by Erin Trejo
“I want to know what this meeting is all about. Nothing has been spoken and that bothers me.” Dmitry nods and doesn’t say anything further. We pull up outside the restaurant where we typically meet. It’s an old Russian-style place that one of the others own. Dmitry climbs out and waits for me. We both walk in together when I spot the others. I make my way over, leaving Dmitry near the door as they all stand to greet me.
“Alexei, it’s so good to see you,” Andrei says. All the men at this table are Vors and all rein under the syndicate.
“You as well,” I tell him shaking his hand before moving around the table to do so with each of the others.
“Let us get this meeting underway. We are all very busy,” Fedor says. Fedor is the oldest of all of us making him outrank us. We follow his guidance and he’s never caused us to stray. I’d like to say that we look up to him in a way.
“Before we begin with the overall matter, do any of you have anything we need to know about?” I raise my hand and Fedor nods.
“The situation with Jimmy has been handled. I know I wasn’t the only one he was in contact with. I have my men looking into his contacts, but so far it looks to be with local police only. Once I have that information, it will be handled accordingly,” I inform the room. The men all nod.
“Good, good. Do keep us all informed and if you need more manpower, know you have it. Anyone else?”
“My daughter is to be married in two months’ time. I extend an invitation to all of you,” Igor adds.
“Ah, very well. We will all be in attendance for something so spectacular. Now, going forward. We have word that the Irish are plotting and planning as we speak. We don’t have details at this time, but the syndicate is checking into it. From what we’re told, they have a mole moving in. As we acquire and stabilize more and more alliances, I ask that you be aware of whom you bring into your circles. This isn’t anything you aren’t already aware of, but I do like to remind you of that.”
“Do we know which family?” I ask paying close attention. There’s always been tension between us and the Irish. We’ve never made a move and neither have they which has kept us in comfortable agreement. Now, that seems to be changing.
“We don’t at this time. What we do know is there was to be some sort of alliance between them and the Italians. One forged by marriage. As to who that is to be, we don’t know. I’m asking you all to keep your eyes open and if you hear anything, report it back. The syndicate is taking this very seriously as should you. We all know that there are two Irish families here in New York at the present and although we haven’t had any problems with them thus far, that means nothing.” The men all reach for their glasses including me. Swallowing the amber liquid, I watch the others talking amongst themselves. I have no worries of anyone infiltrating my organization. I don’t allow outsiders in and everyone must be vetted in order to join at all. Although that’s the case, it does not always happen that way. There are times when someone sneaks under the radar, but I pride myself on checking into anyone that comes in contact with my family.
“One more thing, if I may,” I ask pulling all attention to me.
“Yes, Alexei.”
“I have a situation with Timur Vasiliev. I would like to ask that the syndicate allow me to handle this issue at my discretion.” All the men eye me wondering what the hell he did, and I know I’m going to have to tell them.
“Under what circumstances?” Fedor asks.
“They had taken my cousin with force. She was raped and abused, near death. I have her at my home now but retaliation has yet to come.” The gasps and huffs I hear around the room aren’t a surprise. I knew they would be pissed.
“Who is he working for?” Andrei asks.
“I don’t know that yet. I’m currently looking into it and ask that if any of you hear anything, you will inform me as well.”
“And what of her father? Has he nothing to say on the matter?”
“No. Lev has informed me that Stepan has nothing to say. I spoke to Stepan to confirm what Lev told me and I must report that he was correct. Stepan has no desire to handle this situation. That is where I step up,” I inform the room. They all glance at each other before looking back to Fedor.
“Your uncle holds merely soldier status. The syndicate will back you on this, Alexei. Are we to assume you will be taking responsibility for Alina?” Fedor asks. I nod my head once.
“Yes. I will be. She will be under my protection moving forward as will Lev.”
“Death is the sentence for such betrayal. Are you able to handle that?” He asks, and I smirk. I’ve been killing since I was a child. Death is something I’m close to.
“Yes. That won’t be an issue.”
“Very well. If that’s all, we shall eat,” Fedor announces. The men all agree, and dinner is served. We all sit around chatting about our lives, our businesses, and our families. Drinking and enjoying the solitude of my people can be overwhelming, especially when thoughts of Clara keep running wild in my mind. She may be Irish, but she isn’t a part of our world. She was in a bad situation that landed her where she is today. Even though I cannot love her, that will not stop me from keeping her.
Chapter 12
Clara
I wander the house for hours. My mind is running overtime and I can’t seem to slow it. After that day with Alexei, he’s avoided me. Not that I’ve tried to go to him, but he makes sure he keeps his distance.
“Are you hungry?” Vera asks when I walk into the kitchen.
“No, thank you. I’m just touring the house,” I tell her. I’ve grown to like Vera. She talks to me like a mother, even though she isn’t that much older than me. I find myself drawn to her though. She’s sweet and seems to really care about people.
“Well, you should most definitely check out the pool then. There’s a pool house with suits as well,” she says giving me a wink.
“It’s the dead of winter!” I squeal making her laugh.
“It’s indoors, Clara. Heated and all,” she laughs. I smile, and she nods in the general direction. I make my way through the halls wondering why I hadn’t done this sooner. Each room here is amazing. The most beautiful paintings hang on the walls, the spectacular chandeliers sparkle with light. It isn’t that I’m not accustomed to nice things, I am, but my father didn’t decorate nearly as much as Alexei seems to. I wonder if he chose any of these things himself? I run my fingers over a few of the vases on my way down the long hallway. It isn’t until I get closer, that I smell the chlorine. Peeking through the window of the door, I see Alina swimming laps. I decide to go in then.
“Hey! Are you swimming?” she asks when she spots me.
“I wasn’t aware there was even a pool,” I tell her. She laughs and it’s such a sweet sound. So much better than her cries.
“I didn’t even think to tell you. I assumed Alexei would have. Suits are in there. Come in for a bit,” she says. I nod my head and walk into the small house that’s built inside the dome. There are two, one on each side of the pool. I assume this one is for the women as when I step inside there are rows of suits. All are brand new with tags hanging on them and it makes me wonder why they have so many. I walk along and find my size, pulling it free of the hanger and changing. Looking at myself in the mirror, I cringe at the scars that are now on my body from the beatings. Some are fading while others are still angry looking. I shake my head knowing that part of my life is over now, or at least I hope it is. The plan hasn’t changed. I will use what I can to get free and finish the job my father had sent me to do. I see a drawer labeled towels and grab one out before heading back toward the pool. I stop in my tracks when I hear laughter and find Alexei in the pool with Alina. Water sticks to his skin, droplets running down his face as he smiles. It’s a real smile. One that could stop hearts and melt any woman lucky enough to see it. The laughter stops, all eyes turn to me, then his smile slowly slips from his face.
“Come on, Clara! You can see the snowfall from here,” Alina s
queals but I can’t pull my gaze from his. There’s heat in his eyes as he slowly looks me over from head to toe. I shudder under his gaze. He’s so beautiful and perfect and I am used and broken. A sob escapes me, and I raise my hand quickly to cover it, lowering my head. In seconds, I can feel his warmth surrounding me, enveloping me.
“What’s wrong?” His breath dances over my skin as he leans down to my level, pulling my hand from my face. Slowly he tilts my head so that I’m looking up at his eyes. I can see sincerity. No one has looked at me like that before.
“I am broken, Alexei. I have failed my father, I have failed myself.” Admitting that is harder than I thought it would be. Although I still have time to do as my father wanted, I’m still ashamed that it’s taken me this long. This was never in the plan and now I must live with that.
“You have fought to live, воробей. Why give up now?”
“I’m not giving up. I know what I am though.”
“I’m going to find food,” Alina speaks but Alexei and I can’t tear our gazes from each other. His breath feathers over my skin igniting that fire he always seems to elicit from me. For whatever reason, I can’t seem to stop myself from wanting him. His lips touch mine gently before his arms wrap around me, lifting me to his level. He kisses me roughly before I wrap my legs around his waist. I can feel how hard he is right now, and I want nothing more than for him to be inside of me, yet as he walks us into the water, I find peace. Alexei pulls away and gazes up. I follow his gaze and watch the snow fall on the clear dome above.
“You had it made this way, why?” I ask him.
“I wanted to be able to see all the beauty that’s out there. Even though I live in darkness, this is my light. I like to sit in here at times and just breathe.” Lowering my gaze from the astonishing view, I search his eyes with my own. Alexei lowers his head and finds me watching him.
“What if you aren’t all darkness?” I ask. He smirks.
“I was raised to be darkness.”
“What do you mean?” I can see the war in his eyes. He wants to talk to me, to tell me, but he’s holding back. He’s unsure of me as I am of him, but in his arms I feel a contentment that I have never felt before.
“When I was young, my father sent me away. I was to train to become a killer. I was good at it. I thrived in my learning and did what I was told. I wear the scars of my past like a badge of honor because they are what built me,” he admits and my heart flutters. That’s where the scars on his body came from. I’ve seen them but never asked about them. Most of them are covered by his tattoos.
“And your mother?” His eyes soften as he looks at me. Through me. It’s as though he can reach in and touch my soul, hold it in his capable hands.
“She killed herself before I was sent away. I was there with her, watched her.” To hear him say that breaks my heart. He watched his own mother kill herself? That had to have influenced him as a child. I raise my wet hand to his face, cupping his cheek. He nuzzles closer to me and I find myself liking it.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“That’s why I lost control when you had that gun in your hand,” he admits. My heart shatters into a million tiny pieces as tears slide down my cheeks. I lean in and press my lips to his. Alexei doesn’t give me much control before he takes it for his own. His hand tangles in my hair, tugging enough for me to feel the burn and moan into his mouth. It’s the best feeling in the world, being owned by Alexei. I never thought that I’d find myself drawn to a man like him, yet here I am. When he breaks the kiss, he rests his forehead on mine. His breathing is strangled but the lust in his eyes is unmistakable. I run my fingers through his hair, watching as his lids grow heavy. The groan that escapes him is sexy and feral.
“Why do you affect me the way you do?” he whispers walking us toward the edge of the pool. With my back pressed against the side, the water lapping at my skin, I sigh.
“I was wondering the same thing as you,” I whisper back. His lips crash into mine. Both of us clawing at the other’s skin. When he slows the kiss, I nearly whine. I bite his lip, drawing blood. Alexei pulls back, his eyes on fire as he hisses between his teeth. In seconds, he has his cock free and is shoving my bottoms aside. He plunges inside of me, water splashing around us as he thrusts. My body quakes at the pleasure as his fingers dig into my ass giving me the pain I now seek. I’m floating on a cloud of deceit and I love it. He’s using me but I’m using him right back. I love the feel of him inside of me. I know whatever this is between is can’t blossom into more. Maybe I’m selfish, but I want whatever I can get from him until the time comes, and I need to go. I claw at his back and Alexei growls. His thrusts become harder, his cock hitting me perfectly.
“You want to come all over me, воробей?” He rasps in my ear. I shudder and nod, licking at his skin. He tastes salty and sweet all at the same time. His flavor bursts on my tongue as he fucks me rougher.
“Yes,” I pant against him, my insides coiled tightly. A few more thrusts and I explode around him. I feel him swell as lights flicker behind my eyes and then he comes inside of me. It occurs to me that we’ve never used a condom, but I do take the shots, so I’m covered or at least I hope I am. It’s been awhile since Timur ordered one. The connection between us is just too strong to stop and think about those things at the moment. Alexei rests his head on my shoulder, feathering soft kisses along my neck. I sigh in contentment when his words ring through my head.
“Can I keep you, Clara?”
Chapter 13
Alexei
I don’t know where that came from or why I even said it. I’m thankful as hell that she didn’t answer me either. Her rejecting me would send me over the top and I’m afraid that when I start to fall, I’m going to drag her along with me. We climb out of the pool, she’s on wobbly legs as I lead us over to one of the lounges. I sit down and grab her around the waist, pulling her down with me. She giggles but lies next to me looking up at the falling snow.
“It’ll be Christmas soon,” I say softly. I’ve never been one to celebrate the holidays since I don’t really have anyone to celebrate with.
“It will,” she agrees. “Do you do anything special?” she asks resting her chin on my chest, so she can look at me. I run my fingers through her silky red hair and smile.
“No. Do you?” Her smile fades as she shakes her head.
“No. My father never wanted to celebrate after my mother left us. I never noticed until I got older that we were missing things, traditions.”
“Sometimes it’s for the best,” I add.
“Maybe so. Don’t you ever find you miss out on things?”
“No. I have everything I could ask for. I have an empire at my fingertips. What more could I need?” I see the flicker of emotions in her eyes. “What do you need, Clara? What are you missing?” A tear slides down her cheek and I want so much to wipe it away, but I can’t. She’s hurting inside, and I can’t give her anything more than this.
“I’m missing love. I’m missing acceptance of who I am. There are days I wonder why I’m not good enough for those things,” she says softly breaking me inside.
“You are good enough, Clara. Maybe the one you are looking to give it to you is the problem,” I tell her honestly. Clara moves, tossing her leg over my hips to straddle me. I groan when she rests her weight on my cock. Her hands roam over my chest, grazing me, burning me with her touch.
“Maybe they just don’t know they can give it,” she says before leaning down and kissing me. Her lips leave mine and slowly move over my face and down my neck before she bites into my shoulder. My hips buck into her, a roar escaping my throat. This woman is ruining me. She’s tearing apart the walls I’ve kept in place for years, and I can’t fucking stop her. I wrap my hand around the back of her neck, forcing her lips back to mine. The harder we kiss, the harder I get. Clara grinds herself against me, and I’m painfully aware that she was referring to me when she spoke. I can’t give her what she needs, I know that, but why
can’t I have her for now? Why can’t we be like this? In our own world of pleasuring each other. Her body slides against me and I can’t stop myself. I reach between us freeing my cock. Clara shifts to move her bottoms out of the way and grips my cock in her hand. I hiss through my gritted teeth when she slides down my length. Air swooshes from my lungs and all that’s left is her. She’s fucking with my mind and my body. Clara sits up, fully taking me inside of her.
“воробей,” I warn her. She smirks, her long red hair tickling my thighs as she rotates her hips.
“What is that you always call me?” She asks, her hips seductively rolling.
“It means, Sparrow. You’re my little Irish Sparrow. So quick to try to fly away from me. You want to fly, воробей but I want you to sing for me and only me.” Her lips part, a soft gasp flowing freely. I sit up and wrap my hand around her neck bringing her lips back to mine. We kiss until neither of us can breathe and I can’t focus. Her pussy clenches around me and I come inside of her.
“Alexei!” She screams my name as she falls apart in my arms. I allow her a moment before I move her off my lap. I adjust my shorts and stand before lifting her into my arms. She wraps her arms around me and nuzzles her face into my neck inhaling deeply.
“What do I smell like?” I tease as I walk us back inside and down the hall.
“You smell like mint and man,” she whispers her voice heavy with exhaustion. I chuckle and carry her up the stairs and straight to my room. I’m probably making a huge fucking mistake, but I do it anyway. Closing my door, I walk to the bed and lay her down, pulling the blanket over her body. Her eyes flutter as she looks up at me with a smile on her face.
“Alexei?” She says my name softly.
“Yes?”
“You can keep me for now,” she says before falling asleep. My chest tightens as I watch her chest rise and fall. Her words ring in my mind as I head into the bathroom. Resting my hands on the counter in front of me, I slowly raise my lowered head and look at myself in the mirror.