Chapter 28 #2
As he finally clasped the fingers of one hand with mine, he nuzzled his face into my neck and simply fucked me.
Now we were both in a beautiful piece of music, neither one needing lyrics.
The song would forever change, but right now, it was the sweet release of anger and guilt, sadness and remorse that we both needed.
I sensed the moment he lost control, once again ignoring his silent commands by wrapping my legs around him. He lifted his head, darting his eyes back and forth across mine and just for a split second, I could swear I noticed love in the darkened pools.
With his muscles tensing, slight spasms rolling through me, he threw his head back, allowing me to see the thick cords in his neck.
Just as he started to erupt deep inside, I cinched my muscles, praying this moment would last.
For whatever reason, there was something so special about him filling me with his seed.
There was nothing quite as peaceful as lying so tightly nestled against a man that you could feel his beating heart. Another rhythm had developed, the now crashing waves accentuating the sweet song being played in a darkened room.
There were also other sounds that kept me awake.
Bella’s sweet snores. She’d managed to wiggle her way between us. I’d expected Vissarian to remind her where her dog’s bed was located, but he hadn’t. Instead, he’d stroked her with one hand while absently brushing the fingers of his other against my arm.
My rapid heartbeat was another sound. It remained loud even though several hours had passed. Where the passion we’d shared had been exciting, even mind blowing, this moment was exactly what I needed.
Peace.
Tranquility that I hadn’t experienced in almost three weeks. Three weeks of fear and sorrow, worry and hatred.
Much the same as he’d felt fifteen years before.
There were answers to be discovered, an enemy to persecute, but it was my hope this moment would ground us.
Maybe I was falling into my hopes and dreams, but what was wrong with that?
I heard Vissarian’s deep sigh and when he kissed the top of my head, I lifted my chin.
“What’s wrong?”
He chuckled. “Why do you think anything is wrong?”
“Because I know you.”
“Oh, yeah. What do you think you know?”
I lifted my head, now resting my chin on his chest as I allowed myself to swirl circles and zigzags on his chest. “You’re going after him.”
“Who?”
“Don’t give me that; Antonio. Aren’t you?”
He shifted again, rolling one arm under his head. “Yes. He needs to understand that men aren’t allowed to be rough with women. I won’t lie to you about that.”
“Don’t lie to me about anything, Vissarian. I can handle almost anything, but not that.”
“What I want to do, what my family and I will do is return to how we handled business in the past. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Yes, I do. My father was born into the life of crime.”
“Which he wanted no part of and need I remind you that you didn’t grow up in a world full of violence.”
“Are you trying to tell me that you’re eager to return to your old ways, killing people who cross you?” I lifted my head, turning his so he was forced to look me in the eyes.
His groan was an affirmation that he did. I wasn’t certain how I should feel about it, but I knew exactly how I did feel about it.
“I do what’s necessary.”
“Are you good at being the other man?”
“Meaning what?” His laugh was full of ire.
“The man who is highly skilled, capable of making good choices so in the end he’ll remain alive.”
He pulled me closer, even crowding Bella. She barely lifted her head, so comfortable with being a part of our lives.
Our very shaky lives.
“I know what I’m doing, Fallon. What my family can’t allow is for it to seem as if we’ve gone soft. But I assure you that the choices we make in this ongoing war we do so cautiously.”
“You make it sound like a video game.”
“This is a game, but not something that can be won with computers or contracts as we’d hoped.”
“And this strange man Ludolf?”
“Believe it or not, I think he’s an ally. I need you to promise something for me.”
“Okay. I will if I can.”
He shook his head. “Promise me.”
“Not until I hear what I’m promising you.”
“You still don’t trust me.”
“No, that’s not it.” I raked my nails down his chest. “I do trust you for some crazy reason. However, I’ve learned my lesson in promising anything to a man with dimples.”
He wasn’t expecting my answer. “A good thought.” His smile faded and he sat up, tugging the pillow behind his head. “I’m serious about this. I asked Mikhail to set aside some money for you. If anything should happen to me, my entire family will take care of you and Bella.”
“Did you not understand the question I asked you earlier about if you’d come back alive?”
“I understood it just fine, but I refuse to take any chances. You deserve to have a normal life.”
“Always looking over my shoulder?”
When he touched my face, I shuddered. “That will not happen. You’ll be safe.”
“Nothing will mean anything without you in my life.” Maybe I was exasperated or just out of sorts, but we were both surprised when I spilled my feelings.
Maybe God wanted me to stop right there before putting my entire leg into my mouth. The insistent knock on the bedroom door was something not to be denied.
Instantly, Vissarian crawled out of bed, grabbing his trousers as I slipped further under the covers. Even before he opened the door, I knew something was wrong.
“What is it?” Vissarian gritted out.
From where I was, I could see Carlos. He threw a careful, quick look in my direction. “Sorry to interrupt, but it won’t be long until we have company. Get your things. I have a van coming. You’ll be taken to a safehouse. I assume you called in the cavalry.”
“Yeah, I did. Any idea who they are?”
“Nope, but there is a huge plane rolling in. Origin? Chicago.”
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. We’ll be right there.”
Carlos nodded.
As soon as the door was closed, Vissarian hung his head while placing his hands on his hips. “You heard the man. We need to leave.”
“When will this end, Vissarian? When? When I’m dead?”
“They don’t want you dead, Fallon.”
“Then what?”
His hesitation infuriated me.
“What?” I repeated with the very defiance he’d told me he adored.
“They want you as a pawn. They plan on selling you as part of a deal. In marriage.”