Lara
Chapter Twenty-Five
Was this what love felt like?
Had I fallen for a man I should hate?
Hate.
It seemed so easy to hate him, but now whenever I looked at him, something inside wanted him to hold me and never let me go. I wasn’t sure anymore what I was supposed to feel.
Placing the small Band-Aid over the cut on my neck, I looked at myself in the mirror and convinced myself that I was his prisoner and nothing more.
My stomach began to feel queasy and I could feel bile rising in my throat.
Without warning, I clasped my hand over my mouth and hurried to the toilet.
The contents from lunch spilled inside the porcelain bowl until there was nothing left.
The sight of blood never had this kind of effect on me, but then again, I never had to dig a tracker out of my neck either.
I walked back over to the sink and grabbed the bottle of mouthwash and swished inside my mouth before spitting it out.
Even though I feel somewhat better, my stomach was still a little unsettled.
I took one last look at the Band-Aid covering my incision and felt satisfied that my hair covered it completely.
After cleaning the small tracker, I walked back to the bedroom and looked around for a good place where I could hide it.
Tomorrow night was the gala and I would be free.
There would be no reason for Dmitri to track me inside the mansion, so I decided to hide the tracker along with the letter opener in the closet in one of the dresses with a pocket.
Tomorrow, when Dmitri left the mansion, I would return the letter opener to his study.
When I emerged from the closet, Dmitri stood in front of me covered in blood. His eyes met mine, and I thought for a second he had caught me, but then he stepped past me.
“I’m going to shower.” Dmitri threw his suit coat on the bed and stepped past me.
My gazed followed him as he stripped out of his shirt and threw it in the hamper.
His muscles flexed, and it was as though the tattoos along his upper back and arms came to life.
I hadn’t noticed how beautiful they really were, like each one was telling a story.
Like the two angels covering most of his back with blood dripping from their spread wings.
Then I remembered what he had told me about his mother and his sister. It was a memorial for them.
“You’re welcome to join me, kukolka .” Dmitri’s voice broke me from my fixation on his body.
Blushing, I met his mischievous grin. “I’m good.”
I had turned on my heels to leave the bedroom before I embarrassed myself further when he shot back another command.
“I have arranged for a special dinner for us on the patio. Wear something nice.”
~***~
When Dmitri escorted me to the patio, I saw he truly wasn’t exaggerating about the dinner being special.
The view that unfolded before my eyes surpassed anything I could have imagined.
Delicate fairy lights were intricately strung above a charming canopy, casting a gentle glow over a beautifully set table for two.
Soft, melodic music wafted through the air, its source elusive yet enchanting.
As I glanced around, my eyes were drawn to the mesmerizing array of floating candles that graced the surface of the swimming pool, their flickering flames dancing elegantly on the water.
The entire scene was the epitome of romance, a breathtaking tableau that was far beyond anything I had ever witnessed.
It was a moment steeped in unexpected beauty, especially from Dmitri, who had never before revealed this tender side of himself.
To say I was overwhelmed as the sumptuous spread was brought out to us was an understatement.
The moment the man in the crisp, white chef’s uniform placed the exquisite fine China plate before me, I was captivated by the dish’s artistry.
The presentation was a masterpiece, an elegant riot of colors and textures that I had never witnessed before.
“I hope it is to your liking. I have prepared Binchotan Charred beef striploin, Broccoli di Ciccio, Ramp-stuffed Shallots, and Chimicucurri-Bordelaise sauce,” he articulated with a lilting French accent, his voice as smooth as the sauce he described.
“It sounds delicious,” I replied, smoothing the soft fabric of my cloth napkin as I laid it across my lap, anticipation tingling at my fingertips.
“ Bon appétit .” With a graceful turn, the chef retreated through the double doors that swung open to the conservatory as he told us to enjoy our meal.
As we savored the exquisite meal, each bite a symphony of flavors dancing on my palate, disquiet lingered at the edges of my thoughts. It had been gnawing at me ever since I had seen Dmitri covered in blood—a stark reminder of the world we inhabited.
“Earlier,” I began cautiously, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why were you covered in blood?” My heart pounded as I watched him carefully set down his knife and fork, placing his hands deliberately on the table, each movement measured and controlled.
“I had hoped you would never see the darker side of my business, but sometimes it’s unavoidable,” he admitted, his eyes dark and unfathomable. “But to answer your question, one of my men chose to give his loyalty elsewhere, therefore, he needed to pay the price for his betrayal.”
“So, you killed him. Just like that,” I responded, my voice steady despite the chill that crept up my spine. I was no stranger to the Bratva’s unforgiving code, where disloyalty was met with swift and brutal consequences.
“Yes, just like that. He knew what his fate would be.” Dmitri resumed eating, slicing into his steak with precision, as if eliminating a life was as mundane as squashing a bug beneath his shoe, his demeanor as composed as ever amidst the undercurrent of violence that simmered just beneath the surface.
Placing his napkin over his plate, Dmitri pushed his chair from the table and stood. “Dance with me,” he asked as he held his hand out to me.
Rising, I placed my napkin neatly on the table and entwined my fingers with his.
As he wrapped his arm around my waist, drawing me closer with a tender pull, a shiver of electricity raced up my spine, culminating at the sensitive tips of my nipples.
His touch always had that undeniable effect on me.
Resting my head on his strong shoulder, I let the melody of the songs wash over us, seamlessly flowing from one to the next.
His scent, a heady mix of musk and cashmere, uniquely him, was utterly intoxicating.
My hands found their way to his firm chest, and I gazed into his eyes, losing myself in their depths.
His lips descended upon mine, rendering me motionless against the rhythm of the music. Desire swam through my mind, and although I should have pulled away, I found myself responding to his kiss.
With a graceful motion, he wrapped his arms around me, lifting me effortlessly as he carried me to the expansive patio bed. I surrendered to his lead, allowing myself to momentarily escape the internal conflict waging war with my emotions.
Instinctively, my legs encircled his waist, and I felt the unmistakable pressure building beneath his trousers.
He moaned against my lips, a low, primal sound. “Now for dessert,” he murmured.
Words failed me; I could only give in.
I could only yield.
I could only submit.
As his mouth traced a path down my neck, leaving a trail of fervent kisses, I tilted my head, offering him more. With a swift, decisive motion, he tore away the flimsy barrier of my dress and thong, his hands claiming my breast, his mouth enveloping my nipple until a moan escaped me.
“I need you, kukolka . I need you now more than ever,” he groaned, his breath hot against my skin.
A surprised squeal escaped my lips as he gently tugged my nipple between his teeth.
“I need to hear you scream my name,” he insisted, his voice a raw demand.
In a fluid motion, Dmitri discarded his pants and, without warning, thrust into my core. My lips formed a perfect ‘O’, a scream welling up and spilling forth, awakening something wild and untamed within him.
His eyes blazed with a fiery intensity, devil-like desire, the kind that invaded my dreams and made me plead for mercy. Yet, I was helpless to resist.
I was utterly captivated by the way he revered my body, igniting sensations I had never experienced before. He showered my skin with kisses like a gentle storm, moving with powerful purpose, making me cry out his name.
“Dmitri.”
He thrust so forcefully against me that I could feel him, as if he reached deep inside my very core. The warmth of his essence flooded into me, and within mere moments, he withdrew. Before words could form on my lips, his tongue was already dancing skillfully from side to side across my clit.
“Oh my—”
I was unable to finish, lost in the intoxicating sensation of his tongue against my most sensitive flesh. He had just released himself within me, and now he was teasing, tasting the mingled essence of us both.
But as soon as his tongue flicked my clit again, my eyes rolled back in ecstasy. My hands instinctively reached for his hair, but he swiftly captured my wrists, pinning them to the bed with a look that was dangerously possessive.
“Only I control your pleasure,” he warned, his voice a sultry command. “Now enjoy.”
His mouth worked magic on my body, and I was teetering on the edge of release, so close I could nearly scream. I bit my lip to stifle my cries while he circled my clit with relentless precision, but when he thrust a finger inside me, restraint was impossible.
I came with such intensity that I was trembling, gasping, “Fuck, Dmitri.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I pushed him away and slipped off the bed to clean myself.
You don’t feel anything, Lara.
I exhaled slowly, closing my eyes.
You aren’t falling for him.
Dmitri stepped up silently behind me and gently turned me around to face him.
His eyes held a complexity of emotions as he leaned in, his breath warm against my skin, and pulled me closer with a gentle yet firm embrace.
His lips met mine in a kiss that was both unexpected and disarming, as if he were slowly dismantling the fortress of hatred I had built around my heart.
Each tender gesture seemed to transform my animosity into a confusing blend of emotions, while simultaneously fueling a fierce determination within me to hold on to my beliefs with every ounce of strength I possessed.
~***~
I woke up feeling unwell, therefore spending most of the day hidden in the bedroom. The meal the chef had prepared for us didn’t sit well, and the mixed feelings I was having for Dmitri only added to the tsunami circling my stomach.
“You look breathtaking,” Dmitri complimented, as he placed a light kiss on my shoulder. “Are you ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, trying to keep my emotions at bay. Thankfully, the red mask Dmitri gave me earlier hid most of my expression.
Twenty minutes later, Stepan pulled the limo in front of the Museum of the City of New York. I couldn’t remember the last time I had been here. It seemed like ages ago.
Dmitri stepped out of the limo and offered his hand. As I placed my hand in his, an overwhelming sense of what was going to happen inside came over me, which caused me to lose my footing.
“Are you all right, kukolka ?” Dmitri wrapped his arms around my waist to keep me from twisting an ankle.
“Sorry, just a little nervous. I’ve never attended a masquerade gala before.” It was the truth, but I was nervous for a whole different reason.
“Just remember what would happen if you tried to run.”
I gave Dmitri a slight nod, knowing that after tonight he would never punish me again.
When we stepped inside, I was in complete awe of the elegance of not only the décor, but the gowns the women wore and the mystery the event held with each person wearing a mask. It made me wonder which one of these men was my brother. Chloe said he would know me by my mask and he would come for me.
The waiter came around and offered flutes of champagne and I was grateful that Dmitri grabbed two, giving one to me. My nerves were out of control and I needed something to tame them if I was going to get through this night.
Several men and women came up to Dmitri, introducing themselves to him while carrying on in polite conversation.
Even though I nodded my head and acted interested in what was being said, I really hadn’t heard a word.
All I could think about was when Angelo would make his move.
Soon the fundraiser would start and everyone would be taking their places.
Feeling the turmoil in my stomach, I politely said, “Would you excuse me? I need to use the ladies’ room.”
“Is everything okay?” Dmitri asked, leaning his mouth to my ear.
“Yes. I’ll be right back.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek before making my way through the groups of people deep in conversation.
It took me a while, but I managed to find the women’s bathroom.
Thankfully, when I stepped inside, I was the only one in it.
I quickly removed my mask and splashed some water on my face.
When I looked at myself in the mirror, I didn’t see the same woman I was five weeks ago.
I always thought I was a strong, independent woman; someone my mama would have been proud of.
Now I only saw a broken woman who had turned into something weak and pathetic.
No more. After tonight, I would bring back the woman I was.
No man would ever control me again. I would belong to no one.
Drying off my face, I opened the bathroom door with a new sense of pride.
“Hello, Lara,” a deep voice said behind me.
Angelo?
When I turned to face my brother, it wasn’t my brother at all. It was the one man I hated more than I hated Dmitri. “What do you want?”
“You.”
For every step I took away from him, he took one closer. It was only when I had hit the wall that I knew I could step back no further. Despite his masked face, I recognized the evil in his eyes.
Pinning me to the wall, he pulled something from his pocket before he leaned over and pressed his lips to mine. “Time to go to sleep.”
Why hadn’t I run?