Unholy Tsar: A Dark Mafia Romance (Ruthless Dynasty Book 4)

Chapter 9

I need to be at Bree’s lesson tomorrow, but how the hell am I going to manage that? It’s not like I’ve been allowed to leave this apartment since Maksim dropped me off.

Suddenly, there’s a gentle knocking on my bedroom door, and I know it’s Roy. I check the time on my phone. Ah, dinner time. He only ever knocks when he brings my meals up.

I don’t know what exactly Roy usually does for Maksim, but he’s like my prison warden—protecting me while also keeping me confined. When I open the door, he’s holding a tray brimming with food. As soon as I accept it, he turns around and leaves. I sigh.

That’s how my week has been: a knock like clockwork every mealtime, followed by putting the tray outside my bedroom door when I’m done. At first, I tried to interact with the employees, but they wouldn’t engage with me. Apparently, Maksim forbade it. That domineering, overbearing—I inhale sharply. It’s no use getting angry when the asshole isn’t even here.

After dinner, I drop my tray outside and go on my phone. I immediately open the LinkedIn app and go to Maksim’s profile.

What? I have nothing better to do in here, so I caved and stalked him, alright. A lot of good that did me. There’s nothing about the man online, other than this sparse LinkedIn profile. Not even some paparazzi photos or articles. Compared to the Kilpatricks, he’s like a ghost.

Still, I admire the profile photo for perhaps the hundredth time. His salt and pepper hair is slicked back with gel and has a side parting that highlights the handsome angles of his face. His lips are pulled into a taut frown, as if he was annoyed at having his picture taken.

When I’ve had enough, I exit the picture, scroll down the page, and read the same old garbage again. With the amount of time I’ve spent on his page, I probably have the whole thing memorized: CEO of a Fortune 500 tech company, philanthropist, blah blah blah. Boring stuff. Not that I expected him to add “mafia don” to his profile. That would be really wild.

I lock my phone and flop back on the bed, ignoring my now damp panties. The asshole really did a number on me because I can’t help getting aroused every time I check his page, and despite my best efforts, I end up giving in and touching myself to thoughts of him.

Not tonight though, I think sternly. One way or another, I’m going to be at that lesson tomorrow.

But how will I give my guards the slip? After exploring the townhouse, I finally decide to hole up in my bedroom. There’s no way for me to leave unless Roy or someone else lets me out. How will I get them to do that? I ponder, staring at the ceiling.

My phone chimes with a notification. I lift it up. It’s a reminder from the app I use to track my period. Ovulation day is coming soon. I frown at it, then click the notification so it takes me into the app. My ovulation is starting tomorrow. That explains why I’ve been so horny.

Then a light bulb goes off, and I grin evilly at my phone. Bingo! That’s how I’ll get out of this apartment tomorrow. I lock my phone and place it on the nightstand before snuggling into the bed with a smug smile on my face.

The next morning, I wake up with a sense of determination, rise from bed, and get ready to go out in one of my new designer clothes. Then I let out a high-pitched scream and wait. Almost immediately, I hear footsteps rushing up the stairs to my room.

The door bursts open and a bunch of men rush in, guns raised. They don’t wait to ask me what happened. Instead, they start searching the room for the threat. When it’s apparent that there is none, Roy separates himself from the pack and walks toward me.

“What is it, Miss? Did you have a nightmare?” His gaze drops down my body, and his brows raise when he realizes I’m fully dressed.

“If only it was a nightmare,” I sigh, dropping my head in pretend resignation. “But there’s a sensitive matter I need to attend to quickly. I need you to take me to the nearest drugstore.”

When I raise my head, I see him gesturing for the other men to leave. “You know I can’t do that, ma’am. Whatever you need at the drugstore, write it down, and I’ll send someone to get it for you.”

I bite my lips and then say in a scandalized whisper, “But it’s really sensitive. It’s a womanly matter.”

He crosses his arms across his chest, unimpressed.

“I got my period, you oaf,” I snap, irritated. Almost immediately, he loses his bluster, and his cheeks redden. Ahh, that’s more like it. “In a couple of minutes, I’m going to bleed out as my uterus sheds its lining, and my stomach is going to turn inside out with the most intense cramps as my vagina squeezes out blood and—”

“Enough!” His entire face is red at this point, and he isn’t looking at me anymore. I suppress a mischievous grin. Of course. No matter how dangerous they are, men will always be squeamish when it comes to talking about a woman’s menstrual cycle. “What do you need?”

“There’s a particular painkiller I have to take. I’ve forgotten its name, but I can recognize it. I also need pads. No, scratch that, a menstrual cup. No, tampons will be better. Or should I get the cup? It always gathers the most blood without staining my underwear. Hmm.” I tap my chin indecisively.

“Fine, you can come with me.” Roy spins around, and I do a little victory dance before I follow him. I text Bree as we leave the townhouse to send me the Hamptons house address. She replies with a wide-eyed emoji, a dancing emoji, and the address. I chuckle and lock the phone.

I glance at Roy. He’s tapping his fingers rhythmically on the steering wheel, and his cheeks are still red.

“You don’t have sisters, do you?” I ask. Men with sisters are usually desensitized to these things. He shoots me a stony glare. “Alright. No talking then.”

I glance out the window, taking in the outside world for the first time in a week. I sigh when I realize there’s a high chance Maksim will send me straight back to my prison when I get to the Hamptons mansion, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

If I want this to work out, I need to show him I’m trustworthy, even if I’m not—at least, not entirely. But I need to learn how to handle a gun. Maybe then, I can finally have some independence again…

Suddenly, Roy takes a sharp turn, and then we’re pulling in front of a drugstore. “Wait here,” he commands. Turning off the car, he makes a big show of taking the keys out of the ignition and stuffing it into his pocket.

“What? I thought I’d be coming in with you?” I ask because I know he’ll expect me to protest, but in reality, this development is perfect.

“So you can run away?” He snorts. “Mr. Smolov will have my head. No, you’ll stay here while I go inside to get what you need. I’ll come out and show you. If it isn’t what you want, I’ll go back inside for another and another until you’re satisfied. Got it?”

I nod meekly, and he gets out of the car, then locks it. This man. Does he think I can’t unlock it if I want to? I give him a little wave with my fingers, and he narrows his eyes on me one final time before leaving.

As soon as he walks into the drugstore, I move to the driver”s seat, check around, then reach under the dashboard and mess with the wires. The car comes to life with a low purr.

“Yes, baby.” Just as I pull out of the parking lot, I see Roy rushing out of the store, waving his hands frantically.

I remember what he said about Maksim having his head and feel terrible. I roll down the window as I drive off and shout, “I’ll make sure Maksim doesn’t hurt—kill you,” I amend. He will definitely punish him for letting me escape, but I’ll try to minimize his punishment as much as I can.

When my warden is out of view, I slow the car down and quickly type in the address Bree sent into the GPS.

I’m not sure what I thought would happen when I arrived in the Hamptons, but it’s not the double take from one of Bree’s security. They raise their guns up at me like I’m some danger to them, and I roll my eyes as I breeze into the house.

I know it’s just an empty threat. No matter what Maksim told them, they wouldn’t just shoot someone they know without a direct order from Bree’s dad.

The butler bows as I walk in, and I wave at him cheerfully. “I hope I’m not late for the lessons?”

“Miss Kilpatrick just arrived a couple of minutes ago, so I believe you’re right on time.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Alberto.” I wave at him again as I climb up the stairs, and I catch him muttering, that’s not my name, as I pass by. I can’t help but crack a small grin.

I’m so in character that when I arrive at the library, I swing the door open as dramatically as possible. Unfortunately, only Bree is inside the room. Damn it, all that drama and Maksim didn’t even witness it?

My friend shoots up from her chair, her face beaming with happiness, “Cece! You made it.”

I mirror her joy, and I’m a little surprised when she comes over to hug me tightly. “I’m so sorry. Turns out my uncle found out your real name because I mentioned it that one time. That’s why he’s so suspicious of you now. He forbade me from contacting you.”

I stiffen, then relax into the hug. “It’s alright,” I murmur, hugging her back. Fuck, when was the last time anyone genuinely hugged me? I cherish the warmth of the embrace for a few seconds before pulling away.

“Are you okay? Where have you been staying? You wouldn’t tell me on the phone, and I was only reassured because at least you seemed fine.”

I open my mouth to answer—probably with a lie or something—when a tingle runs down my spine. I don’t need to turn around to know Maksim has arrived. Finally.

“You,” he growls.

I turn around with a sigh, “Maksim. It’s good to see you, too.”

“Uncle Maksim, I asked her to come. Please, you have to allow her to join us and–”

“That’s enough, Bree. You, follow me.” He leaves, confident that I’ll do as he says. I sigh again.

“I’ve already done my best to wear him down, but he was pretty sure you wouldn’t come. Still, he might be a little more open if you ask him nicely…”

I nod at Bree. If only she knew the half of it.

“See you soon,” I say, optimistically. Then I make my way to the study.

“You little–” Maksim grabs my arm as soon as I walk in and gives me a little shake.

“What? Impressed that I gave your men the slip?” I smirk, slapping his hands away from my arm.

He lets me go with a scowl. “Are you even on your period?”

I see he’s gotten in touch with Roy. “No,” I chuckle. “It’s fascinating, isn’t it? How men can’t stand to talk about a woman’s anatomy.”

“You must be very proud of yourself.”

“Of course, I am.”

“That’s too bad then. All that effort for nothing. As we speak, my men are on their way here and will drag you back to your prison. You should’ve run away while you had the chance, Myshka.”

“Exactly, Maksim. I had the chance to run away, but I didn’t. I came here, where I knew for sure my captor would be. Why do you think that is?”

He rolls his eyes. “I believe you’re about to enlighten me.”

I let his sarcasm roll off my back. “Because, like I once told you, I have dangerous people after me. I need to partake in these lessons so I can learn how to protect myself, don’t you see that? Sooner or later, you’ll let me go, and I’ll no longer have the protection of Bree’s security. I’ll be easy prey for my predator.”

As I speak, his eyes soften. Am I getting to him? I continue with gusto, “I promise I’ll go willingly with Roy and the rest of your men after the lesson. I’ll stay in that damn apartment like a good prisoner, just like I have been for the past week, even though I was fucking suffocated and felt like I might go crazy at any moment. I promise I’ll stay still. Just please let me come for the lessons with Bree. By the end of it all, I won’t need you or anyone else anymore.”

His face closes off when I finish my speech, and my heart sinks. Oh no. But then he gives a sharp nod. “Fine. You can stay. But Roy is no longer in charge of your security. He’s been dismissed.”

As I watch him start to leave the study, fear grips me. Dismissed? I know enough about the mafia to understand that there’s no such thing as getting fired or dismissed. Once you’re in, you’re in for life. Did I just unknowingly sign Roy’s death certificate?

Without a second thought, I reach out and grab Maksim’s arm. “No!” He pauses and gives me a questioning look. “I want Roy back in my security detail. You have to put him back.”

“Or what?”

“I’ll be as uncooperative as possible. I’ll tell Bree you’ve been holding me hostage. I’ll keep trying to run away from whoever you appoint as my new head of security. I’ll even refuse to eat the meals I’m given. I’ll starve myself and—and—” My mind frantically searches for more ways to threaten him.

“What? All this because of an incompetent bodyguard? He needs to be punished for his incompetence.”

“So, punish him. Torture him. Whatever.” The words make my stomach churn, but I know begging for Roy to be spared from punishment won’t work. Maksim would never agree. “But in the end, I want you to put him back as my head of security. Please, Maksim. Please.”

His eyes turn cold. “Have you developed feelings for Roy?”

I gulp, wondering if I just made things worse. “Of course not, you asshole. I just don’t want an innocent man to get killed because of me.”

“Killed?”

“I know about your world, Maksim. People don’t get fired or dismissed. If someone no longer shows up to work, it’s because they’re six feet under. Roy doesn’t deserve to die because of me.”

Unexpectedly, he smiles. “Alright, little girl. I’ll keep Roy as your security guard.”

Little girl. His use of that term makes my heart skip and my core clenches as I remember the last time he called me that in this very room. Then his words sink in.

“Really?” Relief floods through me, and I can’t stop myself from rushing into his arms to hug him tightly. “Thank you. Thank you.” He goes rigid in my arms, and I realize what I just did. Shit. I pull away, not looking him in the eye as embarrassment flushes my cheeks. “Um—anyway, thank you.”

He gives me a curt nod, then leads the way to the library where Bree is pacing with a worried frown. Her face lights up when she sees us. “I’m in, baby,” I announce with a little dance. She cheers, pumping her fist at me.

“That’s quite enough, you two. We need to get back on track,” Maksim grunts, breaking up our celebration. “Today, you two are going to start working with weapons.”

He rummages through a duffel bag on his desk and takes out a pair of knives. My heart sings with joy as I walk forward to accept mine.

“Wait, this isn’t real,” Bree says with a frown, examining the dull blade in her hand. At the same time, I realize the knife in my hand is also fake.

“Of course it isn’t real. You two are still amateurs. I’m not going to give you a sharp object that you can accidentally hurt yourselves with.”

“No. No way. What better way to learn than with the real thing? This dull knife will just give us a false sense of security. Don’t you think, Cece?”

I nod in agreement, pushing my luck. “The human mind learns faster when there’s an element of danger. There’s a study to prove that.” I think. Don’t fact-check me, please. “Besides, the fear of getting hurt will put us on our toes, making us more agile and nimble.”

Maksim observes our stubborn expressions and lets out a long, suffering sigh. Still, he rummages through that bag again, this time pulling out real knives. Bree and I high-five each other.

As he lectures us on the importance of handling the weapons with care, I realize one thing. The big bad, dangerous mobster is just a roll of marshmallow at heart. I grin at my discovery. Man, am I going to take advantage of that…

After the brief lecture, Maksim instructs us to practice. Bree hesitates, her grip on the knife hesitant and unsure. I, on the other hand, know my survival depends on my self-defense skills and that when push comes to shove, the skills I learn today might just be the thing that saves my life.

“Cecilia, careful. You’re going to hurt yourself,” Maksim calls out, but I’m beyond listening. My mind is somewhere else, flooded with memories of my abusive ex. With each fluid movement, I imagine taking revenge on him. Yeah, come try me now fucker, I’ll gut you. My knife extends out, ready to strike.

I spin around, arching the knife up, and suddenly Maksim is right there. Before I can even react, the tip of the knife runs through his chest. “Oh my God!” I drop the weapon, horrified at what I’ve done. Maksim’s shirt parts open in a straight line, revealing a wide expanse of golden skin covered with stacks of abs and tattoos—so much blackink. There’s a small cut below his ribs, and my hand instinctively covers it, and woah, his body is so hard… and so warm.

We’ve had sex a couple of times now, but this is the first time I’m actually seeing his skin like this. My hand seems to develop a mind of its own and runs up the warm heat of his body, “Oh my,” I whisper. Not bad for an old man. In fact, his body is fitter than any man I’ve ever been with.

Maksim grabs my wrist, stopping my slow caress. I look up to see his eyes blazing with a familiar heat. I bite my lower lip as my cunt gushes in anticipation.

“I-I’m sorry. I cut you.”

“Because you weren’t listening to me.” His voice is gravelly and thick and shoots right down to my core. My chest heaves, drawing his dark gaze.

“Looks like I need detention again,” I murmur.

Before he can reply, a throat clears. My body jerks back, suddenly remembering Bree is still in the room with us. Fuck. My friend gives me a knowing look as her uncle excuses himself to take care of his cut and hopefully put on another shirt. Or not.

“It’s not what you think,” I rush to explain, picking up the knife I dropped earlier.

“Uh huh.”

“I mean it.”

“You don’t have to explain anything to me, Cece. You’re both single, hot human beings.”

I bite my lip, unsure how to respond. “You’re not going to forbid me from being with your uncle?” Isn’t that what happens in the books and movies? Girl lusts after her best friend’s brother or uncle. The best friend threatens the girl with the end of their friendship if she doesn’t stop looking at her family member with such hungry eyes.

Bree laughs, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Heavens, no. Why would I? I love you both and actually think you’d be good for each other.”

Huh. Did Bree just give us her blessing?I’m taken aback, but I give her a small smile, “I love you too, Bree.” I mean it. “I don’t deserve you at all.”

“Nonsense.” She waves my words away. “We deserve each other.”

Before I can protest some more, Maksim walks back into the library, his face stony as he settles in front of us. Unfortunately, he’s put on another shirt.

“I thought about taking the knives from you two, but I decided against it. You need the real thing to remind yourselves to be cautious with the way you handle it, or any other dangerous weapon. It can be an ally or enemy, depending on how you treat it.”

I nod solemnly. Then he goes on to talk about thinking of any firearm as an extension of oneself and treating it with the same respect as we would our own body parts.

Safe to say, when it came time to practice again, I was more cautious and conscious of my environment—even if half my mind couldn’t get past the heat of his bare chest.