Page 17 of Under His Control

Her shoulders rise and fall multiple times, a visible attempt to calm herself, then finally she looks at me.

“Thank you for hearing me out, Mr. Ovechkin. It’s about the Smirnov Bratva…and my brother.”

Well, this is unexpected. My gaze sharpens, a hint of curiosity surfacing.

“I see. Go on.”

She swallows hard. “He owes them a substantial amount of money. They’re threatening to kill him if he doesn’t pay up.”

A substantial amount typically means tens of thousands, maybe more, depending on how deep he’s in and what he’s done.

I can see the desperation in her face as she continues. “I’m afraid they’re going to follow through with their threat. He’s only nineteen. He’s made stupid mistakes, but—” she stops, cringing. “I know this isn’t your responsibility, or your problem, but I didn’t know where else to turn. I’ve heard you have connections to the Smirnov family, so I thought you might,” she hesitates briefly, “uh, be able to intervene.”

It’s exactly as I assumed. She’s in trouble—well, her brother is, and she wants me to fix it. By all rights, I should scold her for barging in and asking this of me. She may be an employee, but she’s technically a stranger, and this is no small favor.

A million thoughts swirl in my head, but the truth is, I could easily erase her brother’s debt with a single word. The Smirnovs wouldn’t even question it.

But why should I?

Normally, I’d demand money, leverage, something useful in return. But Taylor has nothing to offer, except herself.

She’s lush, strong, impossible to ignore.

And she’s obviously fiercely loyal.

And I nearly broke a man’s hand tonight for touching her.

You need an heir.

The idea is crazy. But it’s planted in my head now.

She watches me as she picks up the wineglass. It trembles slightly in her hand. I let the silence stretch, allowing her to squirm just a little longer than necessary.

Finally, I speak, my voice quiet yet firm. “So let me get this straight—you want me to step in, pay off your brother’s debt, or at least keep the Bratva from collecting it in blood, am I right?”

She nods slowly, wincing. “Yes, or maybe you can negotiate some sort of payment plan, something that won’t get him killed?” She exhales, eyes brimming with hope and fear. “Please.”

I drum my fingers on the desk, considering, then I look her straight in the eye. “You’re aware this is no small request?”

“Yes, I’m aware.” She squares her jaw, determination lighting up her eyes again. “He’s my only family. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Hearing her say, “I’ll do whatever it takes,” causes my pulse to kick up a notch. She doesn’t realize how dangerous those words are, especially when said to me. They land hard.

A contract marriage. A child.

It sounds crazy, but it could be exactly what I need.

I swirl my wine and let her squirm.

She’s probably expecting rejection. Instead, all I feel is a sharp, rising urge to protect her—and claim her.

She doesn’t know it yet, but I have the perfect repayment in mind.

CHAPTER 6

TAYLOR

“Please.” He gestures to the wine. “Try it.”