Page 92 of The Payback

He doesn’t give me a chance to respond; instead, he gives in to the passion building between us. Our bodies entwine, our lips meeting in a fiery embrace that leaves me breathless. His emotion, always hiding beneath the surface, is pulled from his chest and laid bare for me to witness in this room. His admission is the spark that ignites, consuming me whole as our tongues tangle and our teeth clash.

As we pull away from each other, I know this is just the beginning of something more resounding and meaningful than anything we’ve experienced. Something that Nik should andwillbe part of if I have anything to say about it. Because while I wanted my payback and revenge, it’s clear my former partner has been punishing himself since the betrayal. And he’s been doing a far more thorough job than I ever could.

Maybe that vengeful streak isn’t in me. Or maybe I’ve changed somewhere along the way. And somehow, I’m okay with that, knowing he regrets his actions. He’s regretted hurting me for longer than I’ve wanted him to feel the sting of retribution.

After all, he knew what he was going to do that night. He knew, leading up to that night in the hotel room, he was about to betray me. And it was not as effortless for him as I’d assumed.

Dimitri’s love for Nik, despite their falling out—that I’m still in the dark about—and the suspicions about Danil’s murder outshine all of that. His begging for me to pick Nik and not give up on him speaks volumes about Dimitri’s loyalty to those he deems worthy.

And Nik is worthy, in his eyes.

I retake Dimitri’s lips, letting emotion pour through our connection. My gratitude for who this man is and everything he could stand for in the future, for showing me his true self, his studio, and the depth of his feelings for me.

Our bodies move together in perfect harmony, and something deeper takes root and grows between us. It’s the raw vulnerability that’s been missing in our marriage and can only be found through trust.

I know Dimitri is more than just a dangerous Bratva leader. He’s a complex and multi-faceted man with emotions and passions that run deeper than anyone could ever imagine, and it’s never been more palpable than in this moment as he presses into me, shattering my every wall and defence, letting me crumble around him.

I feel the weight of the past few months lifting off my shoulders as we give in to our desires, and he lifts me onto a table against the wall. This is not fucking. This isn’t the sex I expect from a man like Dimitri.

This is a claiming—a hope for a future. Making love with my husband as he makes room in our life for me to explore things with Nik. Dimitri’s eyes connect with mine, our foreheads pressed together as he unsheathes himself and slides my panties down my thighs. He steps forward, notching his head at my entrance, and slides home.

He rocks into me, thoroughly ravaging my body and never breaking eye contact as we move together; my hands fisted in his hair and his on my hips.

Pace slowing, Dimitri whispers to me about his paintings between kisses and thrusts, explaining the emotions he poured into each piece. He tells me about his frustration with the world, anger at the injustices he’s been subjected to and doled out, and longing for something more.

This feels like more than just our bodies twining together. It is a meeting of the minds, making it all the better.

“You are my light, Eleanor. The one thing that makes sense in a world that seems so dark and twisted.”

His hands are loving and gentle as he rocks into me, our breaths mingling between us as he grinds against me, setting me off as his fingers find my clit, giving me the release I desperately need. It feels like it goes on forever, and instead of closing my eyes at the sensation, I stare directly into his as he follows me over the edge.

My heart bursts with emotion. I’ve never felt this connected to anyone before, and the thought terrifies me and makes me feel like I’m flying.

And as we finally collapse in each other’s arms, our bodies spent and our emotions raw, I know this is just the beginning of our journey together. A journey that will be filled with passion, danger, and darkness but also with love, trust, and vulnerability.

Dimitri pulls a padded blanket from a heap in the corner and lays it on the floor. He guides me down, and it smells like his cologne. This is where he was sleeping when I needed space. It’s not horribly uncomfortable as he wraps his arms around me, cushioning my head with his pec.

As we drift off to sleep, our bodies entwined, I can’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. And I know that, together, Dimitri and I, and hopefully Nik, can conquer anything that comes our way.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE

Nikita

I returnto the apartment from my afternoon dealing with the twins, pissed I haven’t been able to crack their façade. It wasn’t too long ago that the three of us were working for Sergei and Dimitri, but with my alliances shifting, keeping my cards close to the vest hasn’t been the easiest of tasks.

Ivan and Aleksandr are firmly in camp Sergei, and it’s time for Dimitri to know the truth. I suspected it months ago, but the evidence has become more apparent as time passes. Perhaps Aleksandr feels that he must align with Ana’s father. And, of course, Ivan, being the dutiful twin that he is, followed his brother’s lead.

Today, for instance, should have been a simple exchange of information: logistics and the usual boring shit about the schedule. But with me tracking Sergei on my own, there have been things the twins haven’t brought in our weekly meetings that definitely should have been mentioned.

Like the fact that Sergei did indeed order the ship to set sail with his newest cargo aboard. I got that information from Maxim, the bodyguard currently assigned to the Petrov family, though as of late, I’ve only seen him with the wife, Maria.

Making this move is risky on Sergei’s part. Especially since Dimitri told him to wait to bring the girls over until they had buyers for all the cargo. Either Sergei is trying to cut Dimitri out, or he’s grown tired of Dimitri fucking with his planning.

The lift doors open, and I step into the foyer, not hearing a peep from either Dimitri or Ellie.

I know they haven’t left because the security system would have notified me. Poking my head into the living room and kitchen, I don’t find them. And I sure as fuck am not wandering upstairs to check their room. The last thing I want to see in my fucked-up mental state is him pounding into her from behind and that lust-drunk expression on her face, courtesy of another man.

Hoping against all hope that they are sitting quietly across from each other at Dimitri’s desk, I round the corner to the office.

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