Page 19 of Crown of Hate

Her taste

Her scent

Her very essence.

Fuck, I’m so obsessed with her. I never want to let her go.

But I can’t let her know it. Not yet. Hell, I’m only aware of it in fleeting moments. Moments like this, when she’s so close, I could take everything I want from her…

Slowly, Alya’s eyes flutter open, her breath coming out in short gasps as her tongue darts out to wet her kiss-swollen lips. A blush spreads across her cheeks, turning her from angel to temptress in the blink of an eye. The sight nearly brings me to my knees.

“Pervert!” she gasps, shoving against my chest with surprising strength.

But I hold firm, my finger gently tilting her chin up to meet my gaze. “You’re quite the talented kisser, my dear wife.” My voice comes out rougher than intent, betraying the depth of my desire.

She squirms in my grasp, eyes blazing with a fury that only makes her more irresistible. If looks could kill, I’d be dead ten times already from the daggers her eyes are shooting at me. “I’m not your wife!”

My gaze dips pointedly to her ring finger, where the diamond I placed earlier catches the light. A smile plays on my lips, equal parts amused and aroused by her defiance. “Deny it all you want,malyshka. You’re mine now. In the eyes of God, the law, and most importantly, in mine.”

She’s seething, those gorgeous eyes promising a slow, painful death. I’m tempted to suggest a good blowjob would be the easiest way, but I’d rather not risk a knee to the groin tonight.

Soft and small as she may be, my wife is actually feisty.

“I suppose you’re mine too?”

I can’t tell if that’s a statement or a question, but I nod anyway, curious to see where she’s going with this.

“Good, because I have some rules for you.” She squares her shoulders and takes a deep breath that does the most delightful things to her cleavage. I force my eyes back to her face as she continues, “From today onward, you’re not allowed to look at another woman. I’ll turn you into a eunuch if you do.”

I smirk. “Possessive already, are you?”

“Since you’re taking away my basic human rights, keeping it in your pants is the least you can do.”

“Don’t worry about another woman touching what’s yours, wife. Fucking you is the only thought on my mind right now, and it’ll be for the rest of our marriage.” It’s not empty flattery or an attempt to appease her. The mere idea of cheating on my woman is as foreign to me as showing mercy to my enemies.

She snorts, disbelief written all over her face. “Liar.”

“I don’t lie.”

“That’s the first lie, Mr. Zirkhov,” she says sardonically. “You have weird habits.”

“I’d prefer if you called mehusband,but I’ll wait until you’re ready.” The word “husband” feels strange on my tongue, but I find I like it. A lot.

She shakes her head, giving me a tired look. “I assume this… madness is over?”

“You’re my wife already. The madness is just beginning,malyshka.”

“I’m exhausted,” she sighs, shoulders slumping in defeat. The sight tugs at something in my chest.

A gentle breeze sweeps her hair into her face, and I can’t resist reaching out to tuck the raven-black locks back behind her ear. “Go up and take a shower. I’ll join you when I’m done here.”

She doesn’t say a word as she turns and walks toward the entrance. I nod at Louisa, signaling her to go with Alya.

Once Alya is out of sight, Semyon joins me at my side. His eyes are fixed on the door she disappeared through. “I don’t know what’s going on in your head, but you’re playing a dangerous game.”

I chuckle, reaching into my pocket for my phone. “She’s a tiny woman, how dangerous can she be?” But even as I say the words, I know they’re a lie. Alya might be the most dangerous thing that’s ever happened to me.

With a hint of mischief, I dial Akim’s number. It’s time to let the old fox know that the game has changed. It rings once before he answers, but there’s no response on the other end.

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