Page 109 of Black Sheep

Alabama

I don’t knowif I pass out, or fall asleep, but the next time I open my eyes, I’m in our big bed, surrounded by my men.

“Hey, Honey,” Lev says.

Opening my mouth, I brace myself for my voice to still be gone, but instead I croak out. “Hey.”

“Oh, thank fuck,” he says, cupping my face as he hugs me carefully. “We were so worried. I’m so fucking sorry. We promised you were safe and you were taken right from the island, right under my nose.”

Lev’s frantic apology wakes the others and I find myself in the center of a four-way hug, my big scary men all reducedto apologetic teddy bears in this moment.

“Orlov?” I ask.

“Dead,” Vik says, decisively.

“After he dropped you into the water, Dimi dived in after you and Vik shot him, he didn’t stand a chance.” Lev smiles.

“He’s gone?” I ask, needing to hear it again.

“I shot him in the head, then cut his heart out with my knife,” Vik tells me coldly.

“Dead.” I half laugh, half croak.

“Dead,” Dimi agrees.

“Here, Honey,” Lev says, holding a cup with a straw to my lips.

Cool, refreshing water fills my mouth, coating my throat as I swallow and I exhale happily.

“The doctor said that there shouldn’t be any side effects from the drug he used, although you may feel groggy for a couple of days, because we’re not sure how much he injected you with.”

“Tanya,” I hiss.

“Tanya?” Vik asks, confusion clear on his face. “Tanya’s fine, her and her parents were waiting at the evacuation point, they never got anywhere near the danger.”

“She took me to him. She said…” Coughing, I clear my throat. “She said Lev told her to take me to the boat shed through the trees, then she pulled a gun and forced me onto the boat. Orlov came up behind me and stabbed that needle into my neck.”

“She what?” Dimi’s growl is so low it’s almost animalistic.

“Hegave her money, an envelope full, and she walked away and left me there, knowing he planned to use me then dispose of me.”

Pulling his cell from his pocket, Lev dials a number, then lifts it to his ear. “Detain Tanya, Roza, and Alexander. I want them out of the house, separate cells.”

It’s the first time I’ve seen a glimpse of how equally lethal my usually softly spoken man is, and I shudder, but it’s not fear, it’s an odd mix of lust and appreciation.

“I love you,” I blurt, looking to Lev, then Vik, then finally Dimi. “I love you all and I know I shouldn’t, and I know it’s wrong after everything you’ve done. But I can’t help it. I love you all so fucking much.”

“I love you too, Alabama. I have since the moment I first saw you,” Lev says, cupping the back of my head and pressing a soft, sweet kiss against my lips, that leaves me wanting more.

“Ali, Baby, you know I love you. I’m a crazy motherfucker, but I’m yours for the rest of our fucking lives.” Vik cups both of my cheeks, sliding his tongue between my lips, teasing me and taunting me until I kiss him back.

I’m breathless when he releases me and my gaze slides to Dimi. “I love you, Dimitri,” I tell him, knowing that he needs the words, probably more than the others.

“I didn’t know I was capable of loving anything, until you. I’ll never give you up. I’ll never let you leave us. I’ll follow you to the very depths of hell and drag you back to us. Love barely feels like enough, but I love you too, Malishka.”

His kiss is pure possession and ownership. He doesn’t give like Lev, or coax like Vik. He takes and I eagerly submit. These three men took everything from me, but they gave me so much more. They’re not good men, and nothing about the love we share is normal, but who gives a fuck? They stole me, then won me, and our happily ever after is the prize. Me and my three beautiful villains.

The End… sort of.