“You are truly exquisite, Tatianna,” he said in awe. In all the years he’d enjoyed women, he’d never encountered an angel before.
Rytsar beckoned her to him, and gently stroked his fingers against her cheek.
Tatianna looked at him and smiled at him lovingly. “You are a handsome man, Anton.”
He grunted, amazed that in all the countless times he’d heard that compliment from the lips of others, it had never affected him the way it was now.
Rytsar was certain this encounter would change him in a fundamental way. It was unnerving, yet he was unwilling to prevent it. “I am in love with this body,” he told her.
“I am in love with this mind,” she countered as she touched his forehead.
Rytsar grasped her head with both hands and lowered it so he could kiss her firmly on the top of the head. “What you do not realize, Tatianna, is that I will make sweet, sensual love to this mind. Every thought will become mine, not because I demand it, but because you will be hopelessly devoted to me.”
Her eyes shone with the enthusiasm of young love, and she tentatively took his hand and placed it on her right breast. “Make love to me, Anton.”
Rytsar had to check himself. What she was asking was exactly what his entire body ached to experience, but he could not succumb to the temptation.
Tatianna deserved to be swept off her feet, and that was exactly what he planned to do. After a day of being spoiled like a princess on her birthday, then—and only then—would he claim her virginity.
Rytsar took the Durov family ring off his pinky and slipped it onto her middle finger. “The day I ask for this ring back is the day I will make love to you, Tatianna. It is my solemn vow.”
Tatianna stared at it, knowing its worth and significance to Rytsar. His grandfather had gifted him the ancestral ring, passing over his father and older brothers to do it. Although it had created animosity with his kin, Rytsar treasured this symbol of his grandfather’s belief in him.
He was not a product of his current lineage—his reputation and destiny were his alone to forge.
Mollified by the gift, Tatianna did not beg to be taken again. Instead, she agreed to lie down on the couch so that he could admire her virginal pussy and take in its sweet scent. When she started to giggle, he looked up.
“Your breath, it tickles, Anton.”
Rytsar surprised her by moving up from between her legs to plant a possessive kiss on her lips as he pressed his naked chest against hers.
“Our hearts beat as one,” he growled possessively.
“Yes,” she agreed, kissing him again.
His sixth sense alerted him to the fact someone was coming. Without wasting time to explain why, Rytsar got up and quickly handed Tatianna her clothes before he started dressing himself.
She shot him a questioning glance, but said nothing as she hurriedly put on her clothes.
“Take the vodka and return with a glass of water,” he commanded calmly.
Rytsar checked himself over to make sure nothing was amiss before sitting back down on the couch. He took a relaxed pose and called out to her, “Did Titov ever tell you about the time—”
The front door opened and her parents walked inside with the rest of their brood behind them just as Tatianna was coming out of the kitchen with a simple glass of water. It was obvious by the shocked look on their faces, everyone was surprised to see Rytsar there alone with Tatianna.
“What is the meaning of this!” her father sputtered.
“Papa!” Tatianna scolded him good-naturedly. “Poor Anton came to see Titov. How could he know my brother forgot he was coming today? I hated to turn him away without at least offering a glass of water.” She lifted the glass to her father and smiled sweetly.
Her mother bought her explanation hook, line, and sinker.
“We apologize Titov was so rude to you, Anton,” she said sadly. “He has not been himself these days. Please say you’ll forgive our thoughtless son and stay for dinner.”
Rytsar appreciated the offer. It would give him more time in Tatianna’s presence and allow for some quality time with her father. He was determined to win the man over, despite the recent split with Titov.
He would do whatever it took to make sure Tatianna was his, because nothing could prevent a Durov from claiming his mate.
Alternate Plans
Rytsar awoke with a start. The formless dream quickly faded, leaving him only with a sense of urgency. He gently moved Brie from him and left the bed. Although it was predawn, Rytsar went out to swim in the ocean, trying to unravel what it was that his dream was pressing him to do.
Did it have to do with Thane, the Kozlov brothers, or the beast half-sister? He couldn’t tell but, with each passing moment, the feeling of exigency grew stronger.
He was not surprised to see Titov waiting for him when he finally came back to shore. “What is it?” he asked, taking the robe offered him.
“They’re here.”
“The brothers,” Rytsar stated rather than asked, already knowing he was correct.
“We just received news their men landed last night.”
Rytsar played out what needed to be done with no time left. There were loose ends that must be tied up. He owed his brother that.
“You will take Mrs. Davis to the hospital this morning. There is someone I need to meet with before we leave the country.”
“What about the captive?”
“Put extra men at the compound and put them on alert. They must be ready to move her at a moment’s notice.”
“Of course. Who do you want with you?”
“No one.”
“Do you feel that’s wise?”
“I don’t want any of my people to get caught in the crossfire should Kozlov’s men catch up with me.”
Titov looked at Rytsar with a solemn expression. “I prefer to remain by your side.”
Rytsar put his hand on Titov’s shoulder. “No. I need you to protect what is most valuable to me.”
Titov frowned but nodded his understanding.
“Is the apartment ready?”
“The equipment was delivered yesterday.”
“Good. Keep a few guards here at the beach house on the pretense we are unaware of their arrival, but return Mrs. Davis’s things to the apartment.”
“What about the cat?”
Rytsar smirked. “What about the cat?”
“You will handle it?”
Rytsar rolled his eyes. “Only if I must.”
“Good,” Titov replied simply.
Rytsar was amused that his men were afraid of a mere cat, but would willingly face the Kozlov brothers to protect him.
“When I give the word, everyone disperses and makes their way back to Russia separately.”
“But I stay with you,” Titov insisted.
“No.”
His look of distress was touching.
“I explained you would either come into riches or die for associating with me. I would prefer the first outcome for you.”
Titov shifted uncomfortably.
“Fate is coming for me, comrade. I feel it in my bones. I choose to face it alone on my terms.”
Titov looked him in the eye. “Understand that I will expect your return and will have a glass and bottle of vodka waiting on the table for you.”
Rytsar smacked him on the back, laughing. “I look forward to toasting to your good fortune.”
As they started toward the house, Titov stopped him. “I do not want this to be how it ends between us.”
“Nor I,” Rytsar assured him, “but we must be prepared.”
Once inside, he made his way to the bedroom.
“Is something wrong, Rytsar?” Brie asked in the dim light once he closed the door.
Although he appreciated her intuitive nature, it was not welcomed now. “I must leave on an errand. Titov will be taking you to the hospital today.”
“Is it Lilly?”
At least her question meant he di
d not have to lie to her. “No, I have a meeting with Marquis Gray.”
“Marquis?” she asked in surprise. “Well, please tell him hello for me.”
“Of course,” Rytsar answered, barely listening to her—too busy formulating plans in his head as he entered the bathroom and started the water in the tub. “Now go back to sleep,” he urged her, shutting the door before settling down into the hot water.
A few minutes later, he heard the door open. Brie was silent as she stepped into the tub and eased herself between his legs, laying her back against him.
Rytsar wrapped an arm around her to pull Brie closer. Closing his eyes, Rytsar concentrated on the relaxing heat of the bath water, the feel of her naked skin against his, and the synergy of their unspoken connection.
He grasped her throat to expose her neck and bit down, purposely leaving a mark. “I love you, radost moya.”
She turned her head and smiled as she rubbed the bite mark he’d left. “I love you too, Rytsar.”
They remained in the tub in silent union, Rytsar refusing to stir until the water began to turn cold.
In life, all things must end.
He grunted as he helped her up and out of the tub. She took a towel off the rack and waited to dry him off. Brie was tender as she dried every inch of his skin.
Rytsar could tell that she was cherishing the moment, soaking up every detail of it. When she was finished, Brie stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him.
“A good-luck kiss for today.”
He gave her a crooked smile. “If Thane asks for me, tell him I will see him soon.”
Brie took his hand and interlaced it with hers. “I’m sure he’ll understand. Will I see you tonight?”
“Of course,” he assured her.
“Good, because I got the impression you’re planning to leave us.”
“Only if Fate is as cruel as I am,” he answered. Rytsar grabbed the towel from her and snapped it on her ass to stop her from asking more questions.
She squealed in surprise. “Ow!”
“Get moving so your beautiful face is the first thing your man sees today.”
Brie giggled, rubbing her ass cheek as she left him alone in the bathroom.
Rytsar looked at his reflection in the large mirror and felt a surge of power knowing what he had to do.
Rytsar called Marquis on his drive there, hoping the trainer would be open to the unexpected visit.
“What is the reason you wish to meet so early?” Marquis asked before agreeing.
“Mrs. Davis has an issue that I need you to take care of.”
“Ah…the great mystery is about to be revealed to me,” he surmised.
“Of all her friends, I felt you were the one I could trust with the responsibility.”
“Did Brie agree to this?”
“There are things even she does not know.”
Marquis paused for a moment before responding. “I’m unsure if I will be able to help, but I am willing to listen to your request.”
“Good, I should be there in twenty.”
“Celestia will have a pot brewing when you get here.”
Rytsar didn’t bother telling Marquis he only drank vodka in the morning.
He was shocked when the Wolfpup greeted him at the door. “Why are you here?” he demanded, having never forgiven the boy for his arrogance.
“I live here,” Faelan answered, moving aside so Rytsar could enter.
“Living with the parents. Fitting, I guess,” Rytsar said in a dismissive tone as he made his way down the hallway.
“Mr. Durov, what an honor to have you join us this morning,” Celestia said, giving him a quick bow before asking, “Do you like your coffee black or with cream and sugar?”
“Neither, but a shot of vodka in it would do nicely.”
“Oh,” she stated in surprise. “Well, I would be happy to get that for you.”
As she was leaving, he added, “If you left out the coffee, that would be even better.”
Celestia flashed him a smile as she left the room.
“Drinking so early?” Marquis asked as he walked into the room to join them.
“For some it dulls the senses. For me, it only enhances.”
While the two men sat down next to each other, Faelan chose to remain standing.
“I did not expect the boy to be here,” Rytsar complained to Marquis. “The news is not for his ears.”
“Before you make that determination, I want you to know that Mr. Wallace is someone I have come to admire and trust. I do not say that lightly, as you know.”
Rytsar glanced at Faelan and growled, “You know how I feel about you.”
“And the feeling’s mutual, I assure you,” Faelan replied. “However, Marquis said that Brie is involved and needs help. If there is any way I can be of assistance, I would like to offer my services.”
“Why would I let you have anything to do with Mrs. Davis, after the shit you pulled on them after the collaring?”
Faelan gave an exasperated sigh. “I understand you like to hold on to the past and have yet to open your eyes to the fact I have matured since then. Thane, Brie, and I have made our peace.”
“I don’t trust you. Tigers don’t change their stripes.”
“They can if they die and are reborn. As you are well aware, I have had such an experience and I tell you again, I have matured since.”
Rytsar looked back at Marquis. “Would you trust this man with Brie’s life?”
Marquis didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
Rytsar growled under his breath. While he could appreciate the advantage of having two caretakers looking after Lilly, he did not like being beholden to the Wolfpup even though the boy might be better suited for the duty.
“What about your woman? I remember hearing you collared the blonde.”
Faelan frowned. “She chose to leave.”
Narrowing his eyes, Rytsar asked, “How can you be trusted around Brie if that is the case?”
“Thane trusted me enough to leave Brie behind to take care of me when I had the kidney transplant. So I guess you’re the only one with the problem.”
Rytsar snorted. “If Thane wasn’t conscious, I would not even consider it. But now, if you make a misstep, you will have to answer to him.”
“Did you say Mr. Davis is conscious?” Marquis questioned.
Rytsar turned to him. “Yes, it happened just yesterday. I suppose we were too busy celebrating to share the news with others.”
“This is extraordinary!” Marquis exclaimed. “Celestia,” he called out.
She hurried into the room and Marquis got up, holding out his hands to her. “Sir Davis is awake.”
A smile spread across her face as she embraced her Master. “I can’t believe it! This is wondrous news!”
“It is. It truly is.”
Even Faelan was grinning and said, “I knew he would fight his way back. He’s an even tougher bastard than I am.”
“And you remember that, Wolfpup,” Rytsar warned.
Marquis sent Celestia out of the room again and addressed Rytsar. “Why don’t we get down to the reason you’re here. You don’t appear to have time to waste if I’m reading you right.”
“True.” Rytsar motioned for Faelan to sit. “I’ll make this quick and to the point. Thane’s half-sister plotted to kill Brie’s baby and sell Brie into slavery. She came close, but Nosaka arrived in time to prevent the kidnapping.”
Both men were silent for a moment, shocked by the revelation.
“What the hell? You can’t be serious,” Faelan demanded.
“She is behind bars now, I assume,” Marquis stated.
Rytsar snorted angrily. “No, your authorities were unable to catch her and the threat was too great to allow the woman to be free. As soon as I arrived and was made aware of the situation, I took it upon myself to take care of it. It took a little time and persuasion, but she finally confessed.”
Marquis stiffened. “Are you saying you kid
napped and tortured Thane’s sister?”
“Half-sister, and no. I merely detained her and manipulated her living conditions. Since she carries a child, I was careful not to harm the fetus.”
“She’s pregnant?” Marquis questioned, sounding even more concerned.
“The woman is deranged. She was blackmailing Thane because she carried another man’s child, but claimed it was Thane’s after she drugged him in China.”
“You have got to be fucking kidding me,” Faelan exclaimed.
“I assure you I’m not. Her plan was to kill Mrs. Davis’s child, and convince Thane that her own child was his so he would raise it as his own. But her level of madness goes even deeper. She is in love with him and planned to become intimate partners.”
Marquis became somber as he listened to Rytsar. “This woman has serious psychiatric needs, Durov. She should be in the hospital, not under your ‘care’.”
“You do not appreciate the grave threat she poses to Brie. If the authorities were unable to arrest her, what makes you think a psych ward would be able to keep her from escaping?”
“I have more trust in our system than you,” Marquis stated.
“And I have none,” Rytsar shot back. “I guarantee you that she will harm Brie if she escapes, and she will remain a threat until her dying breath.”
Marquis sat back for a moment, taking in what had been shared.
Faelan took the opportunity to ask Rytsar, “What is it you want us to do?”
“I may have to leave suddenly in the next day or two, but I must be assured the threat will remain contained.”
“I will not participate in a kidnapping,” Marquis informed him.
“So you will not help protect Brie?”
“I did not say that, but it must be done legally and through proper channels.”
“What are you suggesting then?” Rytsar asked, trying to keep his irritation in check.
“Despite what you think, I do understand the danger she poses to both Brie and Sir Davis. Therefore, we must ‘arrange’ for the police to find and arrest her, and it must be in a neutral spot so you are not connected in any way. If she is already wanted by the police and as deranged as you say, even if they question her it is doubtful they will take anything she says seriously.”