The Russian Unleashed

by Red Phoenix

  I hate that I have to do this.

  Needing them to understand the reason, I explain, “What I’m doing puts you in danger, and I refuse to let anyone hurt you.”

  “But you’ll come visit us,” Lada states, rather than asks.

  I know my answer will hurt her.

  “I can’t, Lada. Not if I want to protect you.”

  Tears start to fall down her cheeks.

  I lift her chin. “Every time you see a new girl walk through the door in the new place, you’ll know I’m there.”

  She lets out a sob.

  It’s hard to leave them because I know the difficult road they face.

  I look at all four girls. “You don’t know how important you are to me.”

  I hope they understand I’m doing this to protect them.

  I brought a camera with me, and I hand it to one of the staff members in the room. “Would you take a picture of us?”

  Wiping away Lada’s tears, I tell her, “I need you to smile for me.”

  Getting down on one knee, I have the girls gather around and say proudly, “You are a part of my family now.” I stare into the lens of the camera, expressing my deep feelings for them in my gaze.

  I plan to send a framed photo to each of them. I hope the picture will remind the girls I am always near and I care, even if they can’t see me.

  Precipice

  The instant I step out of the vehicle at the airport, reporters mob me. My men create a protective shield around me, but nothing stops some of the reporters from trying to shove microphones in my face.

  They shout insulting questions that make my blood boil, but rather than show my rage, I cower away from the cameras.

  I know the role I must play.

  Still, I am unprepared when I see Andrev waiting for me, surrounded by a separate group of reporters who are hounding him. I tell my men to bring him to me and make a path for him to join my circle.

  I yell above the din surrounding us, “What are you doing here?”

  Andrev puts his hand on my shoulder and leans next to my ear. “I wanted to let you know I will check in with Titov. If there is anything I can do to help while you are gone, I will.”

  Tears come to my eyes at this unexpected sendoff, and I can’t hold back the emotion when I tell him, “Thank you, Andrev.”

  Looking around at the throng of reporters, he says, “You are doing the right thing, Anton. It’s important to focus on yourself right now. This is craziness.”

  “Do you want to come with me?” I joke.

  He snorts. “If I didn’t have a family, I would.”

  I clasp his shoulder. “Take good care of your family and give them my best.”

  He smiles. “I will, brother.”

  I hug him and watch as some of my men escort him safely away from the madness. For the first time in my life, I’ve had a taste of what it’s like to be part of the family.

  I have not informed Thane I am coming and show up outside his office at the same time of day I normally call him from Russia. As I look at the building where he works, I reach for my phone and dial him.

  “Moy droog, what do you say to dropping everything and spending today with me?”

  He chuckles. “As always, you call me just as I’m beginning my work day. Much as I’d enjoy it, I can’t afford the time off to travel.”

  “You always give me the same excuse. Work, work, work.”

  “What can I say? This is my reality.”

  “What about tonight?”

  “Sorry. I’ve started the Dominant Training course at the Center. I’m completely booked for weeks.”

  “You will have to tell me more about this Dominant Training class.”

  “I’ll be happy to, but not right now.”

  I chuckle. “We’ll talk later, then.” I hang up, tuck the phone in my pocket, and cross the street to the building.

  After speaking to the receptionist, I walk into the office and search through the maze of cubicles until I find his.

  “Are you ready to talk, moy droog?”

  Thane spins in his chair and stares at me in shock.

  “Is that a no, then?”

  Thane immediately stands up and walks over, clasping my hand tightly. “I can’t believe you’re standing in front of me.”

  “Live and in the flesh.”

  He grins. “Why?”

  I glance around the office and shake my head.

  His smile suddenly fades. “Let me speak to my boss.”

  A few minutes later, he returns and announces, “I’m free for the rest of the day.” Thane turns off his computer and grabs his jacket. “Where to?”

  “The beach, moy droog.”

  He places his hand on my shoulder. “Let’s go.”

  I insist he leave his car at work and ride with me. When he gets into my vehicle and sees the other men, he frowns. “Why so many guards?”

  I simply shrug.

  Thane settles in his seat, glancing at me with concern.

  During the drive, I stare out the window at the palm trees lining the street. “I have missed these trees.”

  “Pretty much nothing has changed since you left. Same weather, same palm trees, same smog.”

  I chuckle. “That’s why I like the beach. The ocean is always changing.”

  Thane nods, smiling slightly.

  “When was the last time you’ve been to the beach, comrade?”

  He snorts. “It’s been a while.”

  “You realize without me in your life, you have none.”

  He chuckles but keeps glancing at my men, clearly worried.

  After the driver parks, I get out of the vehicle and tell the guards to walk behind us. Thane joins me as I take a stroll along the beach, breathing in the fresh ocean air.

  Having waited long enough, he asks, “What’s happened, Durov?”

  “Before I tell you, let’s have a drink.” I change direction and start walking toward the beach house.

  Thane laughs when he suddenly realizes where we are. “Did you buy the place?”

  I grin at the house I stayed at during college. “I have too many memories tied up here to let it go.”

  I unlock the door and insist he enters first. My entourage follows behind me and I tell them to give us some space. They split up, taking posts around the perimeter of the property.

  “The fact that you have so many guards has me concerned, my friend.”

  “It is necessary, brother.” I grab two glasses and a bottle from the freezer.

  As I pour the vodka, I tell him, “As you know, after Lada showed up at my door, I felt called to establish a refuge for survivors rescued from the slavers.”

  “Yes. Last I heard, it was going well.”

  I don’t bother with a toast and throw back the vodka, needing its fiery burn. “It is going well, moy droog. Which is why I hate that I must shut it down.”

  He frowns. “What happened?”

  “Heinous accusations were lodged against Dr. Volkov, who I had overseeing the program. Naturally, those same accusations were quickly directed at me. My reputation has been destroyed, along with the integrity of the program we started.”

  Thane snarls. “This reminds me of what happened to my father. I hate the fucking press.”

  “It has been hell, moy droog. However, none of it compares to being forced to shut down the facility to protect the girls from the fallout.”

  Thane puts his hand on my shoulder. “I know how important it was to you.”

  I let out a long, painful sigh. “At least the girls will be taken care of. I’ve seen to it.”

  “Do you know who did this?”

  I look him in the eyes. “I don’t, but I will not rest until I find them.”

  I pour us each another glass. I let the warmth of the liquor soothe my tired, war-torn soul. “There has been one bright spot in all of this.”

  Thane raises his eyebrow. “What’s that?”

  “Andrev. While the rest of my famil
y publicly disowned me after the scandal broke, he has stuck by my side.”

  “That’s unexpected.”

  “It gives me hope for the future, comrade.”

  Thane sighs, knowing the difficult history between Andrev and me. “Well, I hope to God he doesn’t let you down.”

  I laugh. “Not to worry. I don’t expect much from him.”

  We spend the day relaxing on the beach. After being emotionally beaten, the sound of the waves rolling in helps heal my soul, and the presence of my one true brother grounds me.

  When he informs me that it’s time for him to leave for class, I’m both saddened and reluctant to see him go.

  “Can’t you skip one night, moy droog?”

  “Unfortunately, I can’t. The course is only six weeks, and every night covers something new.”

  “Damn.”

  “Why don’t you come with me? You can check out the place while I’m in class. They always have something going on there.”

  Not wanting to spend the evening alone, I agree.

  We drive back to his work so he can pick up his car.

  When I see it, I laugh out loud. “What is this?”

  Thane looks at his car with fondness. “I named her Motivation. Unc gave it to me as a graduation present. She may be old, but I can’t complain.” He shrugs. “She gets me around.”

  I shake my head, amused by how hideous it is. “I’d be happy to buy you a suitable vehicle.”

  “While I appreciate the offer, I love this car.”

  “Why?” I chuckle.

  Thane takes out his phone and shows me a red sports car. “This is a Lotus, and I plan to own one.” He looks back at his car, smiling. “And, there is no better motivation than getting into this car every morning.”

  I slap him on the back, admiring his resolve. “I can only imagine the satisfaction when you get into your new sports car for the first time. I envy you.”

  His eyes flash with excitement. “I look forward to it every day.”

  I tell my men, “I want to take a ride in my comrade’s car. Follow us.”

  I force myself not to laugh when the hinges squeak as I open the door. Getting into the vehicle, I sit back, appreciating this moment.

  Someday, years from now, when I look back on this, I will be able to share in my friend’s personal victory.

  I grin when we pull up to the large brick building that houses the Training Center. I’m familiar with the place, having been here once before with Thane while we were still in college. I’ve never forgotten the auction we witnessed here.

  “Can you take part in the auctions now?”

  Thane smiles as he gets out of the car. “I can, but I plan to wait until after I finish the course.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” I chuckle.

  Thane leaves to begin his class while I wander the halls of the Training Center.

  I’m stopped by one of the trainers I met the night I visited. “Can I help you?”

  I’ve never forgotten this man with the dark eyes. The intensity of his gaze has the power to make me mute. I thrust out my hand. “Hello, Marquis Gray.”

  He takes it, shaking my hand firmly. “I’m surprised to see you here, Mr. Durov.”

  The trainer already has me edgy. I dislike the way his eyes drill into a person.

  I quickly explain, “I’m waiting for Thane’s class to end. He suggested I check out the place.”

  Marquis Gray nods curtly. “If that’s the case, I highly recommend Room 136. Enjoy your evening.”

  “Thank you.”

  I watch him walk away, amused by how easily he’s piqued my curiosity. I head straight to Room 136 and hear the haunting melody of a flute playing behind the door. I open it a crack and a peek inside.

  I see a woman, intricately tied in rope, being lifted into the air. The submissive has her eyes closed—the look of ecstasy on her face is breathtaking. I glance at the Dom to find him staring at me.

  When our eyes meet, I realize I know the man.

  He smiles and nods, indicating I should sit.

  I quietly shut the door behind me and take a seat on the floor.

  Although I don’t recall his name, I remember meeting this man on a park bench. What he said then has remained with me. You are strong enough for whatever comes next.

  The kid couldn’t have known the hell I was about to face back then, but his words helped me on several occasions.

  The melody of the song he has chosen sets a calming environment. The gentle touches he uses on his sub contrasts with the strength and power of the rope as he adjusts them to create new poses while she hangs in the air.

  I thought I knew what Kinbaku was, but I was wrong. This man is a Master at what he does. It is not bondage—it is an art with a purpose.

  The process of his binding is sophisticated and involved. After several minutes, he starts lowering her slowly, maintaining her grace and beauty as she meets the floor again.

  He holds her in his arms, rocking her gently and whispering to her as he begins gradually unbinding her. It is an intimate exchange as he pulls the rope from her body, kissing and talking quietly to her the entire time. When he is done, she is covered in the beautiful marks left by the pattern of the rope.

  I nod in appreciation.

  When he is finished, he kisses her one last time. The girl stands up gracefully and bows to him before leaving the room.

  As he turns off the music, I get back to my feet and walk over to him, holding out my hand.

  He grasps it warmly. “It is good to see you again, Rytsar Durov.”

  I give him a half-grin. “I apologize. I remember you, but I’m embarrassed to say I’ve forgotten your name.”

  He bows his head slightly. “Ren Nosaka.”

  “That’s right.” I shake his hand more vigorously. “It appears you took my advice and reached out to the Center.”

  He smiles. “Yes. I am grateful you gave me that card. It proved exceedingly valuable.”

  “As was your advice to me.”

  “If memory serves me right, I owe you a lunch.”

  “You owe me nothing,” I assure him. “Watching you this evening is payment enough.”

  “Would you have tea with me then, after I clean up?”

  “Da. I’d like that.”

  While Nosaka bundles up the jute, he asks, “Have your troubles eased?”

  I snort in laughter. “No, they continue to surprise me.”

  “I am sorry to hear that.”

  Not interested in focusing on my own troubles, I ask him, “How have things gone for you?”

  His easy smile says it all. “I work a day job and teach a Kinbaku class for beginners here at night. I have also been asked to participate in their Submissive Training Program.”

  I raise my eyebrows. “As an instructor?”

  He shakes his head, chuckling. “No, simply in practicums with some of their students. I’ve been given the privilege of introducing new submissives to the power of jute. What brings you here?”

  “I have a friend taking the Dominant course.”

  Ren stops bundling his rope and asks with interest, “What’s his name?”

  “Thane Davis.”

  He smiles. “I know Sir Davis.”

  “I was just wandering the hall, waiting for his class to end, when Marquis Gray suggested I come observe you.”

  “I’m glad he did.” Nosaka places the bundles of jute inside his tool bag and rolls up his mat. “Let’s have that tea.”

  He leads me down the hall to a large lounge.

  While he fixes the tea, I sit at one of the tables in silence, appreciating the peaceful mood his scene has inspired.

  He joins me and places a steaming cup in front of me.

  I enjoy the comfortable silence between us while I enjoy the subtle flavor of the green tea.

  Nosaka places his cup down quietly and asks, “Tell me what brought you here.”

  I chuckle. “I already told you. I tagged alon
g with Thane.”

  He sweeps his long bangs back and smiles. “I mean—what brought you back to LA?”

  “More trouble,” I grunt, thinking back on it. “But it’s nothing I can’t handle, just needed to take a break from it.”

  He nods, holding my gaze.

  We go back to sipping our tea in silence.

  For some reason, the girls come to mind and I unconsciously frown.

  “What’s wrong?”

  I shake my head. “Nothing. Just thinking about people I had to leave behind.”

  I take several sips of the tea, swallowing down the sudden wave of sadness that washes over me.

  After several minutes, I find I can’t shake it. I down the rest of the tea so I can leave.

  But Nosaka immediately refills it.

  “I’ve got to go,” I explain.

  “Just one more cup.”

  I sigh, but reluctantly decide to stay.

  “Tell me something…anything,” I command, not wanting to sit inside my own head.

  “You grieve for someone.”

  I close my eyes. I regret asking the question.

  To Nosaka’s credit, he says nothing more.

  I look down at the tea, losing myself in my thoughts.

  I feel as if I am standing on a precipice.

  “I’m going to miss them…” I mutter under my breath as I take a sip.

  Nosaka looks at me with compassion, but I’m not sure I appreciate it.

  “Anyway…” I say dismissively.

  He surprises me when he says, “You seem scared of something.”

  I snarl, “I’m not scared of anything or anyone!”

  Nosaka says nothing, but does not shrink from my anger.

  The more I think about his words, the madder it makes me. I would take on the world if I had to…

  “I’m pissed, Nosaka. I’m mad that the one thing that gave me purpose—the one thing I was proud of—has been ripped from me.”

  My burning rage abruptly changes to profound sadness when I see Tatianna’s smiling face. The vision breaks me inside.

  I’ve failed her again…

  I didn’t realize until now how much the facility meant to me. It gave me the ability to bring hope to a desperate situation. But, even more than that, it provided a living connection to Tatianna.

  I am lost without it.

  I give Nosaka a sidelong glance and confess, “I don’t know where I go from here.”