Page 23 of Twisted Vows

Rurik’s lips curved into a wolfish grin, his eyes glinting with a predatory gleam. “Let the hunt begin, brother. X and the Armenians won’t know what hit them.”

***

The humidity in the night air clung to my skin as I approached Nika’s apartment building, the weight of my world pressing down on me. I hesitated for a moment, hand hovering over the buzzer. I shouldn't be here, but the thought of Nika’s comforting smile, laughter, and warmth drew me forward. I'd been unable to still the compulsion to call and ask her if I could come over.

I pressed the button and waited, mouth dry. The crackle of the intercom broke the silence, and her voice floated through the speaker, soft and inviting. “Malachi?”

“It’s me,” I said, my voice gruff with the emotions I struggled to contain.

The door buzzed open, and I stepped into the dimly lit hallway, my footsteps echoing off the worn linoleum. I wondered if I was making a terrible mistake. Could I really bring her into my world and expose her to the darkness that threatened to consume me?

When I reached her door and saw her standing there waiting for me, all my doubts and fears dissipated, at least temporarily. She wore a simple white sundress that hugged her curves, her hair cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and desire, and I couldn’t walk away from her, no matter the cost.

“Hey, I was glad you called.”

“I couldn’t stay away,” I said around a tightening in my throat.

She stepped forward, closing the distance between us, the heat of her body radiating through the thin fabric of her dress. I reached out, brushing my fingers against her cheek, and she leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed.

“Malachi,” she whispered, her voice trembling with need.

I couldn’t resist her any longer. I sauntered into her apartment and crushed my lips to hers, wrapping my arms around her waist as I pulled her against me. She moaned into my mouth, her body melting into mine as our tongues danced together in a passionate duet.

Even as our kiss deepened, a nagging voice in the back of my mind reminded me there was someone missing. I pulled away, my breath ragged as I fought to regain control. “We need to talk.”

She looked up at me, her eyes wide with confusion and desire. “What’s wrong?”

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “Rurik came by earlier, didn’t he?”

She nodded, her brow furrowing in concern. “Yes. He told me...he cares about me.”

I swallowed hard, heart thumping wildly. “And he told you about how we share women?”

She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. “Yes. I don’t know what to think. It’s all so new and different.”

I grasped her hand, my thumb tracing circles over her knuckles. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but I need you to understand. My world is dangerous, and I can’t promise you anything, but I can’t deny the way I feel about you, and Rurik feels the same.”

She looked up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I don’t want to be just someone who warms your bed, Malachi. I want to be with you, and with Rurik, if that’s what you both want, but I need to know you see me as something more than a bed mate, and that you'll keep me safe if I'm in your world.”

“You're so much more than that.” I cupped her face, my gaze locked on hers. “I swear to you, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. You have my word.”

She leaned into my touch, her lips brushing against mine in a tender kiss, but just as our passion threatened to consume us once more, my phone buzzed in my pocket, the sound jarring us both back to reality. I pulled away, my heart sinking as I glanced at the screen. The text was from Rurik.

“We found the Armenians’ warehouse. We’re planning an incursion. Be ready.”

I looked up at her and sighed. “I have to go.”

She nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. “Be careful, Malachi.”

I pressed one last kiss to her lips, my heart aching at leaving her behind, but it was only temporary. As I stepped out into the night, my mind was already racing with plans and strategies to deploy against the Armenians. Nika flitted in and out of my thoughts as I drove across the city to rendezvous with the rest of the team.

Upon arrival, I firmly pushed her to the back of my mind, unable to afford the distraction. The warehouse was an older building and looked abandoned. I tightened my grip on the handle of my Glock as I fell into step beside Rurik, our footsteps thudding in the eerie silence.

A flicker of movement caught my attention, and I tensed, senses heightened to a razor’s edge. Rurik’s hand shot out, gripping my arm in a silent signal. We froze, our breaths shallow as we scanned the shadows for any sign of danger.

A rat scurried across the cracked pavement, its beady eyes gleaming in the dim light. I exhaled slowly, my muscles coiled like a spring, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.

“They’re here,” said Rurik, his voice a faint whisper. “I can feel it.”

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