Page 66 of Vulnerate

“You have to go outside.”

There’s pride and fear, the only emotions I’m capable of possessing as I do as he says. I don’t want him to be scared of shit, but it’s a natural instinct for protection.

Tali grumbles like a dick as he stands beside me. “I’m not giving it sugar cubes anymore.”

Inessa laughs lightly and prods my arm to get my attention, so I turn my head without looking away as Viktor gets on the horse. She wraps her arm around me and softly asks, “You okay?”

She’s normally a raging ball of sarcasm and orders and I nod without any conviction.

Dani plays her part perfectly, reiterating that she’s never done this shit before and she’s scared, so Viktor goes slower. Keeping one arm around him she smiles over the top of his head as they go round in circles and gratitude fills me. Vlad turns into his usual dickhead self when we all see that Viktor’s safe and that twisted smile pisses me off as much as his commentary.

“No tantrum, you’re growing up. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Prick.

My gratitude increases tenfold when they come to a stop and Dani convinces him to get down first.

“You have to help me. Show me how you get off the horse and I’ll copy you.”

She’s fucking perfect and doesn’t make him feel like he’s being watched. Turning to Tali, I ask the important question too late.

“How long was he out for?”

His brows come together, and he sits on the edge of the gate keeping his voice low, so no one hears.

“He didn’t pass out, he was embarrassed and kept asking for you. He just wanted you to make it better for him.”

TWENTY-SIX

Daniela

Every time I close my eyes all I see is the most terrifying people full of fear. The image hasn’t left my mind in the week that has passed, and I don’t think it ever will. Viktor wasn’t even injured but it’s their reactions that haunt me. There’s something about brutal bastards that fear no one getting scared, it makes anyone break.

I focus on work like I should be and push the thoughts away as I make another pass around the casino bar. I only have today left on site to finalize the concept for the new casino opening. Zenith is beautiful and I can’t stop staring as she moves towards me after leaving me to my own devices all day to get a feel for the space. It’s artistic appreciation, her skin tone is that deep rich brown that would look amazing next to jewels and I have even more ideas for the portrait her husband has commissioned every time I see her in different lighting.

Her smile is warm, and I want to blurt out all my ideas, but I manage to stop myself, so I don’t spoil her surprise. Focusing on why I’m here, I show her the designs for each table I’ve come up with.

“I can cast them all in resin so it’s easier to clean in case drinks are spilt on them.”

Her lips quirk and she nods, repeating what I said like there’s a joke I’m missing. “Yes, drinks. I like them. What do you have for the wall art?”

Showing her the renders so she can see the plans for the lights, I’m lost in what I’ve imagined when a man I’ve never met before comes in. The woman at his side automatically sours my mood, Lilah who was hanging off Val right in front of my face.Zenith looks at what’s got my attention and keeps her voice low, managing not to put me at ease despite her obvious intent.

“So, you’ve met my sister-in-law? Don’t worry, Khalilah is harmless. Mostly.”

The caveat chases away any comfort she was attempting to give me and the new guy lights up when he notices me. He smiles from ear to ear and the spotlights that are fitting above the bar glint off the stud in his nose as he comes to my side, holding his hand out. The first thing I notice are the busted knuckles, the second is Lilah rolling her eyes as he coos, “What’s your name, pretty girl?”

“Walk away from my woman, Zidane.”

I’m cut off by someone I did not fucking expect to be here. Val is in a suit. A very well-tailored, male equivalent of lingerie, suit. I’m too busy drooling that I don’t correct his claim and he wraps his arm around me, holding my hip with a possessive hand. It’s a dick measuring contest and he stares at the man, Zidane, as he presses his lips to my cheek. Unhappy with basically pissing on me, Val grabs my nape and roughly turns me to meet his lips. He doesn’t look at me as he takes the air from my lungs. I lean into him, holding on to the lapels of his suit jacket for my life and everything else has disappeared.

A low whimper gets trapped in my throat, feeling him hard against me. Then it stops, and I’m dropped back to Earth. I’m breathing heavy and my lips are tingling. His stormy eyes are locked on my face, and he strokes my bottom lip with his thumb before looking back at the audience I forgot about. Slow clapping adds to my embarrassment as Zidane laughs, “Beautiful performance but I get it, you’ve claimed her.” The cocky smirk gets wider as he gives me a once over then turns back to Valentin, asking, “Is she your wife?”

I’m not lost luggage at a fucking airport waiting to beclaimed, I’m a human being.

Val clearly knows who my clients are, and Zenith relaxes as she looks between us, pushing Zidane back like he’s her little brother. “I didn’t know you were with the Vartanov’s. I’ve been tip toeing around why we need certain things for no reason.”

Confusion fills me and Val has some silent communication that has her making a bullshit excuse to leave.

---