Page 10

“Hello, Mrs. Tarasov.” My housekeeper, dressed in her crisp black-and-white uniform, beamed a bright smile at Lorena, her gray eyes crinkling at the corners. “Welcome home.” She stepped forward, her head slightly bowed in reverence. “My name is Alexandra Kurilenko.”

“Hi.” Lorena squeezed out a smile as she stood by my side in the living room, her dress simmering in the lights.

Alexandra, my loyal housekeeper and the oldest of all my staff, was a stout woman in her earlier 60s who'd devoted decades of her life to serving my household. She always made sure everything was in order and that nothing was out of place.

For a 60-year-old, Alexandra was a pretty woman with a round face and a mop of curly gray hair that seemed to always escape her bun. She was kind, friendly, and always in a good mood. I wasn't sure how she managed to pull that off, but all my life, I'd never seen Alexandra frown before.

She was just the kind of woman who could make anyone's darkest day seem bright. It was like a superpower, and it always worked on me, even though I'd never admitted it to anybody.

Alexandra had been with me since I was a boy, and over the years, she had become more than just a housekeeper; she was like a mother to me now. She'd watched me grow, transform into the man I was today, and she'd learned to navigate my moods.

She was one of the few people in the world who understood me, and this woman was the only one I'd never had any reason to be mad at.

“Good evening, sir.” Alexandra shifted her gaze to me, her voice warm and soothing as her lips retained that signature smile of hers.

“Good evening, Alex,” I replied, subtly mirroring her gesture. “Take my wife upstairs, will you?” My gaze flickered to Lorena, who was standing in silence beside me.

Referring to her as ‘my wife’ sounded a little weird in my ears, but that was my reality now. Lorena was officially my wife.

“Of course,” Alexandra replied, her smile never wavering as she turned to Lorena. “Please, follow me.”

Lorena's gaze darted to mine, a fleeting moment of uncertainty before returning her eyes to Alexandra. Her fingers brushed against the delicate lace trim as she tugged her dress upward, preventing it from sweeping across the floor as she left with Alexandra.

“You must be exhausted, Mrs. Tarasov. I've prepared a warm bath for you,” Alexandra said, her eyes crinkling at the corners as they ascended the grand curved staircase.

“Thank you, Alex—” Lorena said, her soft voice hesitant for a moment before she added almost immediately, “Can I call you Alex?” A hint of mischief sparkled in her eyes.

Alexandra let out a low throaty laugh, like a contented purr. “Of course, Mrs. Tarasov.” Her tone was laced with amusement.

“Please, Lorena will do just fine,” Lorena corrected, her voice a soft whisper, tinged with a hint of modesty.

My brows arched at her humility as I wondered whether her arrogance was reserved only for me. A small smile crept onto my face as I watched the two women get along so seamlessly, like they'd known each other for a while.

Alexandra was quick to make friends; her jovial nature was like a magnet that drew people to her.

Lorena turned her head, shooting one last look in my direction, and our eyes met in a fleeting moment. Was it just me, or did her face seem relaxed, and was that a faint grin on her lips?

That was strange, considering how much I knew she despised me. My brows furrowed, eyes squinting as I headed toward the balcony for some fresh air.

I loosened the tie around my neck, fingers rubbing over my forehead. The glass door slid to the side, and I stepped out onto the balcony, feeling the gentle breeze against my face. The cool evening air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the gardens below.

I drew in a deep breath, withdrew a cigarette, and lit it. The flame cast a brief, warm glow that flickered across my face. I took a long drag, feeling the nicotine coursing through my veins. The smoke curled out of my mouth as I exhaled, savoring the flavor dancing on my tongue.

Across from me, a breathtaking sunset unfolded like a masterpiece. It didn't matter how many times I'd watched this scene; it would never get old. The sky itself seemed like it was on fire as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape.

I felt my tension dissipating like the smoke dancing lazily around me as my mind reeled with the different ways this union could end.

Lorena and I were two people who loathed each other, and now I couldn't help but wonder what life would be like for the both of us. We'd come this far without having any proper plans whatsoever. Now what?

The Bratva and the Campbell Enterprise both had gotten the alliance they needed. But what was the fate of the two people who had sacrificed themselves to make this happen?

Pakhan Artem had told me once that whether or not I'd live a happy and fulfilled life with my new wife was entirely up to me.

I puffed another round of smoke, scratching the back of my head, confused about what to do next. Lorena was a beautiful bride who had stolen my breath the moment I set eyes on her walking down that aisle.

She’d looked amazing in that dress, and although her smile was fake, it still lit up her face. She was gorgeous, no doubt, and maybe if she wasn't such a spoiled little brat, things would have been different between us.

“ If you want this marriage to work, you two have to agree to make it work.” Pakhan Artem's voice echoed in my head. “You're decades older than her, Alexei. Do the right thing.”

What was the right thing to do? And why should I be the one to do the right thing?

I wiped a palm across my face, lost in my own thoughts. It was a fucking maze in my head, and I was trapped, trying to figure my way around it.

Even if I wanted to do the right thing here, Lorena would only frustrate my efforts. She hated me and hadn't come to terms with her reality yet. I wouldn't have her insult me or be arrogant because she knew I wouldn't physically lay a finger on her. What should I do then?

I leaned forward, elbows on the polished handrail as I smoked my worries away.

It wasn't until after the sun had completely set, giving way to the night, that I decided to go lay my head. Maybe a little rest would help clear my mind.

I headed back inside, through the living room, up the stairs, and then to my bedroom. The door faintly creaked open, and I walked inside, eyes fixed on her.

Lorena was seated on a wooden chair by the window, clad in an oversized T-shirt—one of mine. I hated sharing my stuff, but somehow, it was different tonight. Instead of anger and irritation, I felt something else—attraction.

She had her alluring legs pulled up against her chest, her bare feet tucked beneath her, giving her an endearingly vulnerable air.

Her long, wavy brown hair—a little moist from the shower—cascaded down her back as she looked out the window, gazing at the celestial canvas. Her eyes were lost in the starry expanse; her lips parted like she was whispering into the night. The moon's ethereal light cast an otherworldly glow on her face, illuminating every inch of her skin—every contour of her features.

Again, I lost my breath just staring at this delicate creature, kissed by the moonlight. Her arms hugged her legs, pulling them closer to herself, and her lips curled into a bright smile.

Was she communicating with the goddess of the moon or what?

There was something undeniably alluring about her, a quiet sensuality that seemed to draw me in like a moth to a flame.

She was so beautiful that I almost decided at that moment that she could wear anything in my closet—anything at all. Over the years, I'd had countless women in my bed, but none of them ever dared wear my shirt. It was a rule I always warned them about: “Don't fucking touch my stuff.”

Yet, this defiant little devil didn't only touch my stuff; she had the effrontery to select from my shirts. That ash color she'd picked was a good choice, though.

I knew Alexandra had no idea Lorena was going to do this; she'd have strongly advised against it.

But that wasn't the point. The point was that she broke one of my major rules, and I wasn't the least bit pissed off about it. I never thought my shirt would look this good on someone other than me.

She turned around and caught me staring with a faint smirk on my face, but I was quick to wear a blank expression. Her eyes crinkled at the corners as her lips curved into a smile. Lorena got off the chair and headed toward me, her feet soundless against the marble floor.

I shut the door behind me and took gentle steps further into the room.

“Hi,” she said, her voice low and husky and her face relaxed.

Okay, what's going on here? I wondered, narrowing my eyes with a slightly tilted head. “Hey,” I replied with the same tone.

My eyes discreetly roamed her body, drinking in the sight of her slender form shrouded by the ash-colored oversized T-shirt. The last three buttons were undone, revealing a hint of her cleavage—a tantalizing glimpse of skin that sparked a flicker of interest within me.

“Alex said not to touch your stuff, but I couldn't help it. Sorry,” she muttered, lips pressed into a fine line, but her eyes were devoid of fear.

She'd intentionally gone against Alexandra's warning, defying a direct instruction from me. Yet, she still looked me right in the eyes, confident.

It was amusing how I was unable to react the way that I would usually. Her guts—her spunk—was rather impressive, and so was her defiance.

A soft scoff escaped my mouth as my gaze swept across her body.

“Look, I know we started out on the wrong foot and….” She paused, lowering her head and muttering stuff to herself. Her eyes returned to me, and she continued, “I've been doing some thinking, and uh…it doesn't matter what I do or say; I'm bound to you.” The slight pause came when she shrugged her shoulders, a casual resigned gesture.

I watched her in silence, wondering where she was going with this.

“I guess what I'm trying to say is that….” Her voice trailed off as she stepped forward, her movement graceful, sexy. “I've come to terms with my reality.” She halted in front of me, head jerking up to look into my eyes.

My brows shot up in surprise. I wasn't expecting that, not this soon, at least. “You've accepted your reality?” I repeated, my husky voice clearly skeptical.

“I have,” she whispered, her manicured fingers gently grazing over my white undershirt.

“What are you up to, Lorena?” I questioned, caution lacing my tone. My hand snapped out to grab her wrist.

Her gentle touch had ignited a fire within me, sending sparks of electricity surging through my blood. I wasn't sure what tricks she had up her sleeve, so letting my guard down wouldn't be a good idea.

“Nothing,” she said softly, not breaking eye contact. Her eyes locked onto mine, a sultry and inviting glint flickering in their depths. “We're…husband and wife now, aren't we?” She slipped her wrist out of my hold, her palms traversing my chest. “Maybe we should start acting like the couple that we are.”

Lorena's purrs and the way her enticing lips curled into a sly, provocative smile lit a flame of passion within me—making me want her. Her eyes sparkled with a flirtatious glint that accentuated the sultry look on her face.

She stared at me, her gaze turning languid, eyelids drooping slightly as she regarded me with a sleepy, sensual intensity.

I felt a flutter in my chest, my heart burning with desire. She'd fucking turned me on. But why? What game was she playing?

She took a step back, still holding my gaze as her fingers slowly unbuttoned her shirt, revealing her skin. That shit was hot, and I couldn't stop staring, my heart racing with anticipation. Fuck. I was almost losing control, and I didn't appreciate the fact that she had that much of an effect on me.

I could feel my cock swelling in my pants, growing harder by the second. The more skin she revealed, the harder my shaft grew—the more tempted I was to take her and fuck the hell out of that pussy. My blood was boiling with desire, and everything in me craved her.

She undid the last button, her red G-strings coming into view.

I swallowed, trying to look away, but her body seemed to be calling out to me. Slowly, she shed the shirt, and it glided down her body, settling beneath her, welling her feet.

Lorena stood in front of me, naked, presenting herself—her moderately-sized, perky breasts magnets for my eyes. She wouldn't stop staring at me, and it was clear that she wanted to get laid.

I'd never been more confused before. How did she move from hating me and loathing our union to wanting me bad enough to strip naked just to tempt me?

I released a soft sigh, masking my unease as I stepped forward, raising her chin. “You should get some rest, Lorena. You don't have to force this,” I suggested, my voice low and husky.

I wanted her so badly, but I didn’t want to have her if she didn't want it. It seemed to me like she might be pushing herself against her will, and that wasn't necessary.

“I'm not forcing anything,” she whispered, her eyes locking on mine as she took my hand and placed it on her breast.

A spark jolted across my body as my fingers dug into the gentle swell of her bosom, my thumb tracing the delicate edge of her nipple. She bit her lower lip, her body quivering at my touch.

She wanted this—she wanted me —and I could see the longing in her eyes. I could feel her heartbeat quickening beneath my hand.

“What's the point in waiting?” she asked, her voice trembling ever so slightly as I tuned that nipple, grazing my thumb and index finger against it. “Sooner or later, I'm gonna have to give it to you anyway. So, why not just take me now?”

I watched her chest rise and fall with anticipation, her eyes and lips inviting me.

“I know the rule, Alexei,” she added, drawing closer to close the gap between us. Her hands flew to my chest, fingers undoing my buttons without breaking eye contact. “As a married man, you're not allowed to find pleasure outside marriage. And contrary to what you might think…I will not starve my husband. I won't deprive you of sex, Alexei.”

My hand wrapped around her waist, and I pulled her to myself so she'd feel my erection brushing against her skin. “Is that the reason you're seducing me? Because you feel it's your duty to give yourself to me?” I asked, feeling the tender weight of her breast beneath my palm. “Because you don't want to starve me?”

By now, she'd undone all the buttons of my shirt, and I felt a chill sprint down my spine as her hands roamed over my body, tracing the contours of my torso. She kissed the nape of my neck, her lips pressed to my skin, her hand daring to go down between my legs.

Lorena stroked my erection over the fabric of my pants, her slow, sensual kisses climbing up to my face. She gazed into my eyes, hers burning with desire as she whispered into my ear, “You're not the only one with needs, you know.” She pulled back her head to lock eyes with me again, her voice low and sexy. “Maybe I'm trying to satisfy my own craving.”

She mirrored my expression, her breath warm against my skin as we stood, our lips inches apart. Her breasts pressed against my torso while both of my hands grabbed her ass, fondling her butt cheeks.

I could sense her tension—her unease—as her chest heaved with anticipation. Our eyes were still locked on each other's, and in hers, I saw sheer passion.

My finger glided down her ass and rubbed over the wetness of her entrance. She moaned in my face, her expression contorted in pleasure; this was a trigger I couldn’t resist.

I claimed her lips in a hot, fervent kiss, tongues dangling as we devoured each other. The air was thick with sexual tension, and I could feel the heat of the flame threatening to consume us both. Our heads tilted in perfect sync as we exchanged labored breaths, lips clashing in a frenzied dance, fused together as our kiss deepened.

My hands roamed her body, fondling and caressing her bosom as her arms wrapped around my neck. Our mouths moved in tandem, tongues meeting then withdrawing, only to repeat the sensual dance.

Effortlessly, I whisked her off the floor, her feet locking around my waist. In that position in my arms, she was inches taller, and her hair cascaded down her face as she bent over, kissing my lips with an intense hunger. She pushed her hair behind her ear, her mouth never leaving mine.

My palms supported her weight from underneath her ass as I walked over to the bed. Gently, I lowered her on the soft, comfy mattress, my lips leaving hers for a moment. A series of soft purrs came forth as I kissed her neck, my hands delicately squeezing against her breasts.

I stuck my tongue out, tracing it over the skin and licking her chest until I settled on one breast. She moaned louder, her fingers combing through my hair as I sucked on her mold, tongue swirling around her hard pink nipple.

While my mouth worked on one of her breasts, my palm worked on the other, squeezing, fondling, and deliciously pinching her nipple.

Her pleasured cries filled the air, adding fuel to the fire within me.

I got off her, settling on my knees, and she did the same, helping me get out of my black jacket before shedding off my white undershirt.

Lorena reclaimed my lips, her hands traveling along my body. I slapped her ass, and she giggled in my ear as I pressed her against my erection. The feeling of her soft breast against my chest was so erotic that it made my shaft grow harder.

I squeezed her boobs some more before sliding my hand down between her legs. She adjusted, parting them to allow me easy access to her cunt. With a finger, I shifted her G-strings, gliding through her wet entrance…up and down…up and down….

Swooning in pleasure, she threw her head back, letting out soft purrs as her hands unbuckled my belt. She undid my zipper and dipped her hand into my pants. I pushed my finger a little deeper, but I felt the restraint in her pussy—she was so tight.

My thrust must have hurt her as she trembled, and her cry dripped with more pain than pleasure. “Go easy, please.” She winced, withdrawing my cock. “My God, it's heavy.” Her eyes widened at the weight before dropping to drink in the sight.

I squinted at her tightness, but before I could give it much thought, she stroked my cap, smearing my pre-cum over it. My body stiffened as she focused mainly on the cap—the head of my shaft. I groaned, arching my head in pleasure as I felt my tension dissipating.

Her slow back-and-forth movements sent waves of shock coursing through me. The soothing sloshing from the friction of her gentle strokes was faint in the air.

My God! She was good with her hands.

Lorena bent over and kissed my chest, the tip of her tongue licking my nipple. The chill sent shivers down my spine as her tongue danced rapidly while simultaneously giving me the best handjob ever.

Her talent was like none I'd ever experienced–—she was so good at it that I was overwhelmed with pleasure, and my body was trembling.

I lowered my head and caught her smiling at me like she was enjoying my reaction. The next thing I knew, she positioned herself on all fours, taking my cock in her mouth. I couldn't help but let out a satisfactory sigh, and my head once again fell backward, my eyes closing in ecstasy.

She pushed deeper into my groin, my shaft traveling into her throat. I heard her choke on my cock, and my hands reflexively flew into her hair, fingers massaging her scalp.

As Lorena gagged, the strangled gurgling sound sent a spark spreading across my body. The choking, spluttering noise continued as she sucked on my cock, her hands joining in on the fun.

Her fingers glided seamlessly over my length, her drool providing a smooth, lubricated path. With each stroke, her saliva left a glistening trail, making her touch even more intimate.

I looked down at her, my eyes meeting hers in the heat of passion. She giggled, bubbles forming between my cap and her mouth as her hands traced my length.

Once down, she straightened, balanced on her knees, as she reclaimed my lips. We kissed some more, feeling a little nasty, before I pushed her down onto her back, spreading her legs.

It was time to return the favor.

I yanked her panties off and went down on her, my arms holding her thighs in place as I ate. She tasted so good, her wetness mixing with the moisture from my mouth.

She arched her back, her hips bucking as if seeking more contact. Her sweet moans sent shivers through my body as I ate her up, feeling the sheets tug beneath us at her squeezing.

My teeth grazed against her swollen clit, and I felt her hands in my hair, pressing my head deeper like she couldn't get enough. Her back arched higher, her moans growing louder. My tongue danced along her entrance, licking her juice.

I tried to insert a finger inside, but again, she was so fucking tight.

She moaned, “Please, be gentle.”

I raised my head, eyes darting to her frenzied face as I squinted. Suspicion etched on my face, my head tilted to the side. “Hold on, you're not a…?” My voice was laced with skepticism.

She held my gaze and nodded.

My brows arched in surprise. “You're a virgin?”

Again, she nodded.

A light laugh escaped my lips, amused by this shocking revelation. I'd thought that since she was daddy's little girl—a spoiled brat who always got what she wanted—she'd at least have had sex before. Clearly, I was wrong.

“How come?” I asked, amusement flickering in my eyes.

“I wanted to wait until after marriage,” she replied, her voice still heavy from all that anxiety coursing through her.

My lips curled into a self-satisfied smirk, proud to be the first man and the only man to go through her legs. “Do you think you're ready?”

She nodded, her chest heavy with anticipation. “I am. I want it. Can you give it to me?” Her voice was laced with a hint of desperation.

I crawled back to kiss her lips while teasing her with my cap grazing up and down her entrance. She cupped my face in her palms, her body shuddering at the way I teased her.

Her hands flew down to take my cock, positioning it for entry. I took it from there, sealing her lips with a more fervent kiss while slowly thrusting into her.

She moaned in my mouth, pain creeping into her tone as her folds accepted my cock, tearing in the process. “Oh, my God…” she whispered, breaking the kiss. Her eyes grew wider the deeper I traveled.

Her body was tensing as she steeled herself while her pussy swallowed me whole. “Is it all in?” she murmured, her face contorted in a mix of pain and pleasure.

I pulled out slowly, feeling her body release its tension, her soft purrs shuddering as I withdrew from her pussy.

There was blood on my shaft, a testament that her hymen was broken.

“I'm gonna put it back inside now,” I whispered, giving her a heads up, my eyes locking on hers.

She stiffened her body, nodding with tightly shut eyes. “Okay.”

My penetration was slow and steady, my push gentle as I thrust back inside her. I pulled out and went back in, then repeated the process over and over until her pussy expanded enough to accommodate me without hurting her much.

Her juice served as a natural lubricant that eased the flow, greasing my cock. My penetration was smooth and painless; I could tell from the way she was writhing beneath me, from the sound of her moans that echoed in my head.

Her hands grasped my back, fingers digging into my flesh like she couldn't get enough. Lorena's moans in my ears only fueled my desire, and I quickened my pace.

We rushed at each other's lips, our kiss sealing her pleasured cries as my waist ground against hers. Her legs dangled in the air while I plunged deeper and deeper into her pussy. My hands roamed her body, claiming every inch of her skin, tracing her curves and contours.

My arm went under her leg and jerked it up, placing it against my shoulder as I continued to ram into her pussy. She yanked her lips off mine, moaning loudly with both her hands flying into her hair.

I rammed into her faster and harder, watching her breasts bounce back and forth in response to my vigorous thrusts. With a guttural groan, my legs trembled, signaling my arrival. My growl turned primal as I gave one last thrust deep inside her, feeling my essence leave my body.

She wrapped her legs and arms around me as I filled her up with my load, her pussy accepting every drop.

Once I was done releasing myself inside her, I collapsed on the bed, laying on my back with heavy breaths. I turned to look at her, and she was just as breathless, her eyes wide with passion.

I pulled her to myself in an attempt to calm her down, and the look in her eyes hinted that she wasn’t satisfied. Neither was I.

She climbed on top one, straddling me with a mischievous grin on her face. Lorena wanted more, and so did I.

She grabbed my cock—weak and slacking—and put it back inside her warm pussy without breaking eye contact.

My lips curled into a sly grin as she began to slowly ride me, grinding her waist around my hardening cock.

This was about to be a great night; with this amount of pleasure coursing through us, we'd definitely fuck all night.