VLAD (The V Games #1)(28)
“You’re more than welcome to pleasure yourself as you think of me,” he murmurs, teasing my nipple through the fabric of my lacy bra with the tip of the knife.
“I hate you,” I choke out.
He arches a brow and shrugs. “But you belong to me.”
“I belong to no one. Diana said you agreed on that—”
Before I can utter another word, he pounces on me, his heavy body smashing mine against the bed. His strong hand is on my throat again and his nose is inches from mine. God, his smell is intoxicating. I hate myself for being drawn to him even when he’s being a lunatic.
“She belongs to me, therefore you belong to me. Simple.”
I struggle against him, but he manages to wedge himself between my thighs. His hard body pressed against mine brings up so many dirty fantasies over the years, I’m having trouble focusing on why I’m angry because all I notice is the way my core throbs with need.
With a gentle thrust, he grinds his erection against my center. I’m dizzy and drunk and seeing stars of bliss. No longer afraid of him and driven by blind lust, I try to lift my hips, seeking more friction. Slowly, as though he’s punishing me, he rocks against me, rubbing in just the right spot. Pleasure is building, and I’m desperate for it.
“Vlad,” I whimper.
His fierce amber eyes pin me in place. For a moment, his mask has slipped and the wildness that dances inside comes raging to the front.
Bucking. Bucking. Bucking.
He bucks me right off the cliff of my mind.
I cry out in ecstasy as a quick orgasm steals over me. My entire body trembles from the force of it. Vlad’s glare softens as he glances at my lips. Then, cold and uncaring, he’s back to being himself as he abruptly pulls away.
“Wear a dress like that again and I’ll cut it off in front of our guests. Don’t test me, little Irina.” He stalks toward the doorway, but stops with his back to me. “Touch Artur Voskoboynikov again and I’ll gut him at your feet.” He turns to give me a sinister smile. “You.” He points with his vicious knife. “You belong to me. Even if I never use you. You are mine.”
Without another word, he slips away.
I toss my ruined dress to the floor and curl into a fetal position, cursing the world I’ve been delivered to.
Artur is lingering in the foyer when I come down the stairs. He paces the floor and stops when he sees me. “I wasn’t going to take advantage of her. I’m not that way and you know it. I like her,” he defends. He’s met her all of once and suddenly he “likes her.”
“You don’t know her,” I bite out, correcting his mistake.
“Well, I would like to get to know her. We could be a good match,” he offers, his expression earnest.
I have to school my features. I want to cut his tongue from his head and his touchy-feely hands from his arms, but I cannot let my emotions show. I refuse to let it slip that Irina belongs to me even if I can never have her the way I desire. The way she desires. Her face coming undone beneath me just now is scarred into my memory forever. It’s something I’ll visit to spill my seed to when Diana isn’t fulfilling my needs.
“She’s not looking for a match or losing her virginity in a drunken haze. You should know better than pulling this stunt under my roof, Voskoboynikov. Out of respect to your brother, I’m going to allow you to leave here with a warning and not a thrashing to teach you some respect and manners.”
He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing. There’s irritation in his squinted eyes, being my elder and all, but he knows better than to challenge me.
“Oh, there you both are,” Diana sings as she comes floating toward us in her angelic white dress. Her dog is not far behind, lingering in the background. I used to have respect for Anton. He’s been with Leonid a long time and is a ruthless killer, but this new assignment is beneath him and laughable. His displeasure is evident.
“Where is Irina?” she asks, coming to stand by my side.
“She retired to her room,” Artur informs her. “I’m just leaving, but can you give this to her for me? Perhaps tomorrow when she wakes?” Artur hands Diana a business card with his details emblazoned on it in overly fancy fonts. He tries too hard. Pathetic.
The smile that lifts Diana’s lips could make the sun look dim. “Of course, Artur. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to give you a call.” She flashes me a look that tells me she’s thrilled for her sister.
Good luck waiting for that call to come.
He returns her enthusiasm with a megawatt smile of his own, showing all his bought veneers, before leaning forward and kissing her cheek.
“Vlad,” he grunts with a nod in my direction, then takes his leave.
Challenge accepted. Foolish man.
“I should check on Irina.” Diana touches her hand to my chest and starts to move past me to the stairs. I curl my hand around her wrist softly and let it slip into her palm, halting her. “I already did. She’s sleeping. Leave her be and finish the evening with me.”
Her long lashes bat as she reaches up to press her lips to the corner of my mouth.
“I’m actually tired myself,” she admits with a yawn. “I’d like to retire to my room if that’s okay.”
“Of course.” I smile tightly as she pulls away and disappears up the stairs. I turn to find Anton behind me. He doesn’t say anything. He’s always known his place in this world. He nods his head in acknowledgement, then traces Diana’s steps.