Page 13 of Claimed By Shadows

“Yes, Sir,” I reply, watching as his nostrils flare.

He doesn’t take his eyes off me as I reach for some kind of small pastry, watching as I bite into it, the tart flavour of feta cheese and herbs washing over my tongue. My cheeks heat at the hunger in his eyes as I lick the crumbs off my lips, a pleasurable shiver racing across my skin. I may not be ready to have sex with Nik, or anyone, but that doesn’t mean that my body and mind don’t crave his worshipping touch.

We sit there for what feels like a long time, the party growing more raucous around us. I swear I can hear people fucking, and I saw who I’m pretty sure was an MP forcing his dick down a girl’s throat earlier when I looked up from my meal. It was enough to sour my appetite, making the food I’d already eaten swirl in my stomach.

Nik was right, it feels like anyone important in the world is here and that terrifies me. Although, many men came over to talk to Nik, and I watched as he charmed them, convincing them that he is someone of note. I mean, he is the heir to this corrupt empire, but it was more than that. I saw more than one man look at him with respect, shake his hand, and arrange future meetings. Many of those who visited our alcove didn’t appear to be taking part in the debauchery that surrounds us, and it makes me wonder how many are on Nik’s side? How many of these men would be happy with Nik taking over, might help him to eradicate Sergi?

Before I can ask him, Sergi is at our table, looking down at me with lust shining in his eyes.

“Time for bed,Kukolka,” he states, holding out his hand, and Nik stands, helping me to my feet even as his nostrils flare, the tightness around his eyes telling me he hates this as much as I do.

“I’ll see you later,Dorogaia,” he whispers as I pass by him, his fingers brushing mine, the only comfort he can give me.

“Nikolai, make sure the guests are well cared for,” Sergi orders, and Nik nods as his father leads me away, towards the room where my worst nightmares live.

CHAPTER EIGHT

“I DON’T WANNA LIVE FOREVER (FIFTY SHADES DARKER)” BY ZAYA, TAYLOR SWIFT

IRIS

The day of the poker game dawns, and as usual, I have breakfast with Sergi and Nik before heading back upstairs to get ready for my daily walk with Nik. There’s a fluttery, empty feeling in my stomach, despite the fact I just ate. I can’t deny that excitement runs through me at the possibility of leaving the estate, even if it’s to be shown off to greedy men who may be worse than Sergi. Nik will be there, so I won’t be alone.

Dima is waiting as I open the door, and like usual, he walks behind me as I descend the stairs and make my way outside. My heart gives a jolt at the sight of Nik, his dark grey shirt open at the neck and rolled at the sleeves, showcasing his ink. The other night, he confessed that he got some done while serving time in prison back in Russia and that many relate to specific crimes that he committed, that they’re like badges of honour, to be earned and garner respect. He wouldn’t tell me what thosecrimes were and I didn’t push because I want to live in the here and now, not the past.

“You look beautiful,Kotenok,” he whispers as I come up alongside him.

I glance down at my navy pantsuit and wrinkle my nose as we start walking. “It’s not what I would choose.” The bright day dims as the sun disappears behind a cloud, Nik’s fingers brushing my own as we stroll through the gardens towards the woodland.

“I know,Dorogaia.” He sighs, the shade of the trees surrounding us in their peaceful embrace as we enter the woods. His fingers tangle with mine, the warmth of his hand seeping into me and lending me strength. “But you’d look stunning in anything...or nothing.”

My cheeks flush, remembering the way he made me cry out his name last night, his tongue buried deep inside me. It may seem strange, but his visits after Sergi really do help me to at least push the trauma to one side. They allow me to focus on him and go some way to replace his father’s unwanted touch with his gentle one.

We walk for a few moments in silence, Nik leading us deeper into the woods than we’ve gone before, Dima and Andrei behind us. Then Nik pulls me up short, turning to face me, his eyes tracing all over my face.

“I have a surprise for you,Malyshka,” he tells me, his voice soft as he uses his other hand to reach into his pocket.

My brows furrow as he pulls out a phone, then swipes over the screen, the sound of a FaceTime call jarring against the noise of the forest.

“Hunter Anderson,” Hunter’s deep voice answers, and my breath stills inside my chest, my eyes burning as Nik turns the phone so I’m looking at the screen.

“Hunt?” The word is a whispered sob as I drink him in. He looks tired, dark circles under his eyes, which are a little bloodshot, as if he hasn’t been sleeping well.

His lowered brows rise, his eyes widening as he takes in my face.

“Fuck, Peaches,” he chokes out while mapping my face as he looks at me, assessing. “Shit, you’re a sight for sore eyes, baby.”

Hot tears drip down my cheeks, my body trembling as I just stare at him.

“Who’s that?” Roman asks, coming into shot behind Hunt, who looks like he’s sitting at his desk in the flat. I almost laugh as Roman’s eyes bulge and he practically pushes Hunter aside, grabbing the phone. “Princess, fuck, is that really you?”

“Hi, Ro,” I murmur, noticing how tired he looks too.

“Rowan!” he yells, never taking his eyes from me, Hunt off to one side, his own eyes fixed on my face.

“What?” Rowan rushes into view, stopping the moment he registers it’s me. “Lamb.” There is a multitude of feeling in that one word. Pain, longing, and heartache all mixed in with a hope that I dared not feel until this moment.

“Hey, Roo. How are you?” I ask, my years of finishing school training kicking in and forcing the politeness from me.

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