Page 26

I scan the glittering crowd from my shadowy corner, my eyes narrowed as I search for any sign of trouble. The fake fashion event unfolds before me, a dazzling display of sequins and champagne flutes that would fool anyone who didn't know better. But I know better. I know the danger that lurks beneath the surface, ready to strike at any moment.

Damn this injury. I should be out there with my brothers, not tucked away in some corner like a child.

My gaze lands on Abram, his imposing figure cutting through the crowd like a shark through water. Vladimir and Mark flank him, their movements so perfectly in sync it's as if they share one mind.

At least with my brothers around, I don’t have to worry about Natalia’s safety.

"Looks like the party's about to start," I murmur, watching as they close in on their target. The Sidorovs stand oblivious, champagne glasses raised in false cheer. They have no idea what's coming.

Just then, Natalia walks past them. I watch as they follow.

Natalia leads them behind a curtain. I press my ear to it, knowing they’re in the next wing, my breath catching in my throat. This is it. The moment we've been waiting for.

I hear Natalia’s act. “Excuse me. This is a private area.”

“We’re going to show you just how private it is,” one of the rivals says. I clench my fists, angry at the tone they use.

"Gentlemen," Abram's voice carries through the curtain, smooth as silk but sharp as a blade. "I believe we have some business to discuss."

I laugh.

Almost. If the stakes weren't so high, I might have. Instead, I part the curtains and watch with grim satisfaction as my brothers close ranks around them, herding them into a circle.

That's it, boys , I think, a fierce grin spreading across my face. Show them what happens when they mess with the Zolotovs.

Mark's stance is relaxed, almost casual, but there's a predatory gleam in his eye that I know all too well.

The rival group's leader—Vadim, I think his name is—tries to maintain his composure, but I can see the sweat beading on his forehead. His eyes dart around, searching for an escape that doesn't exist.

"Quite the collection of photos you have there, Abram," I hear Vadim say, his voice barely steady. "But I'm not sure what you're implying."

Abram's laugh is cold and sharp. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I'm implying. You’ll lose whatever allies you have left. The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

I can't help but smirk. The plan is working perfectly, and a part of me revels in its success.

“If you ever,” I watch Natalia go right up to him, shoving a finger in his face. “Come near my family again, we will chase you right out of this country.”

She walks off as the men exchange glances, chests deflated in defeat, but just then, Natalia turns. “Scratch that,” she says with an iciness I feel all the way over here. “Straight off the bloody continent.”

And with that, she turns on her heels, my brothers following.

Damn. She’s fucking hot.

I break into a grin.

***

The crowd begins to thin, the hum of conversation fading as people file out of the venue. I ease myself off the barstool, wincing as my back protests. My eyes scan the dispersing throng, searching for a glimpse of blonde hair, a flash of those warm brown eyes.

I weave through the crowd, my movements slower than I'd like, careful not to aggravate my injury further.

"Excuse me," I mutter, sidestepping a group of chattering women.

And then, like a ray of sunshine breaking through storm clouds, there she is, her face flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling. She's practically bouncing as she makes her way toward me, and I feel a warmth spreading through my chest at the sight.

"Denis!" she calls out, her voice filled with triumph. "You won't believe it! Everything went exactly as planned!"

I can't help but smile as she reaches me, her enthusiasm infectious. "Oh, I overheard," I say.

Natalia's words tumble out in a rush. "The decoy worked perfectly! I overheard two of Vadim's men talking about the 'unexpected development.' They're completely thrown off balance!"

Her excitement is palpable, her hands gesticulating wildly as she speaks. I drink in the sight of her, my little firecracker, so full of life and passion. It's intoxicating.

"And you should have seen their faces when Abram pulled out those photos and threatened to show them to their so-called allies," she continues, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "I thought Vadim was going to faint right there on the spot!"

I can't resist teasing her a little, a wide grin on my face. "Careful now, Natalia. You're starting to sound like you enjoy this dangerous game we're playing. Should I be worried you're developing a taste for the criminal lifestyle?"

Natalia's cheeks flush a deeper shade of pink, but she meets my gaze with a defiant tilt of her chin. "Maybe I am," she retorts, her chocolate-brown eyes dancing. "What are you going to do about it, Mr. Zolotov?"

I raise an eyebrow, enjoying our playful banter. "I might have to keep a closer eye on you. Can't have my innocent little wife turning into a hardened criminal, now can I?"

She laughs, the sound light and carefree. "As if you could stop me," she teases, poking me gently in the chest.

I catch her hand, holding it against my heart. "I wouldn't dream of it," I murmur, my tone softening. "But tell me honestly, Natalia. How did it feel?"

Her expression turns thoughtful. "It was… exhilarating," she admits, her voice low. "The adrenaline, the thrill of outsmarting them. I've never felt anything like it."

I watch her carefully, noting the conflicting emotions in her eyes. "But?" I prompt gently.

Natalia bites her lip, her brow furrowing. "But it's also scary," she confesses. "I don't want to lose myself, Denis. I don't want to cross lines I can't come back from. I’ll do what I can, without being cruel."

I nod, understanding her internal struggle. "That's what makes you special, Nat," I tell her, brushing a strand of dark blonde hair from her face. "Your heart, your goodness. We'll find the balance together, I promise."

She looks up at me with a small smile, and for a moment, I lose myself in her eyes. I see the little specks of lighter brown, my own reflection in her eyes, and her pupils blasted wide. I lean down, my lips gently grazing hers.

I’m about to pull away when her fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer. Natalia's lips part beneath mine, her breath warm against my skin.

I deepen my kiss and Natalia responds eagerly. Too eagerly. My skin tingles for more, and I groan into her mouth, slowly pulling away, leaving a wake of kisses as I reach her ears and whisper: "What do you say we find somewhere a bit more… private?"

She looks up at me and bites her lip devilishly, then grabs my hand and maneuvers us through the throng of people. My injury makes me slower than usual, but Natalia matches my pace without complaint.

We slip into a quiet alcove, hidden from prying eyes. The sudden hush is a stark contrast to the lively chatter we've left behind. I lean against the wall, cornering her in, catching my breath. "Well, Mrs. Zolotov, it seems you've developed quite a taste for adventure."

Natalia steps closer, her curvy figure fitting perfectly against mine, making me aware of every single point of contact. "Maybe I have," she murmurs, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest. "Or maybe I've just developed a taste for you."

My breath catches in my throat. The playful banter from earlier has shifted, morphing into something more charged, more intense. I can feel the heat radiating between us, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Natalia," I start, but she presses a finger to my lips, silencing me.

"Shh," she whispers, her eyes locked on mine. "Let me."

I watch, mesmerized, as she slowly slides her hand down my chest, her touch feather-light yet electrifying.

“Is this okay?”

I know why she asks. It’s not that I’d deny her, but she’s worried because of my injury. She’s worried I’ll be in pain.

I nod, unable to form words as her fingers dance along the hem of my shirt. "More than okay," I manage to rasp out.

Natalia smiles shyly, still not used to taking charge. "Good," she says, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to my jaw. "Because I'm just getting started, Mr. Zolotov."

Her lips trail down to my neck, each kiss igniting a fire beneath my skin. Her fingers gently unbutton my shirt. When I arch my arms back for her to pull it off, my back hurts, but I ignore it.

I don’t want her to stop.

I inhale sharply, my hands finding her waist, pulling her closer. The scent of her perfume envelops me, intoxicating.

"You're incredible," I breathe, my fingers tangling in her dark blonde hair.

Natalia looks up at me, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling with a mix of desire and affection. "So are you," she whispers, her hands now exploring the contours of my chest.

I wince slightly as she brushes against a recovering laceration, and she immediately pulls back. "I'm sorry, did I hurt you?"

"No," I assure her, cupping her face in my hands. "You could never hurt me, Solnishko ."

Her smile at the endearment melts my heart. I reach for her cheeks and lean in, capturing her lips with mine in a kiss that starts gently but quickly deepens. Natalia responds eagerly, her soft curves pressing against me as she parts her lips, inviting me in. With swift, deft movements, she casts my belt on the floor, within seconds returning to unzip me. My pants fall to the floor and my hand curves around the back of her neck, pulling her closer.

As our tongues dance, I'm struck by how right this feels. How perfectly we fit together.

The next thing I know, I feel her hands reach behind her. I stop, mesmerized as she lets her dress pool at her feet. My eyes soak in the sight of her glistening, soft skin. The curves of her breasts, the swell of her belly, the beautiful thickness of her thighs.

Without thinking, like a man famished, I grab her waist and trail up, drinking in her body. My fingers stop just beneath the edges of her breasts, and my thumbs reach out to caress her nipples over her bra.

“Denis,” she whispers.

I look up to see this beautiful woman command my complete and unmovable attention. Slowly, she swirls her hips and gets on the floor, her face turned toward me as though I’m her world.

I watch as she pulls down my boxers, her eyes now widening at my length. I twist my fingers through her hair, just to touch her.

My breath hitches in my throat as she takes me in her cold hand, her gaze never leaving mine. I swallow hard and feel myself get even more erect.

"Natalia," I murmur, my voice rough with need.

She meets my eyes, a glint of mischief shining in her own. Without a word, she leans forward, her lips parting as she wraps them around my cock.

A growl escapes my lips at the sheer intensity of the sensation that shoots through me. Her tongue dances on the underside, sending waves of pleasure crashing over me.

My cock throbs for more. I pull her closer, driving my cock to the back of her throat. She groans around me and sucks in earnest, faster and harder than before.

Fuck. She’ll take me to the edge.

"Natalia," I groan, my grip tightening. "I'm going to come."

Her eyes flicker up to mine, and the mischief is replaced with a knowing smile as she pulls back slightly, swirling her tongue over the head of me and then taking me all the way down to the root. I shudder violently, my hips jerking forward reflexively into her warm, wet throat.

“Fuck,” I moan, near the edge. I grab her hair, force her back, and stare down at her. “No,” I say, rather ferociously. “Not like this. I want you. All of you.”

Slowly, she rises like a cat, the little seductress. Her ass jutting out, her hip thrusting out. I reach for her ass, pull her closer, and gently grind into her so she can feel my cock through her soaking-wet panties.

She moans and bites her lip, throwing back her head. Then reaches for my shoulders. I grin and watch as she pushes me down on the floor. Her hands reach for my chest and she whispers, staring me right in the eye, “Lie down.”

I follow her command without hesitation, my chest rising and falling rapidly with anticipation. Natalia's eyes never leave mine as she removes her soaked panties, revealing her arousal to me in a way that turns my blood to fire.

"You are so beautiful," I whisper, feeling like I should pin her down and possess her, but god she’s so damn sexy when she’s in charge.

She grins devilishly and holds onto my hands as she climbs on top of me, positioning herself over me. For a moment, she gazes deep into my eyes before lowering herself onto me.

I don’t even bother holding back a moan as I feel myself fill her, feel her stretch for me. I fight against her hold and reach behind her for the hooks of her bra, tossing that unnecessary garment away.

Her breasts, full, beautiful moons fall in my line of sight, her nipples hard and sensitive to my touch. I take them in my hands and knead them firmly, feeling her shudder beneath me, our breaths syncing as she rides me.

She rotates her hips, my cock hitting every fucking angle.

“Dear god,” I roar, reaching now for her ass. I slam my hips into her and squeeze her cheeks together so she feels all of me.

“Denis!” she roars, her hands now on my chest for support. Her nails dig into me and I groan, my grip tightening on her ass. "Fuck," I curse, feeling the pleasure escalate, the fire rage on. "Natalia, you're going to kill me."

Her eyes flutter closed, her hips speeding up, her inner muscles clenching me.

Her eyes are now half-lidded with pleasure and pain. My hips buck in time with her thrusts, our bodies locked in an intense rhythm.

"Harder, Denis," she whispers, her voice hoarse with want. "I need you to fuck me harder."

I oblige, my grip tightening on her ass as I pull her down over my cock and thrust deeper. Her moans fill the room, a sweet symphony of our desire. Our bodies move in harmony, matched in passion and urgency.

"So tight," I grunt, my hips jerking wildly against hers. "So fucking good."

Her breasts dance in my face, teasing, tantalizing. She catches me watching, smirks at my lack of control, and dips her head, her lips colliding with mine in a fervent, demanding kiss. Her hips dance upon me, taunting me with her new technique of a slow drop and rise, knowing exactly how to push my buttons.

The room is filled with our frenzied gasps, the sound of our bodies connecting and skin slapping flesh.

I can feel my release building, the fire inside me roaring closer and closer to the edge. I grip her ass tighter, pulling her deeper onto me with each thrust, feeling her wetness encase my cock.

"Natalia," I groan, her name a mix of pain and pleasure on my lips. "I'm going to cum."

Our eyes lock once more, a challenge tossed between us as we seek the release that's been building since the night began.

"Do it, Denis," she dares me, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Let go with me."

And with those words, the dam bursts. She throws back her head as the tension uncoils within her, and just as I bury myself into her with a final thrust and find my release, her pussy convulses around mine.

“Oh my god,” she moans, and I arch my back, despite the pain, to make her feel. Her thighs now tremble against me, her entire body quivering.

We stay like that until the last of her waves pass. A minute later, we break apart, both breathing heavily. Natalia's cheeks are flushed, her lips swollen from our kisses. She's never looked more beautiful. Gently, I slide her off me and nestle her close under my arm.

"Denis," she murmurs, looking up at me, her voice husky. "I love you.”

My heart skips a beat at her words. "Are you sure?" I ask, searching her eyes for any hesitation.

She nods, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

I take a deep breath, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion I see reflected in Natalia's warm brown eyes. My heart races, and for a moment, I'm at a loss for words. It's a foreign feeling for me, this vulnerability.

"Natalia," I begin, my voice low and intense. "I need you to know something."

She tilts her head, curiosity sparking in her gaze. "What is it?"

I cup her face in my hands, marveling at how small and delicate she feels beneath my touch. "I’ve loved you for a while now," I confess, the words pouring out of me like a dam breaking. "I've never felt this way about anyone before.”

Natalia's eyes widen, a mix of surprise and joy flickering across her features. "Denis," she breathes, her voice trembling slightly. "I love you so much it scares me sometimes."

I pull her close, burying my face in her hair. "You don't need to be scared," I murmur. "I'll always protect you, always take care of you."

She leans back, a mischievous glint in her eye. "And what if I want to take care of you sometimes?"

I can't help but chuckle. "I suppose I could allow that," I tease, running my thumb across her cheek.

Natalia grins, then grows serious. "This changes everything, doesn't it?"

I nod, understanding the weight of her words. "It does. But we'll face whatever comes together. This—us—it's real. It's forever."

Natalia's smile is radiant as she reaches up to kiss me. And in that moment, I know that no matter what storms we weather, our love will be our anchor.