Page 64 of Cruel Russian King
I didn’t say a word. I just threw myself into her arms, and she stumbled onto the ground into a sitting position. I curled into her lap and she held me tight, murmuring soothing words to me.
When I finally pulled back, she cupped my face. “I missed you so much. I’m so happy to see you.”
“I’m happy to see you too.”
“And I hope you’re happy to see us,” came Vera’s gentle voice.
I turned, finding her and Katya standing together, hands clasped, eyes full of worry.
Mariya helped me to my feet, and I rushed to embrace them. “Of course, I’m happy to see you. You’re my sisters.”
Vera guided me to the sofa, to sit next to Mariya, and I rested my head on her shoulder. Across from us, Kira, Vera, and Katya pulled chairs around us in a semi-circle.
“Nins, how are you really? Did he hurt you?” Mariya asked softly.
“He hasn’t hit me, if that’s what you mean. But…one moment he’s cruel, and the next he’s…nice. Like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”
“Cruel how?” Vera asked, lifting a brow. “Does he do it to make you cry? To get off on it? Or is he cruel by threatening you so you'll do what he says?”
I thought about it. Every time Artyom had wanted me to do something he'd threaten to be cruel. The only cruel thing he had done was whip Ruslan naked in front of me, so I’d never sneak out again.
“The latter,” I admitted quietly.
Vera nodded, as if she’d expected that. “And when he’s nice?”
My face flushed when I remembered how his hands felt on my bare skin in his car, when we were trapped in the closet of the art gallery and when I woke up in his arms.
“He…takes care of me.”
“Are you afraid of him?” Mariya asked, tilting my chin so I had no choice but to meet her eyes.
“Sometimes…” my voice trailed off. “I’ve never been around someone who can just flip like that. It feels like I’m always walking on eggshells with him. But what else should I expect? Artyom hates me.”
“I don’t think he hates you,” Kira murmured, sliding onto the couch beside me. Her hand settled warmly on my thigh. “I think he’s fighting his own feelings. Artyom has never cared for anyone when they were sick. And yet, when you passed out at the event, he stayed with you.”
My eyes flickered wide at Kira’s words before I quickly masked it.
“Lev told me about that,” Katya said softly. “How are you feeling now?”
“I’m fine. It was just a stomach bug.”
Vera narrowed her eyes at me suspiciously, but didn't say anything. I squirmed under her stare.
“Jaroslav was furious when Artyom refused to take their calls to ask about you. I’m glad you’re okay. They’re going stir-crazy wondering if he’s treating you right,” Vera said.
“And we’re all pissed he fractured the union between our families,” Mariya added bluntly. “Avit isn’t even speaking to Jaroslav. When he found out Jaroslav had kidnapped Vera, he feared Artyom might do the same to one of us. Ninel, if we don’t mend the cracks in our faction, it’ll be up for grabs sooner rather than later. A house divided can’t stand. You have to find a way to talk to Artyom. We need to fix this.”
“Ninel is pregnant,” Kira blurted out.
“Kira! No! How could you?” I jumped off the sofa.
Mariya stood as well, eyes wide. “Ninel, is it true?”
“Kira…Artyom said…” My throat closed up; I couldn’t get the words out.
“Ninel, they need to know. They’ve been where you are, they can help you. Zahkar already killed the sound on the cameras, we’re safe. And none of you are going to say anything to the guys, are you?” Kira’s gaze darted between Vera, Katya, and Mariya.
“If Artyom finds out you know, or worse, the guys, he said he’d sell Kira to the highest bidder. Whatever happens in his house stays in his house.” My eyes danced frantically between my sisters.
