Ruthless Reign: A Dark Mafia Forbidden Romance (Tarnished Reign Book 1)

Chapter 23

Panic unfurls in my belly.“What do you mean by that? That I owe you my ... virginity?”

He takes a step closer, his warm breath coasting over my skin. My bare breasts tighten under his intense gaze. I wish I had a T-shirt, a bra, or anything to cover myself.

“That’s what I paid for. Isn’t my money as good as anyone else’s?”

A shiver rolls through me at the insinuation that he expects me to go through with it, to sleep with him.

“No,” I gasp. “This is different. You’re my guard. You’re in business with my fiancé!”

“About that,” he says with a sneer, “Does Anatoly not give you enough of an allowance? You seem to wear nothing but designer clothes and jewelry, but apparently, that’s still not enough for you.”

I grimace, hating the implication that I’m money-hungry. But it’s better he believes that’s the reason for my actions than discovering my true motives.

My eyes unintentionally drift downward, away from his accusing gaze, and catch a splash of red on the cuff of his sleeve. It brings everything into stark focus.

Goosebumps prickle my skin, fueled by both fear and excitement. “What did you do?” I whisper.

Roman’s eyes darken. “He needed to be taught a lesson. I hated those men looking at you, fantasizing about you. Thinking they had a chance when you were never going to be theirs. It drove me crazy.”

I swallow hard. “Did you kill him?”

“There’s a chance he lived.” He brushes a knuckle down my cheek. “But it would be a miracle.”

I must be just as depraved as him because instead of feeling repulsed, a low simmer of heat stirs in my belly.

He killed a man to protect me in his own twisted way. I know Roman is rich, but he spent half a million dollars to end the auction for me.

“Are you going to hold up your part of the bargain?” His eyes scan the length of me. “Because I don’t think I can stand here, with you half naked, for much longer without blowing a load in my pants.” He smirks. “Something you seem to inspire in me.”

My pulse races, mirroring the throbbing between my legs. I swallow hard and lift my chin.

Would it really be the worst thing to have sex with Roman? He’s hot and experienced. He’s already proven he knows how to get me off. And sleeping with him is the best way to make sure he doesn’t tell anyone else. That he keeps it our little secret. He has as much at stake as I do.

“Like you said.” I force a confidence I don’t feel. “Your money is as good as anyone else’s.”

His eyebrows pull together, and his mouth flattens into a hard line. “Is that the only reason?”

I shrug nonchalantly, even though nonchalant is the furthest thing from how I feel. “Let’s make a deal. You take my virginity—right here, tonight, like any other buyer would—and in the morning, we go home to Moscow and never speak of this again. No one can ever know,” I stress.

He hisses sharply, and the sound vibrates up my spine like electricity. “Anatoly is going to figure out you’re not a virgin on your wedding night, and there’s going to be hell to pay.”

“Let that be my problem. Your name will never come up either way,” I assure him.

“Fuck, Liza.” He breathes out harshly, his eyes darkening. “You’re forbidden fruit, and I can’t bring myself to fight against it.” He reaches out and wraps a hand around the back of my neck, tugging me against him.

His lips crash against mine, and all thought evaporates as he urges my mouth open. I allow him entry, and his tongue slips inside, electricity coursing through me with every hot stroke.

My body is on fire. I had no idea a kiss could be like this—soft but strong, demanding and passionate. His kiss ignites my hunger in a way I never thought possible. He coils his tongue with mine, cupping the back of my head with his huge hands. He tastes faintly of whisky and mistakes. It feels as if I’m standing on the edge of a cliff, the ground crumbling beneath me, but I can’t find it in me to care.

When we finally break apart, lust shines in his eyes. “Lie down on the bed.”

For a moment, I’m frozen in place. Am I really doing this?

“I said lie down.”

Lord, like anyone could say no to him. Not when he asks like that.

“Panties off. Blindfold on,” he instructs.

It takes me a moment to register what he’s asking. “Excuse me?”

“Oh, I think you heard me.” He tosses me a leather blindfold that was hanging on the wall alongside a bunch of other kinky instruments, like a flogger and handcuffs. I’m not even sure what the rest of them are.

When I don’t move fast enough, he takes over, lifting and cupping the back of my head to secure the blindfold for me.

A flush of perspiration settles over my skin. “W-why the blindfold?” I ask, my voice shaky.

He makes a rumbly noise in the back of his throat that I feel down to my toes. “I want you to feel everything. Every sensation that runs through this delectable body…” His rough fingertips graze my nipples, and my body goes rigid with need. “When I pleasure you with my fingers…”He drops a kiss between my breasts. “My tongue.” He sucks a nipple deep into his mouth and circles the peak with his talented tongue. “And when you’re ready, milaya … with this.” He grabs my hand and lays it over his straining cock still covered by his pants.

My lungs freeze. His every touch sparks a firestorm across my nerves. I’ve never felt desire like this, and it sends a rush of wet heat between my thighs.

I’m quivering with anticipation when he grabs both of my wrists in his huge hand. I don’t have time to ask him what’s happening—not that he’d tell me anyhow, with his insistence that I just feel.

The next thing I know, he binds my wrists firmly together then pulls them above my head. I’m too shocked to move for a few seconds, but when I finally try to lower my arms, I can’t. They’re affixed to something.

“Roman,” I warn, not sure if I like this loss of control.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you.” His hand brushes my cheek before I feel the warm, wet drag of his tongue as it glides from one breast to the other one, circling my hard nipple.

I moan loudly. I can’t help it. My body is lit up like a Christmas tree, responding to his every breath, his every touch, and even the slightest brush of his fingertips.

Sex has always been something to endure and never about my pleasure. But everything Roman is doing is about making me feel good, and it’s better than I could have ever imagined.

“Hold still.” He hooks a finger over the edge of my panties and pulls them down my legs.

Embarrassment coasts over my skin, and I squeeze my legs shut.

Roman releases an amused breath. “I don’t think so, sweetheart. Your pussy is mine for the night, remember? I want a good look at the treasure I just bought.”

Oh my God, he wants to look at me there.

“I can’t,” I squeal.

It’s too much. How can I possibly show him more when I already feel so exposed?

But he doesn’t give me a choice. His hands land on each knee, and he gently but firmly pulls my legs apart.

I freeze, growling out my unhappiness.

“Uh-uh, milaya.”

I consider kicking him away, but when cool air brushes against my pussy, I suck in a sharp breath.

”Perfect,” he breathes and swipes a finger through the center of my core. My body nearly arches off the bed, his touch igniting a rush of arousal.

He takes hold of me behind the knees and bends my legs until they’re pressed against my stomach. I thought this would be my version of torture, being exposed and vulnerable like this, but a bolt of lust crashes through me instead. I’ve never been so turned on in my life.

“Look at you. Untouched, unsoiled. Sweet pink lips and those lily-white thighs. Do you know how hard you make me?” He runs a rough hand down the inside of my thigh, and I can hear him work to control his breath.

As he runs a finger through my soaked center again, I mewl and bite my lip, drunk on his touch.

“Christ, the filthy things I’m dying to do to you. This right here was worth killing a man for. Now, hold still.” He focuses on fastening my knees with restraints so that my legs are spread wide.

I attempt to wriggle out of his grasp, but once again, I discover I can”t move more than a few inches. I swallow audibly. “Wh-what are you going to do to me?”

His voice, deep and seductive, drops an octave. “Anything I want, milaya.”

His fingertips drag down the inside of my thigh until they settle over my exposed pussy.

“Fuck,” he grits out in a low, deep voice.

His fingers dip into my pussy, making me shudder with pleasure. This is all new to me, and my body responds as if it”s on fire.

“You”re so wet. Is it just for me, or would you be this soaked for any man?”

“Just for you,” I murmur.

He makes a pleased noise. “You”re so responsive, so primed for my touch. Knowing I”ll be your first makes me so fucking hot.”

The bed dips, and my pulse flickers, my skin burning up. What’s he going to do?

His hands clamp over my thighs, and he takes a deep inhale between my legs.

“Roman, no.” I try to close my legs but can’t thanks to the bindings.

“Look at you, baby. This pussy is dripping with need.”

My breath catches, and I swear my eyes roll back in my head. This need inside me is overwhelming and entirely new. It’s too much but also so damn delicious.

“I’m going to give you exactly what you need.” He drops a kiss just above my slit and holds me down with one strong, calloused hand on my hip, ensuring I can”t move.

A puff of warm air over my sensitive skin makes me shiver. This sensation is so raw and unfamiliar, heightened by my lack of sight. I nearly buck off the bed when his tongue finally reaches the area where I need him most.

Holy shit. He circles his tongue around my clit, sucking it into his mouth, before he slips one finger inside of me. With each slow, gentle stroke of his tongue from my entrance to my clit, my muscles clench.

This is … unreal. And all new to me.

I had no idea someone’s tongue and finger working in tandem could feel this damn good.

“Do you like that?” he murmurs.

I don’t need to answer. We both know I absolutely love it.

He doesn’t stop. He licks me again and again. My lips part in pleasure, my breath coming in short pants.

“Oh my God,” I gasp, pulling against the bonds. The logical side of my brain is no longer functioning—need has taken over.

He wants me to feel, and more than that, he wants me to feel exactly how in control he is of my body.

I’m close, so damn close, and he knows it. But instead of taking me over the edge, like he did last night, he pulls away.

I gasp my protest. “Roman.”

“No coming just yet, pretty girl.” His voice is thick. “I’m not rushing a moment of tonight.”