Instead, he gives me a hard look. “You have to do what it takes to survive, Emma. This life isn’t one of morals and nobility. You know that now.”
It’s the hard truth with no sugar coating. “It’s not how I expected my life to be,” I say softly, “and it’s taking some getting used to.”
Aleksandr nods in understanding. “It’s not easy, the transition into this life. But you’re strong, Emma. Stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
I look away, feeling a sudden wave of emotion wash over me. “I don’t feel strong,” I admit quietly.
He puts a gentle hand on my shoulder, his touch reassuring. “You stood up to your sister, Emma. You refused to let her manipulate you any further. That takes courage.”
I nod slowly, taking in his words. “I don’t want to be like them, Aleksandr. I don’t want to be ruthless and cold.”
“You won’t be,” he says firmly.
He presses a kiss to my cheek. “We’re going to let Alina go soon,” he reveals.
“What? How?” I’m surprised, confused.
Aleksandr explains, “It’s our way of making peace. A truce with the Frostbite.”
I can’t help but smile. “I’m going to miss that little kid.”
He looks at me, a hint of sentiment in his eyes. “I kind of will, too.”
“Does this mean, you don’t need me anymore?” The question slips out before I can stop it.
He gives me a look, a sly smirk playing on the side of his mouth. “Are you kidding me? You’re just getting started, Emma. There’s so much you can do. So much we can do together.”
I feel a thrill of excitement at his words, a sense of belonging I’ve never felt before. “What do you have in mind?”
He leans in closer, his voice low and suggestive. “Dmitri and Nikolai are outside right now.”
He presses a soft kiss to my neck. I feel the warmth spreading through my body. “And…?” I ask.
“They aren’t allowed to come in here, to see you, but I want them to hear you.”
“Hear me?”
Aleksandr’s hands slide around my waist, pulling me in closer. “I want them to hear you scream my name.” His words are a seductive promise, his eyes meeting mine in a heated gaze.
I feel a rush of desire, the excitement building within me. To give in to Aleksandr’s suggestion would mean fully embracing this new life, and all that it entails.
Well, why not, I think to myself. Life is short. And I’ve already come this far.
I lean in for a kiss, my body pressing into his.
As our lips meet, Aleksandr pulls me onto his lap, his hands moving to caress my body. I can feel the hardness of his erection pressing against me, and it sends shivers down my spine. I break the kiss for a moment to catch my breath, but Aleksandr doesn’t let up. He trails kisses down my neck, nipping at my skin with his teeth.
“Say it,” he whispers in my ear. “Tell them who you belong to.”
I know what he means. He wants me to scream his name while Dmitri and Nikolai listen outside. It’s a dangerous game, but it’s also exhilarating. I want this as much as he does.
I turn my head to look at him, and he nods, giving me permission to let go.
I lean back, arching my body as Aleksandr’s hands roam over me. “Aleksandr!” I scream as loud as I can.
He takes my mouth in another searing kiss, his fingers digging into my flesh. I’m barely aware of anything except the sensations running through me. My body feels alive and electric under his touch.
“Good girl,” he whispers as his lips run over my collarbone. His breath is hot against my skin.