Page 65 of His Queen

"You are weak. You have already proven that."

Rose places her hand on my chest and shakes her head. She is right, this is enough. There is no point. We need to plan. I don't care what he says. I have never heard of him attacking a single Bratva member. He has no power or standing. Not with the Bratva and especially not with the women. The men don't even like him. This could all be a bluff. A bluff to hide his weaknesses.

"I don't think you are strong at all. I think you are weak. Weak because you can't handle the fact that we have something you don't. Love. A love that, no matter what, is real and true. It was real before you let that man harm her and marry her and it will always be there. And I will never leave her or disrespect her. Either way, this conversation is over. But don't think that your disrespect for my queen will go unpunished. You will answer all of this. Your time is running out. TikTok mother fucker."

I hang up the phone and look at her, brushing her hair from her face as I try to calm myself down.

"He will regret that someday."

"Someday soon. But for now, we need to make a plan. Demetrius will be here soon."

I have healed well and quickly, but I still have to be careful about how I move. I am still sore and healing, but none of that matters now. Rose's bruises and cuts have been healing nicely, and I know we will eventually have to deal with everything that happened mentally. I will be here for her. We will walk this path together, no matter what happens.

"Thank you, Vlad. You are always looking out for me. Even when I don't see it. Thank you."

"Always." I kiss her. I want to touch her so badly it hurts. But she will need to come to me. I will not touch her until she is ready. I refuse to cause her more pain.

Chapter 42

Rose

MyheartacheswheneverI think of him, and my want for him consumes me. The intensity of my desire is so overwhelming that it physically hurts. Every beat of my heart echoes the pain of wanting him so badly.

But doubts still creep in. We’ve been through so much, and I wonder if he still wants me after everything that has happened. He claims he does, but his actions show hesitation. It feels like he is constantly holding himself back as if there is an invisible barrier preventing him from fully embracing our connection.

His words might reassure me, but his guarded demeanor speaks volumes about how he might really feel. I catch glimpses of his longing, his genuine affection, but a layer of apprehension quickly masks them. It’s as if he fears getting too close.

I need him to open up so that we can get past everything and allow our love to flourish. I crave the reassurance that he still wants me as deeply as I want him. Despite the uncertainty, my desire remains unwavering. The pain of wanting him persists, refusing to fade away. I want him, but I am afraid that maybe he no longer feels the same way after what those men did to me, and I think that hurts more than anything else. Am I not wanted? I refuse to back down now. Either he wants me or he doesn’t.

"Vlad."

"Yes, my love."

"Make love to me. Please. Make love to me."

His eyes go wide. "Rose, I... are you sure?"

I nod. "I am very sure. I need to feel you. I need you."

He leans down and kisses me. His hands wrap around me, pulling me close. My heart pounds in my chest in anticipation. We almost lost each other. I need him so badly that my whole body vibrates with it. I have to feel him. I have to be with him. To know he is really here, and that he is safe. His tongue dances with mine and his hands move over my body.

"Rose, I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't. I promise."

"Just tell me if you need me to stop. Promise me."

I nod. "Just kiss me. I need you."

I love how he kisses me with need and dominance. His kiss grows more possessive and I can feel him harden against me. He kisses me and moves his mouth to my neck, biting and kissing his way down. He grabs the hem of my shirt and lifts it off of me.

"Rose, I need you so bad. Are you sure? I have wanted nothing as much as I want and need you," he murmurs.

I nod. "Yes, Vlad, I want this." I arch my body into his, needing the warmth and contact.

"I am going to take my time. I’m going to love every inch of your body. Show you how much I worship you. You are my entire world and when we have children, I will protect them and love them as well. I love you, Rose. You are the only one for me, and I will never let you go."

"Please, Vlad." I gasp when he takes my breast in his mouth. His mouth moves over my nipple and his hand caresses the other. "Vlad," I moan out his name.