Chapter 14Zane
14
Zane
I don’t know whether I’ve just pulled off the most incredible manipulation of all time, or I’ve gotten myself into even deeper trouble than I was in before. Time will tell, but until I get Monroe to spill the truth about what she saw on that flash drive, I have to continue this little charade.
I can’t say that I mind it, though. With her soft hair cascading over my skin as she rests her head on my chest and sleeps, I feel like I’m in heaven. Rarely do I feel this good. It wasn’t just the sex, either. There’s something else about her that makes me feel… Well, I’m not really sure how I feel, but it’s good. That’s the best way I can describe it.
But I need keep that feeling hidden from everyone, especially Monroe. Feelings are weaknesses in the Bratva. It’s better to avoid them entirely, or you risk making crucial mistakes when the time comes for ruthless decision-making.
After a while, she stirs, her eyes opening and her long eyelashes fluttering as she looks up at me. Her lips curl into a smile, and her cheeks turn a cute shade of pink. "Good morning," she says softly.
"Good morning to you too, princess," I reply, running my hand over her smooth cheek.
She lets out a small, satisfied sigh, closing her eyes again. "This is the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in," she mutters.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it," I reply, petting her hair. "I think we're going to have a lot of good times in this bed.
Her eyes flutter open again, and she lifts her head off my chest. My body feels heavier without her there. "Aren't we going to my house today? I need my stuff," she says.
I sit up, propping myself up on the pillows. "We can go. I just need to give Kiro the heads up beforehand. You have some clothes already at the house you can change into. They were delivered while we were asleep. I got a text that they were left in the lounge downstairs."
"Oh, wow, that was fast," she replies, sitting up and letting the covers fall from her chest. She's naked, and her tits are absolutely gorgeous. I feel strange just staring at them, but even though I've seen my fair share of nudity, I'm addicted to looking at her body. I can't get enough.
I tear my eyes off her, climbing out of bed and getting ready. Kiro is probably anticipating a message from me, and I've been radio silent since I claimed Monroe by the pool.
"I'm going to go make some coffee and meet you in the living room," I say, walking out the door. "I'll make you a cup."
"Better make it two," she calls out after me.
If she drinks as much coffee as I do, I think a wedding is close at hand. How can she be so perfect? Even though we're from different worlds, we fit like a glove.
I try not to get too caught up in it though, pulling out my phone and calling Kiro.
He picks up on the second ring. "Good morning, sir."
"Morning," I reply. "I need you to get a team together and ready to head out. We're going to the house where the flash drive was delivered and we're going to grab as much of Monroe's things as possible. Just a quick trip."
"Do you think Maksim's men are staking the place out?" he asks, an edge of concern to his voice.
"Doubtful," I reply. "I have a feeling they've moved on, especially after the shooting. A couple of his guys are still dead in the house."
"Then we should also watch out for the cops."
"We're not going to be there for long," I assure him. "Just a quick visit. Nobody would've called the police, anyway. Monroe says nobody visits her. She's a loner, apparently."
"You two would make a great pair, then," he jokes.
His words hit too close to home, but I hide the weird feeling I get in my gut. I just chuckle along with him, as though none of this is bothering me. It's not like the entire fate of the Bratva is on the line because of that stupid flash drive and a woman I really shouldn't be catching feelings for.
"Meet me at the house," I grumble. "I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, sir," Kiro replies.
I hang up, slipping the phone back into my pocket and heading downstairs to the kitchen. The coffee machine has already brewed a pot, but it's old now. I usually wake up much earlier, so I have it running at four in the morning. It's almost noon.
I dump the old coffee and start a new pot, making more than I usually would. For one, I need the extra caffeine, but also with Monroe around I'm going to have to start making twice the amount of everything.
It's not a problem, though. I have more money than I could ever spend, and I'll happily provide whatever she wants. Her company is a welcome distraction from the stress of my life.
Monroe comes into the kitchen a minute later, dressed in a tight, low-cut shirt and jeans. The curves of her body are accentuated by her outfit, and her hair hangs loose around her shoulders. She honestly looks too good to be real.
"Am I still dreaming?" I ask as I hand her a cup of coffee. “You look incredible.”
She blushes immediately, taking her cup and looking down at it to hide her face. “Thank you. These clothes are really nice. I appreciate it.”
“Anything for you.”
She looks like she wants to say something, but she can’t get the words out. She takes a sip of her coffee, moving over to the kitchen island and setting her cup down.
“Something on your mind?” I ask, settling in across from her.
She shrugs. “I guess I was just thinking about last night. A lot happened.”
“Indeed,” I say, remaining neutral. I’m curious if this is just about the pool incident, or if she’s decided to open up about the flash drive. I suppose I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. Patience is a virtue.
“I just wanted to apologize, maybe,” she says, sounding uncertain of herself.
I’m surprised. “For what?” I ask.
“Just… taking things too far. I think I got a little carried away,” she says, taking another sip of her coffee.
“Sometimes the risk is worth it,” I reply with a wink. While she might feel weird about what she did last night, I rather enjoyed it. I don’t think I’m ever going to forget the beautiful look on her face when I finished inside of her. It was wrong, but it felt so damn good.
“So, you’re not mad?” she asks.
I laugh. “Why would I be? I’m just as guilty as you are, if not more.”
“I just felt like I pushed you to do it,” she says, her voice laced with guilt.
“Listen,” I say, leaning in and pushing her hair behind her ear. “Don’t you ever feel bad about anything you do here. The last person who you should be apologizing to is a Bratva boss. I’m the bad guy. Period.”
“I don’t think you’re that bad,” she says, her cheeks flushing again.
I laugh through my nose at her innocence, but I also appreciate hearing it. I’ve been the monster so long that I don’t know how to be anything else. Monroe makes me want to change that, to be the man she thinks I am. The hero of her story.
“Come,” I say, lifting my coffee from the island. “Let’s go get your stuff from the house. I already told Kiro that we’re on the way.”
Her eyes widen, and she gulps down the rest of her coffee, pouring herself another cup before we leave. She might just drink more than I do, and she’s about half my size. I’m impressed, if not a little terrified, too.