She had been lucky before. Surviving his twisted game now would probably be more difficult. More blood would be shed and more lives would be lost this time around. The man that was hunting her obviously wanted her to suffer and she knew he wouldn’t be opposed to using others to get to her. That was something she just couldn’t allow. The thought of someone she cared for getting hurt or killed because of her made her stomach do flip flops.
As the driver opened the car door, Sergei pulled away from her and climbed out of the car, his large frame blocking the sunlight that threatened to pour into the opening. As upset and concerned as she was, she couldn’t help but salivate over the way his tight pants hugged his well-sculpted ass. She could see his muscles move seductively beneath his clothes and it sent a charge of lust straight to her core. She shuddered as he reached for her hand to help her out of the car. Zoe slipped out after her, inhaling the fresh air. The birds chirped in nearby trees as bees buzzed about the flowers in the beds along the front of the entrance.
“It’s beautiful here,” Dani said. “The house is amazing.” A chill washed over her, feeling eyes pressing down on flesh. She franticly turned around, scanning the tree line for him. But she saw no one. Only shadows. Was he watching her even now? Had they been followed? Surely the driver or Sergei would have noticed.
“Let’s get inside and get you both settled.” Sergei said, eyeing the guard at the door. He refrained from showing affection until he had a chance to speak with his father. He had feelings for this woman. He had to keep her safe. He didn’t need anyone seeing her as a threat to the family plans.
“What about our bags?” the girls asked in unison.
“Mikael will see to them,” he said as he walked inside, the girls following close behind.
Dani and Zoe’s eyes bugged out as they entered the house. It was huge. A staircase to the right led to the second floor balcony overlooking the entryway. God only knew what else was up there.
A woman with long blonde hair stood at the top of the staircase peering down on them with a look that could only be described as extreme hatred. If looks could kill, Dani was sure she would need a body bag. She smiled up at the woman but the blonde didn’t return the smile, only turned in a huff and walked away.
“This way,” Sergei said, climbing the stairs.
“Your family doesn’t mind that we stay here?” Dani asked, her eyes cutting up to the landing.
Sergei grimaced, his brows drawn together as he followed her line of sight, catching the fluttering of a dress as Katya disappeared into a room. “If it’s a problem, we will go to my condo in the city. Do not worry, Milaya moya. You and your friend will be safe with me.”
“Anger is one letter short of danger.”
-Author Unknown
Chapter 9
Outside the vast estate, under the cover of thick foliage, he watched as the large Russian escorted Dani and Zoe into a large home. He had followed them from St. Petersburg into the country, making sure to stay a good distance away to avoid being seen. He had pulled onto the side of the road, walking into the thick woods to get a better view. As he knelt beside a tree, he watched, anger boiling inside him as the large Russian she had called Sergei comforted her.
“Bitch” he groaned, hating to see her with another man. He would have to punish her for her whorish ways when they were together again.
Only a few nights ago, he had watched as the big Russian slipped into a private room and ravished her. He wasn’t angry at her for falling prey to such a predatory beast, but he would have to teach her what was acceptable, as he had been taught.
To those that knew him, Trent Ferguson was a quiet and gentle soul, a man who wouldn’t hurt a fly, as the old saying went. But looks were deceiving, especially in Trent’s case. The damage of a long and disturbing childhood had left its mark on him like a flaming branding iron, seared into his flesh forever. His mind was addled in a way few could understand. The voices in his head commanded him like a soldier, dealing out his misdeeds on unsuspecting young ladies. Dani wasn’t the first and if he succeeded in making her his she might not be his last.
None had ever escaped his grasp… until Caroline. And the voices never let him forget it. They hounded him, tortured him, left him curled up in tears like a child at night. For years, he had fought to find his Caroline and finally, after five years, he received his reward and the voices quietened.
His eyes glossed over as he learned of her trip to Russia and how easily he could slip back into her life, making her his again. In the airport, he had sat so close he could smell the vanilla scent of her shampoo, tempting him to touch her long hair. But he had resisted the urge, offended by the horrendous black hair hiding the true blonde locks he craved.
“That will have to change,” he hissed, stalking back to his car.
Now that he knew where the mighty Russian had taken her, he could complete his plan to make her his once more. He wouldn’t fail. Not this time. The voices in his head wouldn’t accept another failure. They needed her as much as he did.
“The two women exchanged the kind of glance women use when no knife is handy.”
- Ellery Queen
Chapter 10
Sergei settled Zoe in the room next door to his, and Dani in his room. As the girls freshened up and rested, he headed downstairs to face his father. He knew the Pakhan would be unhappy that he had brought, not one, but two women into the family home with Katya there.
On his way down the hall, Katya appeared before him, “You will not cheapen our union by bringing a harlot to bed. I won’t have it,” she growled pressing a long sharp nail into his chest. “Do you understand me? My father will not stand for it!”
“You know nothing,” Sergei said, bluntly. “Get back into your room before you make a grave mistake.” He stalked away, shaking his head. The sheepish girl he had met the night before was gone, but the daughter of a pakhan baring her claws didn’t surprise him. She had grown up in a mafia household and knew full well how things worked. She had him by the balls… and she knew it.
Taking a deep breath, collecting his thoughts, he pushed open the sliding doors to his father’s study. Ivan sat at his large oak desk, the look on his face telling Sergei he already knew that two young girls had accompanied his son home.
“What the hell were you thinking, Sergei?” Ivan shouted. “Have you lost your fucking mind, son? Igor Antonov will have your head for disrespecting his daughter.” He shook his head.
Sergei’s hands clenched into tight fists. “They are in trouble, Father. I mean to help them!”
“Help them? So fucking the ravened-haired girl is helping her?” Ivan asked, a dark tone lacing his voice.
“No, it isn’t.,” Sergei said, trying to keep his voice calm. “She is in trouble. Someone is after her.”
“That is not our concern,” the pakhan said, flatly. “What of Katya and your union?”
“I have already spoken to her… and I don’t care to marry the ice princess. She’s a fucking troll… but she will do as she is told.” Sergei said.
“Will she now? Do not fuck up the merging of the families Sergei. You must marry Katya,” Ivan commanded.
Sergei ground out an animalistic, “Yes, sir.”
Sergei took a seat across from his father, all the while knowing his situation sucked. Strangely enough, after listening to what he had to say, the pakhan decided to allow Sergei to protect the girls from this madman that threatened them, as long as it didn’t interfere with family business.
Sergei returned to his room and found Dani curled up on the bed like an angel. He hated to disturb, her but seeing her there, he couldn’t resist having her again. It had been days since he had tasted her and he wanted nothing more than to once again get lost in her. As he approached the bed, his eyes hungrily lapping at Dani’s beautiful body, he was overcome with concern for her. Something about this woman was so familiar, but he was sure he didn’t know her.
She lay there, curled up, long blonde e
yelashes sweeping across her lower lid. He suddenly realized she was not a natural raven-haired beauty as he had thought. Thinking back to the night in the club, he remembered the strip of blonde hair on her mound, thinking at the time that she had perhaps changed the color between her legs to be different.
He swept a black tendril of hair behind her ear. Dani shifted slightly at his touch, her eyes fluttering back and forth as she slept. “Wake up, Milaya moya,” he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.
Dani opened her eyes just as Sergei pressed his lips to hers. As the kiss deepened, she moaned, feeling the mattress shift as his body came over hers. His warmth enveloped her, shading the darkness of the world from sight. Sergei grasped her wrist, placing it above her head, then lifted the other one holding them taut as he left a trail of kisses down her neck towards her breasts. Dani’s nipples hardened as she rubbed her body against his, needing him to ravage her thoroughly. Using his free hand, he grasped the hem of her shirt, edging it over her perky breasts. Dani wiggled beneath him as Sergei slid the shirt over her head and tossed it carelessly over his shoulder.
A light knock sounded on his door, breaking them from the moment. Sergei groaned in frustration as he slid from the bed. Dani rushed across the room, snatching her shirt from the floor and putting it on quickly just as Sergei opened the door.
His lips formed a thin line as his eyes met Katya’s. “What do you want?”
Katya stepped forward, trying to enter the room, but Sergei stopped her in her tracks, stepping forward, forcing her to step back into the hallway. Katya strained to see around him into the bedroom but he blocked her view, closing the door.
“You have that bitch in your room, don’t you?” Katya growled.
“That is none of your business,” Sergei said, grasping her arm and walking her down the hall to her room. “You do good to remember your place.”
“You can’t do this. She can’t be here. Who... who do you think you are? My father –”
“Your father what?” Sergei asked, glaring at her. “I am to be the pakhan soon so don’t push me, Katya.” He pushed her into her room. “Stay here.” He slammed the door closed, the sound echoing through the house. He had to figure out what to do with this woman. She was a despicable creature. But he had to admit, if he put himself in her shoes, he would feel much the same way. Slumping against the wall outside her door, he shook his head. Should he tell here the truth? Would she understand he didn’t want her? That he wanted this American girl waiting in his room? No! She wouldn’t care; she was a cold-hearted bitch. A very dangerous cold-hearted bitch.
Later that evening, Sergei led Dani and Zoe to the dining room for dinner. His father wished to meet the girls. The thought panicked him. There was no way to control the situation. Fuck! Katya would probably be there as well. Sergei showed them to their seats, sitting down next to Dani.
“Does your family always eat in here? It’s so... so ritzy,” Dani asked.
“Da. Meals are a time for family to catch up with one another. All meals are like this.” he said as his father walked in.
“Introduce me to your guests, Sergei.” the pakhan said, pointedly eyeing the girls.
“Father, this is Dani McCade, and her dear friend, Zoe Dawson.” Sergei said. “Ladies, this is my father, Ivan Smirnov.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you sir,” Dani said. “You have a very lovely home.”
“Nice to meet you, sir,” Zoe said. “Thank you for letting us stay in your home.”
“You are welcome,” Ivan said, taking a seat at the head of the table. “If there is anything you should need, please let my son know.”
The girls nodded. The house was like a freaking museum but they could feel the tension radiating off of everyone. Something was a bit off. Dani couldn’t put her finger on what it was but she felt uncomfortable. Sergei must have noticed because he slid his hand into hers, his thumb rubbing slow circles on her hand. It was amazing how something as simple as a touch could make her worries vanish in an instant.
Before Dani could utter a word, the blonde woman with a look that would scare school children stormed into the dining room. Everything about her was over the top. She came straight to Sergei, sitting beside him. Her eyes were cold and filled with hate. Ivan cleared his throat and the blonde woman stiffened in her seat.
“Katya, let me introduce you to our guests, Dani and Zoe; Sergei’s friends,” Ivan said
“Americans.” Katya grumbled.
“Nice to meet you, Katya.” Dani and Zoe said in unison.
Sergei slid his hand from Dani’s and turned to face Katya. “You will be polite to my guests.” Katya sneered at him, the disdain she felt for his actions and maybe even Sergei himself were more than apparent.
“Please excuse me. I have lost my appetite.” She glared daggers at Dani and then stormed out of the room. Dani didn’t know what she had done to make this woman hate her but she didn’t care. She had enough to worry about that was much more serious than some woman not liking her.
The rest of the dinner went off without a hitch. After dessert, the girls headed upstairs while Sergei joined his father for after-dinner drinks in the study. Dani and Zoe appreciated the beautiful artwork hanging on the walls as they made their way upstairs, only to be caught in the hall by the wicked witch of Russia.
“Keep your hands of my fiancé, you dirty little tramp.” Katya growled, pushing Dani against the wall.
“What the hell? You’re fiancé?” Dani was stunned that this woman would put her hands on her like that, and even more freaked out by this blonde bitch describing Sergei as her fiancé.
“Yes! My fiancé,” Katya said, loudly. “You didn’t really think someone as fine as Sergei would ever be with a lame little tramp like you.” She tilted her head, looking closely at Dani. “Oh you poor thing. You did think he wanted you.” She laughed, walking back down the hall.
Dani couldn’t believe the nerve of the woman. And worse yet, she had trusted Sergei, had sex with him, and he was promised to another woman. She practically ran to her room, Zoe hot on her heels, barely making it inside before Dani slammed the door. “I can’t believe he had the nerve,” she shouted. “I’m a… a tramp. I slept with another woman’s man.” She looked at her friend. “We need to leave, Zoe. We don’t belong here... with him.”
“Relax,” Zoe said. “Damn, Dani. That bimbo is probably just jealous of you and Sergei. Did you think about that?” She didn’t know if that was really true but she needed to calm Dani down. If they left the safety of Sergei’s home, there was no telling what would happen to them.
Tears streamed wildly down Dani’s face as she threw herself onto the bed. She was angry and needed answers, but all she could do right now was cry. The world was crashing in on her and all she could do was watch and wait for it to crush her out of existence.
“Dani? Dani, you really should talk to him,” Zoe said. “Please don’t make us leave. What if he finds you?”
“Maybe we should just go home, Zoe,” Dani whispered, grabbing a Kleenex from the nightstand. “We’re supposed to leave in a couple of days, anyway. I just want to go home.”
“Shallow men believe in luck.
Strong men believe in cause and effect.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
CHAPTER 11
Sergei had talked with his father and was surprised at his change of heart about helping the girls. They had discussed their options in locating the menace that was after Dani, as well as the effect such a person could have on their people. There was no telling what that kind of man would do to get to Dani.
It was decided that the girls would remain in their care as long as they were in Russia. The Smirnov family would see to their safe departure at the airport in a few days, and then Sergei would face Katya and the wedding nightmares were made of.
“Father, I do not love Katya. Is there any way to avoid the wedding?” Sergei asked as he neared the study door.
“Son, if it could be avoid
ed, I would see that it was. You know I will always consider your ideas of handling things in the family business.”
“I know,” Sergei said. “What if Katya were to marry Stepan? That woman would straighten him out in no time. That marriage would actually be beneficial. I just don’t see our marriage benefiting the family in the long-term. She’s a vicious bitch.”
Ivan laughed at Sergei’s description of the woman. “I will think on it. Do you really prefer the American girl over Katya?”
“Yes, father, I do. She makes me... happy.”
“I felt that way about your mother, too,” Ivan admitted. “Did I ever tell you I was to marry another woman?”
“No, sir.”
Nodding, Ivan continued his story. “She was a dreadful-looking woman. Much older than I was. I had already given my heart to your mother before I ever spoke to her. She was a vision of purity and beauty. My father took pity on me and let me marry outside of the family business. I could never thank him enough in a lifetime for giving me such a precious gift. So if I can offer that to my son... I will, gladly.”
“Thank you, father,” Sergei said, before silently leaving the room. He had never heard his father speak about love before. His parents had had a long a loving marriage. Growing up, he had not seen them show affection to one another – that was simply how the family was – but it was obvious that they loved each other, if you knew what to look for. Sergei wanted that kind of love, and he wanted it with the raven-haired Dani more than anything. If she would have him after learning of his dark side; his family’s business and the people he had disposed of.
Making his way upstairs, he found his room empty. No sign of Dani anywhere, all of her belongings vanished as if she had never been there. A feeling of dread washed over him and he raced across the hall to Zoe’s room. Not bothering to knock, he turned the handle and thrust the door forward so hard it bounced off the wall.
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