Page 53 of Cruel Bet

“You’re mine,kukolka,” he growls.

“Yes, always,” I pant back, knowing that he’s right. I’m his and he is mine.

Chapter 31

Nikolai

When I wake, I’m surrounded by Arianna’s familiar smell, a scent I couldn’t quite grasp or recall before, but now is so distinctly her I wonder how I ever forgot it. The events of last night unfold in my memory as I realize I’m in her bed, in her home. But I’m alone. The noise of clattering pots and conversation flow from the kitchen. By the sounds of it, it’s just her and her daughter.

Fuck. Her daughter. How could I forget about that? Arianna has a child. Thank god she didn’t wake up last night.

Poor kid would have been scarred for life no matter what point she could have awoken.

Panic rushes through me as I remember that all my clothes and belongings are in the other room, we were naked when we came in here. I can’t exactly walk in there butt naked, and there’s no way I’m putting on Arianna’s floral robe. Luckily, as I’m contemplating what I should do, my eyes land on my clothing neatly folded on top of the dresser with my phone placed on top. I quickly get dressed, checking my phone for updates.

I had Endo and a couple of others accompany me on this trip, just in case. Thankfully, I did, since it turned out I needed them last night. As much as I wanted to murder that creep for touching Arianna, I knew we needed to get as much information from him as possible, and it probably wouldn’t go down as the best reunion ever with Arianna if I tortured and murdered a manin her kitchen on my return. Any more than I already had, that is—although she seemed as ready to kill him as I was at one point, my fiery littlekukolka.

Endo and his men came as soon as I called to deal with the problem. The text on my phone from Endo reads:

The pig didn’t squeal, or offer much more than what you already got out of him. Fucking pathetic, like you said. Let me know what I should do with him next.

I know Endo wouldn’t have acted without instructions. That the man will still be tied up somewhere secure waiting for my orders. We’re using burner phones so I can afford to be less circumspect than if I had been using my personal cell phone. I fire off a message back.

Cut off his cock and balls, stuff them down his throat, and sew his mouth shut. Then, send the body to De Luca’s compound. He’ll get the message wherever he’s hiding.

Endo’s reply immediately pings back.

Fucking creatively brutal even for you, boss. I take it the reunion either went really well or shit. Either way, I like your style. Consider it done.

With that taken care of, I slip my phone into my pocket and head into the kitchen.

Arianna and the little girl are sitting at the table eating breakfast. As I enter, Arianna looks up at me and a shy smile appears on her face.

“You’re up.”

The little girl swivels around to look at me and I’m momentarily blown away by her eyes. They’re so blue, almost turquoise azure. Just like mine. I glance at Arianna, and I can tell she sees what I’ve noticed.

The little girl breaks into a toothy smile as she claps her hands together, “Mommy, a giant!” she says, pointing a chubby finger at me.

Arianna lets out a little chuckle at the cuteness of her child. “Maria Adelina, this is Mommy’s friend, Nikolai. He’s not a giant, though he is very tall.”

I’m struck dumb, still reeling at the sight of Arianna’s daughter.

“Come join us?” Arianna asks tentatively, breaking me from my reverie.

“Me!” Maria Adelina demands.

“She wants you to sit next to her,” Arianna explains. “You should feel honored. Usually, she’s quite shy with new people.”

“Well, how can I refuse the lady in that case,” I say with a smile, sitting next to the small child.

“Can I get you any breakfast?” Arianna asks, her eyes flitting between me and Maria Adelina.

“Just coffee please,” I reply.

Now the passionate encounter of last night has passed, we’re both a little uncomfortable and awkward around each other. There’s so much to say and neither of us has a clue how to start. I watch Maria Adelina, fascinated. She’s almost the spitting image of me as a child, though she has inherited her rosebud lips and long eyelashes from her mother.

Arianna is carefully studying me as she tentatively places the coffee in front of me.

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