Page 10 of The Bratva's Weakness

“While I know you’ll be amazing, I’m saying no. Tonight was all about you, baby. Let me earn the rest.”

“Okay,” I say, feeling thoroughly worshipped and equally exhausted.

“Let me get you cleaned up,” James says as he kisses my forehead. He rises with me in his arms and carries me through the house. At my direction, he finds my room and gently places me on the bed before heading into the bathroom and shutting the door behind him. He returns a few minutes later, pants noticeably less strained.

He cleans my core with a warm washcloth and gently presses a light kiss to my center before tossing the cloth in the hamper.

He pulls the sheets back and then covers me, tucking me back in.

“Are you going to stay?” I ask, as he stands above me and strokes a hand through my hair.

“If you want me to,” he says, smiling down at me like I’m the most precious thing in the world.

“I do.”

“I’ll do whatever you want me to, baby,” he says as he removes his pants and places them on the chair over mine, leaving him only in a pair of navy-blue boxer briefs.

He rounds the bed and slides in beside me, pulling me into his arms. I can hear him inhaling my scent.

“Perfect,” he repeats again, and before I know it, I’ve drifted off into the best sleep I’ve had in years.

***

The next morning, after having breakfast together, we’re in the car heading back to James’ place.

“Work is light today so how about we go shopping for those underwear I promised you?” he says, a wicked gleam to his eye.

“I’m supposed to be working for you, James,” I remind him.

“I know, and you will help me. But time together is more important than that.” When put that way, it’s hard to resist him. So instead of insisting otherwise, I let myself enjoy this new relationship.

Once we get to his place, he promptly runs off to change and I can hear him on the phone from where I lounge on his bed.

“What the hell! We had a deal, and now you’re going back on your end. Do you know what happens to people who break deals with me?” I’ve never heard his voice sound so deadly. Though I don’t know the specifics of his business, I know he’s a crime lord, doing business with others of the same nature. But hearing it feels different than knowing it.

What if I’m wrong? What if I’m in over my head?I think. My palms grow sweaty, and I slide off the bed, needing to pace. Butthen James appears, phone nowhere to be found, with a strained smile directed at me.

“I suppose you heard?” he asked, eyes dark and mouth in a thin line.

I nod, until to speak, unsure of his reaction. But I’m surprised as he sighs and runs a hand down his face, looking weary.

“Are you scared of me?” he asks.

I look into his eyes, feeling the deep attraction that pulled me to him in the first place. I think of how he’s taken care of me, worshipped me, and I shake my head.

“Let’s go shopping,” I say, realizing he needs this more than I do.

Not long after we step into the first lingerie store, James and I are in the dressing room, and I’m surrounded by panties, bras, and sexy lingerie sets. James insisted he needed to vet my options. As I prepare to try on the first set, his phone rings with an unknown caller. He hesitates but denies it.

“I am your secretary, you know,” I tell him. “I can take your calls.”

“No,” he says sharply. “I won’t let you speak with these people.”

“James-” he cuts me off by pushing me against the wall, his hand right below my throat. I swallow, alarmed and aroused all at once. His hand creeps up to the side of my neck, applying slight pressure.

“I said no, baby. Not these people. Can’t let my baby anywhere near them.” His voice has taken on an almost animalistic quality.

“You don’t command me,” I tell him, but my breathless words give away the lust I’m feeling. My nipples are peaked and my panties are soaked; I shouldn’t be turned on, but I am. His possession takes my breath away.

---