Page 77 of Ruthless Bonds

The surrounding crowd clapped as the music played, and I groaned into his chest, knowing they were expecting us to dance.

He chuckled, brought my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles. “Patience,milaya.”

I let him lead me out onto the dance floor for our first dance, which turned into two, which then turned into me dancing with Dove, Margot, and Mira. As the evening progressed, I noticed Gavriil and some guests sneaking away into a back room for what I assumed were business meetings. But Kreos kept his promise, and all his attention stayed on me the entire night.

*** ***

It was well after dark by the time the limousine brought us through the iron gates of the estate. I gasped at the sight in front of us. Dozens of men lined the staircase that led to the mansion’s entrance, each wearing a silver-plated wolf mask with Slavic patterns carved into the metal. They all wore black suits with red gloves, and each held a drum in their hands.

“What is this?” I whispered to Kreos.

His chest puffed with pride as he took my hand and helped me out of the car. “They’re here to welcome their queen home.”

Kreos and I took our first steps up the stairs, and the drumming began, startling me. Each man beat their drum in perfect synchronization as we walked up the stairs, the sound vibrating through my entire body. It felt primal, powerful, like one giant heartbeat.

At every third step, the men’s voices rose as they shouted in unison, “Protect, honor our queen.”

Chills ran through my entire body, and I grippedKreos’ hand, hoping he wouldn’t let me go. The drumming became more intense as we got to the top, where a group of masked men kneeled, bowing their heads. “We pledge our lives to you, Mrs. Zokrova,” they chanted.

Kreos wrapped his arm around my waist, turning me to face the men lined down the stairs. “Welcome home,kotic,” he whispered into my ear, his voice full of pride.

As the front doors swung open, Kreos lifted me into his arms and carried me over the threshold. The drums erupted into a thunderous rhythm so loud I thought the entire mansion was shaking.

He took the stairs two at a time, and I couldn’t stop the laughter that spilled from my lips. When we reached our room, he kicked the door open, setting me down at the foot of the bed. My gaze followed him around the room as he shut the door and peeled off his suit jacket.

This was it. I was going to have sex. Nothing to be nervous about. It wasn’t like I hadn’t done this before.

Well, only once.

And it had been with him.

Oh, God, what if he was expecting an experienced lover? I mean, he hadn’t seemed to notice my lack of experience last time, but now… this was completely different. Sure, I’d fooled around before, but when you were focused on surviving and not being homeless, sex was the last thing on your mind.

“Kreos.” Butterflies danced in my stomach. “Um, just so you know, I haven’t really done this before.”

He quirked an eyebrow as he took off his cufflinks.

OK, I was going to have to spell it out for him.

I cleared my throat. “I’ve only had sex once.” Heat welled up from my chest to the tips of my ears. Could this be more embarrassing?

He froze, his eyes darkening as he processed what I said. “Only once? With me?”

I nodded, my hands balling into fists at my sides. “I just wanted you to know, in case… you know.”Please let the floor open up and swallow me.“In case you were expecting something… I’m not that experienced.”

He reached me in three strides. My eyes widened as he walked me backwards until my back pressed against the wall. His dark blue eyes searched mine—for what, I didn’t know, but there was a possessive look on his face that I’d never seen before. I shivered as a chill ran down my spine.

“Then I will be your one and only. Forever. In this life and the next.” His lips crashed against mine, our teeth and tongues colliding as he devoured my mouth.

He pulled back a moment later, pressing his forehead against mine. Our breaths mingled, both of us panting as we held onto each other. His finger grazed my cheek, down to my lips. “I will never let you go,milaya. You’re mine.”

Instead of answering him, I reached behind my back and tugged on the zipper of my dress. It fell with a whoosh at my feet. Next came my bra and panties. There was no feeling of shyness now, just need.

I reached up and unbuttoned his shirt. He watched me carefully as I undid each button, letting his shirt fall to the floor. I bit my bottom lip as I traced the muscles of his chest, down to his abdomen.

They had warned me he was a monster, the Devilhimself. But no one had warned me that the Devil could make your heart race with a single glance. That a few whispers into my ear could bring me to my knees.

I’d had a plan to use him so I could be free. But at that moment, that was the last thing I wanted. I held his gaze as I tugged at his belt and undid his pants. My nails dragged softly up his back as I pressed my lips over his heart, kissing the only place on his chest that wasn’t tattooed.

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