by Piper Stone
“What?” I hadn’t been prepared for the news. “No, why?”
“As I told you, the men working for your brother are much like my soldiers. They were no doubt checking for information since I appeared at the Newark port. Wasn’t I supposed to be dead by that point?”
“I...” I honestly hadn’t given Peter a timeframe. Had I? Had I been so stupid to do that? I racked my brain, trying to remember the last conversation I’d had with my brother.
“You have forty-eight hours to complete your task or someone will be sent to do it for you. And you know what that means.” Peter snickered as he slammed the drawer, pushing back from his desk.
“Why do you say things like that to me? Have I ever let you down? Haven’t I paid enough for my sins?” I threw back at him.
“There’s always a first time, baby sister. You have no idea what’s at stake. None.” He grabbed his briefcase and keys, heading for the door. “As far as your sins. Only I will say when enough is enough. Remember. You are very much a killer.”
He was tossing me out, using the same words I’d heard time and time again, goading me. God, I hated the man, loathed everything he stood for. I didn’t even know him any longer, greed and lust for power snatching away whatever small portion of him that had been decent.
“Why don’t you tell me what’s really going on here?” I demanded.
Peter cocked his head, giving me that same condescending look I’d always gotten from the time I was a child asking for extra money. “You have no place in my business. You are well aware of that.”
I held my ground for a few seconds before heading for the door. “Your business. One day you might be surprised when someone else is running the operation, brother.”
I’d bullied him, something I’d never done before. Fuck. Me.
“I threatened him, or I should say his empire,” I said absently.
Aleksei took a deep breath, moving toward the table and leaving his glass. “How? More important, why?”
“I just reminded him that I was quite capable of running his corporation. The why is simply because he was being an ass. However, I can’t believe he’d stoop so low. Hell, I don’t know him any longer.” I felt sick, so cold inside. Who the hell was I supposed to believe?
“You’d be surprised by the true nature of people. While blood is thicker than water, often there is no real loyalty. Something for you to keep in mind.”
Every step he made toward me was forceful, easing far too close for comfort. Even more of the tattoo was showing, so damn provocative, drawing my attention away and I desperately needed to think clearly.
I thought about Aleksei’s words and although biting, they were accurate. “Fine. I will do what you need to bring Peter to a meeting.” I shot him a cold look. “However, make no mistake. My brother and I don’t see eye to eye on most things. I am not a part of his business, nor would he ever allow me to be. It was just a pipe dream that I could ever gain access to. Maybe he’s taken on the Bratva concept. Women aren’t allowed. But you will not kill him. Understood?”
Aleksei allowed his gaze to fall to my bare feet and I suddenly felt more naked than ever before. “Agreed, unless he refuses to accept the terms of my deal. Then I will have no choice. I can’t allow him to continue invading our turf.”
“And exactly what are those terms?” I crowded his space, realizing just how large the man truly was. He had to be close to six and a half feet tall, every muscle hard as a rock.
“He will allow the Petrov organization to have a major part of his operation. He will continue to run the corporation itself, but he will no longer be going after other territories. In addition, he will be paying certain tariffs for being allowed to use our ports. It’s that simple and I believe very fair considering the circumstances.”
I was shocked he’d actually allowed me to hear the terms, even though I was inclined to laugh. “There is no way he’ll accept them. He is far too power hungry to kowtow to anyone, especially the Russian mafia. He believes himself bigger and better.”
“Then he will die. There is no other choice.”
“And what about me? Will you put a bullet in my head as well?”
His hesitation was different than before, certainly not as calculated but just as cold. “We shall see.”
I had no idea why I thought he might be softening his attitude, allowing me to see the real man inside. Maybe this was it. The true monster I’d suspected. “Go ahead, Aleksei, or I guess I should call you sir? Why don’t you do it now? Less of a mess for later. Or why don’t we call my brother, we’ll set up the meeting, then you can shoot me? Relieve yourself of the burden you’ve placed squarely on your shoulders.”
“Be careful, little girl. There are several things I could do to hurt you.”
I managed the hard slap across his face, the force stinging my hand, and was prepared to give him another. “You bastard.”
The snap around my wrist was lightning fast, his other hand doing the same to mine. I was shoved against the French doors, his chest crushing against me. His anger was just as evident as every time before, but I could also read his thoughts.
His desires.
His needs.
He wanted nothing more than to devour me.
“Let go of me,” I spit out, struggling to get out of his hold.
“The answer is no.”
“I don’t understand you, Aleksei. You spout anger and hatred, but I can tell you have another side.” I fought hard, almost managing to free one of my arms.
Aleksei laughed, his eyes wild with intensity. “You don’t know me at all, cherie.”
I maneuvered my leg, able to knee him on the side of his groin. His hand slipped just enough I jerked mine away, almost managing to scratch my nails down the side of his face. He pinned his body against mine, pressing his throbbing cock into my tummy. I was shocked how aroused I’d become, my pulse racing.
Growling, he grasped both my wrists in one hand, shaking his head as he glared down at me.
“I hate you,” I spit out.
“I don’t think so.” He crushed his mouth over mine, immediately thrusting his tongue inside. The heat of the moment, the way his lips felt against mine was jarring.
The kiss became a powerful roar of wanton desire, sinful and unbridled. Shame washed over me, burning like a raging fire, yet was washed away by the tidal wave of longing. Within seconds, I was no longer struggling, my back arching involuntarily.
I was still in disbelief as he brushed the tips of his fingers down my back. The electricity soared, shutting down any concept of focusing. My legs quivered, the wetness between them soaking my already damp panties. He was like a powerful magnet, drawing me into an unbreakable connection.
He finally let go of my arms, using his hand to fist my long strands as he sucked on my tongue.
Unable to resist, I intertwined my fingers in his hair, shuddering as my nipples began to ache, straining against the thin material of my dress.
He reared back, issuing several words in Russian as he cupped both sides of my face. I’d never had a man look at me so intently, ravishing me with his eyes. “You are mine.”
The words were simple, three little syllables that spoke volumes. I was reduced to nothing more than a wanton hussy, tearing at his shirt until the buttons popped completely off.
He merely laughed, every action more enticing than the one before.
I shifted my hands against his chest, crawling my fingers up from his chiseled abs to the edge of the glorious tattoo. He was hard-bodied, all muscle, the kind of man fantasies were made of.
Aleksei took a single step backward, tugging off his shirt and tossing it to the floor. When I placed my palms against his chest, he issued another husky growl, the tone sliding into every pore in my body. He allowed me to trace his ink delicately with my fingers as his chest heaved.
Every detail of the tattoo was spectacular, angular lines running along his chest, sliding around to his back then creeping up in a sw
irl along his neck. The bold art added to his aura of danger and darkness, his need to control everything and everyone around him.
He tilted his head, watching me in fascination as I traced several lines and circles, utterly mesmerized by the simple but glorious detail.
And the time it must have taken to achieve such a look.
“What does it mean?” I finally asked. The man was so private but the urge to know was almost suffocating.
Aleksei shifted, allowing me to see the rest covering his back. The black edges morphed into an intense orange, blossoming into several shades that took my breath away. A true artist had inked a piece of art.
“A phoenix, but different in so many ways. As if the bird isn’t just taking flight but soaring among the heavens,” I whispered.
“Yes.”
“Out of the ashes and into the light, only the truest of warriors will be accepted.”
He seemed surprised I’d recognize the symbol at all, the rendering much more artistic, ominous in design. I followed the design along his neck, sliding the tip of my finger down to his chest.
I shivered again as he cupped my hand, bringing my palm to his face. As he pressed a series of kisses against my already heated skin, there wasn’t a nerve ending that wasn’t standing on edge. His concentrated look remained as he took his time dragging his tongue along my lifeline.
The action was entirely too sensual, leaving me wet and hot, unable to feel my legs.
“Are you a warrior, Aleksei? A man of honor?”
Aleksei lifted a single eyebrow. “That is something that you’ll need to answer yourself, Willow.”
Another challenge. Another line in the sand.
I was well aware that this line wasn’t meant to be crossed. We weren’t supposed to become lovers. In fact, doing so was dangerous, perhaps for both of us. I was well aware of the way mafia politics worked. I’d studied just as he’d suspected, but the Russians were truly brutal in nature. I was nothing more than his prisoner, a woman to be taken at will, disciplined as necessary.
And he was merely a monster.
But with every ounce of my being, I wanted him and would accept whatever consequences I’d be required to face.
“But for tonight, the politics are put aside,” he stated in a commanding fashion. “I will have you.”
There was no denying a man like Aleksei Petrov, so virulent and ruthless, but I no longer wanted to fight.
It was easy to tell he wasn’t a patient man. To that extent, I wasn’t startled when he lifted me into his arms, holding me as a lover would. Then he took long strides out of the room and away from the stairs.
Where in the hell was he taking me?
For a few seconds, every muscle in my body stiffened, fearful he was dumping me in the cage. Punishment for being a bad little girl and enraging him.
But he walked past the basement entrance, moving into a portion of the house I hadn’t explored.
He kicked open the closed door in front of us, marching inside with purpose. The darkness was overwhelming, creating another wave of near panic. His gentle ease of me onto the floor was almost cathartic. The two sides of him were so far removed, polar opposites.
And I wasn’t certain which man I craved more.
Aleksei backed into the shadows and I stood frozen, trying to catch my breath. I found myself reaching for him, longing to call out his name. I had to remind myself that this was no love affair.
The wash of light was more like a warm glow, barely highlighting the details of the room. I blinked several times, darting glances from right to left. Another bedroom. This one was occupied and I knew that everything in the room belonged to him. I was becoming more curious by the hour. The man of the house, no doubt one of the richest men on the East coast, a man who could afford anything in the world had chosen to sleep in a modest bedroom.
There were so many questions, his entire world a riddle of mystery and intrigue.
He advanced once again and without hesitation removed my dress, pulling it gently over my shoulders and head as if peeling away layers of an onion. His chest continued to rise and fall as his gaze fell beseechingly slowly down the length of me, drinking me in.
It was as if he’d never actually seen me before.
I could feel his hot breath cascading across my face and shoulders, the slight rumble emitted from his lips provocative. As his eyes fixed on my lace thong, his pupils dilated, the hunger covering his face unabashed. He placed his hand around the back of my neck, pulling me close.
“I’m going to devour your sweet pussy,” he growled then tossed me onto the bed, dropping down onto his knees. His expression barbaric, he slipped his index fingers under the thin lace of my thong, yanking my panties over my hips.
I thought about the panties he’d stolen, the amazing moment shared at the hotel. Right and wrong was becoming a blur, creating a whirlwind in my mind.
As he split my legs wide open, I gasped, both from the force and the wafting scent of my feminine wiles. There was no denying my attraction, the ravaging need buried deep within.
After pinning my knees against the comforter, he lowered his head, darting his tongue around my clit. Once. Twice. By the third time my lower lip was quivering, my heart racing.
A series of electric jolts shot through me, jerking me up from the bed. “Oh, God!” Stars floated in front of my eyes as he blew a shot of hot air across my pussy. Goosebumps popped along every inch of naked skin. I clamped my hands around my knees as my toes curled, juice trickling down my thighs, tickling my senses even more.
Chuckling darkly, he made several animalistic sounds before pressing his mouth against my clit, sucking on my tender tissue.
I closed my eyes, trying to control my breathing as he rubbed his fingers in circles on the inside of my thigh.
Teasing me.
Tempting me.
“My beautiful girl, but so disobedient.” His whispered words were the most enticing aphrodisiac, floating through me, yanking me toward a heightened level of ecstasy.
He shifted his fingers to the outside of my pussy as he licked up and down, taking his time, his tongue barely touching. He twisted the plug, creating an entirely different set of sensations, the action stealing my breath.
“Oh. Oh...” I tossed my head from side to side, unable to think clearly. When he darted the tip of one finger just past my swollen folds, I bit back a series of cries.
“You will not come unless I allow you. Do you understand?” His question was followed by him thrusting the plug in and out, driving me to the point of madness.
“Uh-huh. I mean... yes, sir.”
He resumed licking, sliding one then two fingers inside. With every second, his actions increased in intensity, three fingers then four. As he thrust in and out, his tongue laved my cream.
His fingers, mouth, and tongue moved in a beautiful orchestration, driving me to the point of nirvana then pulling back. Over. And. Over. Again.
I was breathless, blinking several times as I tried to concentrate to keep from coming. Every time he brought me closer, I almost lost it. My nerve endings were singed from the firestorm burning deep within.
His actions became even more demanding, pulling more out of me, controlling me.
Teaching me.
I realized somewhere in my haze that he was training me to be a good little girl, his submissive.
If not his slave.
My mind was muddled, trying to accept any rationality for the sheer enjoyment the brooding Russian was giving me. There was none.
Just passion.
Lust.
Need.
I was spent, my entire body shaking, glistening from the profound effects of pleasure. And he’d yet to issue the command. “Please...” I finally muttered, still taking several deep breaths.
“Please what, little girl?”
“Let me come, sir... I...” My words trailed off, my mouth so dry.
He pressed a wet kiss against my leg before blowing a sw
ath of hot air up and down my pussy. Then he feasted again, even more aggressive than before.
There was no chance I could hold back. None.
Zero.
But I tried, just like an obedient girl would do.
I bucked up from the bed, lifting my face toward the ceiling. There was nothing going to keep me from shooting straight into ecstasy.
“That’s it, sweet cherie. Now... Come!”
There was no hesitation, my body responding immediately. The climax rushed up from my toes, slamming into my pussy. “Ah!” The scream was high pitched, floating all around us. I sucked in and held my breath just as the single orgasm turned into a glorious wave.
Stars of the most vibrant colors shifted in front of my periphery of vision, dragging me further into the most perfect nirvana.
I had no idea how much time had passed before I was able to open my eyes, taking a full minute until they were able to focus. He wasn’t standing in front of me. I snapped my head toward the door, half smiling when I noticed his expression.
He sat on the edge of the dresser, his arms crossed, merely watching me. “You are also very beautiful when you sleep.”
“What? I fell asleep?” I was shocked, even mortified. The bliss had been incredible, but a wave of guilt and shame was trying to crowd out even the memory. I realized that the plug had been removed and for some crazy reason, I felt empty. And I knew he was planning to take me, use me in every manner.
“Only briefly, sweet cherie.” He tilted his head, his damn gorgeous blue eyes somehow shimmering in the dim lighting. It was as if he was looking into my very soul. “Come here, Willow. Come to me now.”
I eased off the bed onto the floor, crawling toward him. Those same eyes registered surprise as well as amusement. I took my time, moving slowly until I was only a few inches away.
He grabbed my wrists, pulling my arms until I was able to touch his chest. “I like the way you touch me.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I want to feel your hot, wet mouth wrapped around my cock before I fuck you.”
The command was clear.
My hands were shaking as I fumbled with his belt buckle, my entire being rattled from the sheer prowess of the man. I felt so small in his arms as he towered over me. The rough pads of his fingers swept over my shoulders and down my back, cupping and squeezing my bottom.