Collateral Damage (Owned by the Mob 1)

by Harley Wylde

  * * *

  I’d waited until Cerys was asleep; the nurse had given her something that would keep her calm for a few hours. After pressing a kiss to her cheek, I’d slipped on my jacket and left the hospital, leaving Nikolai and Aleksi standing guard outside her room. If she woke, if anything changed, I was to be called immediately. Otherwise, I had a problem that I needed to handle.

  Vadim had taken Artur to a special warehouse we kept in the seedier part of town. I sped through the streets of town, blowing through a few stop signs and red lights. My car skidded to a stop in front of the rusty metal building, and I headed inside.

  My steps echoed in the mostly empty building. There was a drain in the center of the floor for easy clean-up, and all our toys were kept in that vicinity. Artur was hanging in the center from a hook that descended from the ceiling. His bound wrists were looped over it, and blood flowed freely down his body. Vadim had stripped him and seemed to have had quite the party without me.

  “When I asked you to leave me something, I’d hoped for more than this. He’s mostly dead.”

  Vadim shrugged.

  I glanced at the table of instruments, my eyebrows lifting when I noticed which ones were covered in Artur’s blood. I circled my prey, taking in all the burns, cuts, bruises. The blood coating the backs of his thighs made me pause and my gaze caught Vadim’s and held. That was savage even for him.

  “I learned a few things I didn’t like,” the Vor said. “It seems Artur not only likes young girls and boys, but he made sure his daughter was well-groomed since the age of seven.”

  A red haze settled over my vision. That was a line I would never cross. To hurt a child was unforgivable, but especially to abuse them that way. I removed my coat, shirt, and even stripped off my shoes, socks, and pants. Left only in my underwear, I picked up the smallest of the knives. Artur hadn’t even lifted his head to look at me. I wasn’t certain he was even capable of such a thing. Vadim had, indeed, nearly killed him.

  I dug the blade into his gut, carving out a piece of flesh. Artur didn’t even make a sound. Frowning, I reached up and gripped his hair, lifting his head. Fucking hell. Vadim had taken his eyes and tongue. There was nothing left for me to do. Killing him now would be a mercy, and I didn’t want that. I needed him to suffer as long as possible.

  My gaze scanned him, stopping just below his waist. It seemed Vadim had left one part of him untouched. I picked up another tool and soon the scent of burning flesh and hair filled the air. It left me feeling unsatisfied. Even though I knew, could damn well see, that Artur had paid the price for his crimes, it didn’t feel like enough.

  “What am I supposed to do, Vadim?” I asked.

  “Let go of the anger. Be with your wife. Help her heal.” He shrugged. “If you can, love her.”

  Love her? I barely knew her. Perhaps while she healed, I’d use the time to learn more about my wife. I knew the sound of her cries when I was balls-deep inside her. I knew that she was sweet and innocent. But other than that, there was very little I’d learned about my wife in the two days we’d been together. And yet, I felt like I knew her better than any other women I’d ever met.

  “I need you, Viktor. This organization needs you. For the longest time you’ve been a cold killer, unfeeling and remote. It’s worked well for our needs. However, I think your wife may show you a way through the darkness, help you find another part of yourself. One you may not even know exists. Find that, and you’ll be truly whole, and then you’ll be unstoppable.”

  I gave Vadim a nod, used the hose in the corner to make sure I was free of Artur’s blood, then stripped off my underwear and tossed them into the fire barrel before pulling my clothes and shoes back on. He was right. I needed to be with Cerys, and I needed to let go of the anger. Artur was punished. And Tania… I hoped she got the help she needed, but if the bitch came after my wife again, I’d end her. My sympathy only went so far.

  Chapter Eight

  Cerys

  I hated hospitals. I’d never been to one before, but after my eight-day stay, I could honestly say I never wanted to go back. They’d kept me for observation and to help manage my pain. Although, I wondered if that had more to do with Viktor. I couldn’t imagine other people staying so long for the same symptoms. Some had a tension in their voices when he was in the room. Even though he’d said he hadn’t been the one to hurt me, and I’d told them the same, I’d wondered if they thought we were lying.

  I’d often found myself pressing a hand to my belly. The doctors hadn’t been positive I was having a miscarriage, but I’d told them repeatedly it wasn’t time for my period yet. And if that’s what the bleeding had been from, it had lasted much longer than usual. Even if they wouldn’t say with any certainty that I’d lost my baby, I knew deep inside that’s what had happened.

  Viktor had been attentive, remaining by my side and handling business during the times I slept. He’d assured me that Artur wasn’t a problem anymore. I wasn’t naïve enough to think that meant he was still breathing. No, he was dead. Not by Viktor’s hand, since he’d stayed with me, but I didn’t doubt my husband had given the order. At least, I’d assumed he’d never left. He was always there when I woke.

  Once I’d been released, he’d taken me on a trip to the ocean. He’d rented a home for us and I’d spent another ten days just enjoying the fresh air and the sound of the waves crashing on the sand. We’d grown closer, sharing more of our lives, learning what we liked and disliked. During that week, we’d become something more than lovers. More than husband and wife. We’d become friends. But our time had come to an end, and we’d flown back home.

  When we pulled to a stop and the car hadn’t started moving again, I’d known what it meant. We were outside the building where we lived. Viktor reached over to take my hand.

  “We’re home, myshka.”

  My body locked up tight. My heart started racing and there was a buzzing in my ears. I knew that Artur was gone, but it didn’t stop the panic from rising over the thought of going up to the penthouse. I’d learned that Ilya would recover, but the security officers for the building had died from their wounds. If Viktor hadn’t come for me when he did, Ilya would have likely been dead too. They’d feared he was already gone when they’d seen the blood, or so Viktor said. Thankfully, he’d only been unconscious and would heal from his wounds.

  “I know you can’t see the penthouse, but I had some changes made. New furniture, new paint. The place has been thoroughly cleaned. It will be like going into a new home, myshka.”

  I nodded, trying to let his words comfort me, but I was scared that I’d react badly once we were upstairs. Viktor left the car running and I knew someone would park it for him. He helped me from the car and led me inside. The elevator ride made my stomach flip. When the doors slid open and I stepped out into the hall in front of the penthouse, my hands started to shake and I seriously worried I might throw up.

  Viktor opened the door and led me into our home. The smell of paint still hung in the air. Even though the memories of what happened here were still strong, it didn’t feel as ominous or oppressive as I’d feared. It was just… our home. Viktor placed something in my hand and I felt along it, realizing he’d given me a cane.

  “I had it delivered on our way back from Las Vegas. Maybe if I’d given it to you before I left that day…”

  I pressed my hand to his chest. “No, Viktor. I’ve told you it wasn’t your fault.”

  The gesture was sweet, and one I appreciated. The cane might have been handy at the beach, except he hadn’t permitted me to walk very much. Viktor had watched over me carefully, and done his best to help me rest and heal.

  “Come, myshka. There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

  I used my cane to navigate the new layout and followed Viktor into the bedroom, his steps loud on the wood floors. A man in his position had to be able to move quietly and swiftly. I’d learned that he was noisier for my benefit, and it touched me, deeply. He drew me down o
nto the bed. The bedding even felt different. Softer. I ran my hand over the bedspread, trying to distract myself.

  “Cerys, you’re safe. I’ve made sure no one will ever get to you again.”

  I nodded. He’d told me as much several times while I was in the hospital. He’d hired extra security for our floor, as well as the building, and installed an alarm on the elevator to alert us to anyone even getting off on this floor, as well as inside the penthouse.

  “I’m not a good man. Never will be. I’ve killed people, and I’ll do it again. But meeting you, having you in my life, has changed me. I always used women and tossed them away, never caring about more than getting off.”

  I tried to look away, but he gripped my chin. Even though I couldn’t see him, he wanted me to look at him for whatever he had to say. The last thing I wanted to hear about were the women who had come before me. I’d known he wasn’t a virgin, but it didn’t mean I wanted it thrown in my face. It was silly to be jealous of them, but I was. Viktor was mine, at least in my heart and mind.

  “Myshka, I’ve never met anyone like you before. You’re sweet, innocent. My angel. You’re the light to my darkness.”

  My chest ached and I found myself leaning toward him. He’d called himself dark before, but I didn’t see him that way. To me, he was the man who had pulled me away from an abusive father. There were times he was cold and a little distant, but others… The other times, he made me feel warm and cherished.

  “Cerys, I don’t know what love feels like, so I can’t say that I love you. I won’t say those words without knowing that’s what I feel. But I can tell you that no one has ever meant as much to me as you do. Without you, the darkness will swallow me whole and never let go. You give me a reason to keep going, a reason to come home.” He ran his fingers through my hair. “You mean everything to me, myshka. Bringing you home with me that day was the best decision I ever made.”

  “I love you, Viktor. I don’t expect you to say it back. It’s crazy that I fell for you so fast and hard. We barely know one another! When Artur took me, it made me realize what you meant to me. Then all those days in the hospital, and our trip afterward. I loved hearing about your life in Russia, enjoyed finding out about your favorite books, that you dislike TV shows, and have never had a pet. I feel like we grew closer.”

  He took my hand and lifted it, kissing the back. “Are you still hurting?”

  My heart rate sped up. Was he asking because he wanted me? It felt like forever since he’d last made me cry out in pleasure. I couldn’t call it making love, but it wasn’t just fucking either. It was special, unique, like our relationship. Something that was just us.

  “No. The bleeding stopped five days ago and all the tenderness is gone.”

  I’d been lucky and hadn’t suffered any broken bones. The doctor had called it a miracle. I had to agree considering the beating I’d received. After the tests had concluded and I’d rested a little, I’d remembered the gunshots and asked about Mac. Viktor had assured me the doctor was recovering and would be fine. He was also being compensated for having helped me.

  Viktor ran his fingers along my jaw, his touch light. “I want you, myshka, but not if it will hurt you.”

  “Just go slow?” I asked. I wanted him too, but I was a little nervous. The doctor had said it wasn’t a good idea to try to have a baby again, not so soon. I wasn’t sure how to bring it up to Viktor. He’d been in the room at the time, but did he remember?

  “Want a shower? Or maybe a bath?”

  I hesitated a moment. Did he intend to join me? Shower sex was nice, but it wasn’t what I’d had in mind. Not after not being that close to him for so long.

  His lips softly brushed mine. “I’m not stripping you naked and bending you over, myshka. We have all night. For that matter, we have the rest of our lives. You’re more to me than sex, Cerys.”

  I reached up and fingered my hair. It was a little oily and needed a good scrubbing. At the beach, I hadn’t washed it every day. There’d been little point when the salty air would just make it feel icky again.

  “A shower would be nice.”

  “Wait here and I’ll get the water warmed.”

  I felt the bed shift as he stood and heard his steps as he entered the bathroom. The shower turned on and after a few minutes, he returned for me, helping me stand. Viktor undressed me, taking his time. When I was completely bare, he led me into the bathroom and helped me into the shower stall. I didn’t hear the door shut and a moment later I knew why. His hands slid around my waist as he pulled me back against his chest. His hard cock nestled along the crack of my ass, but he didn’t make a move to do anything other than hold me.

  “It felt like my heart was ripped from my chest when I saw the blood on our bed and on the floor. Knowing he’d taken you, hurt you, tore me up. I can’t live through that again, myshka.”

  I reached up and curled my hand around the back of his neck, just letting him hold me. It felt nice to be in his arms. Viktor was my safe place. Maybe that was crazy. He was Bratva, a killer, but for me he was so much more. I’d been honest when I told him I loved him. He might never say the words back, and that was all right. The way he touched me, kissed me, worried over me told me enough. He might not know what love was, but I was almost certain that’s what he felt.

  “I’m right here, Viktor. I can’t promise that nothing bad will ever happen to me, but I know you’ve taken every precaution, and I know you’ll always find me.”

  He turned me to face him and kissed me, his lips teasing, coaxing. His fingers bit into my hips, as if he was afraid to let go, or perhaps worried I’d disappear again. I tangled my fingers in the hair at his nape and pressed closer to him. I’d missed this. Missed him. He hadn’t left my side while I recovered, but it wasn’t the same. I missed the intimacy, even though I’d only shared it with him so very briefly. The first time I’d been terrified. It had been different after our wedding in Vegas. That was the closest I’d ever felt with someone, and I wanted to feel that way again.

  Viktor pulled away, breathing heavily. “I’m going to wash you, myshka. Only that and nothing more. Not right now. Going to take it slow, just like you asked.”

  I bit my lip and he tugged it free with his thumb.

  “The doctor said…” I didn’t know how to finish the sentence.

  “I know. No babies for a little while. I’ll protect you, my angel.” He ran his hand through my hair. “While I prefer taking you bare, I won’t do anything that could harm you. If we need to use condoms for a bit, then that’s what we’ll do. There’s a box under the sink.”

  My body tensed at the reminder. He smoothed his hands up and down my arms, pressed a kiss to my brow, and pulled me close again.

  “I’m sorry, myshka. My words were thoughtless. There’s only you in my life now, in my bed. I don’t want anyone else. I can’t erase the past, Cerys, but I can promise you my present and future are yours and only yours.”

  “You don’t need to apologize. It’s silly of me to get upset over it. You didn’t know me then, weren’t married to me. And even now…” My heart ached at the mere thought, but he’d confessed while we were at the beach that it wasn’t uncommon for the men to have someone on the side. It would kill me inside if Viktor ever did that.

  “I’m not them,” he said. “I should have never told you that, but you’ll meet the other wives at some point and they may bring it up. I only meant to prepare you, lyubimaya.”

  “You’ve never called me that before.”

  He rubbed his beard against my shoulder before pressing a kiss there. The fact he didn’t offer a translation worried me. As sweet as he was being, it couldn’t be an awful word. Why wouldn’t he tell me?

  “Viktor? What’s it mean?”

  He was quiet and still. I didn’t think he would answer.

  “Beloved.”

  I couldn’t stop the tears that gathered in my eyes. I rubbed my cheek against his chest and held on tight. Never in my life had anyone c
alled me beloved. No one had wanted me once my mother died. Mrs. Popov had been nice to me, but she wasn’t family. The day Viktor and his men had entered our home, I’d thought it was the beginning of the end. But meeting him, being part of his life, was the best thing to ever happen to me. Yes, it had put me in danger, but I’d finally experienced tenderness, found someone who cared, and loved me.

  “Make love to me, Viktor,” I said softly. “Please.”

  He kissed me again, then shut off the water and helped me dry. I heard him toweling off himself, then a cabinet opened and shut. I heard a thunk and assumed it was the box of condoms. Although, I honestly no idea what condoms would sound like hitting a counter. I’d never been around any before. The sound seemed to be a cardboard box, but I supposed it could have been something else. His hand grasped mine and he led me back into the bedroom and eased me down onto the bed.

  I lay back against the pillows and Viktor stretched out beside me. I wished I could see him! I’d give anything to see the look in his eyes right now. Even if I only had my sight for mere seconds, it would be enough to last me a lifetime. I reached up, feeling the slope of his nose, the softness of his beard, brushed my fingers across his full lips.

  He took my hand in his, then pressed it to his chest before sliding it down his abdomen. When he released me, I was frozen, unsure what to do.

  “You can touch me, Cerys. Anywhere you want.”

  I felt my cheeks warm as I let my hand slide lower. I brushed over hair that was springy, then slid my fingers along the smooth skin of his cock. I wrapped my hand around him, stroking a few times. He groaned and I felt his body tighten. He’d always been in control, but this time he was giving the power over to me, even if just for a little while. I got up on my knees and ran my other hand up and down his thigh. Viktor rolled to his back and I settled between his legs.

  “Myshka, there’s only so much I can take.”

  I licked my lips and lowered my head. I felt his body tense and the vibration of his groan as I slid my lips down his cock. The musky scent of him filled my nose. I flicked at the underside of his shaft with my tongue before pulling back, only to suck him back in. Viktor trembled as I worked his cock, the taste of his pre-cum coating my tongue. It only made me want more, to make him come.