Page 80 of Cruel Russian King
I watched my husband interact with my brothers. And I couldn't help but wonder if it was just for show. But, as they continued to play I didn't see any hatred inArtyom's eyes towards my brothers, only amusement and fierce competitiveness.
When I got up to refill my drink, Jaroslav finally took the chance to approach me.
“Hey, Nins,” he said softly.
“Hey, Jay.”
I looked up at my larger-than-life underboss brother. Regret and guilt were etched across his face, expressions I had never seen on him before.
He leaned in and whispered, “I’m sorry. Artyom kidnapping you was my fault. I should’ve done a better job protecting you.”
“Jaroslav, I’m fine. I promise you.”
His eyes flicked to the table, where Zahkar was loudly trash-talking Yegor. “The Artyom sitting here isn’t the same one who taunted us for weeks about your well-being. Is this another trick of his?”
I slipped my hand into his. “He’s trying to be better. And since the kidnapping, he hasn’t laid a finger on me. He might be rougher around the edges than you and Lev, but he’ll never hurt me…just like you’d never hurt Vera or Lev…Katya.”
Jaroslav exhaled heavily before pulling me into a hug. “It doesn’t matter if you’re married, Nins. I’ll always worry about you.”
“I know. Because you’re an amazing older brother.”
He pulled back, a rare smile tugging at his lips. “That I am.”
Evie began to cry, and Jaroslav pressed a quick kiss to my cheek before going to his daughter. He gently took her fromVera’s arms, and the moment she settled against his chest, her fussing stopped.
I kept watching Artyom with my brothers, curiosity stirring. Had he truly called a truce with them this time? I couldn’t wait to ask him when we were alone.
Around nine, after what felt like a hundred family pictures, and lots of teasing and roaring laughter, Artyom announced that we were leaving. He must have noticed how tired I was; I’d been curled up against Mariya for the past fifteen minutes. He hugged the women, shook hands with the men, while I embraced everyone before he slipped an arm around my waist. His touch sent a jolt straight between my legs.
“Do you need company heading back?” Yegor asked.
“Ruslan is here with a few men,” Artyom replied. “But I do need to have a meeting with you, Zahkar, and Kira. I’ll come by tomorrow around ten.”
Yegor gave a short nod. “Sure thing.”
I gave everyone a little wave, and Katya flashed me two thumbs up with a sly wink. I couldn’t help the giggle that slipped out before Artyom’s hand pressed possessively against the small of my back, steering me out of the house and into the waiting car.
The instant he jumped in and the door shut, he caught my hand, his thumb caressing circles over my skin. Sparks lit up under my skin and I shifted in my seat as I moaned.
“Did you have fun, printsessa?” he asked hoarsely.
“I did,” I whispered, smiling. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
As we pulled out of the compound, I wanted to ask him if he’d truly put aside his vendetta with my family, if the feudwas finally over. But I didn't want to ruin our moment here after having such a great afternoon. Nor lose the warmth of his touch that I had been craving.
I leaned back in the seat and let my eyes close for a second when the frame of the car shuddered, creating a deafening ring in the contained space. My eyes flew open.
“What the fuck…” Artyom’s words cut off as the car hit something and lifted. Then the world turned upside down. Metal shrieked, glass cracked, my scream tore out of me as the car flipped three sickening times, before crashing down on its roof with a bone-rattling thud.
The acrid stench of scorched metal filled my nose. My head felt like it had been split open, too heavy to lift, my limbs felt sluggish and useless. I tried to call out, but only a strangled moan escaped.
Arms wrapped around me, hauling me close. But there was no soothing voice, no familiar scent of Artyom’s cologne. My pulse stuttered, panic clawing its way up my chest…
Then everything went dark.
Chapter 23 - Artyom
