Vicious Knight: A Dark Mafia Romance

by Amaya Black

  He licked his chops and the sun seemed to bounce off his fur. Wolf or not, he was truly a beautiful creature. While the fear was there and I didn't plan on being eaten alive, I sobered myself. I eased myself down and called to him again, but this time softly.

  "Fedor, come," I smiled.

  His front paws timidly stepped forward. There was no way that this powerful creature was being shy but in any case, I continued to wait. He inched forward again until finally, we were nose to snout. Sitting back on his haunches, he waited. With ease, I pulled my hand from my pocket.

  "There's a good boy, I smiled."

  Offering him the jerky I'd bought from the grocery store earlier in the day, he looked at it.

  "Really? You eat it, silly boy," I took a piece and nibbled on it.

  Fedor's head seemed to tilt and he waited for me to offer him another piece. This time he opened his mouth and allowed me to feed it to him.

  "Imagine this...I'm feeding a wolf," I laughed quietly to myself.

  "What in the hell are you doing!"

  A voice came out of nowhere and startled me, causing me to fall back. Scrambling to my feet I came face to face with Lucien. He seemed to be looking between both Fedor and me. Fedor's mood had changed and his hairs were standing up on his back down to his fluffy white tail.

  "I was feeding him a treat," I replied standing and dusting snow from my clothes.

  Lucien's face was turned into a scowl. The man had probably never smiled a day in his adult life. In truth, I hadn't seen him in a few days. I had been quick to come back to the mansion, after long days of tattooing. My schedule had been filling up as word of Tainted Ink spread. Not to mention Mallory had been running specials across social media and double booking me. Today, was my day off and I had a few plans. Get a massage and feed this wolf. I could now cross off one of those things.

  "I can see that," Lucien came closer. "He is not your pet."

  Fedor growled at his master and secretly I was jumping up and down with glee.

  "He seems to like me," I shrugged. "And it was only jerky."

  Another growl escaped the animal’s lips as he eased his way in front of me; it was as if he were creating a barrier between Lucien and myself.

  Fedor was not amused.

  "Hah!" He exclaimed. "You've turned him against me. I knew letting you meet Fedor was against my better judgment."

  "Oh please, he just doesn't want you cutting off his new found jerky supply," I stated and rolled my eyes.

  I called the wolf's name and began to shush him before his master broke down in tears. Lucien was acting like a child who'd gotten their favorite toy taken away. It was entertaining for sure. Reaching down I brushed at Fedor's fur and felt him relax.

  Cold fire ran down the side of my face.

  I stumbled back for just a moment, almost losing my footing again, and tried to figure out what in the world had just happened to me.

  Lucien stood back, a smirk on his face.

  "What's a matter?"

  "You...did you just throw a snowball at me?"

  Before I could get another answer, he was already bending down and scooping up more snow. Despite my shock, I dove behind a bush for cover. My heart was already racing as I tried to formulate a plan.

  "No use in hiding!" Lucien called. The glee in his voice was apparent.

  From where I was behind the bush that offered only a slight amount of cover, I began to make a few snowballs of my own. When I had a nice little pile, a sly grin eased its way onto my face.

  "Lucien...I think I twisted my ankle," I hollered out.

  "Oh, did you?"

  I could hear a slight hint of scepticism. The crunch of snow beneath his feet was undeniable. When he was just close enough, my leather gloved hands were at the ready and I fired off two snowballs before he was on top of me.

  "What a little liar you are," he growled.

  I began to laugh and he starred down on top of me.

  "I only lie when I need to," I replied. "Now move."

  "I don't think I want to move," he replied.

  I felt it then.

  His hard dick was pushing into my stomach. If given the chance, Lucien probably would have fucked me within an inch of my life right then and there. Staring up into his eyes, I saw the thoughts running through his head. He could once again take me.

  Right here.

  Right now.

  Who would stop him?

  Fedor?

  He was sniffing around nearby and didn’t seem to get that I was in danger. In danger of simply letting myself be taken.

  Finally, Lucien rolled to the side of me and we starred up into the sky.

  "When's the last time you had a snowball fight?" I asked.

  "I wouldn't call that much of a fight," he looked over at me.

  I rolled my eyes. "Fine, then. Played in the snow. I'm just trying to think...and I can only come with a few memories and most of them involve Albie."

  "Ah yes, your troublesome brother..."

  "He is troublesome," I agreed.

  "I remember one year it snowed," Lucien changed the subject. "Like one of the worst winters I can remember, so cold you could have thrown piss out from a bucket and it would have frozen mid-air."

  "Mmm gross," I interjected.

  He looked over again and frowned.

  Our eyes met and sighed. "Sorry, continue."

  "That's it," he shrugged. "It was so cold piss could freeze."

  He got to his feet. His hands went out to dust off the snow that had gotten on him and he tugged his beanie down to cover his ears. Without hesitation, he reached down to help me up and I accepted.

  "Terrible story," I replied.

  "You'll get used to it, Little Angel."

  "I will?"

  He chuckled and started walking away. Giving Fedor one last glance, I followed closely behind. The sun had decided to tuck itself behind a bunch of clouds and flurries were beginning to come down. I believed in the power of snow days, that anything could happen. Whipping out my phone, I texted Mallory and told her that the shop should close for the day and to make sure the staff went home to relax.

  Once Lucien and I entered into the mansion, we stopped by the door and tugged off our clothes and shoes.

  "When's the last time you had a cup of hot chocolate?" I asked.

  "...never."

  The way in which he shrugged. What type of childhood had this man had?

  "I'm on it," I winked at him. "And since you told the staff not to talk to me...I'll have to make this from scratch if you don't have any in the pantry. Why don't you go up to your bedroom...and I'll bring you a cup."

  He looked like he wanted to protest but finally just gave in.

  Finding my way into the kitchen after a few twists and turns, I surprised Lucien's housekeeper. When she caught sight of me, her eyes went wide and she covered her mouth in a startled fashion. She had on her regular uniform, all black but flour seemed to be all over it.

  "Hello, Ms. Porter," I smiled.

  "Evening dear," she said and then covered her mouth in shock again.

  She was more than likely remembering that Lucien had ordered her not to speak to me.

  "It's okay," I held up my hands in understanding. "I'm just here to make some hot cocoa."

  She jerked her thumb to the pantry and I nodded. She turned away from me and went back to whatever she was making. The sound of her humming began to fill my ears. Entering into the pantry, I tugged on the string that was connected to a light. My hand ran along the labels of many items.

  "Ms. Porter," I called. "I can't seem to find what I'm looking for."

  "Try the third shelf to the right, dear," she replied.

  I heard her curse just as I found what I was looking for, and exited.

  "I won't tell Lucien you spoke to me," I replied and gave her a wink.

  She chuckled.

  "Truth be told, I wouldn't care if you did," she shrugged. "He knows better than to tell an old woman like
me to hush up anyway."

  It was my turn to laugh. My hands wandered over the cabinets doors and finally, I found two white mugs that looked as though they had never been used. Something told me, Lucien didn't get a ton of guests so they were probably brand new.

  "So dear," Mrs. Porter spoke. "Where are you from and such?"

  Before I knew it we were chatting like two old friends. I watched as she began to heat the milk and I told her about Tainted Ink and how well it was doing. She listened intently and shared about her now deceased husband and how he'd been a biker of all things and how he'd been tatted up like crazy.

  Finally, the cocoa was done and I was just about to pick up the mugs when she stopped me.

  "Wait, it's missing something," a mischievous glint entered into her eyes.

  Ms. Porter turned on her heel and went to the refrigerator and pulled out a can of cool whip in the can. "Now you know where that is....in case you and Mr. Lucien..."

  A blush so red began to cover my body at her words. "Ahhh...."

  "Oh girl," she smiled the glint still in her eye. "I'm an old woman, not stupid. You're the first woman he's ever brought in this house. He is very particular about these things."

  Steam rose from both cups of cocoa as she covered them in the fluffy cream. I gave her another wink as I trotted off, eager to share this delicious treat with Lucien. Why? I had no earthly clue, I just for some reason wanted him to enjoy this snow day with me.

  Chapter 13- Lucien

  I watched Simone sleep for what seemed like hours. Something inside of my chest felt like it was cracking when I was with her. It was an unfamiliar feeling. The way her light-colored hair had covered her face made my gut twinge.

  The rule had been that when she slept in my bed she had to be naked but she was dressed in a big t-shirt and night pants. The ink on her flesh had beckoned me to come closer but I hadn't wanted to wake her.

  My phone began to buzz on the nightstand. Easing my legs over the bed, I picked up the iPhone. It was a text message from Liam that had included both Val and me. A slight groan escaped from between my lips. Such was the life of the Bratva. Something was always and forever going on. A few months ago it was a war with Valentin's father that had resulted in him blowing a hole in the old man's skull.

  Meeting, was all Liam's message said.

  When?

  I messaged back quickly. The sun was beginning to peak up. I had done something I hadn't done in my entire life: stayed in bed. In bed with a woman and had done nothing but watch Netflix. Gabriel hadn't texted me not one time during the night. Usually, I'd get a

  Fuck you, text if he got too drunk but there hadn't been anything. Simone stirred behind me and I glanced back at her. Her beauty really shocked me some days and I still couldn't believe I'd kidnapped her.

  You should let her get back to her regularly scheduled life, a voice popped in my head.

  Mine, another voice whispered.

  The phone buzzed in my hand again.

  Now.

  Goddamn it, Liam, I was in the middle of having sex with my wife,

  Valentine had joined the chat. Just because your ass isn’t getting any doesn’t mean we’re all up and ready to do your bidding.

  I chuckled and waited to see what Liam would say to his cousin. When they got going, it could be comical.

  You literally have to walk nowhere, get to the fucking mansion, Liam replied.

  Go wake your wife up for some morning sex, Val typed back with an angry face emoji.

  The chat appeared to go dark. I waited and then replied I was on the way.

  Good man, Liam replied.

  That set Val on a damn warpath and the phone began to vibrate some more. I laughed and headed to shower hoping I wouldn't wake Simone. It was too early to be awake for no good reason.

  I hurriedly dressed after my quick shower and left. The roads were icy and dangerous from where they had been scrapped. I didn't mind winter but I was very much ready for this part of it to be over. Driving on slick roads was the worst of it.

  I pulled into the circular driveway belonging to the head of the Safaryan's once more and exited. Liam was already waiting at the door. He was of course smoking a blunt, the skunky smell of marijuana filled my nostrils the closer I got. He offered me some but I shook my head.

  "No one wants your skunk weed," Valentin quipped from behind him.

  Liam's eyes grew wide because he hadn't heard his cousin step up behind him. He looked pissed but awake.

  "You two going to play nice?" I asked.

  "I was trying to play nice," Val spoke.

  "You can get your nut off later," Liam growled.

  Val rolled his eyes and we followed him into the kitchen area. There was already coffee and breakfast laid out.

  "So, what in the hell was so important that couldn't' be said over text?" Val asked.

  I hung back and watched them stare each other down. There was an unspoken rivalry between the King and his heir some days, but I knew it was all love. Much like with Gabriel and myself, we loved each other and were there for each other when it counted.

  "There was another overdose last night," Liam spoke.

  "Okay, and?" Val began to pour himself a cup of coffee.

  "Gabriel was there as well," Liam starred in my direction.

  Fuck, my chest instantly began to constrict at the mention of my brother's name.

  "You want some coffee?" Val asked, his eyebrow raised in concern.

  Giving a nod, I watched as he poured me a cup and slid it my way. The coffee mug immediately felt warm in my hands. The heat offered me a sense of warmth as I awaited what Liam had to say next.

  “It was an eighteen-year-old who overdosed,” he rubbed his temple.

  “And we think?” I asked.

  “I think that Gabriel might have supplied her,” Liam stated. “But when I ran the private footage back, he was never near her. He spent most of the night in VIP.”

  The hot coffee slid down my throat; I took several gulps.

  “So there’s no proof that he did anything?”

  Liam held up his hands in defence. “We’re not above the drug trade.”

  “Then what are you trying to say?” Val questioned.

  “The girl that overdosed was the mayor’s daughter,” Liam’s eyes hit both me and Val. “So, it is very imperative that we figure out who the fuck is trying to burn us alive. Two clubs in just a few weeks…I don’t believe in coincidence.”

  “You’re right,” I stated. “I will speak to Gabriel, immediately.”

  Valentin grunted, “This still could have been a text message.”

  “Thank you,” Liam said to me and then turned to Valentin. “You needed to get the hell up anyway.”

  I placed the mug down and shook my head at them. Pulling out my cell phone, I began to call Gabriel. He hadn’t texted me in hours and now I was starting to get worried. Something wasn’t right and the hair on the back of my neck was beginning to stand up.

  “You’ve reached Gabriel, leave a message at the beep…”

  Voicemail.

  Shit, I thought.

  “I’m going to head out, but I’ll check in with you later. I’m going to head to Gabriel’s and see if he has more information than he’s sharing.”

  “We’ll let you know if we hear anything,” Val mumbled.

  Giving them a nod, I left and let myself back out into the cruel winter weather.

  On the ride to Gabriel’s apartment, the feeling that something was wrong still didn’t want to disappear. I found myself thinking back to when I’d been seven years old.

  My father and I had been heading back from the movies. The streets of Saint Petersburg had been crowded. Christmas time had come and then we’d just been a few moments shy of being home and out of the cold…

  Bang!

  The sound had filled my ears as I watched my father drop dead in front of me. The killer hadn’t tried to hide his face, had just stood there with a smile on his face.
His eyes had been cold and lifeless…for months those eyes had haunted my dreams.

  Pulling into the parking deck that was connected to Gabriel’s apartment complex, I typed in the security numbers on the metal keypad. Once the code was excepted the yellow gate popped up and I drove inside.

  It was quiet and cold as I left the vehicle and headed towards the stairs. A few cars drove by, and lights flashed by as I stepped onto the elevator before it finally spit me off on the tenth floor.

  Knocking a few times, no one came to the door to answer. Looking around before trying to enter, I fiddled with my key rings, the silver flashing under the lights of the fluorescent bulbs that lined the ceiling of the hallway.

  Gabriel had given me the key for a just in case situation. I swore on God’s holy nightgown if I entered this apartment and found him having an orgy, I was going to shoot him with his own gun. There was no excuse for not answering my phone call…even if you were in the middle of a fuck session.

  The lock clicked and the door parted. It was pitch-black inside and I found the light switch on the wall. The was no sign on Gabriel, and I almost turned to leave except that I saw the gun he carried was sitting on the coffee table, and beside it was a half-done line of coke.

  “Gabrielle!” I gave a holler and pulled out my gun.

  My mind and mood immediately shifted; something wasn’t right.

  I went through the apartment and flipped on every light until I reached his bedroom. A cry peeled from my lips as I found him face down in the bathroom, beside the toilet. Putting the gun away, I eased him onto his side and felt for a pulse.

  My fingers, shaking finally found the side of his neck. The entire time, I silently prayed to God that he wasn’t dead. Prayed that we still had more time to be brothers…

  Then I found it.

  It was short and thready….pushing against my fingers.

  A pulse.

  A small sigh escaped my lips and then I sprang into action. Dialing a number we had on file for a doctor that worked for the Bratva, I realized I was shaking. Was it from fear or adrenaline, I couldn’t tell?

  The doctor advised me to try and wake Gabriel and that they would be there as soon as they could. Hanging up the phone, I slapped at my brother’s face. His lips almost seemed to have a purplish tint to them but I couldn’t focus on that. Dragging him into the tub, I turned the shower on. Cold water exploded from high up above us. He only shifted a bit.