Page 27 of Twisted Vows

We fought on, our movements a blur of speed and precision. The Armenians fell before us, their bodies crumpling to the ground like discarded dolls. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the gunfire ceased. The air was thick with smoke and the acrid scent of blood, the only sounds the ragged gasps of our men as they caught their breath.

Malachi and I stood victorious, our weapons still at the ready. The Armenians lay scattered around us, their bodies having fallen to the bratva’s might.

I turned to Nika, my heart pounding in my chest as I took in her trembling form. She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and relief.

“Are you hurt?” I asked, my voice hoarse from the smoke and the adrenaline that still coursed through my veins.

She shook her head, her lips trembling as she whispered, “No, I’m... I’m okay.”

I reached out to her, brushing my fingers against her cheek in a gesture that was both tender and possessive. “You’re safe now,” I said, my voice a low rumble that promised retribution for those who had dared to threaten her. Sharp pain shot through my arm where the bullet had gone through, but I gritted my teeth and pushed back the awareness for now.

Malachi put his arm around her shoulder to offer a comforting embrace. As I gazed into the depths of Nika’s blue eyes, I vowed I would do whatever it took to keep her safe, even if it meant sacrificing everything I had ever known.

Chapter Twelve – Nika

My heart raced as I led Malachi and Rurik into my apartment. The adrenaline from the firefight still coursed through my veins, but now it mixed with something else, something I couldn't quite put my finger on.

Malachi's hand rested gently on the small of my back, guiding me through the doorway. Rurik, his left arm cradled against his chest, wincing with each step. I bit my lip, worry gnawing at me.

"Rurik, you need to go to the hospital," I said, turning to face him as we entered the living room.

He shook his head, dark hair falling into his eyes. "No hospitals. They'll ask too many questions."

I glanced at Malachi, who gave a curt nod. "He's right. We can't risk it."

Swallowing hard, I nodded. "Okay. Let me get some supplies."

I rummaged through my bathroom cabinet, gathering gauze, antiseptic wipes, and medical tape. When I returned to the living room, Malachi had helped Rurik onto the couch, propping his arm on a pillow.

"All right," said Rurik, his voice strained. "Let's do this."

I knelt beside the couch, my hands shaking as I unwrapped the bloodied cloth from around his bicep. The wound was an ugly, jagged hole oozing crimson. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

"First, we need to clean it," I said, my voice wavering only slightly. I tore open an antiseptic wipe and gently dabbed at the wound. Rurik hissed, his jaw clenched tight. I glanced up at Malachi, who stood behind the couch, his hand resting on Rurik's shoulder.

"You're doing great, Nika," he said, his voice low and soothing.

I nodded, focusing on the task at hand. Once the wound was clean, I carefully packed it with gauze, then wrapped it tightly with medical tape. Rurik's breathing had evened out, the pain etched on his face slowly fading.

"There," I said, sitting back on my heels. "That should hold until you can get proper medical attention."

Rurik gave me a weak smile. "Thanks, Nika."

I returned the smile, then looked up at Malachi. His gaze held mine for a moment, something unspoken passing between us. Without a word, he reached down and pulled me to my feet.

He led me to the bedroom, his hand warm and strong in mine. My heart pounded as he held me, the click of the latch echoing in the silence as Rurik closed it behind him when he followed us in.

"Nika, do you want both of us to take you, solnyshko? Are you sure about this?"

I nodded, my throat suddenly dry. "Yes. I want this. I want both of you."

A slow smile spread across Malachi's face as he pulled me into his arms. His lips found mine, the kiss deep and hungry. I moaned, responding to his touch in a way I'd never felt before.

I took a deep breath as Malachi and Rurik surrounded me, their strong hands caressing my body. My heart raced with anticipation and nerves. I'd never been with two men before, let alone for my first time, but there was something about them that made me feel safe, cherished even.

Malachi's lips found mine, his kiss deep and possessive. His hands roamed my curves, while Rurik's fingers traced a path up my thigh, teasing the edge of my panties.

Malachi's eyes darkened with desire as he guided me to the bed. He gently laid me down, then stripped off his shirt, revealing his muscular chest. Rurik followed suit, his lean body a stark contrast to Malachi's bulk.

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