Page 76 of Viripotent

“What the fuck is she doing?”

Valentin’s voice pisses me off and I answer with calm I don’t feel.

“What you should.”

Pulling open the door with enough force to rip my shoulder out of its socket, the bastard I’m looking for stands smoking at the bottom of the steps. I’ve never been good at shooting, or knife skills, or any fighting really. Grandfather tried to teach me, and I missed every target.

But it doesn’t stop me as I unclick the safety and raise the weapon, aiming at Timo’s head. His jaw goes lax, and the cigarette falls to the floor. Heat covers my back as I pull the trigger. My aim is off, but it hits his shoulder, making him scream out. My deadly order is like a whip, pretending it wasn’t supposed to be a kill shot.

“If you so much as look in Viktor’s direction again, I’ll aim for your fucking head.”

I turn on my heel with my shoulders straight like my joint isn’t vibrating from firing and push the gun into Valentin’s chest. Vlad and Valentin are staring at each with a ‘what the fuck’ expression, but I’ve gotten my point across and resist the urge to rub my shoulder as I walk towards the kitchen.

Gentle fingers wrap around my bicep and pull me towards the office. Vlad doesn’t speak when he kicks the door closed, and he curls his palm over my sore shoulder, easing the ache. I step back, refusing to admit it or sink into the comfort and weaken myself. He crosses his arms over his chest and there’s hellfire staring back at me when I look up.

“Did he touch him?”

My anger morphs into disgust at the thought and I shake my head, betraying a little boy’s confidence.

“He told him he’s an annoying baby, and that’s why you all abandoned him.”

He relaxes at the lesser evil and takes a step forward, attempting to hide his amusement.

“You were aiming for his head and missed.”

I expected an argument over my actions, not an insult, the asshole. I try to play it off and hide my embarrassment, but I’m a liar to my own ears.

“I changed my mind at the last second and decided to give him a warning instead.”

Humming at my bullshit, he cups my nape and pride warms his icy eyes.

“Moya koroleva.”

Kissing my cheek, he pushes his hips against me, walking me back until I’m caged in between the wall and his hard body.

I’m dazed with him invading all my senses and nearly miss his asshole order.

“Don’t shoot anyone again, you tell me, and I won’t miss.”

I press my knuckles into his stomach, but he flexes, and I nearly drool. It doesn’t weaken my argument as I continue lying.

“I didn’t miss, I got his shoulder.”

He hums into my neck, sending waves of pleasure down my spine and presses his lips to the spot making me melt.

“You sore, meelaya?”

The gravelly whisper has me forgetting why I would be, and I curl my hand around his nape, feeling the short hairs above his nape prick my fingers.

I’m rubbing up on him like a cat, but I don’t care, and he doesn’t move away from me. He gently pulls my dress up and cups between my thighs with the same care. My wince is automatic at the extra pressure being applied despite the warmth soothing me. I hate it because he moves back and looks down at me. He cups my ass in both hands, then kisses my forehead and kneads my flesh.

“We’ll be in Moscow for two days. I won’t leave you, but I have business in Sankt Peterburg for one day and you can’t come with me.”

My smile reaches from ear to ear with finally being given the respect I deserve. I nod easily and he relaxes like he was bracing for any other reaction.

I don’t need to be in his every decision, I just need to be given the same attention he expects. If I was to go somewhere for two days, he’d demand to know where. This is the same, equals. Leaning up on my toes because I like this version of him, I kiss his cheek and act like the brat he says I am.

“Pack an empty suitcase, I’m going to be busy.” Tilting my head to the side as he smirks, I add, “Actually, I’ll just buy a new one.”

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