Chapter 9

Dmitry

I sit in my office for an hour staring into space while I swill a half-drunk whiskey in my glass. There's definitely an improvement in her mood—she didn't break anything, unless you count my face. I scrub my hand over my cheek and smile at the sting she left there.

There's a knock on the door and Marshall enters. He looks unsure, but I give a small smile, letting him know I'm not about to break his bones again. I point to the seat opposite me, and he carefully lowers into it, wincing. "Still in pain?" I ask.

"Nothing I didn't deserve, sir. What can I do for you?"

"Victoria," I mutter, staring down into my glass.

"I called Nik, and he agreed for her to see Harriet," he declares, looking panicked. I frown slightly, but I don't bother letting on that Nik never relayed it to me. I was so busy ranting about my father when I got in the car, maybe he didn't get a chance.

"Go on," I urge.

"She was upset."

"About?"

"A picture. Apparently, she received one of you and Vivian together."

"You didn't see it?" He shakes his head. "So, you decided to take her to see Harriet?"

He shakes his head again. "She asked, Boss."

I frown, hardly believing that Victoria asked for help. "She just asked?"

"Not at first. She packed a bag and threatened to leave."

I almost smile as that sounds more like my krasota . "But you wouldn't let her?" I guess.

"I told her I wasn't ready to die."

I laugh. "Thank you, Marshall. Go and get some rest. I'm sure she will need you tomorrow."

Once he's gone, I drain my glass and head up the stairs. I pause outside the bedroom and listen. There's no movement, so I pull out my phone and bring up the security camera. She's sitting by the window. I try the door and see her glance at it in alarm. "Victoria, let's talk." She doesn't reply. "Please." When she still doesn't reply, I drag my wary self to the bedroom next door. I haven't slept without her since the night she killed her brother—unless you count the one night we were mad at one another—and I hate that she's forcing me to do it now.

I have a restless sleep and decide to give up around six a.m. Thinking a run will clear my head, I go down to the office and pull out some shorts. I find Nik out front warming up, and he smirks when he sees me. "Haven't seen you at this hour for some time."

I shrug, pulling my leg back to stretch. "I need it after that dinner last night."

We set off together, heading up the drive towards the gate. "Speak with Leo, but even if you're right and this is purely to keep you close, so what? You make some more money, and it keeps him off your back."

"Having businesses here implies he's thinking of spending more time here. Why would he do that when I'm here like we agreed?"

"It's just opportunity, I'm sure. If Vivian's father hadn't met an untimely death, this wouldn't have happened."

I side-eye him. "So, you're saying it's my fault?"

He grins. "I'm saying you wouldn't have this stress if you hadn't lost your cool."

"And you're trying to say I wouldn't have lost my cool if Victoria hadn't been around?" Everyone seems to be having a pop at Victoria.

"If that's what you want to take away from this conversation." He laughs, shrugging.

"Don't you start too, Nik. It's bad enough with my father and Vivian. I know she's fiery, but it's what I like. And whatever your opinion, it doesn't count."

He holds his hands up. "I'm not paid to give my opinion, Boss."

"Damn right," I mutter, and I push off harder, taking the lead.

We get back two hours later, after throwing in a gym session. I go straight upstairs and try the bedroom door, surprised when it opens.

Victoria is wrapped in a towel with one foot on the bed while she rubs lotion into her skin. My eyes linger there for a second. She doesn't bother to look in my direction, and after a minute of me standing in the doorway, I sigh. "You can't ignore me forever."

She slams the lid closed on the lotion and places it on her dresser. Then she takes a seat and grabs her hairdryer, blasting it over her wet hair. I roll my eyes and head into the shower. When I return ten minutes later, I catch her eyes following me in the mirror. At least my nakedness still affects her. "I didn't tell you Vivian was there because it wasn't important."

"It was to me," she says stiffly while running her brush through her hair.

"It would have been another argument that I didn't have time for." She slams the brush down and stands, heading for the walk-in wardrobe. "I own half her bar," I add. "Last night was a business dinner, that is all."

"And for business you have to kiss her? Touch her?" She throws some clothes on the bed then digs out her underwear from her drawer.

"I didn't."

"I saw you," she snaps.

"Show me," I demand, placing my hands on my hips. "Show me the damn picture."

She looks to the ground. "I don't have it. I broke my phone."

"Convenient," I mutter.

"Someone sent me a picture," she yells. "I'm not lying."

"I never said you were."

"But you're implying it. How else would I know you were with her?"

I shrug, already tired of this pointless discussion. "A lucky guess."

"She was wearing a black dress," she says, arching a brow like she's proved her point.

"Dark green," I correct, and she frowns.

"Then the lighting made it look black, but your fucking attention to detail is impeccable."

I rub my forehead in frustration. "We can't keep going over this, Victoria. Grow up." Hurt fills her expression as she presses her lips into a tight line, and I sigh heavily. "There is nothing going on between Vivian and I anymore. My word should be enough. Now, let that be an end to this."

She pulls on her dress, leaving the bra on the bed. Then she snatches the knickers and heads for the door. "You're a prick, Dmitry."

I growl, leaning out the doorway and watching her stomp away. "Put your fucking underwear on, Victoria."

She screws the lace into a ball and throws it back over her shoulder, continuing on down the stairs.

I dress quickly in my usual suit attire and head downstairs to find Victoria sitting at the large dining room table, eating a pastry and staring down at a newspaper. I take her underwear from my pocket and drop it onto the table next to her plate. "You forgot these."

She eyes them. "You usually like me to forget underwear."

"When you're with me. Today, you're not."

"And what are your plans for today, Dmitry? Any ‘men only' dinners?"

I smirk. "And so it continues."

"For the record, I'm attending an ‘all girls' brunch."

I clench my jaw in annoyance, unable to stop myself falling into her trap. "With whom?"

She grins, satisfied I'm playing another of her games. "Oh, I didn't think we had to name names. It's not important, right?"

I bend closer, placing my mouth at her ear. "Maybe I'll lock you in the dungeon, Victoria. That way, I get to keep you to myself for an entire day."

She scoffs. "Can you fit me into your busy schedule? You must have the stamina of a horse, with two women to please."

I place my hand in her hair, entangling it and tipping her head back so we're eye to eye. "How many times do I need to say it? There is only you. And as for stamina, you keep up very well, I have no need to look elsewhere." I pull her to stand, and she winces when I tug harder. I turn her and bend her over the table, slapping my hand against her backside. "I'm exhausted by your accusations." Running my hand up her thigh, I bring her dress over her backside. "And quite frankly, I'm bored." I slap her arse three times in quick succession.

I take a seat on her chair and release my erection, fisting it while I run my fingers through her wetness. "Sit," I order, and she does, lining herself up with my cock and slowly pushing onto me as I grip her waist. It doesn't matter how many times we do this, it still feels fucking amazing.

I slide my hands up the front of her dress, cupping her breasts while she fucks me. "I'm still mad at you," she pants.

I grin, standing and pushing her over the table. "Then you won't come," I say, slamming into her to chase my release.

"Dmitry," she cries, gripping the edge of the table.

"You will not come, Victoria," I repeat, then I still, shuddering as I empty inside her. Her hand slips between her legs, and I snatch it away, holding it against the table. "Defy me and face the consequences."

"Please, Dmitry, I need it."

"And I need you to stop being mad about things that aren't important."

Tori

Dmitry pulls from me, keeping one hand at the small of my back so I can't move from the table. Why did I have to open my stupid mouth and piss him off? He runs his other hand between my legs, and I shudder as his fingers brush my swollen clit. He rubs his cum into my inner thighs, waiting until my skin has absorbed him before letting me go.

I shove my dress back into place and take my knickers from the table. "It's a mistake," I mutter, pulling them on.

"And why is that?" he asks, a smirk on his face.

I arch a brow, heading for the door. "Because you're sending me out there pissed off, horny, and in need of a release." I glance back, and his smirk has faded. I grin. "Have a great day, honey," I whisper sweetly.

I'm almost out the door by the time he catches up, grabbing my wrist. "You're being unreasonable," he argues.

I snatch it free and glare at him angrily. "No, Dmitry, you are. How dare you tell me how to feel, like I'm not valid in feeling pissed you lied to me?—"

"I didn't lie," he cuts in.

"You said men only. Unless that whore got a sex change, she isn't a man. So, yes, Dmitry, you lied. And when I tell you I'm upset that you lied, you try to fuck me into submission." I feel my emotions trying to spill over and I take a few steps away, noticing that Marshall is waiting by the car. "And you also tell me my reaction isn't grown up enough to have you justify why you lied. I'm doing what Harriet said I needed to, by trying to talk to you instead of screaming." I inhale sharply. "And it doesn't work. So, now, I'm going to see my friends, because if I spend another minute in your presence, all her hard work will go to waste."

He stuffs his hands in his pockets, which I suspect is so he doesn't grab me again as I head down the steps. "Tori, please don't go like this," he mutters, and I'm glad he has the decency to look hurt because I am too. His father's car rolls to a stop, and he groans. "You don't even have a phone," he adds. "How will I contact you?"

Marshall pulls open the car door. "You won't." I get in, slamming the door closed.

I watch as Dmitry and Marshall exchange words before Marshall gets into the driver's seat. He fixes me with a stare in the rearview mirror. "No funny business."

I resent the way he assumes I'll be trouble. "I'm meeting the girls for lunch," I tell him. I'm about to reel off the bar I'd previously arranged to meet everyone at, but he cuts me off.

"The boss wants us to stop at the phone shop first. He'd like you to get a new phone."

I roll my eyes. "Of course, he would."

We drive for twenty minutes before Marshall slows to a stop in the car park of a mobile phone shop. "I'll wait here," I mutter. He gives a small laugh before shaking his head and getting out the car. "Radio," I add, and he sighs heavily, dipping his head back in to put the keys in the ignition so the music continues. If he assumes I'm going to be trouble, he should have thought that one through.

I wait until he's inside the shop before climbing into the front of the car and igniting the engine, but I don't wait to see if he's spotted me before I wheel spin out of there. I press the call button on his phone that still sits in the cradle.

"Tell me you've not lost her already," says Dmitry, his tone bored.

I grin. "Hey, sweety," I coo in a sickening voice. I imagine the way he's frowning right now, trying to understand why I'm calling him off his man's phone. "New rules."

"Victoria, where is Marshall?"

"I want some ‘me' time at least once a month." Another driver beeps me as I pull in front of him, and I give him the middle finger.

"Victoria," he barks, and I hear the panic in his voice, "where are you?"

"And for the record, this is not Marshall's fault."

He growls. "I believe it wasn't his fault before, it makes no difference."

"But this time, I hold the cards."

He laughs, and it's cold. "And what makes you think that? Jesus, you've been gone less than half an hour and you're already causing chaos."

"If you touch a hair on Marshall's head, I'm leaving you."

"Sure," he says, sounding amused.

"I didn't unpack my bag from last night," I warn. "I'm done letting you threaten me. If you want to lash out, I'll see you in the dungeon when I get home."

He sighs heavily. "And when will that be, my krasota ?"

I smile wide. "When I fucking feel like it." I disconnect the call and laugh out loud.

I find a parking spot at the shopping centre. I know Dmitry has trackers on all his cars, so he'll already have Nik or someone equally as annoying on their way to find me. But for once, I'm one step ahead.

I spend the next twenty minutes rushing through the centre, disappearing in the crowds just in case Nik's hanging around. Then I head out onto the high street. I take my time dipping in and out of shops before grabbing a cab and heading to the spot we'd arranged brunch.

It's another half-hour before Nell and Ivy arrive, followed ten minutes later by Phoebe. I notice she's looking a little better. She's even put on makeup.

We spend some time catching up. It's been too long since we did this, and so much has happened since we last spoke. I fill them in about Dmitry, seeing as that's the main topic everyone seems to want to know about.

"I can't believe your luck," says Nell wistfully. "When you tried to pull him in Kat's before, we had bets on him fucking and chucking."

I scowl playfully. "Hey, he knew a good thing when he saw it."

"And his ex?" asks Phoebe. "Is she out of the picture for good?"

My heart stutters at the thought of Vivian. "She's the last thing I want to talk about," I say, waving my hand to grab the passing waiter's attention. "Prosecco," I order. "Two bottles, please."

So, two bottles turned to five, followed by afternoon cocktails and not much brunch at all. And I am definitely feeling the buzz of the alcohol as it fills my body.

Being with the girls is fun. It's easy and relaxed. And for once, Phoebe hasn't mentioned my brother. But I miss Dmitry, and my drunken brain is finding it harder to push the intrusive thoughts away. What if I've driven him into Vivian's arms?

There's a bunch of business types at the next table, having their lunch break, I assume, but they're loud and rowdy. Nell leans over to me, giggling. "There was a time when you'd be all over that table," she reminds me.

I stare over to where a few of them are looking our way. "Those days are gone," I say, smirking and thinking of the punishment Dmitry would dish out if he caught me talking to these strangers.

"At least get them over here for your very single friends," argues Ivy. I've always been considered the loudest of the group, and I've never had any trouble attracting the opposite sex.

I sigh. "Fine, but only for you," I say with a wink, pushing to stand and going over to their table.

Somehow, time stands still, yet my conversation with the boring bankers soon moves from flirty chat to dancing. It's mid-afternoon, and as one of the men slips his arm around my waist, I realise I should go home. I'm putting myself in situations that would send Dmitry over the edge. A few weeks ago, that thought would have thrilled me, but Harriet's words haunt me. Maybe I am self-sabotaging.

Before I can fully reject this persistent creep, a hard body presses to my back and I gasp as a hand glides up my neck and cups my jaw. And then I smell his spicy scent and almost sag in relief when I feel Dmitry's mouth at my ear. "We have a date in my dungeon, my krasota ," he whispers smoothly. "And I am bored of waiting." His free hand swiftly grips the man's hand and removes it from my waist. He keeps hold of it, and I see the confusion on the man's face, but before he can question it, Dmitry twists the limb while shoving it towards the man's body. There's a sickening crunch as the guy falls to his knees, wailing in pain.

I swallow the bile that hits my throat. "Dmitry, I?—"

His grip on my chin tightens. "I don't want to hear your words, Victoria. Whatever you say will only make me want to punish you harder, and trust me when I tell you I am planning the longest night of your life."

He keeps me pressed against his front, with his hold slipping down to my neck as he walks me from the bar. I don't raise my eyes to see the curious looks I know the girls will be giving us.

Outside, Dmitry thanks the doorman for his vigilance, and I scowl in his direction, "Traitor," I hiss as we pass.

The dark, sleek car is parked out front, and Marshall and Nik are leaning against it, deep in conversation. When they spot us approaching, they stand straighter, and Marshall opens the door.

I feel like a chastised child as we all climb into the car and Marshall drives us back to the manor.