They’re Bratva, not groomsmen.
But the shock is clear. No one expected me to acquire a wife tonight.
Liza is shivering and pale, but she steps toward the cars resolutely and my men take a step back to show her their respect. I look my main man, Alexei, in the eye and nod my approval.
Liza’s courage impresses me. She has no idea what she’s walking into, but keeps her head high anyway.
We slip into my vehicle and as I pull out of the parking lot, the other SUVs roll out behind us. Downtown speeds by and as I focus on the empty city streets, I watch Liza out of the corner of my eye. She’s turning paler by the minute.
“It’s going to be okay,” I say, my voice rougher than I intended.
She turns toward me. “I can’t just move in with you,” she protests. “I don’t even know you. And what about my things.”
“You’ll get to know me soon enough. And someone will get your things.”
She falls silent, but I feel her gaze scrutinizing me.
We pull up in front of my building. The security lights blaze through the darkness, revealing the five guards, trained to kill before asking questions, who keep my home secure.
As we walk up the entryway they remain silent, but stand a little taller. Liza shrinks behind me, and grabs my hand. Somehow she subconsciously knows to turn to me for protection. It pleases me.
The head guard raises his brows in an unspoken question. I never bring women to my home. When I fuck, I do so at their house or at a hotel.
“She’s Mrs. Kedrov. My wife,” I say. That’s all they need to know. With that information, I know they’ll protect her with their lives.
We ride the private elevator in silence to the top floor. As the doors open, I watch Liza’s reaction.
My home is made of marble and glass. Harsh and unyielding, like its owner. The penthouse is cavernous, a story and a half of cold luxury, walls lined with art I barely remember buying. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city sprawls beneath us, a million lights glittering like diamonds tossed aside.
Liza steps inside her eyes darts everywhere and her jaw is tight. Our steps echo on the stone floor as I guide her past the foyer.
I lead Liza into the main living space. Muted lamps join the ambient light from the windows to illuminate dark leather couches and low glass tables.
“You live here?” Her voice is barely above a whisper
“I do.” I usher her through the space toward the curved staircase in the back. Her head swivels as she tries to take it all in. Beyondthe staircase is my office, but I’ll show her that and the kitchen on the other side of the apartment when she’s had some sleep.
We ascend the stairs up to the open-plan bedroom with its ensuite. There’s only one bed in my place. I don’t want overnight guests.
Liza glances at the over-sized bed, then back down at the sprawling living space, then back at me. Her lips tremble, her body folding inward, still wearing my jacket. “Where should I sleep?” she asks, voice small.
I keep my distance, arms folded. “Wherever you want. But this is the only bed in the place.” I’ll make some allowances for her to get used to her life changing so quickly. But she needs to understand that she’s mine now. “I can find some blankets and a pillow if you want to sleep on the couch downstairs.”
Fear, and a flicker of something else, curiosity maybe, spark in her eyes.
I want to reach for her, but hold myself back, quietly watching her as she makes her decision.
She’s silent for a long time, turning in slow circles while chewing on her lower lip. Her shoes squeak on the polished marble by the staircase.
I’m standing closer to the bed, where it’s carpeted. “I don’t touch a woman without her permission. Not even my wife.” I pitch my voice low, trying to make it gentle just for her.
She flinches at the word “wife.”
I wait for backlash, for regret, for any sign she’ll run.
Instead, she nods, and releases the lip she’s been biting. It’s swollen and glistening red from the mistreatment. An image of her on her knees in front of me, swollen red lips wrapped around my dick, enters my mind uninvited.
Inwardly I groan and turn sideways so she doesn’t notice my sudden erection. “I’ll take the couch,” I say, voice rough.
