as she climbs onto the bed. Her lips are cold and soft under mine. I run my tongue along them and she shivers. One hand touches my shoulders and I use the opportunity to remove the towel from her body.

  MILA

  I want to lose myself in Nicholai, but I also know how dangerous this man is for my heart. He’s flawless. His tongue runs along my lips and I tighten my legs together as a bolt rocks my core.

  “Nicholai,” I whisper his name and he pauses. Opening my eyes, I cling to his wide shoulders as his dark eyes consume me. My heart skips around in my chest and I know, without a doubt, I want this. I want him. I press my lips against his. His large hands grip my bare ass as his fingers sink into my flesh painfully. I push my body harder against his, as I flick out my tongue and lick his lips just like he had done to me. He tastes sweet and warm. My nipples grow hard and a shiver assaults my body as he stretches my ass. I break the kiss and plant one on his jawline before kissing his neck. His large hands release my ass and he pushes the covers away. I sit back as he pulls off his boxers and his huge erection springs free.

  My body hums with a want I’ve never felt. I move back to him and he watches me with hungry eyes. The moment our bodies meet, I want him inside me. His hands grip my ass again and I want them on my pussy, I want them inside. I want him to fill me. Our lips clash and I run my hand down his body, taking his huge cock in my hand. He falls closer and groans into my ear. My core tightens and I can feel the wetness on the inside of my thigh. His hand leaves my ass and returns a moment later with some of the wetness from my thigh. I freeze as he rubs warm liquid onto my ass hole. The surprise wears off and I stroke his cock again. He groans and dips a finger into my ass. All the nerves have me arching my back out, wanting him deeper inside me. He does, and I stroke his cock harder, the tip hits my stomach. His other hand holds my ass stretched and he pushes two fingers in. I cry out at the sensation, not sure if I want him to stop or to keep going. I yank his cock and move faster.

  “Turn around for me, Mila.”

  His words are breathy and I release his cock. His fingers slowly leave my ass, the loss I feel immediately. I turn around. Nicholai pushes down on the base of my back until I’m on all fours with my ass cocked in the air. I’m soaking just thinking of him fucking me.

  “Has anyone fucked your ass before?” He asks. Liquid touches my ass hole, and I clench before relaxing. His fingers circle and stroke before dipping in.

  “No.” I close my eyes and he buries his finger inside me, when his other hand touches my pussy, I’m ready to lose it. Every nerve ending is on fire. He pushes a second finger into my ass before slipping them out. His fingers leave my pussy and my eyes spring open as his cock enters my ass. I feel stretched and the pain is short lived as he eases in.

  “You’re perfect.” He pushes deeper and I push back into him, wanting more and more. He starts to fuck my ass harder and I can’t stop the cries that fall from my lips. Nicholai groans too as he pounds my ass, his balls slap against my pussy and I call his name, wanting more, wanting to cum. It’s all too much.

  He removes his cock from my ass and I want to see what he’s doing, but he enters again, this time fast and hard. The impact has me crying out as he continues to slam into my ass, dragging my body up until my back is flushed with his chest. Nicholai grips my neck as he fucks my ass hard and fast. I’m screaming and squirming. His hand encases my breast and pinches my nipple. His quick movements slam into my ass and I can’t hold off any longer. He rolls my nipple between his forefinger and thumb, while his other hand tightens around my throat. His cock fills me and I cum. The liquid pours down my thigh as he continues to fuck me with a savagery that has him pouring his seed inside my ass.

  Nicholai loosens his hold on my neck and slowly pulls out of me. I don’t move as his chest rises and falls against my back. I close my eyes and enjoy the sound of our raspy breaths that mingle together. His hot breath touches my sweaty neck before he places a kiss on my shoulder. I smile with my eyes closed as he presses another kiss to the back of my neck before kissing my other shoulder. My stomach flips and erupts with butterflies
at the tenderness of the kisses. I glance down as large tattooed hands wrap around my waist. I’m staring at them, wondering how something so dangerous looking could be so gentle. I cover his hands with mine. Exhaustion tugs at me and all the energy is zapped from my body.

  I let Nicholai’s hands go and he unwinds them from me. I glance at him over my shoulder and my stomach squirms when I meet his dark eyes. I don’t say all I want to say. Instead, I shuffle off the bed and enter the shower for the second time tonight. I don’t feel violated like I thought I would. I had seen Oleg do the same thing to Liddi, but it had looked painful and rough. I couldn’t understand any pleasure coming from it, but it is powerful. Nicholai is powerful.

  He’s looking at his phone when I enter the bedroom. His gaze snaps up to mine and he stands up, still fully naked. He’s a beast of a man, and I still can’t take him all in as he moves closer. He pauses and bends his six-foot frame, placing a kiss on my cheek.

  “I’m going for a shower.”

  I nod. “Okay.” When I glance up, he is watching me. I know this thing between us is dangerous and scary, but I don't want it to end. I climb into the bed wrapped in the motel’s towel and that’s how I fall asleep.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  NICHOLAI

  She’s asleep when I return to the room. Her chest rises and falls in a soft rhythm. I sit on the edge of the bed and lean in, pushing blond hair off her face. She’s perfect. She’s Victor’s daughter, I remind myself. I’m here to collect her. I’ve been checking my phone, waiting for the message to come in, to deliver her to the can. I already know the answer to the message. I won’t do it. I can’t give her up. I don’t know how to keep her. Oleg is a huge problem or he could end up being part of the solution. I place a kiss on her cheek and I hear the one word echo through my mind that seemed to be there from the start.

  Mine.

  She is mine, not Victor’s. I touch her face again. What did she see at the mill? What kind of man places his daughter in a dungeon like that? The most ruthless leader of them all. The leader of the Bratva. That would have caused shock-waves through the Bratva. Why hadn’t I heard about it? I tried to jog my memory and I had no recollection of it.

  I’m ready to get up when my phone beeps from the bedside table. I’m staring at it like it might reveal who it is before I walk around and pick it up.

  It’s a message from Gail to meet her at the club. She got my little message. Leaving Mila here was far safer than taking her with me.

  I get dressed and feel uneasy leaving Mila like this. I have the chip in her neck to track her, but I don’t want to have to track her. Picking up the handcuffs that I had brought with me, I place one as carefully as possible around her wrist and click it closed. She stirs slightly as I fasten the other one through the bar of the bed. It isn’t ideal, but it will have to do for now. I take one final look at her before leaving and making my way to Gail’s.

  I sit outside, but my instincts that have kept me alive, make me sit longer in the car. It’s all too easy. Her showing up here doesn’t make sense. Or, I could be getting paranoid. She had sent men and each time they hadn’t arrived back. Maybe she had given up trying to kill me or maybe this is an ambush.

  I ring her number and she answers on the second ring.

  “Turn on the neon sign,” I say into the phone.

  “What?” She sounds alarmed. She’s moving quickly.

  “I’m waiting, Gail.” I know she should have reached the switches by now.

  “Turn it on,” I repeat.

  “It’s not working.” Her lie is swallowed so easily.

  “What’s waiting inside the club?” I ask. “Or should I say how many?”

  “You killed Dimitri.”

  “I collected Dimitri. He ran. There is a clear difference.”

  “He’s dead. That’s all I know.” She’s angry.

  “This is why women will never rule. You are too emotional.”

  “You know you left my daughter fatherless.”

  Guilt for the first time churns in my stomach. He had told me he had a daughter. I swallow that bit of information and tighten my hold on any guilt I feel.

  “I leave a lot of daughters and sons fatherless. It’s my job. You know what I do. You know what I am.”

  “My men, where are they?” Her voice is more controlled now. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she didn’t really care that much for Dimitri, that he is just a smoke screen.

  “Dead. Every one of them.” She knew that already. I check the front of the club. She’s stalling me again. I turn the engine on and pull away from the curb of the club. As I drive past, I see several men making their way along the wall. The first one runs out onto the street as I move past.

  “I will find out where you live and end your life,” I speak clearly as I glance in the rear-view mirror.

  “You’ve pissed off some very powerful people, Nicholai. I like you. So there is your warning.”

  I laugh at the arrogance. “Warning?”

  “I hear you have precious cargo.” My heart pounds heavier and my stomach sours as I think of Mila back at the motel. I push my foot harder to the floor. Had I made a mistake leaving her alone? Or am I being followed? I quickly bring up the tracking app. She’s still at the motel and the dot is blinking in one spot. I’m hoping that means she’s asleep.

  “You need to be more comprehensive about what precious cargo means.” I want to keep her on the phone, but Gail isn’t stupid.

  “Goodbye, Nicholai.” She hangs up and I curse her as I speed back to the motel. We need to move. They could be following me.

  The moment I burst through the door, Mila screams and tries to scramble off the bed only to be dragged back by the cuffs.

  “What the hell?” She’s yanking on them.

  “Get dressed.” I take the cuffs and remove them from her wrists. She doesn’t move.

  “Now, Mila!” I’m shouting and I stop and take a calming breath. Turning to Mila, I kneel down in front of her.

  “I think they know we are here, so we need to leave.”

  “Why are you helping me?” The question is so heavy and I honestly don’t know how to answer it, so I don’t. Instead, I stand and can’t help but run my hand along her soft skin.

  “Please, get dressed.” She gets up and silently puts on her clothes. All I can think of as I stare at her is, I can’t lose her, and this is why I should never let anyone get close. It’s dangerous. Mila is dangerous.

  I keep checking the rear-view mirror, but we aren’t being followed. “Get some rest,” I tell Mila as the sun rises.

  “I got some sleep. Why don’t you sleep and I’ll drive.” I’m ready to laugh, but I’m exhausted and not sure how long I’ll be able to stay awake. I pull over and get out of the driver side. Mila climbs across and she’s grinning when I climb into the passenger seat while readjusting the seat.

  “I’m driving The Collectors car,” she sings. The childlike excitement in her eyes leave as I quickly tighten the cuff around her wrist.

  “What?”

  I tighten the other one to my wrist. “Can’t have you pulling over when I fall asleep and running.”

  She pulls my arm and I try to pretend it isn’t painful.

  “How the hell can I drive like this?” She yanks my arm again and I pull her as I close the door. Her cheeks grow red with anger, and I suppress the smile that tugs at my lips.

  Lying back, I close my eyes as she starts the car. My arm is yanked every two seconds and I lean more towards Mila. Until my arm is nearly on her lap. I like the heat of her skin under my fingertips and that’s how I fall asleep, with the smell of Mila and the warmth of her leg pouring into the tips of my fingers. They skitter across her skin every few moments until my mind drags me into a dark sleep.

  My arm is pulled again. “Nicholai.” I’m alert at the urgency in Mila’s voice. “We are being followed.” I sit up straighter and she pulls my arm back towards the steering wheel. The visor has a small mirror
that I look through as I take the key out of my pocket. A red sedan is behind us.

  “How long has it been following us?” I uncuff our hands.

  “I’m not sure. I’ve only noticed it the last two turns, but I have no idea how long it’s been following us.”

  “Take a left off this road,” I say and watch as we slip off the road. The red sedan doesn’t follow, but I make Mila take several lefts and rights. The car would attract attention in its condition.

  We pass a signpost that says: 23 kilometers to High Park.

  “Keep going straight.” I take out my phone, as a message from my gate at home is telling me I have two visitors. I pull up the footage and pause when Oleg’s face fills the camera. He drives off. The second car has tinted windows. No one gets out, but it pauses for a moment before driving off. I close the phone and glance at Mila. She looks tired. We need to rest.

  I continue to give her directions until we come to a set of large green gates. “When we go in here, you’re my girlfriend. We had a rough night. That’s it.”

  I glance at Mila. Her fingers tighten around the steering wheel. She turns to me. “Okay.” Her voice is small.

  The part I need to tell her, if she knew who I was, then she would have heard of The Handler. I look back at the gates. I had nowhere else to take Mila. My car was identifiable. I had no cash, only a card which they could trace.

  “Have you heard of The Handler?”

  Mila’s eyes grow wide, confirming she has. “Is this his house?” She ducks down over the steering wheel, looking up at the mini castle.

  “Yes, he might help us.”

  Mila’s attention returns to me. “Might?” She’s suppressing a smile.