by Peyton Banks
She looked around. “I see it.” Back still to him, she stretched her arm out and wiggled her fingers. “Clothes, please.”
He picked up her items, all but the spanx. She was done wearing that constricting shit.
“Here.”
“Bring them to me,” she told him.
“Put my jacket down and come get them.”
“Con!”
“Cristal.”
“Why must you be so difficult?”
“Why must you try to hide that sexy ass body from me? Put my jacket down. Come get your clothes.”
She stomped her foot. “Con!” He could hear the pout in her voice.
“Criss.”
“Ugh.” She shed his jacket and let it drop to the floor. Her expression was furious when she finally faced him. “Why are you smiling?” She yelled.
“Because you’re mine.”
“Ugh.” She stomped over to him and tried to grab her clothes. He held them up, beyond her reach. “Con! Stop playing.”
“Promise me you’ll stop hiding yourself from me.”
“What’s with you and all these promises? Give me my damn clothes.”
“I take my promises seriously,” he told her.
She stilled, arms raised. “You do?”
He nodded.
“All of them?” She asked.
“Every single one. And right now, I promise to always be there when you need me. No matter what it is, you can call me and I will take care of it. Understood?”
She lowered her arm and placed her hands on her hips. “For real?”
“I swear.”
“What if you can’t fix it?”
“Then I’ll kill whoever is creating the problem for you.”
She smiled. “You shouldn’t say that so casually.”
“You shouldn’t smile about someone being killed. It seems we’re more alike than I thought.”
Criss chuckled. “Would you believe me if I told you that what you just said was the sweetest thing a guy has ever said to me?”
He raised his eyebrow. “No guy has ever told you they loved you?”
“Yeah, I’ve heard words of love. As you can see, those people who said it are no longer in my life. Therefore, those flowery words don’t mean shit. I have no use for them. But having someone say they’ll kill for me, call me disturbed, but I find that sweet as hell.”
Con’s smile widened. “Well, you’ve just met the sweetest man on Earth. Because I’ll fuck a motherfucker up over you.”
Criss burst out laughing.
“I love that sound,” Con told her.
“Stop being sweet. It’s not like you.” She tried to force her smile away.
“I can be sweet. You’ll see as you get to know me. My sweet isn’t flowers and candy. But if you want that, I can get it for you.”
“What’s your kind of sweet?”
“Protection. Loyalty. Devotion. I’d never hurt you in any way. I’d hurt myself before I hurt you. And I’d kill a motherfucker if they dare hurt you or anyone you care about.”
She cocked her head to the side. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“I will also never lie to you. Yes, I am serious about this, Cristal.”
Her smile slowly faded. “So, uh, during sex, when you told me to say I belong to you…”
“I meant that shit.”
She nodded slowly. “Oh. So I uh, I’m yours now?”
“All of you.”
“I see.” She stared down at the ground.
That unsure feeling he’d felt before, returned. “You’re mine Criss.”
“Yeah, I heard you the first time. Problem is…”
“There is no problem.”
“But see…”
“There’s nothing to see.” Stop trying to leave me.
“It’s just that…”
“You’re mine.”
“Stop interrupting me and let me get my words out.”
“If your words involve you trying to leave me…”
“How can you make me say I’m yours when I don’t know you well?”
“You will get to know me.”
“And what if I don’t like you?”
“You will.”
“What if you don’t like me?”
“I do.”
“But I can be a bitch.”
“I know.”
“Con!”
“The first day I met you, you told me to suck a dick.”
She frowned. “I did? Oh right,” she chuckled. “I forgot that part.”
“Criss, I like you. Just as you are. You don’t have to change. I can handle your mood swings.”
“I don’t have mood swings.”
“I can handle your attitude.”
“I do not have an attitude.”
“I can handle your…”
“If I’m so flawed, then why do you like me, damn?”
Con moved closer to her. “Flawed? Those aren’t flaws. Those are small things that make you who you are. And I like you, just as you are. Don’t change.”
Criss pushed her hair behind her ear. “Are you serious?”
“Give me a chance to prove it to you. Can you do that?”
Criss stared down at her feet. “I… come with a lot…”
“Me too.”
She looked up at him. “You don’t know what I was about to say. Stop interrupting me.”
“I’m sorry, madam. Please continue.”
“Thank you. I come with a lot of baggage. I have so much shit to deal with. My life is so fucking hectic. No one in their right mind should want me right now.”
“Good thing you’ve met a motherfucker who isn’t in his right mind.”
Criss burst out laughing. He wanted to keep her doing that. She was fucking gorgeous when she laughed.
“I come with a lot of shit too. I’m pretty sure I can stack my baggage higher than you can stack yours,” Con told her.
“I bet you can’t.”
“Oh really? Come have a seat with me.”
Naked, they strode over to the couch. Once they were seated, Con put all his cards on the table for her. She listened attentively and didn’t interrupt him once as he told her about his life in Russia.
He told her about his two sister and the hardships they faced growing up. He then told her about his oldest sister, who’d gotten caught up with the wrong guy. A guy who ultimately ended her life and the life of their baby boy.
Tears had trailed down her cheeks as he told her of the anger and rage he’d felt when he learned of his sister’s death. He told her of his decision to join the Soldiers because of that. He explained to her that the Soldiers were an organized crime syndicate in Russian that had bases and allies all over the world.
He’d agreed to join in order to use their resources to find his sister’s killer. Because of his decision, he now owed a blood debt to the leader of the Soldiers. A debt he’d be free from in one year.
He told her of his friend, Boris, the previous manager of Private Affairs. His friend was missing and Con was sent to Chicago to find out what happened to him. He told her of Boris’ wife and child, who felt lost not knowing what had happened to him.
He told her of his baby sister, who refused to leave his side and live her own life because she was afraid he’d get hurt living this life of crime. She followed him wherever he went.
She even forced him to train her to fight and shoot, so that she could defend him if needed. Criss listened to his life story and when he was done, when there was nothing left to tell, she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him.
He held her close. She cried, but he didn’t. There were no tears left in him. He’d shed the last of those years ago. Yet, he was touched that his story moved her to tears. He was touched that this beautiful woman cared enough to cry for him.
“You win,” she told him before pulling away from the embrace.
Con wiped the tears from her eyes.
“Your baggage stacks hig
her than mine,” she told him.
“See, I told you.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through all of that.”
Con nodded just as his phone started to ring again.
“You better get that. I’ll go to the bathroom and clean up then get dressed.”
“Take your time. There’s a full shower in there.”
“Great.” Criss gathered her clothes together while Con answered the phone.
“Yury, what’s wrong?” Con said into the receiver. “She’s safe. She’s with me.” As Yury told him that Criss’ family was settled in at his home, Con noticed that Criss was still standing there. “Hold on, Yury.”
Con faced Criss. “What’s wrong?”
Criss shook her head. “Was Yury looking for me?”
“He just wanted to make sure you were okay. The band closed the lounge for the night and went home, but he didn’t see you. Oh, and he said Lina gave him your phone. He has it for you downstairs.”
Criss nodded but didn’t leave.
“You okay?” He asked.
“I just…”
“What’s wrong? Tell me. I’ll fix it.”
She smiled. “I think… I think I misjudged you before.”
Con chuckled. “So, you no longer think I’m a jackass from hell?”
“You’ve been promoted to savage status. A higher level than jackass.”
“Damn. When will I reach gentleman status?”
“Gentleman? Who wants a gentleman? I’d much rather have a savage.” That said, she turned and retreated to the bathroom.
Con watched her walk away. He couldn’t wipe the dumb ass grin off his face.
“Boss, are you there? Boss?”
Con brought the phone back up to his ear. “I’m here.”
“Criss’ grandmother told Lina all about the guy who is bothering Criss.”
Con listened as Yury filled him in. “That motherfucker. He only wants the child so he can get back in his parents’ good graces. Call Dean, tell him to look into this guy’s family. I want any dirt he can dig up.”
“Wouldn’t it be easier to just kill Scott?”
“That wouldn’t stop his family from coming after the child.”
“Should we kill the parents too?”
“No. Not yet. Just call Dean and tell him to look into the family.”
“Got it.”
“Also, I’m going to take Criss to my house now. Bring the car to the back. Tell Ramirez to watch the club. After you drop us off, come back to lock up.”
“Will do, boss.”
Con hung up the phone and relaxed against the couch. Apparently, this Scott character had been harassing Criss since the child was born. Like him, Criss had also lost a sister. They were more alike than either of them had thought. She’d been going through this alone. That all ended today.
“Con…”
Con looked up, to see Criss standing at the bathroom door with a towel wrapped around her body.
“You okay?” He asked.
She nodded. “The water is getting cold.” She winked.
Was she asking him to join her for a shower? She crooked her finger at him. Yes, she was asking him to join her for a shower. His female was amazing. They showered quickly. But they made love against the shower wall, which led to them taking another shower.
He helped her get dressed then she returned the favor. She started to protest when he offered to give her a ride home and return her car to her later. He insisted. He adored the blush that crept into her cheeks when she saw Yury.
As they walked out the back door of the club, she leaned over and whispered to him, “Don’t tell Yury what we did.”
Chuckling, Con told her, “I don’t have to. Your hair already did.”
“What?” Her hands flew to her hair. “Why didn’t you tell me my hair was a mess?”
“I think you look great.”
“Shut up, Con.”
Yury held the door open for them. In the car, Criss quickly fixed her hair. On the ride, he’d planned to tell her that they were really going to his house, but she fell asleep a few minutes after Yury pulled out of the parking lot. As they rode, he watched her sleep.
“Are you going to stare at her the whole ride?” Yury asked.
“Mind your business.”
“You’re my business, which makes this my business.”
True. “You were wrong. She does like me.”
“I see.”
“I even told her about my past.”
“You did?”
“I did.”
“How did she take it?”
“She gave me a hug.”
“Really? I guess I misjudged Cristal.”
“I think she can handle my lifestyle. I don’t think she’ll run away when times get hard.”
“Or when people are trying to kill you.”
“That too. I’ll keep her safe. Her and her family. Is Lina still at my house?”
“She is. Did you tell her who Lina is to you?”
“Not yet. I will when we get home.”
“You’re serious about her, aren’t you?”
“She’s mine, Yury. I won’t let her go.”
“Okay, boss.”
Con rested his head against the seat. For the rest of the ride, he watched his woman sleep.
This was not happening.
“Con, why the fuck is my family at your house?”
“Because it’s safer here for them.”
“You can’t just relocate someone’s family.”
Con frowned. “Why not?”
“Because… I’m pretty sure that shit is illegal. When did you… why did you…. Ugh.”
Criss began to pace. She couldn’t believe her granny and niece was upstairs asleep in one of Con’s guest rooms. She also couldn’t believe his house was so damn big. She also couldn’t believe her bestie, Lina, was in on this.
“I did this for you.” Con grabbed her and pulled her in for a hug.
She rested her head against his chest. “I didn’t ask you to.”
“You don’t have to ask. I made the decision on my own.”
She pushed away from him. “That’s just it. This wasn’t your decision to make. And you…” Criss faced Angelina. “Lina, how could you help him with this?”
Lina stared from her to Con. “So, are you two together, together?”
“Yes,” Con answered for her.
“Con, don’t speak for me.” Criss rolled her eyes. “Lina, why are you here? And why did you bring my family here?”
“Because my brother told me to bring them here. Since you two are together now, you may as well know the truth.”
“Wait, huh? You’re Con’s sister?”
“Baby sister.”
“But…”
“I couldn’t tell you. Only his men know who I am. The other workers don’t know I’m related to the boss.”
Criss was so embarrassed. “But we’re friends.”
“For life,” Lina said. “And now we’re more than friends. We’re family.”
“Friends don’t keep secrets.”
Lina rolled her eyes. “Says the queen of secrets. Why didn’t you tell me your niece’s father was harassing you?”
“Who told you?”
“Granny.”
“Your granny?”
“No, your granny. After I told her that Con wanted to date you, she insisted I call her granny.”
Damn it, granny. “Pay her no mind. She’s old.”
“She told me how you all keep moving around to escape him.”
Damn it, granny.
“She also told me that you’re planning to move again. And this move was making her sad, because your niece finally found a school she liked and had started to make friends.”
Damn it, granny. Tears welled in Criss’ eyes. “My grandmother shouldn’t have burdened you all with our problems.”
Con stepped up to her. “We’re family now. Your problems are our problems.”
“So, you already knew about Scott?”
“Last night, he was seen near the club.”
Shit. He knew where she worked. “I can handle Scott.”
“No. I will handle Scott.”
“You can’t kill him, Con. He’s Shy’s father. Plus, his family is connected to important people. His dad is a politician.”
“I don’t give a fuck who his dad is. If Scott comes near my family again, I will bury him and his parents.”
More tears welled in her eyes. She had to be dreaming. There was no way Constantine Novinkoff was this serious about her. So serious, that he’d kill for her. Con wiped her tears away.
“Stop crying.”
“Tears don’t work like that Con. You can’t just turn them on and off like that.”
“I don’t like to see you cry.”
“I’m a crier. Get used to it.”
“This is just another reason why I should kill Scott.”
“No. You can’t do that.”
“Can I fuck him up, just a little?”
Criss chuckled then nodded. “He deserves to be fucked up, just a little.”
“He deserves death,” Lina chimed in.
“I agree,” Criss told her. “I want to kill him myself. But I don’t want Shy to find out.”
“I can make it look like an accident,” Lina told her.
“Lina!”
Lina shrugged. “Accidents happen. People fall off bridges every day.”
“They do not.”
“Really?”
Criss burst out laughing. “Yeah, you’re definitely Con’s sister.”
Lina walked over to her and gave her a hug. “I’m your sister now too. Remember that. Now, I have to return to the club and help Yury close up. Did Yury give you your phone?”
“He did,” Criss told her.
“Good. Bye guys. I’ll come by later to check on your granny and Shy.”
“Lina, wait.”
Lina stopped.
Criss grabbed her hand. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you.”
“For what?”
“For that.” Lina nodded to Con.
Criss stared at Con. “I don’t get it,” she told Lina.
“He’s smiling. You did that. Thanks.” That said, Lina left Criss and Con alone.
Con pulled Criss into his embrace. “Are you a little mad or very mad at me for bringing your family here?”
“I’m very mad.”
“Truly?”
“Well… kind of. I know you want to help. But you can’t make decisions for me.”