Love Thy Enemy

by Katie Reus

  He hadn’t told his brother yet, but he was going to insist that they all take Monday off. Everyone could use a break, as far as he was concerned, and he planned on keeping Lucy on lockdown, naked and happy the entire day

  “I can hear you thinking,” Lucy murmured, not opening her eyes even as a seductive smile curved her lips. “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah,” he rasped out. He slid his palm under the sheet and over her bare stomach. He hadn’t wanted to wake her before but touching her grounded him, reminded him that she was real and all his.

  Cracking open her eyes, she turned, sliding her arm around his waist and pressing her bare chest to his. “You sure about that?”

  He loved being skin to skin with her. Before Lucy he’d never had a woman at his place. Now…he wanted to wake up to her face every morning. It was a strange thing, this need to have her in his life, to see her every day. He’d felt this way since he’d met her but he still wasn’t used to it. “Just thinking that it could have been you kidnapped this morning. Viktor kept his shit together better than I would have.” It was a testament to his brother’s control. Abram couldn’t even imagine Lucy being stolen from him. It made his entire body break out in a sweat.

  “Nah, you’d have taken care of business like you always do,” Lucy murmured into his chest, her voice thick with sleep. “I’m just glad Dominique is okay. She’s a good fit for your brother.”

  “Yeah, she is.” And he felt like a bit of a dick for the way he’d talked about her to Viktor when it was clear the woman deeply cared for him. Not that he’d change his reaction. He’d just been looking out for his brother—and he’d do it again.

  “So what’s going to happen with Kir? You think the police will ever find him?” She leaned back a fraction, her hair rustling against the pillow as she met his gaze. She was slightly more awake now and he was glad—because he wasn’t letting her go back to sleep until he’d gotten a taste of her.

  “I think…” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “You don’t need to worry about him ever again. He won’t be a problem for us. I swear it. And…it’s highly unlikely the police will find him.” Abram felt no guilt that Kir was dead either. The man had betrayed him and his brother in the worst way possible.

  Her eyes widened slightly then she shook her head, her expression wry. “I should probably be horrified by that, but I’m so freaking glad we don’t have to worry about him.” She yawned, stretching so that her back arched and her breasts rubbed against his chest again.

  He’d been trying to show some restraint. He hadn’t woken her up or pounced the moment he knew she was awake—but his self-control was pretty thin where she was concerned. He wanted to test her slickness then slide right into her. Fuck foreplay right now. He craved being inside Lucy.

  Moving his hand lower, he cupped her pussy.

  She sucked in a breath, her eyes going heavy-lidded with hunger. “You’re a machine.”

  “I can stop if you want.”

  “Okay, stop,” she whispered, watching him carefully, a grin pulling at her mouth.

  He inwardly smiled. She wanted to play. He slid a finger inside her to find her slick. “You sure about that?” Breathing erratically, she shook her head so he added another finger. “I love you.” The words were out before he could analyze them or try to talk himself out of saying them. He wasn’t used to being vulnerable in front of anyone.

  Her dark eyes widened and for a brief moment he worried he’d fucked up by moving too fast, but the smile she gave him was blinding. “I love you too, you sexy, frustrating Russian.”

  Relief like he’d never known surged through him, hearing the admission from her. Yeah, she was definitely his.

  He nipped her bottom lip between his teeth, keeping his fingers buried inside her but not moving. For now, he just wanted to take his time with the woman he’d fallen in love with. Today had only cemented his feelings for Lucy. When he imagined what it would have been like to be in his brother’s shoes, it clawed him up inside. He would never let anything happen to Lucy, never let anyone take her from him. She was his, and he was hers.

  “You’re taking Monday off. We’re going to spend it in bed.”

  “Hmm, bossy, bossy,” she murmured. “I’ll take Monday off only if you promise to make it worth my time.” The seductive grin she gave him made his cock jerk.

  “I promise you’ll want to call in sick Tuesday too,” he murmured before capturing her mouth fully with his.

  * * *

  Dominique opened her eyes and groaned as she rolled over in Viktor’s huge bed. After the insanity of today even her brain felt tired. The endless questions from the police, going through everything a dozen times, and then the worry that Viktor would somehow be in trouble for killing Shane Hollis was beyond overwhelming.

  She’d thought she’d sleep until morning but it was only ten p.m. She’d only gotten about two hours of sleep. Frowning, she sat up in bed, the sharpest sense of disappointment hitting her that she was alone.

  Sliding out of bed, she winced at the ache in her face. At least she didn’t have any broken bones, just some bruising from the cuffs and on her cheek. And she and Viktor were alive, the only thing that mattered.

  At first she was terrified when she’d learned that Kir, the man who’d kidnapped her, hadn’t been located by the police, but Viktor had stressed that he wouldn’t be a problem to her ever again. It hadn’t been hard to read between the lines and the truth was, she didn’t want to know what Viktor had done to him. She was just glad the guy was out of their lives.

  She peeked into his office and found it empty so decided to go exploring. He wouldn’t have left the house. Or she really hoped he hadn’t.

  A chill snaked through her as she stepped into the hallway, the wood floor cold against her feet. She knew the chill had nothing to do with the house though—she just couldn’t seem to get warm. Viktor had already had her clothes brought to his place so at least she was in her own pajamas.

  The only thing she really cared about was finding Viktor. He’d saved her and she was completely and utterly in love with him. She needed to tell him. It didn’t matter if it was too soon or if he didn’t return her feelings.

  After a few minutes she found him in the kitchen, slightly bent over as he pulled something from one of the shelves in the refrigerator.

  “That’s a sight for sore eyes,” she murmured, taking in the tight lines of his back and all those beautiful tattoos. The man should never, ever wear a shirt.

  He jerked at her voice, a plastic container in his hands as he turned. “You’re awake.” He set it down on the island, hurrying to her side and practically carrying her to the nearest seat at the island.

  “I’m okay,” she murmured.

  “I thought you’d be out for a while.” Guilt flickered in his gaze. “I didn’t want you to wake up alone.”

  “It’s okay, seriously. I’m…actually kinda hungry.”

  “I was about to heat up chicken parm. You want some?”

  “That sounds amazing.” She’d only been able to stomach a little soup when they’d finally gotten back to Viktor’s place. As if on cue, her stomach growled.

  He half-smiled and brushed his mouth over hers. She felt it all the way to her toes, but he moved back too quickly for her to fully enjoy it.

  “How does a glass of red wine sound? It might help you sleep since you won’t take your medicine.” His voice was slightly annoyed as he started scooping the food onto two plates.

  The doctor who’d looked her over at the hospital had given her a prescription for pain meds, but she hadn’t taken anything except ibuprofen. “That sounds good.” It was weird seeing him acting so domestically, moving around the kitchen with such ease. “Did you cook this?”

  He snorted and shot her an amused glance over his shoulder. “No. I have someone who comes in once or twice a week with casseroles and pre-makes things for me for the week.”

  She laughed lightly. “Can I help with anythi
ng?”

  He simply frowned and turned to the microwave as it dinged. “You are not to do anything for at least a week.”

  “Pretty sure that’s not what the doctor said.”

  “It’s what I say.” He pulled out the plate and tested it before bringing it over to her. “And you will follow orders.” There was no command in his voice, more concern than anything else.

  “If you hadn’t just saved my life I might take issue with your bossiness,” she murmured, taking the glass of wine he offered her.

  “And you’ll be staying here.” There was no room for argument in his tone. He leaned against the island next to her seat, determination in his blue eyes as he looked down at her.

  “For the next week?”

  “Yes.” There was something in his tone she couldn’t quite read.

  “I’d like that…if you’re sure.” Things between them had happened so quickly, and while she knew her feelings for him were true, she also didn’t want him to get sick of her. He was such a hard man to read. Even though he’d made himself vulnerable with her a couple times, she still wasn’t sure if his feelings for her were as strong.

  His eyebrows pulled together. Instead of responding he turned and put his own plate in the microwave. “I’ve got security stationed around the house but no one inside. And Abram and Lucy have gone back to his place.”

  “I thought those two were together,” she murmured, blowing on her food. “Any new developments I should know about?”

  He shook his head and leaned against the counter, watching her with that brooding stare she found she liked way too much. “Nothing new.”

  “What’s wrong, then?” Because she was coming to learn his moods, and right now something was bothering him. A lot. “We’re not in danger, we’re alone, and we’ve got awesome food.”

  He rounded the island and pushed right up into her personal space. She dropped her fork as he cupped her face in his hands, his hold so incredibly gentle it made her want to cry. “I keep seeing you tied up, him hitting you and…” He swallowed hard, the raw vulnerability on his face clawing at her.

  Through everything that had happened, he’d been a rock. She’d been a complete sobbing mess once he’d gotten her out of that building. It was like the floodgates had opened and she just couldn’t stop crying. She’d been so damn grateful to lean on him. He’d been next to her through all the police questions, stoic and unshakeable.

  She moved off the chair, pulling him into a tight embrace, resting her head against his chest. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here, safe, and nothing is going to happen to us again. I know I said it already but thank you for coming for me. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for being you. I…love you.” She pulled back as she said the words, so she could see his face as she admitted the truth. “I’m not saying it because of what happened. I’m saying it because it’s the truth. I love you, Viktor.”

  He stared down at her, as if he couldn’t believe what she’d said. “I…” He cleared his throat. “You’re moving in with me.”

  She blinked at his brusque tone as well as his words. “What?”

  “I don’t want you here for just the week. I want you here always.” His big body was trembling under her hold and she realized this was how he was telling her that he loved her.

  Or she really hoped that’s what he meant. Because what she felt for him was consuming. She would need to hear the words eventually but for now, happiness bloomed in her chest. “We’ll talk about it at the end of the week.”

  He just gave her a sensual look before brushing his mouth over hers in a teasing, stroking kiss that once again was over way too quickly. “Eat your food.”

  She did as he said, and once they were done he carried her to his bed where he tucked both of them in and wrapped his arm snug around her middle. She could feel the hard length of him pressed against her back but he made no move to do anything about it.

  She was too exhausted anyway and she was grateful that he was simply holding her. She needed his strength.

  “I love you too,” he whispered against her hair a few moments later, his big body going rigid as he spoke. “And I’m not letting you go.”

  Hearing the words soothed all the ragged edges inside her. She linked her fingers through his, squeezed tight. “I’m not letting you go either,” she murmured as she felt herself start to drift, knowing that she was safe in Viktor’s arms.

  Epilogue

  Four months later

  Dominique sat on the edge of her and Viktor’s bed, watching him standing like a statue in their walk-in closet, staring at his clothes. He was only wearing pants, and she didn’t mind the view. Still, the man normally just picked something in minutes. His clothes were obsessively organized anyway, unlike her side of the closet.

  “I’ve never seen you like this,” she murmured more to herself than him.

  He’d pretty much steamrolled her into moving in with him four months ago—and the truth was she hadn’t wanted to spend any nights away from him so it hadn’t exactly been a hardship. Incredible sex every night and some mornings with the sweetest, sexiest man she was crazy in love with? Yes, please.

  He turned to her and blinked, as if coming back to himself. “This is a big deal.”

  “You’ve met Quinn and Athena before.” Her cousin Quinn had been unsure about Viktor at first, but considering he’d literally saved her life, Quinn had been mostly welcoming.

  “Thanksgiving is different. And it’s at Athena’s family’s house.”

  “Yeah, they’re kind of insane, by the way.” Athena came from a huge Greek family. One of Athena’s cousins, Belle, Grant Caldwell’s wife, was super pregnant and about to pop. “According to Athena everyone has a bet on when Belle will give birth. They seriously have a pool going.”

  Viktor scrubbed a hand over his face before he pulled a cashmere sweater from the closet. “I’ve never done a family holiday before. Even with Abram, we never do anything big.” His brother was spending Thanksgiving with Lucy’s family and she knew he was worried too.

  Dominique slid off the bed at the surprising note of worry in Viktor’s voice. Pretty much nothing rattled the man, but she shouldn’t be surprised about this. He’d never even had a big birthday party, something she’d found out when she threw him a surprise party a month ago. He’d been stunned, and though he’d kept his serious, typically hard Russian expression in place most of the party, she’d known how pleased he’d been. Even Abram had been impressed with the party—and had finally warmed up to her. He’d even asked Dominique to help him pick out an engagement ring for Lucy, which pretty much told her that he completely trusted her now.

  She pulled Viktor into a tight hug, burying her face against his chest before he tugged the sweater on. She could never seem to get enough of him. “Holiday stuff like this is usually fun. There’s lots of food, maybe a little drinking and usually watching some stupid sports game on TV afterward.”

  He rested his chin on top of her head, sighed. “I’m not really worried about Thanksgiving.”

  Frowning, she pulled back. “What is it, then?” Fear slid through her veins when he didn’t answer, just watched her with way too many emotions for her to decipher. He looked almost afraid. Oh God, was there another threat against them—

  Abruptly he dropped to one knee and a jewelry box appeared in his hand as if out of thin air.

  Her heart skipped a beat as she stared at him—and the box. She’d thought they were probably heading in this direction, but she hadn’t expected this so soon. Though she had been hoping for it.

  “I can’t wait any longer,” he rasped out. “I love you, Dominique. I never even thought I was capable of loving someone so much, but…you make me a better person, as stupid as it sounds.”

  “It doesn’t sound stupid,” she whispered, staring at his handsome face as he knelt there, the fear and hope on his face making her heart squeeze. She couldn’t believe he was afraid though. He should know what her answer would be. />
  His eyes held hers. “Marry me?”

  “Yes.” She held out her left hand, only trembling a little as he slid a beautiful solitaire diamond on her finger. Then she fell to her knees, wrapping her arms around his neck as she slanted her mouth over his.

  In pure Viktor style, he took over immediately, pinning her to the floor of their closet with a fierceness she craved from him.

  When he slid his hands up her thighs, shoving her pretty red dress up to her waist, she knew that they were definitely going to be late. And she was more than okay with that.

  Dear Readers,

  Thank you for reading Love Thy Enemy. I hope you enjoyed it! If you’d like to stay in touch with me and be the first to learn about new releases you can:

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  Happy reading,

  Katie

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to the normal crowd! Kari, Carolyn, Julia, Sarah, and Jaycee, thank you all for helping get this book ready for publication. For my readers, thank you for loving the Red Stone Security series as much as I do. It’s because of you this series is going strong. For my family, as always, thanks for putting up with my crazy hours. Last but not least (always!) I’m grateful to God.