Page 36 of Devil's Bride

Alexei enters the room. I first take in his clothing. He’s wearing an expensive black dress shirt and black slacks. There’s a Patek-Phillip watch strapped to his wrist, and the room now has his scent.

My mouth waters, my body slowly awakening. He’s incredibly handsome, and I’ve missed him. Two nights ago, I masturbated to the thought of him kissing and touching me.

He closes the door behind him and leans on it, crossing his legs and arms. “What are you doing?”

“Reading the news. Twelve girls went missing last week.” I watch him for a reaction, but he does a good job of not showing any.

“I read about it,” he simply says.

“You’ve been busy,” I point out. I know our little argument at the dinner isn’t the reason he’s been away from home most of the time. It’s something more, and something important enough to keep away from home.

“You said it yourself. Twelve girls have gone missing. So, yes, I’ve been busy.”

I chew on my cheek, biting back the question on the tip of my tongue. I really wish I had a truth teller.

“I don’t have anything to do with the missing girls,” he says quietly, almost as if he can hear my thoughts. “I don’t hurt women and children. There’s an organization that has invaded my territory, and they’re messing with me.”

“Oh.” I believe him. Some things can’t be faked, like the sincerity in his voice. “Are you okay?”

He leans away from the door and walks toward the bed. “I have somewhere I need to be tonight, and you’re coming with me.”

“Where is that?”

“One of my clubs. I have a meeting with my men about the missing girls.

“Okay.” It’s the first time I’m going anywhere with him, and it’s a good chance for me to try and find out all I can about his involvement with these girls.

“Get dressed. I’ll be waiting downstairs.”

Once he leaves the room, I jump from the bed. I wear the short, black dress I bought few days ago. I put on black strappy heels, curl my hair and do a little makeup. I pick a black purse to go with my outfit.

Black is not usually my go-to color, but matching outfits with Alexei feels right. His eyes skim over me as I join him downstairs. He looks at me with primal need and longing. My core pulsates at the intensity of his gaze.

“You’re beautiful,” he says, his voice almost a whisper. Almost cold yet filled with something more than lust.

Warmth spreads over my body. I can’t get used to his compliments. I feel like a teenager being complimented by her crush each time he says something nice to me. “Thank you. You don’t look bad yourself.”

You don’t look bad yourself, is an understatement. He looks just perfect, mouthwatering.

I glance at the cars with tinted windows parked behind ours. “Just how many bodyguards do you have?”

“Trust me, malyshka. I have so many enemies that even a hundred bodyguards aren’t enough.” He holds the door open for me to get in.

I climb in and wait for him to round the car and sit beside me before I continue our conversation. “How does it feel living that way?” I ask.

“What way?” he returns with a lift of his brow.

“Fear. Knowing you can be killed at any time.” I’m a deep sleeper so I’m knocked out before my head even hits the pillow, but I imagine he stays up all night worrying. I would have a phobia for death if I were him.

“I don’t fear death, malyshka. I never have,” he says calmly. “From the moment I could understand what the words meant, I was taught that death is a constant companion in a world like ours.”

I hold back a gasp. “It must’ve been terrifying being taught that as a kid.”

He smiles, but it doesn’t meet my eyes. “Far from it. I was prepared for this world, but I guess there are things all of that training couldn’t prepare me for.”

I turn my body towards him, my curiosity piqued. “Things like what?”

A flicker of raw emotion gleams in his eyes. “You, malyshka. I’m not afraid for my brothers, they can take care of themselves. But the thought of anything happening to you because of me, is unbearable.”

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