Chapter 2
two
Konstantin
There’s something ethereal about Cressida Blackwell.
I didn’t expect to be so fascinated by her since we collided last year. Our upcoming marriage was merely a convenience. A way to gain the abilities I so desperately seek. They’re there under my skin, a constant hum that teases me with what can be when they’re fully unleashed.
My obsession with her is a weakness, but it’s one I’m not sure I can let go of.
Each time she’s in the same vicinity as I am, there are little zings of carnal delight that edge along my skin. Our bodies were created to fit each other to near perfection, and the hunger to feel her against me sits at the back of my throat.
The Blackwell Masquerade is a neutral zone, but it does not mean an attack will not happen here.
My eyes may be tracking my little fox through the area, but I am also keeping a watch for threats.
Misha Volkovitch, my Sovietnik, stands at my side, his eyes constantly moving around the large ballroom.
He is the only person in this room whom I trust implicitly with my life.
Misha is also the only person outside Venatori Nocturnus who knows all my truths.
“I do not like this. We are too vulnerable,” Misha says.
“They have reassured me it’s as secure as possible. Someone would be stupid to attack with so many families present, yeah?”
We keep our conversation to our native language, using it as a barrier to any ears that may be paying too close attention.
“Every day, people are stupid.”
I laugh. “True. Loosen up, brat. We are as safe as we can be here. Let us celebrate my engagement.”
Misha glances at me and his lips twitch. “Excited?”
From across the room, Cressida catches my attention again. Heat rises in my body and my dick kicks under my slacks. That burn in my veins when our eyes clash sails through me, and I poke out my tongue and run it along my bottom lip. “Da.”
I believe I surprised us both with my answer. I can’t decipher which part I am more excited about—the rise in my abilities, or that I will soon get to bury myself between her deliciously thick thighs.
The overwhelming floral perfume burns my nose just as a warm hand lands against my chest.
“Konstantin. It’s so nice to see you here. We should sneak away later,” Cherice purrs.
My eyes stay glued to the alluring woman across the room, ignoring the one desperately seeking my attention.
Even from this distance, I don’t miss the way her icy blue eyes flash with jealousy. Cressida brings her glass of Champagne to her cherry red lips and lifts a brow at me in challenge.
Oh, my little fox, do not worry. Your pussy is the only one I will own.
The light pink and brown diamond ring I had commissioned for her sends shards of glittering light across my vision as she sips from her glass.
It’s an intentional move to showcase the reason we’re here and to remind me of the reason we’re doing this.
Fuck, I did not expect such a sassy side to the princess.
I grab Cherice’s hand to halt her movement and pull it from me, leaning down until my lips brush against her ear. “You dare proposition me at my engagement party as my fiancée watches? You dare touch me without permission? She is the only reason I will not slit your throat for such disrespect.”
Underneath her mask, I watch with satisfaction as her eyes flash with terror and her face loses its peach color. She peeks over at Cressida, letting me know she knew exactly who I was speaking of before she hurries away from me as fast as she can.
Cressida’s smirk has my hands curling into fists as they tingle with the need to go over there, bend her across my knees, and spank that plump ass of hers.
Misha laughs softly. “You are in trouble, my friend. That is no meek mafia princess you were paired with.”
“I suddenly realize that would be a stale life if she were.”
I clap him on the back with a smile and prowl toward my little fox.
Cressida has her back to me as I approach, but from the way her body leans into mine as I step up to her, she knows exactly who is behind her.
Her juicy ass snuggles right into my dick, and my teeth sink into my bottom lip to keep from groaning.
There’s a vibrant buzz that lights up under my skin, and that wicked flash of white heat from our bond licks up my spine.
Leaning my head down until my mouth is right next to her ear, I murmur, “Running from me again, Lisichka?”
She shivers at my words, and my lips curl into a wicked smirk.
Then she answers with a “Yes”, and a current of shock runs through me at her honesty. I thought she would deny what was obvious. Many in this life would.
“Then I’ll enjoy catching you,” I state, the anticipation of the chase already building inside of me.
Cressida spins around and leans her head back. The move sends some of her hair brushing against her neck. Her eyes roam along my face, and I reach out to grab one of the stray pieces. That buzz under my skin grows harsher as my skin touches hers.
If we weren’t in a public place full of people, I’d pull my dick out and bend her over the small table in front of us.
After draining the last of the Champagne in her glass, she places it on a server before reaching out to grab my lapels. Cressida pulls herself up until we’re close enough that our breaths mingle together.
“Darling,” she croons. “Haven’t you realized that you’ll only catch me if I allow myself to be caught?”
Just as I’m about to close that gap and take her mouth with mine, that beautiful, wily fox winks at me and slides out of my arms to scurry away.
Throughout the night, my eyes track her.
She flits in and out of people, smiling and laughing as she works the room.
Women envy her while men want her. Hunger lights many men’s faces as she passes by them, their partners unable to miss their fascination with my woman.
It angers them, and the boost to my hearing allows me to learn of their true feelings toward Cressida.
I make mental notes of their faces, my eidetic memory never letting me forget their details.
They could become threats to her in the future.
My eyes drift from her when there’s a clinking of glass. Kingston stands at the front of the ballroom, waiting for everyone to quieten down.
Cressida slides up next to me, and I reach out to tangle our fingers together. Our breaths weave together as we inhale sharply at the fucking electricity that arcs between our palms.
After Kingston has everyone’s attention, he sends them a charming smile, his gaze drifting to us.
“The Blackwell’s would like to extend our thanks to everyone who could attend this year.
As we’ve mentioned in the invites, this is more than our annual masquerade.
Tonight, we celebrate the union between my sister, Cressida Blackwell, and Konstantin Kirovsky. ”
His words send murmurs rippling through the crowd. Most of them are in surprise at the combining of families, though it’s nothing new, while others voice their dissent.
My back straightens, and I curl my fingers tighter around Cressida’s at the sensation of eyes dissecting us.
Kingston’s chuckle holds an edge to it. “You all act so surprised.” He clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth.
“As I was saying, tonight we are celebrating their union.” He turns to us and lifts his glass.
“Konstantin, welcome to the family. Cressida, I hope you find much happiness with your match.”
For the rest of the night, Cressida and I parade around and receive congratulations.
My curiosity grows with my little fox each time she whispers ‘liar’ when someone says they’re happy for us.
She avoids my eyes, but there’s a little prick in my gut that tells me she’s much more than just a mafia princess.
My soon-to-be wife has more layers to her than I anticipated.
It will be such a pleasure to peel them back one by one.