Page 55 of Bound to the Bratva
I clench my fists, every muscle in my body coiled and ready to strike, but I force myself to follow her into the lavish foyer. The opulent surroundings only serve to fuel my anger—a glaring contrast to the modern, comfortable home I share with Aria.
Natalya leads me to a study, the warm glow of a fireplace casting flickering shadows across the elegant furniture. She perches on the edge of a plush armchair, crossing one long leg over the other as she regards me with an amused smile.
“Well, Maxim, I’m listening. The floor is yours.”
I take a step closer, my eyes narrowing as I study her. “Don’t play coy. You know why I’m here, Natalya. I want to know why you did it. Why did you try to have Aria killed? Is it because you wanted her place so badly?”
She lets out a soft, mocking laugh. “Why, Maxim, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Her gaze is coy, infuriatingly dismissive. “I would never do such a thing. Could you imagine? God, I’d be outcast within the community.”
My jaw tightens, fury simmering beneath the surface. “Don’t play games with me. I know the truth.”
Natalya leans back, tapping a crimson-tipped finger against her chin. “And what truth is that, hmm?” She tilts her head, a strand of blonde falling across her face. “That I tried to eliminate my competition to get what I truly deserve? If that’s a crime, so be it, but I will never apologize for doing what I need to ensure my power doesn’t die.”
The words catch in my throat, a red haze descending over my vision. Before I can stop myself, I’ve crossed the room, my hand closing around her delicate throat. “You went too far, Natalya,” I growl, my voice low and dangerous. “Aria is my wife. If you ever come near her again, I’ll fucking?—”
She raises a hand, cutting me off with a hushed whisper. “Shh, Maxim. Let’s not be hasty.” Her eyes glimmer with a sly calculation. “I'm sure we can come to some... mutually beneficial arrangement.”
I hold her gaze, jaw clenched, the urge to crush her windpipe nearly overwhelming. But then, a flash of Aria’s gentle smile, her warm embrace, stays my hand. I can’t—won’t—become the kind of man who harms a woman. Fuck, I just took Nikolai’s hand because he dared to touch Aria. Yet, Natalya tried to take her life…so I have to do something.
Slowly, I release my grip, stepping back. “This isn’t over, Natalya. Stay away from Aria, or I swear?—”
“Of course, of course,” she murmurs, rubbing her throat. “I understand completely.” Her lips curve into a sly smile. “Give my regards to your dear wife.”
There’s no denying her condescending tone. I can’t fucking do this. I grab her by the throat and slam her up against the study, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. “Careful, Maxim, I might enjoy what you’re doing to me.”
Grunting in disapprovement I release her. The last thing I’m going to do is give her something she wants.
Fuck being the kind of man who doesn’t hurt a woman. I’m a monster through and through, and nothing will change that.
Without a second thought, I pull my blade out from my inner jacket and jab it into her stomach, ensuring it goes exactly where I want it to—her uterus.
She gasps, shocked from my sudden action. “You tried to take something from me, and now I’m taking something from you. Don’t come near my wife again, or I will kill you.” ”
With a final, withering glare, I turn and stalk out, the sound of Natalya’s cries echoing through the halls of her family home.
I make my way outside, passing the guards and get in my car. There’s only one place I want to be right now—back home.
I make it back to our building in record time and head upstairs. The moment I walk through the doors and find Aria cuddled up on the couch, a blanket laying over her.
My heart clenches at the sight. She looks so peaceful, so innocent. Sometimes I think she’s unaware of the monster I really am. Sure, she’s seen parts, but she hasn’t seen all of it.
“Aria,” I call out, my voice low and husky. Her eyes flutter open and she blinks up at me sleepily.
“Maxim,” she murmurs, a sleepy smile spreading across her face. “You’re home.”
I love the way she’s looking at me. It’s like I make her entire world light up. Women from my past never made me feel like that. I think the only thing they ever saw was dollar signs because they knew I was rich.
“Yes, baby,” I say, crossing the room swiftly to gather her into my arms.
She squeals in surprise but quickly wraps her petite arms around me, burrowing her face into my chest. “I missed you. I didn’t mean to fall asleep, so I’m sorry.” she whispers.
“Why on earth would you apologize for that? You were tired, so I’m glad you got some sleep. I missed you too, you know.” I reply, burying my nose into her hair and breathing in her intoxicating scent.
Pulling back, I look down at her face. The faint traces of worry knit upon her brow worry me. I push back the fear that she might be worrying too much about all of this shit going on.
I capture her lips with my own as we make our way to the bedroom.
The moment our bodies hit the softness of the bed, her hands are on me, running up and down the hard planes of my back.
