Forced Bratva Virgin (Tarasov Bratva #2)

Chapter 9 – Madelyn

Chapter 7 – Madelyn

Is he really gonna make this go away? What exactly is he gonna do about the situation? Will he track Ethan down? What will he do to him to ensure that the photo never gets out?

My mind was flooded with these thoughts as I paced around the room. Fingers in my mouth, I chewed on my nails, restless.

I had never been so worried about anything in my life before as I was now. A lot was at stake here, and if Ethan succeeded with his agenda, I would be toast, done for. It would be over me.

My heart was racing, and I couldn't find it in me to control my heavy breaths. It was as though my heart was going to give out. The mere thought of the damage this would do if it went public made me nauseous.

I blamed myself for being so stupid. Ethan was a dick, and he'd shown me that part of him more times than I cared to admit. I was foolishly in love with an idiot.

“What was I thinking, sending him my nude? Fuck!” I slapped my forehead, disappointed in myself. My heart was bleeding, aching at the picture of my father's face should he find out. “No, no, no.” I threw my fingers into my hair, smoothing it backward. It was like my head was on fire.

Dad had such high hopes for me; no one else believed in me like he did. I couldn't mess up—no, not like this.

I shook my head, sitting on the edge of the bed. My legs wouldn't stop shaking as I thought about how this would completely ruin my life and career. Dad would be so disappointed, and honestly, I didn't think I'd be able to stand the look on his face. Imagining his reaction alone caused my knees to quake, leaving me breathless.

I wanted to scream at the top of my voice right now—and it took a lot of strength not to let it all out in that exact manner.

Dad had recently offered me an opportunity of a lifetime—a position a lot of people would only dream of. MedFuture Summit had nominated my article, and I was supposed to deliver a presentation soon. Why did Ethan think now was the best time to pull this stupid stunt? My life was just starting, and I thought everything was finally falling into place. Why was he trying to ruin everything that I'd worked for simply because I wouldn't fuck him?

I was about to lose everything because of one silly mistake made in a moment of weakness, a moment that felt harmless at the time. I lay on the bed, pulling my legs to my chest as I hugged them tightly. Tears trickled down my cheeks as I considered doing his bidding.

Maybe I'd swallow my pride and give him what he wanted. Which was better, to let him fuck me or to have that photo leaked out to the public?

My eyes shut, and I squeezed the sheet with an aching heart.

Would I be able to live with myself if that image got out and ruined my life? Dad would disown me, the company would revoke their contract, and the MedFuture Summit would want nothing to do with me.

I had plenty to lose. Was it all worth losing my virginity to that asshole?

My body trembled as I sobbed uncontrollably, my tears wetting the sheets.

Could I do it? Was I courageous enough to let him touch me after all this, to let him fuck me?

“God, no.” I shook my head, brushing off the thoughts.

Ethan now repulsed me, and I hated him with such a passion. I'd never felt such hatred and resentment toward anyone like this before.

I found myself wishing he'd drop dead or get hit by a bus or a stray bullet or, better still, get struck by fucking lightning. He deserved to die for this because all I ever did was love him. I loved him so much that I ignored all of the red flags, and now, looking back at how I handled his attitude, I realized just how stupid I was. Here I was, paying dearly for my folly.

It was clear that he never cared about me—never loved me. It had always been one-sided, and I was glad I ended things with the son of a bitch. But the question remained: What am I gonna do?

At this point, Gayle's “abcdefu” made a lot of sense to me. The song continued to play in my head, and I connected to it on so many levels. I’d sung the song for fun in the past, but right now, I related to its lyrics.

“Fuck you and your mom and your sister and your job, and your broke-ass car, and that shit you call art. Fuck you and your friends that I’ll never see again. Everybody but your dog, you can all fuck off.”

Slowly, I muttered the lyrics with a breaking voice and an aching heart.

Don't worry, you'll be fine in the end .

Kostya's voice echoed in my head, and for some bizarre reason, I felt a wind of relief blow across my face. I wasn't sure if he was going to succeed, but somehow, the thought of him brought me peace.

Kostya was a very attractive man, and that night, he looked even more charming than the first time I met him. That black tux looked good on him, and the way he smiled at me melted my heart. I hadn’t been in my right mind then, but still, his hotness didn't go unnoticed.

I was glad I opened up to him even though I wasn't entirely sure how he would fix this problem as he claimed he would. A part of me couldn't help thinking that he only said those words to give me hope. Maybe he wasn't going to do anything about it because there was nothing he could do. Therefore, saying he'd take care of it seemed like a good way to end the conversation, considering he'd already convinced me to speak.

I couldn't get my hopes up that Kostya would make this problem go away. If it turned out to be false hope, I'd be crushed, and that wasn't something I wanted to gamble.

However, Kostya did seem pissed by my story. The man’s reaction was a clear indication that he already hated Ethan.

He’d tried to stay calm, and to an extent, he did, but there was something in his eyes, something I couldn't quite place, something evil—some kind of darkness. I didn't know what it meant, but if Kostya had set eyes on Ethan at that moment, he'd have hurt the son of a bitch.

What should I do?

I buried my face in a pillow, throwing punches at the mattress beneath me. Soon, I was interrupted by my phone buzzing on the table.

My heart skipped a beat as I wondered who it was. Springing up to my feet, I headed to the table and froze in my tracks the moment I saw who the caller was. It was Ethan. My heart was pounding, threatening to burst out of my chest as I stared at the buzzing phone. I was thinking about a million things at once.

Oh, my God, he's uploaded the photo. Fuck! What am I gonna do now? I'm ruined.

With trembling hands, I summoned the courage to pick up the phone, but my breath was hard to catch. There was a sudden dryness in my throat that made it difficult to swallow. I blinked rapidly, fear overwhelming my whole body. My knees quaked, and my legs seemed like they could no longer carry my weight.

I drew in a deep breath and accepted the call. “Hel…hello?” I stuttered, my voice barely above a whisper as my lips trembled.

“I got rid of the photo!” His voice vibrated through the phone.

My brows shot up instantly, and my eyes widened in a mix of surprise and shock. I was definitely not expecting that reply. “What?” The word escaped my lips. My brain seemed to have abandoned me at that moment, and I couldn't think straight. “Is this some kind of sick joke?”

“I'm serious, Maddie, I've gotten rid of it, I swear to God.”

The response was swift, laced with anxiety.

I recognized that tone. Ethan was stressed out; he was afraid. I could tell from the sound of his voice.

“I…I'm so sorry, Maddie. I was a dick, and I never should have blackmailed you…”

My hand flew to my forehead as I struggled to understand what was going on. Was I dreaming, or was this a prank? What the fuck was happening?

“I'll never contact you again—I promise. So, please, lose my number.”

Before I could say anything else, he hung up the phone. My brows furrowed as I looked at the screen, my jaw dropping in confusion. It was unlike him to call and do this unless….

“Fuck,” I whispered after it hit me that I might have a pretty good idea who was behind this. “Kostya, what did you do?”

I was relieved that the problem had been taken care of, but I was also concerned about the method used to get this result. Ethan wasn't one to scare easily, but the voice I heard over the phone was that of a terrified man. So, whatever Kostya had done, it must have scared the shit out of Ethan.

It was both good and bad at the same time. Good in that, at least now, my family name was spared from humiliation, and the fucking press wouldn't have fodder to drag me or my father through.

However, it was bad because I had no idea what Kostya would do with Ethan now. And honestly, that had me worried.

Chapter 8 – Kostya

He sat strapped to a chair under a flickering bulb in the dimly lit room. His breath was heavy, and from his mouth drooled a long thread of blood mixed with saliva. His face was swollen, his black eyes were barely open from all that beating, and when he spoke, his voice was faint.

In a shadowy corner, I sat in a chair, legs crossed, as I let out a puff of smoke, savoring the scent of the cigar that lingered in the air around me.

Alex withdrew the phone from our prisoner's ear and stepped away to a distance, arms folded across his chest.

“Please, I did as you asked. I got rid of the photo, and she's aware that I'll never contact her again,” the young man said, his voice barely audible as he strained to speak. Will you let me go now?”

The bastard was even more stupid than I thought, thinking there was a chance in hell that I would let him go free. I'd purposely let him see our faces earlier after Alex had brought him to me; that way, I'd have a solid reason to kill him. Not that I needed one.

My fingers balled into a fist as I watched him beg for freedom like the pathetic fool that he was. I hated the fact that he had the guts to harass that poor girl and even threaten to show the world her nudes. She once loved him, but the idiot took advantage of that love and tried forcing himself on her.

I growled instantly at the thought of his hands on her body; my fist tightened, and my teeth gritted.

Slowly, I rose to my feet, each step echoing in the empty room as I walked out of the shadows and stood over him, exhaling a puff of smoke in his face.

“Please, I already did as you asked,” Ethan added, so weak and drained.

My eyes descended to his hands, causing my brows to furrow in disgust. “She let you touch her,” I said, my voice calm and reserved as I circled him slowly. “She let you kiss her.” As I spoke, the images of the two of them in my head continued to fuel my rage. “Her only request was that you wait until she was ready.” By now, I was back to standing in front of him. Bending over to look into his swollen eyes, I added. “But what did you do…?”

My hand stretched out toward Alex, and he placed a hammer in it.

“No, no, no! What're you gonna do with that?” Ethan almost jumped out of his skin in fear. He was shaking at the sight of the hammer, and his swollen eyes widened in terror. “Please, please, don't…!”

“He asked you a fucking question!” Alex thundered, and the young man trembled.

“I…I…I…” Ethan stuttered as he pulled back, leaning further into the chair.

“What. Did. You. Do?” I repeated, glaring at him and watching him squirm beneath my gaze.

He looked at me, horrified, like he'd seen the devil himself. Oh, but he was right to see me as such because right now, I was indeed the devil, and his stinking soul was mine for the taking.

“I tried to force myself on her,” he confessed with a shaky voice.

I flashed him a wicked grin. “That was evil,” I said softly. “It was cold and cruel. Don't you agree?”

He nodded instantly, swallowing hard. “Yes, it was.”

“And did you enjoy it?” I narrowed my eyes on him. I was stalling, and it was intentional. The idea was to keep him hanging in suspense, wondering about my next move. My interrogation was making him uncomfortable, inflicting more fear into his mind. “I will not ask a second time.”

“Yes, I did.” He wept. “I liked it when she struggled.”

My brows shot up immediately. So the idiot was a maniac, after all.

He screamed at the top of his voice when I slammed the hammer on his wrist. His wails grew louder when I did the same on his other hand. We were on the outskirts of town; no one would hear him, no matter how loud he screamed. His fingers twitched, disfigured from the impact, and as his screams faded, tears rolled down his cheeks.

I stepped away from him, tossing the hammer aside. My hands flew to my head, smoothing my hair backward as I tried to remain in control. The images of those filthy hands on her body wouldn't stop playing in my head, and I was overwhelmed with jealousy. I hated the fact that he'd kissed her cherry lips and touched her soft, smooth skin. It was so infuriating that even if there was a slight chance of his survival, this rage would stand in the way.

My blood boiled with anger, and my face was scrunched up. I could literally feel the creases lining my forehead like deep trenches dug by my rage. My eyes were blazing with fury, and my jaw tightened so hard that it ached. My clenched fists were itching to lash out, and every molecule in my body—every fucking muscle—was tensely coiled with a brutal energy. All of this because Ethan had put his hands on Madelyn's body.

It didn't matter to me that they’d been together at the time; he was unworthy of her and undeserving of her love and attention.

I turned around to face him as he continued to whimper, chin resting against his chest. “Let's play a game,” I proposed.

He jerked his eyes up, pleading.

“I'll let you go,” I said, watching his countenance switch from fear to hope.

His eyes widened in shock, and he stared at me in anticipation. “Wh…what? Really?”

“Really,” I replied, burying a hand in my pocket.

“Thank you. I swear, I won't say anything to anyone; I'll leave town, and Madelyn will never hear from me again.” The words burst out of him in a nervous rush as he panted, probably feeling lucky.

Alex looked at me but said nothing; Ethan's nativity amused him.

“You have to get to that door first,” I said to the idiot, pointing at the exit at a distance from us. “And you have ten seconds to do so.”

His breath hitched in his throat as he looked at the door. The journey to the exit was way too long for a ten-second time frame, and it didn't help that he'd sustained serious injuries and many broken bones. Ethan glanced back at me as I smoked my cigar.

“Untie him,” I ordered Alex.

He nodded and walked over to Ethan.

“Please, I can't make it to the door in ten seconds. Reconsider. I can barely even walk,” he begged as Alex unsheathed a blade, cutting through the ropes that held him down.

“You have a chance to save your life. Take it and stop whining,” Alex said to him, undoing the final rope. “You're free to go.” He stepped away, and a dark expression settled on his face. He muttered the next words with the low growl of a predator watching its prey. “Now, run.”

Without a second thought, Ethan took to his heels, limping as he attempted to run to the door, but he was too weak. One of his legs was fractured, and he was practically dragging it as he ran.

Alex's voice was in the background, loudly counting down for Ethan to know how close he was to his demise. “...six…seven…!”

The young man tripped and fell only halfway through the journey. Both hands flew to his ankle as he cried like he'd sprained it during the crash.

“...nine…ten!” Alex concluded the countdown. “You're outta time!”

“No, please…I'm begging you.” He dragged himself, heading to the door.

My boots clicked against the floor as I walked toward him. Ethan would glance back and then continue to drag himself toward the door.

“Pathetic,” I said, squinting as he graveled. “You're not so tough now, are you?”

He got to the door, and I stopped in my tracks, watching him rise to his feet. Ethan groaned as he managed to stand and grabbed the door handle.

“No, no, no…!” He struggled to open it, but it wouldn't yield.

“It's locked, you dumbass,” Alex said to him.

At this point, Ethan realized it was all over for him.

Quietly, he turned and faced me as I walked over to him.

Ethan swallowed hard, leaning his back against the door. “You were never gonna let me go, were you?” he asked, trembling.

Alex scoffed. “Look who decided to finally use his brain.”

“What're you gonna do to me?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I don't know, you tell me.” I pulled out my gun, and he gasped reflexively, fear flickering in his gaze. “Maybe I should take out your fucking eyes for seeing her naked,” I said, placing the barrel of the gun over his right eye.

Ethan flinched and closed his eyes, his shoulders shooting up to mirror the terror that struck him.

I dragged the gun down his face and pushed it between his lips. Ethan's hands flew over his head, hovering in surrender. With the gun in his mouth, he was unable to speak. His eyes were wide open, and I could hear the sound of his heart beating fast, like it was about to explode.

I continued, “Or maybe I should take care of your mouth—the one who used to kiss her.” A frown was etched on my face. “The one you used to blackmail her.”

He pleaded with his eyes, shaking his head as a gesture of repentance, but it was too late.

“You never should have hurt her,” I said lowly, feeling overwhelmed by rage as I recalled the way she cried that night because of this prick.

And with that thought fueling my anger, I squeezed my finger around the trigger.

The gunshot was loud, and his head jerked back at the impact. His blood splattered over the door, staining it with particles of his brain. His now limp body glided all the way down to the floor, lifeless.

“Clean up this mess,” I said, looking back at Alex as I wiped the drops of blood on my face with a white handkerchief.

Alex nodded, and as he moved, I heard my phone ringing in my pocket. Taking it out, I smiled at the caller.

It was Madelyn. I

answered the phone.

Her thrilled voice came through from the other line: “Hey, Kostya, you'll never believe you called me just now.”

“Who?” I asked, indulging her, loving the excitement in her tone.

“My ex, Ethan,” she replied. “He said he'd gotten rid of the photo and that he'll never reach out to me again.”

“That sounds amazing,” I said, smoothing my hair backward.

“No, you're amazing,” she rephrased, chuckling. “Honestly, I wasn't sure you were gonna pull it off, let alone this quick, but you actually did.” She paused, her voice filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Kostya.”

It felt good to hear her sound so full of life once again, and I let out a gentle, satisfactory sigh. She did the same; I heard her over the phone.

“Just curious, though,” she added. “How did you do it? What did you do to him?”

I turned to Ethan's dead body being pulled out of the room and replied simply, “What matters is that he's never gonna bother you again.”

“You're right,” she replied, exhaling sharply. “You did me a solid, and I’ll always be grateful.”

A smile played on my lips, and I said, “Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah, yeah. Sure. Of course.”

“Would you like to have dinner with me?”

She went silent for a moment before replying. “Yes,” she said, her voice calm and sweet. “I'd love that.”

I grinned at her response, knowing this was a new beginning for both of us.

I stood outside the polished wooden door, hands clasped around my purse as I waited for a response after ringing the bell. Glancing around the compound, I drew in a deep breath, taking in the view of the fantastic lights that lit up the surroundings. I loved the gorgeously manicured lawns and the grand fountain next to where I parked my car.

Above, the celestial canvas was filled with a million twinkling stars, and the full moon hung somewhere in the night sky, casting its soft glow over the building and the enormous compound.

This was the address Kostya had sent to me earlier on, and I had double-checked multiple times before now so I'd be sure I was at the right location. He'd invited me over for dinner at his place, and honestly, I hadn’t exactly expected this.

I was completely baffled by this place. It was huge, enormous, with sprawling grounds, a swimming pool, perfectly manicured flowers in a beautiful garden, and a freaking fountain. Where the hell was I? A cop's house? How possible was that, especially with the array of exotic cars parked outside? Was this, indeed, the house of a cop? I was unable to reconcile that with what I saw around me, the glamor and style.

I knew a few cops, and they most certainly weren't living this life of luxury. They were all regular people with modest homes and paychecks to match. But Kostya's house? That was a whole different story altogether.

The place was a fucking mansion, a stunning stone structure with tall, majestic columns supporting a triangular pediment. The building had large arched windows adorned with intricate carvings and patterns designed to convey sheer luxury.

His place was just as grand and high-end as my dad’s, and Dad was rolling in dough. He was a businessman, a smart one, so that explained the source of his riches. But Kostya being a cop didn't explain much.

Some freaking undercover cop he was! Kostya had to be ranking it in or have some serious connections to some really powerful people to score a place like this. Honestly, there was no way in hell that the man was an ordinary cop. No fucking way.

I figured Kostya must be a high-ranking official because that would explain how he was able to track Ethan down and solve my problem so quickly. The man was clearly well-connected. However, I couldn't waste any more time wondering how he made his money. Tonight, I was invited to dinner by a charming man—handsome, tall, and very sexy—and I planned on enjoying the evening to the fullest.

A sharp exhale escaped my lips as I knocked again, my heart beating a little bit faster than usual. I was tense, and a number of butterflies were in my belly, making me nervous. I knew that I looked hot and sexy—I made sure of that before coming over—yet I couldn't help but feel uneasy.

I was wearing a stunning flair black gown that fell a little above my knees—one of my favorite dresses. Its spaghetti straps adorned my shoulders perfectly, and over the gown, I wore a rich brown jacket, its tailored fit accentuating my slender waist. My shoulder-length blonde hair cascaded down, framing my face. My makeup was light, simple, and classy; my lips were elegantly painted, a warm natural shade that accentuated my pale skin tone.

Usually, I wasn't the type to take so much time paying attention to details when getting ready to go out. But tonight was different. The man that I was meeting with was worth all of this.

I made sure my eyes were catchy, brows groomed so delicately that they framed my eyes with a soft, natural arch. My lashes were luscious—hard to miss—and my slender legs, toned, fit perfectly in my heels.

Finally, the door opened, and my breath hitched in my throat when I saw him standing by the entrance. My God, he was so handsome! A heart-melting grin played on the corners of his lips as we locked eyes for a moment.

He was wearing a black turtleneck shirt and black pants. The shirt stuck to his muscular body like a second skin, revealing his broad chest and chiseled arms. His black hair was neatly combed backward, and it shimmered under the lights.

I felt my cheeks flush just by setting eyes on him. My heart was warmed up by the charming smile slowly spreading across his face, and my brain threatened to abandon me so I'd make a fool of myself.

The first words he said made my stomach turn and cheeks flush.

“Wow, you look amazing!” he declared with a low, smooth tone, his voice dripping with flirtation.

My breath ceased for a moment as his words caught me off guard. I felt my face grow hot as I blushed. “Thank you,” I said in almost a whisper.

My eyes scanned the floor as though searching for my composure on the ground. I could feel his gaze lingering on me, and my lips curled up into a shy smile.

The silence that fell caused the tension between us to deepen, and the air was filled with unspoken words.

“Hi,” he added, his eyes subtly darting across my body.

“Hi,” I managed to reply with a slight wave, my voice low but audible.

The rich scent of his cologne mixed with the sweet smell of my perfume. My heart wouldn't stop racing, and I struggled to stay in control. Discreetly, I found a way to steady my breathing, and it helped me calm down a lot.

“You made it,” he announced. “I'm glad.”

Kostya hit me with another charming beam.

I avoided his eyes for as long as I could, although holding back the smile that lit up my face was nearly impossible.

“Please, come on in.” He stepped away from the door, gesturing toward the inside.

“Thank you.” As I glided into his wide living room, I walked by him, my heels clicking against the fine marble floor.

The interior was elegant, with state-of-the-art furniture, including plush sofas and couches, which were meticulously arranged to make the space welcoming. The high walls were adorned with art pieces and fancy lights that added to the ambiance of the setting.

“I hope you didn't eat before coming,” he said, following up behind me.

“Well, you did make it clear that you wanted us to have dinner.” I halted by the fireplace, turning to face him.

“I did, didn't I?” He buried a hand in his pocket with practiced poise, his broad shoulders relaxing, and his chest expanded slightly.

He looked so ravishingly that my composure was on the verge of extinction—at least for the moment. I'd been around handsome men before, but none of them had ever affected me the way Kostya did.

The sexual tension in the room was growing by the minute, and the silence wasn't helping at all. I was so drawn to him that his very essence made my heart race; his stare—those light blue eyes—bore into mine so deeply that I feared he had access to my soul. The smirk on his face was faint, but it was as effective as every other gesture he made.

He exuded some level of confidence that made him irresistible. As he stood there in front of me, his weight squarely distributed on both feet, his eyes sparkled with mischief.

With the desire I saw in his eyes, however subtle, I could swear that I knew what he was brewing in his mind, maybe because I was doing the same. The charge in the air around us was palpable, and I was afraid of giving in to this tantalizing temptation even though every cell and every molecule in my body wanted me to.

Then came the distraction. An amazing aroma wafted through the air, stealing my attention from the insanely hot man who had me spellbound. This sweet and savory scent teased my senses, prompting a growl in my stomach. It was a reminder that I hadn't eaten yet, and it also served as the perfect diversion from Kostya's charms.

I was drawn in by the enticing smell that toiled with my taste buds. With that, I shifted the subject, breaking the silence and easing the tension between us. “God, that smells really good!” I inhaled deeply, almost tasting the exotic spices hinting at roasted vegetables. “What is it?”

“Seared foie gras, a roasted rack of lamb…other stuff,” he replied with a corny grin perched on his face. “I had my chef prepare something special. Come.” He held my hand and led me to the dining table.

The moment his fingers locked with mine, I felt my defenses breaking, and the small wall I'd built against his charms immediately came crumbling to the ground. Yep, I was a goner now—completely at his mercy.

The table was impeccably set, adorned with a crisp white lining that seemed to glow in the chandelier lights above. Fine china and crystal glasses were meticulously arranged on top of it, with a bottle of wine towering over the covered silverware.

I tried to undo the last button of my jacket, but it appeared the damn thing planned on embarrassing me tonight.

“Here, let me help.” He stepped forward, his fingers flying to my chest region as he undid the button so effortlessly, keeping his eyes fixed on me.

His gaze was like a magnet, pulling me with a force I could not resist. Why was I feeling this way? What was it about Kostya that kept drawing me to him?

The back of his fingers gently brushed against my skin as he helped me out of the jacket. My body trembled with a subtle jerk at his touch, which had inarguably ignited something in me, something sensual—erotic. I'd never felt this way before, and I wasn't sure what to make of it. The feeling was good and concerning at the same time.

If things continued to heat up like this throughout the evening, I couldn't guarantee how it would end. And that alone was scary as fuck.

At the table, he pulled out a chair, draped my jacket over it, and gestured for me to sit. I did, and he walked over to the other side, settling into his.

“It's a beautiful place you have here,” I said, smiling.

“Thank you,” he replied, doing the same

“It’s a bit too much for a cop, though,” I added, watching his reaction.

“Yeah, I get that a lot,” he said casually, digging into his meal.

“From the women you bring around for dinner?” I asked, jerking my eyes toward him. I felt like I'd come at him a little too hard, and I didn't mean to.

Kostya just smiled. “You're the first woman I've invited over for dinner at my place.”

I chuckled softly, thinking this was some elaborate joke. “Come on, you don't really expect me to believe that.”

“I don't,” he said, chewing. “But it's the truth.”

I lowered my head, feeling my face flush at his words. Surely, he wasn't telling the truth, but why was I blushing so hard?

“If you say so,” I said, dismissing whatever thought was creeping into my mind.

The soft clinking of cutlery filled the air as we ate, momentarily stealing glances at each other.

“Thank you,” I said out of the blue, raising my eyes to look at him.

“For what?” he asked, mirroring my gesture.

“For making the problem with Ethan go away.”

“My pleasure.” He lifted his glass in the air, a smile etched on the corners of his lips.

My appreciation was sincere, and I initially wanted to ask for details—how he found Ethan and how he got him to talk—but on second thought, I decided to let it slide.

The evening was amazing, an all-around swell time. It was fun hanging out with him, and after dinner, he decided to show me around the mansion. It was a quick tour, and soon, we returned to the living room.

“I admire your taste for luxury,” I said, watching him approach me after shutting the door. “You seem like a man who knows what he wants and always goes for it.”

“Well, you're not wrong there.” He halted in front of me, his gaze lingering on me. “I do know what I want. And right now…I'm thinking of going for it.”

Fuck, fuck! He's too close. I want him—I want him so bad.

My thoughts wouldn't quiet, and every cell in my body was craving his touch. I stared deeply into his eyes, my breath hitching in my throat as my heart raced.

He held on to my gaze, unwilling to look away. He could see that I was breathing heavily, and I was certain that he understood my body language—he saw the signs that I wanted him—and he leaned forward. He brushed the back of his hand over my face, and I jerked at the sensation coursing through my body like volts of electricity.

“I'm thinking of going for what I want,” he clarified, his voice a sexy whisper that sent shivers down my spine as his fingers traced the nape of my neck.

It was becoming more and more difficult to stay composed—to breathe fine—and my heart seemed like it was going to explode. My brain had completely shut down, and my sense of reasoning had abandoned me. I was alone with this very attractive man, unsure of what the next few seconds held. Never had I ever wanted anyone like this before. I wanted him so badly—I wanted to feel him against me, to feel his breath on my skin and his lips on mine.

“Then go for it.” The words fell out of my mouth. “I think you should go for what you want,” I added, my tone weak from the tension pulsating within me. I found myself shuddering at the fact that I had just given him permission to take me.

Are you sure you're ready for this? a voice whispered in my head, but I was quick to dismiss it.

Kostya and I stared at each other while his finger traveled down to my cleavage. He broke eye contact and settled his gaze on my chest.

“Fuck it,” I said softly, damning the consequences of my actions as I rushed at his lips at the same time he rushed at mine.

Breathless, our heads tilted sideways as our tongues twirled in our mouths. Fuck! It felt so good, finally giving in to him. On his lips, I could taste the wine from dinner, and it added to the sweetness of this incredible moment.

His hands were all over my body, pulling me close. His erection was so hard that I couldn't wait to feed my eyes with its size—I couldn't wait to have him deep inside me. Gosh! The thought of that alone got me so turned on, so fucking wet.

The feeling of his groin pressing against me was erotic, and I dared to slide my hand over it. In the heat of that fervent kiss, the size of his cock from underneath his pants managed to widen my eyes. I yanked down the straps of my dress to reveal my bra, and he left my lips, sticking his face into my cleavage.

His hands settled on my breasts, and he fondled them with a sweet massaging motion while kissing up my chest. With his tongue, he licked my skin, ascending to my neck. This prompted me to throw my head toward the ceiling in response to his touch. My body was overwhelmed with sheer pleasure, my heart racing faster than a galloping horse.

He lifted me in his strong arms, and I glanced down at him, lips locked in a heated passion. I felt my body being lowered on the couch, and I wouldn't stop kissing him. He positioned me with my back against the backrest as he unhooked my bra, taking it off completely.

“You're so beautiful,” he said, his eyes hovering over my moderately sized breasts.

I smiled at his compliment and gasped for air when he reached down to suck on them.

Gosh! He was so good with his tongue, and the cool feeling of his saliva licking my hard nipples caused me to moan. He fondled my breasts, deliciously pinching and biting my nipples while I continued to release soft moans that made his cock extend. I could feel it growing harder as he brushed it over me.

Kostya left my chest and got on his knees, his fingers caressing my thighs as his hands traveled up the hem of my dress. Expertly, he took off my black underpants as I spread my legs so he'd have a better view.

“So beautiful,” he muttered, inhaling the scent of my pussy as if savoring it.

As he dug his head between my legs, a sharp gasp escaped my lips as I shut my eyes, basking in the euphoria of his tongue dancing on my cunt. The mix of his saliva and my wetness felt so heavenly that it made my legs shake as I hung them in the air. With both hands, I pressed his head deeper between my legs, unable to get enough of this oral session.

He ate me up real good, and my eyes rolled back, my moans growing louder despite my reservations. I didn't want him to stop, and he didn't want to either. He was definitely enjoying this as much as I was. I'd never been eaten out before, and this was a very good first experience—a lot better than how I'd always imagined it would feel.

At first, I was confused as to why I let Kostya do to me what no one else had ever done. But as he continued to pleasure me—to make me feel like a woman—I realized that it was never about not being ready. No, I'd been ready to have a man take me, fuck me, but I just never found the right man—the man who resonated with the same frequency as me. Sure, I loved Ethan, or at least I thought I did, but I was not attracted to him or any other man the way that I was attracted to Kostya.

Giving myself to this man wasn't something that I would regret later on. Rather, I'd cherish the memory of tonight for as long as I lived. This man was unlocking emotions in me, unleashing my darkest desires like I had never thought possible, and all he was using at the moment was his tongue. Fuck!

My hands flew into my hair as I arched my waist in response to the sensation jolting to my brain. “What're you doing to me?” I moaned, my voice barely above a whisper.

His teeth grazed my swollen clit, and I felt a sharp shock that caused my body to jerk. My entrance parted slightly as I felt his finger glide inside me. “Fuck…” I mouthed, squirming, twisting, and twirling as the thrill gradually drove me insane. He was killing me, and I loved it.

He let my pussy rest for a moment and locked eyes with me. “You taste so good.”

His actions had left me breathless, and all I could do was nod, my fingers tuning my nipples. He reached out for my lips, and after a brief kiss, I took his shirt off and sat upright as he knelt in front of me. My manicured fingers ran along the contours of his rigid body as he engaged my lips once more. My palms traversed over his skin, tracing his chiseled abs with my nails.

I broke away from the kiss and watched his expression as I unbuckled his belt and undid his zipper. My eyes widened when I withdrew his cock—his long, veiny cock.

We switched places, and he sat on the couch while I went down on my knees, completely pulling off his pants. I took his cock in my hands, stroking his length. He let out soft groans, enjoying the movement of fingers around his cap.

I took his clean balls in my mouth and sucked on them while still stroking that hard cock. The sound of his groans kept me on track, a reminder that I was doing it right. I took his length in my mouth, sliding in and out, slow and steady, smearing saliva over it. His cock was longer than both my hands when wrapped around it.

He threw his face toward the ceiling, his hand pressing my head deeper into his groin. I was choking, gagging, but I fucking loved the feeling. The oral session was a sloppy one, and I found myself drooling over his cock. My hands glided freely along his length, with my saliva acting as makeshift lube.

When I was done, he rose to his feet and carried me in his arms, heading upstairs. My legs were locked around his waist, and we continued to kiss even as he ascended the stairs.

He got to a door, opened it, and slammed it shut with the back of his leg. He walked into the room and lay me down on a comfy bed, passionately kissing my lips. In the heat of the moment, he positioned his cock at my entrance.

“Be gentle,” I said, looking into his eyes as he lay on top of me. “Remember, I told you I've never done this before.”

He smirked, kissing my neck while his hands traveled along the curves of my body. “Don't worry, I'll be gentle,” he muttered.

I felt my pussy slowly expand at his careful thrust, and our eyes locked at that moment. The pain carried a hint of pleasure with it, and I let out a long gasp, which extended for as long as it took to have him completely inside me.

“Is it all in?” I asked amidst moans, tightening my eyes at the pain.

He pulled out as carefully as he'd thrust and looked down between my legs. “I think I just broke your hymen,” he said with a sly grin, hinting at the blood on his cock.

As gentle as a dove, he repeated the process: in…and out. The more he did that, the more I got used to it, and soon, it was less painful and more pleasurable.

So, this is how good it feels, I thought to myself, my face brightening up with a smile.

At that moment, it was as though my eyes were opened for the very first time, and I could see what I'd been missing out on. Never had I felt more alive and fulfilled.

My body was tensing, writhing beneath him as he continued to plunge deeper and deeper. I knotted my feet around his back, trapping him on top of me as my fingers raked his skin, unable to get enough of him. I was climaxing, and he wouldn't stop digging into my cunt. My moans were getting louder, and I felt a spark of electricity surging through my veins. There was a flutter in my chest. A warmth was spreading across my body, and there was a tingling in my fingertips.

The harder he fucked me, the more shivers traveled down my spine, and the louder I moaned.

Yes, right there. Don't stop! Please, don't cum yet, I thought to myself, pleading and screaming in my mind. I held on to him tightly as he kept grinding, thrusting vigorously into me now that pussy could take it. Deeper, go deeper.

Kostya, as if he'd heard my plea, did exactly what I wanted, and my gosh, was he hitting the right spot! My body was aching, and I was almost screaming out in sheer pleasure. My legs were shaking, and I felt so slippery in my cunt as a sweet sensation jolted across my whole body. I'd never cum before, but I was certain this was it. Fuck, I was cumming.

“I think I'm gonna cum,” I announced softly, my face scrunched up in sexual excitement. It wasn't my intention to say the words out loud, but they fell out of my lips anyway.

Kostya groaned so deeply, and with a loud cry, liquid burst out of my throbbing mound at the same time he shot his load, filling up my pussy with his cum. The feeling was ecstatic, like none I'd ever felt before.

Exhausted, he collapsed on top of me as we both struggled to catch our breaths. We were covered in sweat, his skin slippery against mine as I lay on my back with a blank mind and a satisfied expression.

“Fuck,” I muttered, feeling alive.

Chapter 10 – Kostya

My fingers massaged my eyeballs as I sat at my desk, recollecting the events of the other night. I couldn't get her out of my mind, nor did I have total control over my thoughts.

I stared at the documents on my table, trying to attend to some pending paperwork, but with the images of Madelyn's gorgeous body constantly flashing in my head, it was next to impossible to focus on anything other than her.

Her moans still echoed in my head, and on my tongue, the taste of her juice lingered. She was sweeter than I would have ever thought, and now, I couldn't think straight anymore. I was unable to snuff her out of my mind, and I didn't want to.

I loved that she was running through my mind all day, all night. Reminiscing on our time together was making me want her even more. I was getting hard just by remembering the expression on her face when I ate her up, when I finally plunged deep inside her wet pussy.

My hands flew to my head as I leaned in the chair, smoothing my hair backward. Images of her nakedness wouldn't stop popping up, and it was like I was starting to lose my mind.

I got out of the chair and walked over to the window, my gaze meeting the manicured lawns outside. This was a feeble attempt to stay focused on something other than this insanely hot woman who was glued to my mind.

Madelyn's body was amazing; her skin was smooth and delicate. Her perky breasts were moderately sized, soft, and mesmerizing. Her lips were cherry—succulent—and, of course, the girl was a pretty good kisser.

That night, I had possessed every inch of her body—claiming her completely: body, mind, and soul. I explored her curves and contours down to the tiniest detail of her very essence. She was a work of art, perfect in every way. She'd surrendered herself to me, giving up her virginity, and the totality of her being was mine for the taking.

I left the window, returning to my chair, fingers pinching the bridge of my nose as I continued to delve deeper into the events of that beautiful evening. For a virgin, Madelyn sure had some incredible sexual skills, and kissing was the least of them. Maybe if I hadn't seen the blood on the cap of my cock after delicately penetrating her pussy, I would've doubted her claims of being a virgin.

The girl's blowjob skills were quite remarkable, and this meant a lot to me because I wasn't one to applaud these sorts of things, nor did I ever moan in such sessions. However, that night, a virgin girl pleasured me so well that it pulled a fucking moan out of me. Damn! She was good. She was really good.

I wasn't sure which was better, her mouth or her hands, but one thing was certain: I was completely blown away.

I stroked my chin, recalling the way she tasted, the way her legs trembled as I licked her swollen clit. Her entrance was slippery from all that juice she had expelled.

Madelyn had unlocked something in me, something beyond physical attraction. I had never been so drawn to a woman like this before; I never wanted anyone the way I wanted her. Ever since that night, my attraction for her had doubled, and I found myself craving her more and more.

I wondered what spell she'd cast on me and why she was all that I could think of. Even at night, in my dreams, I would see her—it was like she'd left a mark on my soul, and I carried it everywhere I went.

It seemed like I was drowning in a sea of ecstasy just by thinking of her, and the constant ringing of her melodious moans in my head wasn't helping either. If she were here with me right now in my office, I'd fuck the living daylights out of her until she screamed out my name, until she squirted like water from a freaking fountain.

I could feel my cock growing in my pants, and my fingers curled into fists as I closed my eyes in an attempt to calm the fuck down.

The knock on my door was the perfect distraction from this situation, and the moment I heard it, I regained control of my body and mind. With a sharp exhale, I relaxed in the chair. “Come on in.”

The door creaked open, and Alex walked in, halting before my desk. “We got a situation, Boss,” he said. “I'm afraid I’ve got bad news.”

I narrowed my eyes, waiting for him to quit stalling and just let it out already. “Spill it, Alex.”

“It's Gabriel Brown,” he said, looking right at me.

“What about him?” I questioned, my forehead ceasing at the mention of his name.

“The bastard is finally one step ahead,” Alex said, his jaw clenching as he revealed a tablet, which he handed to me.

I accepted it and played the video on the screen. My brows furrowed as I watched footage of myself shooting an unarmed man in the leg.

“The attack at the club…” Alex began, “turns out it was all part of Mr. Brown's plans. He set you up, Boss.”

I gritted my teeth, feeling a surge of raw rage jolting through my blood as my fists tightened. Immediately, the threats he made back at the fundraising event now made sense. This was his plan all along, hence the reason for his confidence.

I will destroy you… his voice echoed in my head. The bastard had bitten more than he could chew. Watch your back, Tarasov…you'll be hearing from me soon.

“His lawyer reached out to me,” Alex added. “They have copies of this video, Boss, and that's the leverage he has over you.”

I pushed my fingers against my temples, thinking of what to do next. “I didn't kill this prick…thanks to the cops. That's my only regret right now,” I said unapologetically, gesturing at the fucking tape.

“Yeah, but you killed two others, and they have the full videos.” He paused and continued. “Boss, if these videos get out, then—”

“Then everybody with a fucking sense of reasoning will see that it was self-defense. They attacked me first,” I cut him off, my eyes blazing.

“Those videos can be altered to make the assailants look like regular civilians at the club,” Alex explained. “This is bad, Boss. If the cops get their hands on this, they'll have more than enough evidence to start a case. We don't need that.”

He was right. This was fucking bad, and I hated the idea that Gabriel Brown had something against me. It had seemed insignificant at the time, but I wouldn't underestimate the extent to which he would go just to bring me down. I already had the cops closely watching me, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. They’d been suspicious of my business for a while, and the last thing I needed right now was police drama.

I exhaled slowly, clenching my jaw. “What does he want?” It infuriated me to ask, but I didn't have a choice.

“The son of a bitch is requesting compensation equivalent to the value of the property we destroyed.”

My brows shot up in a mix of shock and disbelief, prompting a dismissive laugh. “He's sick in the head if he thinks he'll get a dime from me.”

“What do you propose we do?” Alex folded his arms over his chest, awaiting my instructions.

“We kill him,” I declared without a moment of hesitation. My teeth gritted, and my heart burned with rage. “He's made his move. Now, I'll make mine. I'll send him on a quick trip to hell,” I said, my tone laced with resentment and disdain. “Once he's dead, nobody will really care.”

“What about his loved ones?” Alex asked, his brows slightly raised.

“He has no son, no wife, and no brother.”

“But he has a daughter.”

I jerked my eyes at him and thought for a second. “Whoever she is, she's not gonna look into her father's death. She wouldn't need to because it'll be an accident.” I cleared the air on that.

Alex nodded, wearing an expression that hinted at his readiness. “Got it, Boss.” He picked up the tablet and headed out.

“One more thing,” I called out after him, toiling with cufflinks.

Alex stopped in his tracks and turned to face me.

“Once all of this is done, I'll need you to do a background check on a woman for me,” I said.

Alex cast a disbelieving look at me, his eyes narrowing in surprise. “That's weird,” he said, closely watching me.

“I wanna know everything about her, every single detail, got it?” I added, relaxing in my chair.

Alex had a little grin on his face as he wondered who I had in mind. “What's her name?” he asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“Take care of Gabriel Brown first,” I said, eyes darting at the paperwork on my table. “One step at a time.”

“Understood.”

He headed out, leaving me to my thoughts.

Chapter 11 – Madelyn

Memories of that night still lingered on the fringes of my mind as I fixed my eyes on the road, fingers clasped around the steering wheel. I was super careful while driving, afraid that these thoughts of mine would eventually ruin my focus. That was the last thing I needed right now. I couldn't afford to run into something—or worse, someone—simply because I was reliving the most beautiful night of my life.

My heart felt so light, and the muscles on my face were relaxed as my lips curled up into a subtle smile. Lately, since that night, I'd been feeling some sense of accomplishment—a type of joy that was different from my actual accomplishments. It was strange because I'd received several compliments from my neighbors on different occasions, and they all said the same thing, “You’re glowing.”

Edmund, the English guy next door, had said that I looked so happy these days and that there was something different about me, but he couldn't quite figure out what it was.

It’s a good difference; don't get me wrong, his English accent echoed in my head. But my God! You really are glowing.

I laughed lightly, taking a turn down another street. I couldn't understand why everyone was suddenly saying the same thing about me, but it sure had to do with that mind-blowing sex. I was certain of it.

My shoulders shot up at the mere thought of Kostya's tongue on my pussy. A rush of excitement jolted across my body, almost stealing my focus, but I fought to remain composed. The last time I was with him, I lost my composure and my virginity. What a man he was!

I thought that I'd be beating myself up by now, thinking that I was stupid to have given Kostya permission to take me. He was still a stranger, and what happened between us was supposed to be quite concerning. But it wasn't. In fact, it had the exact opposite effect on me. I never regretted letting him be my first, and he didn't disappoint at all.

It had been the best sex I could ask for.

There was a flutter in my chest and on my erect nipples, a delicious sensation that sent a spark of electricity surging through my blood. My body quivered as I drove on, subtly biting my lower lips, replaying the events of that evening in my head.

Kostya had made a woman out of this twenty-four-year-old and ensured my first time was memorable. Honestly, when he'd invited me over for dinner at his place, I knew that something would happen between us, considering how attracted I was to him. Before honoring his invitation, I didn't give the idea of losing my virginity much thought; I just knew that I was drawn to him and that something would probably happen.

The charge in the atmosphere when I’d set eyes on him was a clear indication that I could get laid that night, and at the moment, nothing else mattered to me.

Right now, I was glad that I gave in to that temptation because the feeling was ecstatic. I didn't think it was possible to have that much feeling coursing through my blood all the same time: pleasure, anxiety, shock, tension, ecstasy! Fuck!

My pussy tingled between my legs just by reminiscing on how good it felt.

Even now, I could still feel his touch on my skin—so tender and manly. He handled me like a real man with years of experience.

Fuck.

I clasped my legs together in an attempt to curtail the sensation going on down there.

‘“Focus, Maddie. Focus,” I whispered to myself, letting out slow breaths in through my nose, out through my mouth.

Luckily, the technique worked, and I gradually regained control of my thoughts and my body's reactions.

“Much better.” I exhaled deeply, smiling as I focused back on the road.

One thing was certain: I would eventually find my way back to Kostya, and he'd fuck my brains out again. He'd fuck me and wouldn't stop even if I begged him to; that was what I craved. That would happen. I'd make sure of it because I'd definitely go back for more. But for now, though, this girl needed to concentrate on the road. Of what use would this plan be if I ended up dead in an accident?

Just then, I heard my phone ring from the dashboard console, and my eyes reflexively glanced at the lit screen. My mouth twitched, and my eyes crinkled at the corners. A wide grin spread across my face. The caller was Julia Sawyer, my best friend slash gossip buddy.

“Hey, I'm staring at the photo you posted on Instagram,” her sweet voice said over the phone. “Is it just me, or are you glowing brighter than usual?”

“Well, hello to you, too,” I replied, chuckling. The sarcasm in my response couldn't be any more obvious.

“I'm serious, Maddie,” she insisted. “There's something different about this picture. I just don't know exactly what it is.”

“Why does everyone keep saying that?” I flicked my wrist, my palm brushing against the steering wheel.

“Do you not see it?” Her voice rose a little above normal, mirroring the thrill in her tone. “Girl, you're beautiful, but this…damn! Hold on, is it the filter? Hmm.” She went quiet for a moment as she took a closer look at the photo. “No, I don't think it's the filter.”

The way the words flew out of her mouth was hilarious, and I couldn't help laughing.

“Guess what I'm trying to say is that I love the picture,” she added more calmly this time.

“Thanks,” I said, my voice no more than a whisper as a smile spread across my face. I took a pause for a tantalizing beat, then let my words tumble out in a rapid-fire sequence. “Jules, you're not gonna believe what's happened to me these past few days.”

She snapped her fingers as if to punctuate her thoughts. “I knew it—I knew there was a story behind that glow!”

I laughed, shifting gears as I merged onto the busy interstate, my fingers tapping on the steering wheel. “Don't freak out. But I have a feeling you will.”

“At this point, the only thing that's gonna make me freak out is you telling me that you finally got laid—but that's too far out, considering that….” She paused as if realizing something.

All through her speech, a smile played on my lips, given how precise her assumptions were. I reached for the bottle of water in the cup holder and took a refreshing sip.

“Hold on a second,” she said, suspicion lacing her tone. “Madelyn Everly, are you trying to say what I think you're trying to say?”

Even though I couldn't see her reaction right now, I was certain that her eyes had squinted when she uttered those words. Her brows must have furrowed, and her head was probably cocked to the side.

“Depends,” I replied, shrugging my shoulders. “What do you think I'm trying to say?”

“Girl, stop playing games with me and spill the fucking beans already!”

“I had sex, Jules!” I declared, letting out a soft exhale, and for the next few seconds, it was silent between us.

Wait for it. Three, two, one. Now.

I counted down in my mind, knowing exactly how she would react to this.

Julia's shriek of delight came through the phone, her voice tinged with overwhelming excitement. “What? How, where, when, with who?” Just like that, her tone shifted, accentuating the disgust in her voice. “And please don't tell me it's that prick, Ethan,” she added, spitting the words like venom, as if the mere mention of his name left a bad taste in her mouth.

Julia had never liked him to begin with. She believed he was a dick—a flirt that was only after my body, nothing more. She'd advised me to end things with him a long time ago, and when I finally did, she was overwhelmed with joy, saying I'd made the right decision. I never told her about the blackmail, though. At least not yet.

“So many questions.” I chuckled. “But no, it wasn't him.”

“That's a relief,” she replied, releasing a sigh. “Now tell me everything, and don't you dare leave out any fucking detail.” The pitch of her voice dropped, her words tinged with the kind of intensity that hinted at her warning.

“Okay, so a couple of days ago, I met this dashing young man—tall, handsome, and so fucking hot…” I began, drawing out the words for emphasis as I felt butterflies in my stomach.

“Ooh, I like where this is going,” she replied, purring with a playful tone.

As I recounted my encounter with the mysterious man who not only stole my heart but also my sense of reasoning, a bright smile slowly spread across my face. I adjusted my grip around the steering wheel, my toes wiggling in my shoes as I drove on. At intervals, I would giggle, stealing glances at the rearview mirror to catch a glimpse of my flushed cheeks.

“Wow!” she exclaimed. “You weren't kidding when you said I wasn't gonna believe you—this is a lot,” Julia said, pausing to take a deep breath. “Things got on really fast between you and this Kostya guy,” she commented.

“Yeah….”

“I'd always known that son of a bitch Ethan was up to no good. But blackmailing you with a nude photo? That was a little too much, even for him.”

“Well, I guess it's a good thing Kostya handled it,” I said, casually shrugging my shoulders.

“Yeah, about that….” Her voice dropped, hinting at the fact that she had something else to add and that I might not like it.

“Okay, spill,” I said, knitting my brows and waiting for her words.

“You say this guy's a cop, but the man described doesn't sound like a cop.”

“Because he's high up the ranks.”

“Still,” she said in opposition. “It doesn't explain his exotic cars and luxurious lifestyle. Maddie, the person you described sounds a whole lot more like a businessman than a policeman— and why the hell would he be at that fundraising event? It was exclusive to businessmen, remember?”

Now that she put it like this, I realized that she was actually making a lot of sense. My eyes narrowed, and my head tilted to the side as I thought about it.

“Look, I didn't mean to be such a buzzkill and ruin your perfect man,” she added, her voice laced with concern. “I just don't wanna see you get hurt, and all I'm trying to say is that you should look him up. Do a little research on him first—find out all that you can before deciding to take him seriously.”

By now, I'd already arrived at my father's mansion and had pulled over by the entrance. “You know what, you're right. I think I'm gonna do just that,” I said, nodding at my decision. “Thanks, Jules. Talk to you later. Gotta go now.”

“Okay, bye, and be careful,” she replied from the other line.

“You, too.” I hung up the phone and killed my car engine, drawing in a deep breath.

Julia's words were an eye-opener, a reminder not to easily trust people for what they portrayed—what they looked like. I'd been too carried away by my attraction to this man that I let it affect my sense of reasoning. She was right; there was something off about the whole thing, and I was going to find out what it was.

But first, I had to know why my dad had asked to see me out of the blue. He'd said it was urgent that we spoke, and so here I was.

I swung the door open and walked inside, my heels clicking against the floor.

“Hi, Maddie.” Rosa's face lit up with a smile as she greeted me warmly.

“Hi, Rosa,” I replied, mirroring her gesture. “Where is he?”

“In the garden.” She nodded in that direction. “Says he needed some fresh air.”

“Okay, thank you, Rosa.”

I left the living room.

He was seated on a wooden armchair, cradling a cup of coffee in his hand. With his legs crossed, he gazed across the garden’s lush greenery.

“Hi, Dad,” I greeted, walking over to him.

“Hey, sweetheart.” His eyes crinkled at the corners as he spotted me. “Come sit with me.”

I pulled a chair next to him and settled in it.

“Want some tea?” He gestured at the kettle on the stool to his side.

“I'm good, thanks,” I replied, my eyes fixed on him.

He seemed distressed—shoulders hunched up, tensed toward his ears, foot tapping against the ground, and a glint of worry in his eyes. Dad looked like he was afraid, and I'd never seen him spooked before. He tried to play it cool, but his countenance betrayed his composure.

“Everything alright?” I inquired, looking right at him. “It's unlike you to just call me out of the blue.”

He hesitated for a while, eyes darting back and forth as if searching for a solution. “Everything's fine, sweetheart. You'll…uh…you'll just be staying here with me for a few days; that's all,” he replied dismissively, his gaze returning to the horizon.

“What? Why?” My brows shot up as I narrowed my eyes, casting a suspicious glare at him. “What's going on?”

“Nothing,” he said, his voice rising a little higher than normal. “Can't a father just want to spend some quality time with his daughter?”

“Not to be rude, Dad, but you're lying,” I said, my gaze unwavering.

“What? That's preposterous!” He forced a laugh, a strained, unconvincing sound that revealed his failed attempt at acting.

“Then why aren't you looking at me?”

He went silent for a little while; then he let out a deep breath.

“Dad, what's going on?” I asked, concerned and honestly a bit scared.

He turned in my direction and finally came clean. “I have an ongoing feud with some really dangerous men, sweetheart. The Russian mafia.”

“The what now?” My eyes widened in shock as my brows rose reflexively.

“Don't look at me like that. They started it!” The words rushed out defensively. “The bastards came after me, okay,” he added. “They vandalized my real estate property.”

“The one downtown?” I asked, indulging him.

“Yes, the one downtown, and you know how much that cost me—how much I invested in it.” His tone was filled with rage and resentment, his voice rising and falling as he spoke. “They destroyed it, sweetheart; those bastards destroyed it like it was nothing because some idiot paid them to do so.” His face wrinkled into a frown. “I couldn't just sit back and do nothing, so I retaliated.”

He went silent again, watching for my reaction, but I was too disappointed to speak. I couldn't come to terms with the fact that he was in league with the mafia. How did he even get involved in this life of violence to begin with?

“What did you do, Dad?” I finally found my voice, squinting at him.

“I retaliated.”

“Yes, I got that part loud and clear. But what did you do exactly?” I reiterated with a glare so stern that it caused him to readjust in his chair, uncomfortable.

“Their boss has some pending issues with the cops, and they've had their eyes on him for a while now,” he began. “So, I figured since all they needed was some concrete evidence to build up a case and eventually put him away for good, why not give them exactly what they wanted?” He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. “I sent some men after him, and let's just say he fell into my trap.” A cocky smirk lined a corner of his lips. “Now, I have something to use against him, evidence the cops will jump on in a heartbeat. But I'm not interested in locking him away. I just want compensation for what's been destroyed with the exact value.”

I cocked my head, narrowing my eyes at him as I was starting to get the picture here. “So…you're blackmailing him with the evidence you have,” I said, my forehead creasing to accentuate my disapproval. This was because I understood how it sucked to be threatened with something that could ruin you.

“Well, if you put it like that, you make me look bad, but I'm not the bad guy. Tarasov is,” he said, mumbling other words to himself.

My breath hitched in my throat as I heard the name. “Dad, what did you say?” I asked, earnestly hoping that I didn't hear him correctly.

“When?” he said, returning his eyes to me.

“Just a second ago.”

“I said, when .”

“No, before that.”

He thought for a moment before answering. “Oh, I was saying that Tarasov is the bad guy, not me.”

Shit! I did hear him correctly. My breathing gradually became unstable as I remembered that it was Kostya's last name. I was struggling with asking my dad for further clarification; I needed to know the truth, but I was afraid of what I'd hear.

Go ahead, ask him. Remember, the idea is to dig into your mystery man , a silent voice said to me. Ask him.

I drew in a deep breath and finally summoned the courage I needed. “Dad, this Tarasov man…” I cleared my throat, leaning forward with a racing heart, “what's his first name?”

“Kostya.”

A sudden heat overwhelmed me. My eyes popped in shock, and my heart skipped a beat. I was speechless, with a million thoughts running through my mind at the same time. Dad was talking about how cruel the man was, but at this point, I wasn't listening to anything he said. My body was trembling with fear, my heart was pounding so hard in my chest, and my brain had completely shut down.

I had slept with my father's enemy, and the realization of that alone caused me to fall back in the chair, having a sudden headache. There was a dryness in my throat that made it difficult to swallow.

Did he do this on purpose? Did he target me because he knew who my father was? Did he use me?

These questions and more plagued my mind, but there was only one answer.

I was in trouble.