VLAD (The V Games #1)(61)

She rolls her eyes, and shouts, “I’m pregnant!”

“You’re pregnant,” I burst out, joy beaming from me. I turn her body so she’s now on her back and rest my hands over her slightly thicker stomach—something I hadn’t noticed until now. The stomach with my seed inside growing and flourishing.

“Thank you,” I murmur. It’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever allowed myself to be in front of anyone and I mean those two words. She brought back parts of me I thought I’d lost. She recovered me from the depths of darkness—the grief of losing my brother. She shone her light on me and warmed my frozen heart. I climb her body and kiss her lips. “I love you,” I reveal with a growl.

And then I show her just how much.




I check my watch and wonder if two hours is enough time for Irina to recover from our thorough lovemaking this morning. Based on how she conked out immediately after, completely spent, I figure she could use another hour. She’s growing my child after all, and has been for the past three months, she later divulged.

Leaving my office, I see Stepan at the bottom of the stairs, his hands resting on Irina’s shoulders as she drops her eyes to the floor.

What the ever-loving hell?

He removes his hands when he sees me approach, and Irina swipes at a tear falling from her cheek. My protective instincts have me reaching out and grasping him by the neck, crashing his back into the wall.

“Vlad!” Irina screeches, tugging on my arm.

I don’t think so, sweet girl.

“You have two seconds to tell me why your hands were on my wife,” I growl, spittle spraying his face.

He doesn’t flinch or fight me. He knows better.

“I was just asking him to protect Diana in The Games,” Irina cries, exasperated.

I grit my teeth, then release Stepan. He rolls his head over his thick shoulders and straightens his shirt.

Ah, yes, The V Games.

The Games are fast approaching, and the humming of anticipation is rife. Diana is to enter The Games in just three short months. I’d thrown out my wishes, not fully expecting anyone to listen. However, a change has been made recently by Yegor and Leonid. I didn’t think Ven would allow her to enter, but something has happened we’re not privy to.

Yet.

I will find out.

I know everything, and I will know about this too.

I didn’t send a viper into their household just to punish her. Vika is useful for information. A cunning little snake.

“You come to me in the future, solntce moyo. Now, go eat. You are eating for two now.” I kiss her on the top of the head.

“I’m sorry, Vlad. She’s my sister.”

“And I’m your husband. Your heart and who it loves are mine to protect. I will always protect you.”

She sniffles and strokes a hand over my cheek. “I love you,” she whispers. I take comfort in her touch and mourn it when she pulls back. I watch her retreating form as she goes up the stairs and disappears from sight.

Turning my attention back to Stepan, I follow his gaze as he traces Irina’s steps with his eyes.

“She’s pregnant?” He sounds defeated.

“Is that your business?” I snarl. Watching him, his eyes have lingered on Irina too long, too many times. I close in on him. “You’ll represent me in The Games, honoring the Vasiliev’s ability to train real warriors. Diana made her own fate.”

A crease forms on his forehead. “What about what Irina asked of me?”

I once again grab his throat and squeeze. “Is Irina your master?”

It takes an extra squeeze, but then his eyes water without his permission, the rage I’ve been coaxing into him brimming. “No, sir, you’re my master,” he chokes out.

“That’s right. I am.” I release him and lean into his ear. “Who is your target in The Games?”

“Artur Voskoboynikov,” he answers, and I smile.

“Good.”

Very good.




I seek Irina out and find her in her studio. I know it’s crazy, but when I haven’t seen her for a while, I miss her. Her lips, her scent, her words, her pretty little pussy. If she’s not perched in the chair across from my desk each day tapping away on her laptop as she crunches numbers for not only Volkov Spirits, but for all of my accounts, she’s painting in her studio. The numbers make her feel useful, but the painting makes her smile. She’s so happy, which makes me really fucking happy.

“Hello, my beautiful wife,” I greet with a grin. “I brought you some lunch.” I enter her space and place the sandwich I had Rada make down. As soon as the Volkov women entered my home many months ago, Rada backed off and stopped trying to get my attention. Now she just does her fucking job like she’s paid to do.

“I have something to show you,” she beams, paint dots giving her colored freckles.

“Oh?” I question, creeping across the floor and scooping her into my arms. Her lips are soft and warm, and my dick hardens when her wet tongue snakes out to tease mine.

“You captivated me, Vlad, since I was a young girl. To me, you burn brighter than any sun, and there’s no place I’d rather be than here in your arms. Wearing your ring. Carrying your child. When I watch you, it’s a perfect view. You’re my muse,” she breathes, pulling away from me. She picks up a canvas, turning it and placing it on a stand.