Empire of Sin (Empire #2)(67)

“Anastasia, I’m on your side here, so don’t make me force you to speak. Who was here?”

“No…one…” It’s a whisper now, a haunted one at that.

My hold tightens on her, the pads of my fingers digging into the sensitive flesh of her pale throat. When I speak, it’s in a low warning tone. “Anastasia…”

“Just leave me alone, Knox.” A tear slides down her cheek. “Let me go.”

“No.”

“Why? Just why the hell do you keep holding on to me?”

“Because I’m not done with you.” And I probably never will be. But I don’t voice that thought aloud in case it would freak the hell out of her as fast as it’s growing roots inside me.

“What if I’m done with you?”

“You’ll have to mean that first, and even if you are, I’ll win you over again.”

“Even if I hurt you?”

“Even if you hurt me.”

“You’re not supposed to say that.” Her tears soak her cheeks unchecked.

“Then what am I supposed to say?”

“That you won’t let me or anyone hurt you.”

“I won’t.”

She swallows. “Promise.”

“I promise. I also promise that no one will hurt you under my watch.”

Her lips part, then she swallows thickly. “I never asked for your protection.”

“You’ll get it anyway.” I release her throat. “Now, continue packing, because you’re coming with me.”

“W-what?”

“I’m not leaving you in a place someone broke into, Anastasia. You’ll be safer with me.”

“But…”

“No buts. This is not up for negotiation.”

“You…don’t have to do this for me.”

“Who said it’s only for you? I get to fuck you anytime I like, so I have advantages as well.”

She smiles a little through the tears, even though it’s sad, even though the fear isn’t completely gone. But I’ll make sure to make it go away if it’s the last thing I do.

Because Anastasia is mine and I protect what’s mine.





27





ANASTASIA





When Knox said I was coming with him, I knew he’d take me to his apartment. He’s often suggested that I pay him a visit, but I always change the subject.

Why?

Because it’s too close, too intimate, and I won’t be able to keep the distance I’ve been fruitlessly trying to maintain between us.

And now, it’s worse.

It’s dangerous.

Fatal.

For his life, not mine. Despite everything, I’m still the Pakhan’s daughter, I’m still of value one way or another.

I’m one of them. The mafia men I often called pirates because once they came into my life, my childhood fantasy of being the forest fairy ended.

Knox is an outsider, an antagonizing one at that, and Adrian wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate him from his path. He’d erase him from the world as if he never existed. He wouldn’t be fast and swift about it either; he’d torture him first, until he wishes for death.

The images that play in my mind make me sick to my stomach and I have to place a hand on it to stop myself from vomiting.

But no matter how much I begged Knox to let me stay in my apartment, it didn’t make a difference. He merely threw me over his shoulder, took my bag and laptop case, then carried me to his car.

The drive to his apartment was mostly me arguing that I’m fine, and him ignoring me. I’m starting to learn that the moment he makes a decision, no one will be able to convince him otherwise.

Then, the second we stepped into his apartment, he grabbed me by the throat and fucked me against the door from behind. It was fast and dirty and I still haven’t been able to catch my breath.

Even now, as I lie on the sofa, I’m still dizzy, a bit disoriented. Which happens all the time after sex with Knox.

He has a mysterious ability to wipe my mind clean. It’s like we’re transported to an alternate reality where only he and I exist.

But I shouldn’t let that happen.

Not when Aleksander is probably watching me and could interfere any second and smash every ounce of happiness I’m feeling or trying to soak up.

But I’ll leave soon. One day, I’ll have to.

However, that day isn’t today.

Since I didn’t have the chance to check out his place earlier due to obvious reasons, I do that now.

My gaze flits around the glamorous apartment—sorry, penthouse. Of course someone like Knox would live in a penthouse. Not only is it on the highest floor of a building in the heart of the city, but it also has a dreamy view of New York.

The furniture and decor are classy and elegant, but they scream impersonal. As if he just paid someone to put things in place to get it over with.

It must be lonely to live such a glamorous life with no personal touches. I’m one to talk, considering my whole life has been dictated.

At least Knox has complete hold of his.

“Are you cold?” he asks from his position on the chair, looking up at me as his fingers pause on his laptop.