He cleared his throat. “Then tell me, what must I do to drive to madness the one who once held my heart?”
She intertwined their fingers and led him to the chaise lounge. Jana sat down and, without breaking eye contact, watched him join her. A faint smirk played on her lips. She leant into him, pressing her chest to his.
Alexander found himself trapped against the only armrest and the back of the seat.
A light giggle escaped her. She traced her hand up his chest, and he stiffened.
“Jana, I—”
She silenced him with her finger. “My sweet, to win this game you must first know how to please a woman. And if I were to make a judgement based on your uncertain movements or your panicked reactions, you hold no expertise.”
Alexander swallowed, feeling a lump growing in his throat. She was correct in her assumption. Other than kissing and the faintest touch of Katherine’s flesh, he held no great knowledge of a woman’s body. It remained as a Pandora’s Box with many a mystery hidden within.
Jana captured his chin between her fingers, forcing him to look at her. “Do you want to learn?”
Uncertainty filled him. Alexander tore his face out of her touch and brought his hand to her cheek. He rubbed her smooth skin with his thumb, pondering her question.
He drew in a breath and a sad smile spread across his lips that reflected the sorrow he felt in his unbeating heart. “I want to learn.”
Jana kissed his palm. “Do not fret. It is not as if I will teach you to slaughter a lamb.”
“I am not afraid. I simply used to believe that my first time will come by being with Katharine.”
“That woman is not worthy of you, you must remember that. She betrayed you and your family. You must not let sentiment drive you. The first rule of business Alexander, what is it?”
“Know your opponents weaknesses,” he responded.
“And Katherine’s weakness is you.” She wrinkled her nose and sat up straight. “Her eyes follow you as if you were a possession to be had. Her body warms when you are near, her filthy heart flutters.”
Alexander arched a brow, full of disbelief.
“You may not see it, but I do. She wants you and that makes it her weakness, just as her husband’s weakness is her. If you get Katharine to spend the night in your bed, her husband’s rage will soar. As anger consumes him, the control you have will become your strength,” Jana finished and planted a feather-like kiss on his lips.
Alexander relaxed. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he seated her on his lap. “I will go to Hell for my misdeeds.”
“And I shall gladly join you,” she said and locked lips with him, taking the lead of their kiss with ease.
Her tongue explored his mouth. Soon after, Alexander imitated her movements. She moaned when he caressed her tongue with his.
He pulled away to find her blue eyes aglow.
“You learn quickly,” she whispered between breaths.
She took his hands and pressed his palms against her breasts. The only things separating her skin from him was the forest green dress and a corset.
“And how much do you know about these?” she asked with a raised brow.
If Alexander could blush, he would have been tomato-red. Her full breasts were soft to the touch, and he found himself enjoying the subtle weight of them.
She giggled and laced her fingers with his, directing him to different areas and explaining what to do.
There was a sharp knock on the door, and Katharine walked in with a bright smile on her face. “Alexander, I—” She froze. Her smile faded as she took in the scene before her. She covered her eyes with her hand. “Perhaps I should not have come here today.”
“Do not be shy and come in,” Jana said with a pleasant smile.
Alexander was at a loss for words, which was when Jana whispered low enough for him alone to hear. “First rule of control: make her jealous. Second: never lose that control.” She slid off his lap and straightened her dress.
“You must be Katharine Sokolova or is that Barova now?” Jana inquired.
Katharine smiled back, but Alexander saw fire blazing behind her green orbs. “It is Barova. My husband insisted I change it.”
“It suits you.” Jana raised her hand for Alexander to kiss. “I shall be off, my love. Do not forget to send a messenger if you need anything else from me.”
Katharine glared at Jana’s retreating form. When the door closed, with the same fierceness, she directed her fury at him. “Who was that harlot?”
Alexander raised a brow. Katharine never stooped to such language in front of anyone. He snorted inwardly. She also never harmed anyone until his mother.
“She is a dear friend of mine,” he replied, getting off the chaise lounge. “Does she bother you?”
“Not at all. I only wished to ascertain why she was all over you in the most improper manner.”
He made his way to her, and she pressed her back into the wall. Her breathing hitched when he stopped a few inches away. “We have a close relationship, she and I.”
Katharine bit her lip. “I want you to be mine.”
Alexander lowered his head until his lips almost touched hers. “And I want you to be mine, my precious Katharine. But you belong to Andrey.” He feigned sadness and turned his body away from her, creating some space between them.
Katharine’s heart raced, and he could hear it, dancing to a quick repetitive beat. “He means nothing to me! We have not once shared a bed.”
This was news to him. She had not given up her virginity to her husband? Perhaps she had some sense behind that beautiful face, after all. He struggled to keep his smirk at bay. Today was the day he learned to control her.
Alexander raked his hand through his platinum hair and assessed her over his shoulder. “I feared he would have forced you. That is why I came back after gaining such wealth. I wanted you back, yet you already wed him.”
Katharine hugged him, burying her face in his chest. With watery eyes, she stole a peek at him. This time, he could see the cogs turning in her head. Her so called act of feminine fragility was nothing more than an attempt to blind him with his instinct to protect her.
“I have missed you, Alexander. I could not sleep for weeks after you went missing.” A single tear cascaded down her cheek.
He brushed it away, letting his fingers linger on her delicate skin. It was as soft as he had remembered. He fought his desire to sink his teeth into her pale neck, which sang to him with every beat that pumped the blood through her veins. It was too early to let her see the monster behind the human mask.
“Do not cry over such trivialities. Am I not before your eyes now?”
Katharine let a smile escape, and her tears dried faster than a falcon could fly. Snaking her arms around his neck, she studied him with curiosity. “Does she truly mean nothing to you?”
Alexander kissed her. He used his tongue to part her rosy lips, giving him more access.
Katharine’s body pressed into his. Her arms tightened around his neck and her heart rate climbed. Yet, for him, there was no feeling in this exchange.
He pulled away when he noticed her knees giving in. After catching her, he carried her to the chaise lounge where he seated her. Her lustful and hooded eyes watched him, and he knew she wanted to continue. The thought alone pleased him. She was his, and not the other way around.
He straightened his posture. “Please rest here before you leave. You have arrived unannounced, so I did not schedule time for our meeting. I apologise, but I must return to work.”
Katharine’s face fell, but she composed herself rather quickly. She stood and planted a kiss on his cheek. “I will return tomorrow evening. Make certain you leave time for me.”
Alexander inclined his head in acknowledgement and watched her leave his office. Tomorrow, Katharine Sokolova will be his. Somehow, that thought did not give him as much pleasure as it used to.
CHAPTER 11
Alexander sat in his office c
hair after Katharine’s departure, staring nowhere in particular. Her fragile form was what he had spent years admiring and hoping that one day it would belong to him. If it were not for the current circumstances, he would have bedded her without a second thought the first time he had laid eyes on her at the Royal Palace. She certainly wanted him. And that fact alone brought a faint smile to his lips that was killed the moment the thought of his wronged mother resurfaced.
No. He would not give into Katharine’s angelic appearance and the rose scent that lingered in the room still.
Alexander abandoned his paperwork and left the office. As he walked through the Red Lily’s corridors, the deep red, purple, and dark wood interior design, which he left to Ewa, jumped out at him. Her decorating skills were wasted on her coquettish lifestyle.
He descended the remainder of the stairs and passed through the main dining hall. Jana would know what to do. She was the only thread that prevented him from falling into Katharine’s clutches.
Outside his building, the streets were littered with chatty people who wished to spend their money on good drink and entertainment.
“Stop right there,” a familiar voice hissed behind him.
Conjuring his best blank expression, he faced Andrey. The man’s pristine coat and grey trousers were made with the most expensive cloths. Yet, Alexander no longer felt intimidated by this noble’s attire because he had a commode full of similar dress in his home.
“Why is it you seek me out in this dark hour?”
Andrey spat next to Alexander’s boots. “Do you think I do not know what you are planning? Do not lay a finger on my wife, you lowly beggar.”
“A beggar?” Alexander adjusted his coat’s sleeves that were embroidered with golden strings. “I do not believe beggars wear fine clothes nor do they own respectable businesses in Moscow.”
“I know exactly what you are. I may not know how you managed to survive that night, but I will make certain that next time you are well and truly dead.”
Alexander briefly scanned the area around them. There were too many humans for him to twist the neck off this toothless worm. “Your words would have wounded me if I cared for them.”
Andrey’s upper lip curled, revealing his yellowed teeth. By the tobacco scent that clung to him, it was not difficult for Alexander to know that this man had become a smoker in the past two years.
“You will regret those words!” Andrey grabbed Alexander by the throat with his hands.
That was all Alexander needed. He captured the man’s hand and, with a smile, squeezed it until he heard the bone in his hold snapping.
Andrey wailed in agony. His face turned a purple and his eyes bulged as he stared at his throbbing hand in disbelief. “Y-you…what demon are you?”
“Your worst nightmare,” was all Alexander said before he sauntered away from the man he used to fear.
That human deserved worse. Pointless threats were the last straw. Alexander re-entered the Red Lily and found Lev attending to the bar. He crossed the room with purposeful strides and leant in to whisper, “I need to speak with you.”
Lev eyed him and nodded. He put down the glass he was wiping and followed Alexander, who led them to the secluded storage room.
Once they were away from prying eyes, Alexander turned on his heel and crossed his arms. “I want you to gather every influential man in Moscow who hates the Sokolov family.”
Lev cleared his throat. “If you don’t mind me asking, sir, what would be the reason for that?”
“The reason is in the order. Finish your duties at the bar and send out letters. I want those people gathered here two nights from now.”
“As you wish, sir,” Lev said, bowing his head.
Alexander sighed. “You do not need to bow your head or call me sir. I am much younger than you.”
“It would be rude of me not to show respect, especially—” Lev stopped himself, and Alexander’s eyes narrowed on his fidgeting form.
“Especially…” Alexander drew out the word, making his servant wince.
“You have killed an innocent man in your rage. I do not wish to follow in his footsteps.”
In long silence, Alexander observed Lev. Have I changed so much that I can no longer relate to the fear this human feels? Indeed, he had killed his first human in cold blood and felt nothing. Life of that one worker equated to dust beneath his feet.
“Leave,” he squeezed out through gritted teeth.
Lev scurried out of the storage room. A sack of flour fell behind him with a heavy thump once the door closed. The white powder spread along the wood, and Alexander could not help but stare helplessly at it as images of the man he had killed resurfaced.
“Have I become a monster?” He lifted his palms to study them. There was no blood dripping from them, for that he was thankful. He had grown accustomed to feeding on the blood. It brought forth ecstasy he had never experienced in his human life. He adhered to the rules his sire recited throughout the year in his care, just as he had obeyed the rules in the Sokolov mansion until his last day as a mortal.
He curled his fingers, forming two pale fists. Be it boon or curse, he was alive. Immortality was an instrument that would permit him to take revenge on those who made his mother suffer in the final days.
The next evening, Alexander waited for Katharine in his office. She was not present for their promised appointment. No surprise there. Andrey already knew that she had visited him so, after mending his injured hand, the jealous husband must have locked her in her room. Alexander chuckled at the image his mind produced. Katharine did not like to be contained. This experience would teach her a thing or two about life.
Three knocks sounded on the door, and Lev came in. “I have news, sir.”
“Go ahead.” Alexander rested his elbows on the desk, waiting.
Lev folded his hands behind his back and stood rod-straight. It was a habit he kept even after his military career was over. “The men you wished me to gather have arrived a day early. They want to know what your plan is before they decide if they should aid you.”
“Makes sense,” Alexander said. “Bring them to the parlour on the top floor. I will join them shortly.”
“Understood.” Lev bobbed his head and left.
Smiling to himself, Alexander took his time rising from his desk. Patience was a virtue in the business world. The longer they waited for him, the easier it would be for him to have their attention once he arrived.
He stole a look at himself in the mirror and headed for the meeting room. When entering the parlour, his ears were assaulted with shouts and complaints from men of various ages. The younger, more energetic fellows were standing and used their hands to accommodate every word they said while the old men either glared at them or raised their noses high in dismissal.
Alexander strolled past everyone and sat in the available chair. He outstretched his legs and crossed them at the ankles as he assessed each and every one of them. Right away, he recognised some faces. Two noblemen—Zahar and Evgeniy Letkov—who were Yosef’s competitors in the jewellery market were present. A second in line son of the Semyonov family, Fedor, who was a heavy gambler, was the one trying to shout over three unknown men in military uniforms.
What an odd group, he thought and folded his arms over his chest.
“Gentlemen!” Alexander snapped.
The arguing halted, and their curious gazes settled on him.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Alexander Grekov, owner of the Red Lily.”
Zahar, a gentleman in his late fifties, brushed his bushy grey moustache that fanned over his meaty lips. “And what does the Grekov family have against the Sokolovs?”
“Grekov family does not have anything against them, but I do. This is a personal matter I wish to resolve before I travel to St. Petersburg.”
Fedor raised a brow and sat down to the right of Evgeniy. “I heard rumours that you used to be a servant in their home. Could those words be true?”
; All eyes were on Alexander. Even the military men had settled into their seats across from Fedor.
“And how would a mere servant climb as high as the Grekov family?” Alexander asked.
The men chuckled in light humour, dismissing the rumour.
“Yes, that would be impossible,” one of the soldiers with short blonde hair and a crooked nose said. His companions nodded in agreement.
Alexander smiled. “I have introduced myself. I believe it is your turn, gentlemen.”
The first soldier on his left scooted forward in his seat. His shaggy rust-coloured hair fell over his round, green eyes. “I am Anton, I was a guard at the Palace before Yosef and Andrey complained about me to alleviate their boredom at one of the royal balls. I was forced out and disgraced in front of my friends. This is personal for me.”
The man next to Anton patted his friend’s shoulder. He was well-built and his bald head reflected the candlelight from the chandelier above. “I am Sergey. My brother and I were very close before Yosef ruined our relationship. I was no longer good enough to be seen with him in public and, soon after, I was not welcome in his home.”
Alexander raised a brow. “And who is your brother?”
“Gleb. He works by the riverfront in one of the tea houses.”
“I know him,” Fedor said. “I saw him and Yosef together at the tables of the Golden Chalice.”
“My brother does not gamble!” Sergey retaliated.
Fedor burst into laughter. “Perhaps that was true before he met the head of the Sokolov family.”
“Do they lose a lot of money?” Alexander asked.
Fedor seemed thoughtful for a minute and shook his head. “Yosef is careful about his winnings. He plays with small amounts and never anything that could affect his financial standing.”
Alexander glanced at Sergey before proceeding with his next question. “What about Gleb? Does he lose a lot?”
Fedor nodded. “That man loses everything he earns from Yosef. I would not be surprised if they were no longer on good terms.”
“That may be for the best,” Sergey commented.
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