Page 147 of Bratva Jewels Box Set
tense.
“You shouldn’t have.”
His words are like a bucket of ice water in the face. I let my hand drop at his tone and try to push him away from me, but he’s as solid as a mountain.
“Please move,” I ask as my humiliation takes hold. Such an idiot, Grace. The only men that want you are men who are fucked up assholes. You are only good enough to be a whore. No one will love you. You’re tainted.
“Move,” I scream at him as I try not to let the tears threatening to fall have their moment.
“Grace,” Maxim says my name softly.
No. I don’t want soft from him. Fuck him. Next thing I know my knee is connecting with his junk.
“Fuck,” he curses as he rolls to the side clutching his balls.
I’m able to slip past him while he’s distracted, and I hightail it out of there. As soon as I’m around the corner, I let the tears fall as I rush up the grand staircase toward my room. Slamming the door shut behind me, I lock it and fall into a crumpled heap as embarrassment and humiliation kick in.
There’s a rattle at my door as someone tries to get in.
“Grace, open up,” Maxim commands.
“Go away,” I yell back.
“Grace, please. Let me explain.”
“There’s nothing to explain. Now please, leave me alone.”
“I can’t,” he says softly through the door. “I’m sorry, Grace.”
“Nothing to apologize for,” I tell him, wiping the tears away.
“I …” Maxim starts but hesitates. “This … you … me … it’s confusing,” he confesses.
Oh.
“This wasn’t part of the plan.”
“What wasn’t?” I question him through my sniffles.
He’s quiet for a moment before speaking again. “You captivating me.”
I wasn’t expecting that.
“I’ve never felt something toward a mark before,” he confesses.
In his line of work, I can’t imagine that’s a possibility. “Is that why you don’t touch women?”
“You think I don’t kill women because I would want to fuck them?” he questions me in an annoyed tone.
Does that mean he wants to sleep with me?Focus, Grace.
“I don’t mess with women because it’s the right thing to do. Most women are pulled into this life because of some scum ass man, same with children. I’m not saying women can’t be villains, but they are few and far between.”
“Then I don’t get why me?”
I can hear Maxim let out a heavy sigh behind the door. It’s as if he is sitting on the ground right beside me and only the layers of wood are keeping us apart.
“You’re the first bright light to filter through my darkness. And I’m sick of standing in the darkness alone. I’m a selfish man, Grace. All I can think about is keeping you safe, and the only way I can do that is if you’re with me. I don’t think I can let you go.”
