His To Keep: Beasts In The Dark (Book 2)

by Richards, S. S.

  His To Keep

  Beasts In The Dark (Book 2)

  S.S. Richards

  Contents

  Author’s Note

  Prologue

  1. Maksim

  2. Elena

  3. Elena

  4. Maksim

  5. Elena

  6. Maksim

  7. Elena

  8. Elena

  9. Maksim

  10. Elena

  11. Maksim

  12. Maksim

  13. Elena

  14. Elena

  15. Maksim

  16. Elena

  17. Maksim

  18. Elena

  19. Maksim

  20. Elena

  21. Maksim

  22. Elena

  23. Elena

  24. Maksim

  25. Elena

  26. Maksim

  27. Elena

  28. Maksim

  29. Elena

  30. Maksim

  31. Elena

  32. Maksim

  33. Elena

  Epilogue

  Afterword

  Sneak Preview of Havoc

  Also by S.S. Richards

  About the Author

  His To Keep Copyright © 2020 by S.S. Richards

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, places and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual places or events or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

  Author’s Note

  To my readers, my family, and my friends,

  Thank you for all the support. Wouldn’t be able to do it without all of you.

  Love,

  S.S. Richards

  Prologue

  Maksim

  I should have let her go.

  I should have known better. When she came back to me after I had given her freedom, I didn’t think I would lose her again. I was convinced that the future was gonna be brighter. I remember holding her tight in my arms, her heartbeat matching mine as the world suddenly turned pink in my eyes. I didn’t know how much I needed her until she stood right before me. Her big, hazel eyes studying me intently, her luscious lips begging for me to claim them. I’ll never forget the moment I saw her and thought it was just another dream of mine.

  Back then, I knew that my nights were gonna turn forsaken and my days long and sorrowful. But I didn’t know I was gonna start dreaming about her and hallucinating to the point of not believing whether I was trapped in the pit of my hallucinations or in the depth of my reality.

  Yes, my life has never been perfect. In fact, I spent most of it in the cold darkness with my father. When my mother died, everything that had to do with love, warmth, and falling in someone’s embrace died along with her, buried underneath the ground. It all turned me into the man I am today.

  I didn’t know how hard I was gripping the whiskey glass in my hand until it shattered, and pieces entered my flesh, making the blood gush uncontrollably. I took a quick glance at the palm of my hand, looking at the red blood spilling out.

  But I felt nothing.

  No pain.

  No remorse.

  No dejection.

  They took her away from me…

  Maksim

  I’m not sure how long I’ve been staring at her sleeping naked in my bed. Her now short hair spilled all over the pillow, her chest rises and falls slowly as she looks peaceful and completely safe. I wonder what she did during the past three months she was in London. We haven’t had the chance to talk about her adventure while she was over there yet. I’ve been busy curled around her in bed, still in disbelief that she came back to me after everything I made her go through.

  I wrap my arms around her waist like a steel band and bury my nose in the crook of her neck. She shifts a little in my arms, pushing herself further into my chest. Warmth spreads all over my body, and hot blood rushes to my groin.

  I lift my head up slightly so I can look into her eyes. Is she awake or still sleeping? Because if she’s awake and doing this to me in purpose, then she has no idea what kind of punishment awaits her.

  I slide my hand between her thighs and discover the wetness of her heated flesh. A soft groan escapes her lips as she readjusts herself and remains lying flat on her back. She opens her legs wider so I can have easier access. I frown and look at her face. Her eyes are still closed, but a small smile tugs at the corner of her lips.

  Grinning widely, I insert two fingers inside of her without giving her a warning. Her eyes fly open, and she gasps as she throws her head back. Her head sinks into the pillow, and her orgasms build, bursting into her lower belly. I smirk and lean closer to her face. Her breath is hot and minty against my mouth, and the heat that radiates from her body makes my heart hammer in my chest. I crawl on top of her as I pin her wrists high above her head.

  “How long have you been pretending to be asleep for?” I ask hoarsely.

  Her teeth sink into her bottom lip as she looks at me with a blazing fire in her eyes. She doesn’t need to speak. Whatever she wants to say is written all over her lovely face.

  “I was waiting for you to get into action for a while now.” She says, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

  I lean forward and bite her jaw. She giggles rather than wince. I guess she has gotten so used to my savageness and cruelty in bed that nothing moves or hurts her anymore.

  Placing my knees in between her legs, I don’t give her a warning before I slide myself inside of her. Her wet folds always had the ability to turn me on beyond belief. Keeping an even pace, I grab her hips in my hands and fuck her senseless. Raw passion ignites in my lower abdomen.

  Her loud moans fill the room; the heat doesn’t dissipate as I continue fucking her savagely. The surrounding air thickens within a matter of seconds, and as I spill my seed deep inside of her, I lean my forehead against her chest and pant for air. Ever since she came back, all we’ve done is fuck like horny animals. But no matter how many times I touch her and hold her in my embrace, it doesn’t seem to calm the sexual charm that lives inside of me and makes the fire burn intensely as it races through my whole body.

  We remain lying down for a couple of minutes before I slide out of bed and walk toward the bathroom.

  “I gotta go back to work today,” I say as I step into the shower and turn the cold water on.

  Placing both palms against the wall, I let the water run and close my eyes as I remember all the shit that I have yet to deal with. Her uncle is still on the loose, and my team and I haven’t caught him yet. I don’t think my anxiety and anger toward him will ever cool down until I make sure he’s buried underneath the ground. As long as he’s alive, I could lose Elena anytime.

  A soft hand caresses my back, and a tender smile plays at my lips at the gentle touch. But as soon as she realizes that the water is cold, she flinches and pulls her hand away instantly.

  “Jesus Maksim, can you turn the hot water on, please?”

  I turn around and pull her toward me.

  “Does the cold bother you?” I ask hoarsely as I lean my head down and take in her scent.

  “I’m freezing.” She says firmly, pushing herself away from me.

  I frown and turn the hot water on; I wait until the temperature is warm enough before pulling her again against my chest. My eyes roam all over her face as she looks at me with a hint of confusion on her face.

  “What is it?” she asks, runn
ing a soft thumb across my jaw. I close my eyes and inhale deeply. I shouldn’t let my anxiety worry her. She is to remain safe and sound from everything else. It’s my duty to protect her. Especially after having her back, there’s no way I will lose her again.

  I lean my forehead against hers, and for a moment, we both remain silent. Pulling her even harder against my body, I wish I could merge both of us into one. That’s how bad I never want to leave her side. But business is calling, and it’s time to bring the cold-hearted beast back.

  “Everything’s good. I just have a lot of things to deal with, and I don’t want you to worry about anything.”

  Getting out of the shower, I get dressed in one of my fancy suits and plan my day. I cannot waste time anymore, and for the past months, my team and I have been working on getting valuable information that I will use against Leonardo so I can take him down. Daniel Walton has been trying to connect and offer help. But I’ve been refusing his help until she showed up at my door. I cannot waste any more time now that she’s back. killing Leonardo needs to be done as soon as possible. And using Daniel for her sake isn’t a bad idea.

  Elena

  I watch as he gets dressed, and I just know that he’s heading over to an important meeting. I know he’s trying not to include me in his work. But if it has to do with my uncle, then I don’t see why including me would be wrong. I know my uncle’s house inside and out. I know a bit about his businesses. Just a few things I used to hear here and there.

  I open the closet and put on a business, formal black dress. I brush my hair and put a bit of mascara on. I then paint my lips using the same red lipstick that I had purchased back in London.

  I feel his gaze on me as I slide my feet into my stiletto heels. I can feel the blazing heat shooting like a laser tag from his eyes as he studies me attentively from across the room. I take a deep breath and turn around entirely to face him.

  He cocks his head and narrows his hungry eyes at me.

  “Where are you going?” he asks.

  I swallow the lump in my throat and smile softly. “I’m coming with you.”

  His expression suddenly turns serious, and his nostrils flare. Taking a quick glance at the watch on his left wrist, he says curtly. “No.”

  Without sparing me another glance, he walks out of the bedroom, the sound of his heels clear and loud against the polished floor. Feeling inflamed, I storm outside the bedroom and follow him down the stairs.

  “You promised me you were gonna include me in your work.”

  His steps come to a halt, he slowly turns around and looks at me with piercing eyes. “Yes, I did say that. But not this kind of work.” He says firmly.

  He proceeds into taking the stairs down again, and I hold the banister and struggle to follow his speed.

  “I thought if it had to do with my uncle, then you would include me.”

  “I said no,” he says and waves at Yeva when he arrives downstairs. She hurries toward him, and I remain standing still behind him. Glaring at the back of his head with my arms crossed over my chest.

  Standing by the main entrance door are Aleksandr, Mikhail, and the man that I once asked if he was interested in fucking me while he, Maksim, and Aleksandr were having a meeting.

  My cheeks heat with embarrassment. I drop my gaze to the floor as the memories of that day flood back.

  “Take care of Elena today since I have a busy, long day. She’s allowed to do whatever she wants as long as she doesn’t leave the house.” He tells Yeva, and she nods her approval.

  My lips part in shock, and raging flames of anger shoot through my whole body. Why the fuck is he treating me like a child? I ball my fists until my knuckles turn white and grab his forearm harshly as he makes his way to the men waiting for him by the door. Everyone stares at me, but I don’t pay attention to them. My eyes are glued to the man whose annoyance shows as clear as day on his face. There’s a muscle ticking at the side of his jaw.

  “I’m not staying here and baking cupcakes while you take care of business or hunt or whatever the fuck you’re going to do. I’m coming with you because my uncle is my business too.” I bite out loudly.

  I hear a snort coming from behind me, and I know it’s Aleksandr.

  Maksim’s eyes darken, making the air around us thicken. His breathing rate increases and I watch as he swallows thickly and hard. Whatever comeback he has coming, I’m ready for it.

  “I’ll make a call and double security in my building.” A voice comes from behind me, I turn around and look at the tall man with his neatly, tailored gray suit and his piercing blues studying me. A pang of embarrassment hits me, and my cheeks turn pink again, reminding me of our first encounter. His lips quirk up in a devilish smile, and I realize that it’s probably effortless for him to read the shame displayed across my face.

  I turn my attention back on Maksim. His eyes drift from the man to me. His gaze is still cold and unforgiving.

  “Fine.” He says curtly.

  My teeth sink into my bottom lip, and I grin widely at him. A rush of excitement flows through my body as we all make our way outside the house and into Maksim’s jet. It’s the same one that took me to London months ago. I sigh at the memory and close my eyes.

  I remember when I first got into the jet, how panic took hold of me because I had no idea where I was heading. I felt lost, confused, and heartbroken. I didn’t know back then that despite wanting my freedom so desperately, having him by my side was what I needed the most. It took me months of living alone in London and dealing with my own demons to realize that he was my freedom.

  A warm hand lands on my bare thigh. I look to my right and find his eyes roaming all over my face.

  “You never told me why you cut your hair.” He says softly.

  “I wanted a new beginning.”

  He lifts my chin up and caresses my bottom lip with his thumb. My body heats at the gentle touch, and a shiver runs down my spine. He looks at me like a man in a daze. Silence prevails as we allow our eyes to devour one another. We’re not alone in the jet. And as he continues caressing my bottom lip, I feel the other man’s eyes on me. I don’t know his name, or maybe I just don’t remember it.

  Licking my dry lips, I ask him, “What’s your name?”

  “I apologize I thought I had already introduced myself.” He says, offering a hand out to me. “I’m Daniel Walton.”

  I shake his hand and nod my head slightly. His hand is big and warm, and his eyes sparkle but not the same way Maksim’s eyes do. There’s something frighteningly alert about Daniel’s eyes. But I’m not getting any bad vibes from him.

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Walton. I’m Elena.” I drop my gaze to the floor as shame concords my insides. “I guess you already knew that,” I say in a low voice.

  “Just Daniel. And nice to meet you too, Elena.”

  The rest of the ride is smooth and calm. When we get to Daniel’s work building, I notice everybody in the building is dressed professionally. Daniel leads us to a secret elevator. Not the one that other employees are using. He swipes his key card, and the elevator slides open. Two security men stand on each side of the elevator. They’re looking straight ahead and don’t even turn to look at us when we stand next to them.

  I follow Maksim inside the elevator and remain by his side. I’ve never been to any business meeting before. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. But as long as I’m around Maksim, I know I’m safe.

  A middle-aged woman greets us as we step out of the elevator and leads us toward a conference room. The floor is empty, and the lights are dim. I look around me and take in the beautiful and classy looks of the floor. Glass doors everywhere. And besides a couple of security men standing on each corner, it’s really empty in here.

  I sit beside Maksim. My heart hammers in my chest as anxiety crawls underneath my skin. Every man takes a seat as the middle-aged woman pours whiskey into their glasses. When she gets to Maksim’s glass, he waves her off. She nods politely and moves on to Alek
sandr’s glass.

  “Champagne, ma’am?” she asks me, and I smile warmly at her.

  “Red wine, please.”

  By the time she finishes pouring the drinks, she leaves the room and shuts the door behind her quietly. Daniel pulls out a small envelope from the binder sitting right before him and hands it over to Maksim, who opens it and pulls out a small USB stick. He frowns and looks over at Daniel.

  “What’s this?”

  “Everything about your father and Leonardo is in there. You’ll also find some information in there that has to do with Marco Romano.”

  I rise from my seat and glare at Daniel. My heart picks up its speed, and every hair on my body stands up at the mention of my father’s name.

  “What do you mean?” I blurt out.

  Maksim’s hand cups my wrist lightly, but I pull my hand away from his grip.

  “Babe…”

  “I want to know. What information in there is about my father?”

  Daniel’s eyes drift over to Maksim’s.

  “Maksim will take care of telling you what’s on the drive. I also got my men to confirm what your men were able to find.” He nods his head slightly and continues. His eyes lock to Maksim’s. “There is indeed a secret passageway underneath Leonardo’s mansion, but it’s a storage for contraband. It doesn’t lead anywhere.”