Chapter 9: Sierra
It's really happening. This is happening.
"Do you, Sierra Lane, take Artem Tarasov to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse?" the priest's voice echoed in my head as I stood facing Artem at the altar.
He hadn't been kidding when he said that I was going to marry him, and now, here we were, exchanging vows and joining together in holy matrimony.
His dark eyes were fixed on me, and as handsome as he looked in that black suit, I couldn't bring myself to drool over him. How could I? I was literally being forced to do this. My choice to decline his proposal had been robbed from me, and there was clearly nothing that I could do about it.
My eyes were stinging as I fought back against the tears that filled my glands, ready to start pouring like raindrops from the sky. Irina had begged me not to cry; she said that doing so would ruin my makeup, like I gave two fucks about that. Artem had ruined my life when he kidnapped me that night, and today, I had more important things to worry about than stupid makeup.
The congregation was just a few people: Artem's family—his brother and cousins—a couple of his men, and a few other relatives. He made sure the wedding was quiet and simple, and so it was.
The priest's voice prompted me back to reality. "…for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"
I froze at this point. My heart was racing, and my breathing was becoming thinner with each passing second. If I said those words, I'd be selling my freedom to this man .
My mind was a tug of war as several thoughts overlapped all at the same time. It was too much, and I felt like I was losing my sanity. I wanted so badly to say the opposite of the words required of me, but I knew better, thanks to Irina.
I stole a glance in her direction, and she subtly nodded at me, mouthing, "You got this." A thumb was discreetly raised to buttress her words, and the smile on her face was encouraging.
I returned my gaze to Artem, who was watching me with a blank expression. I couldn't afford to mess this up; if I did what was on my mind, I'd be as good as dead. Irina had made it clear that Artem was marrying me to save my life.
Considering what I witnessed, by the law of the Bratva, I should have been killed on the spot, but Artem hadn't done that. Now, this wedding would make me his wife, and according to Irina, the union would make me untouchable—immune to the law of the Bratva that required my life.
He was basically doing me a favor, but why?
The priest cleared his throat conspicuously to draw me out of my thoughts.
I heaved a sigh, accepting my fate as I answered, "I do."
"With the power vested on me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest said, and a round of applause erupted from the congregation. "You may now kiss the bride."
Oh, fuck! I'm not ready.
I was way too anxious at the moment, and the voices in my head wouldn't quiet. This was unavoidable, but I was wishing right then and there that the kissing part could be skipped; although, deep down, I was anticipating it, fear and anxiety had completely taken over.
Artem drew closer to me and took my breath away when he planted a smooth kiss on my lips. My eyes were shut, and ironically, the feeling of our lips pressing against each other was more sensational than I had imagined. I didn't realize that I'd accepted his tongue in my mouth, and soon, our heads moved to the rhythm of the spark between us.
Fuck! This is good. He's such a good kisser.
I tried to shake off the thoughts that followed his kiss, thoughts of us being intimate in bed tonight, but I couldn't. The images kept flashing in my head because it was expected to happen; I mean, we were officially married. Nothing was holding him back. He'd take me anytime he wanted; that was a fact. It was only logical that I prepared my mind for the inevitable.
He pulled away from me, but my eyes were still shut, my head hanging forward, not wanting the kiss to end. It wasn't until I opened my eyes that I got a grip on myself.
We locked eyes, and he smirked at me, probably enjoying how my body tensed. He leaned closer and whispered into my ear, "I bet you're wet already."
I scowled at his arrogance, but he wasn't entirely wrong. I'd felt something during the kiss, a spark that ignited a burning desire in me. There was a tingle between my legs and a sensation on my nipples. I should not have felt this charge of electricity, but his attractiveness didn't help at all.
How did he manage to make me feel this way with just one kiss? Now, I'd forgotten about the current situation; all I could think about was that kiss.
Get a hold of yourself, Sierra. He's a monster, and you can't feel this way about him, I reminded myself in an attempt to regain control of my thoughts.
He might be a monster, but he was a monster that I'd married.
Artem had a grin on his face that was both infuriating and hot at the same time. I hated the fact that he knew the kiss had messed me up, and he was fucking gloating at me. It was embarrassing, but I had to play it cool.
He took my hand, and we both faced the congregation.
I forced a smile, slightly waving at Irina as she stood in the front row, clapping for the newlyweds. I stole a glance at Artem, the handsome yet cruel man I'd married. He was focused on the cheering congregation, his fingers interlocked with mine.
Why is he going through all of this just to save my life? Why's he generous with me?
I despised him for taking me against my will, but these questions wouldn't leave my thoughts, and I wondered what the answers might be.
**********
Later that night, after the ceremony, Irina took me to my new room in the mansion. The door opened, and we both walked into the expansive space with amazing interior decor. Fancy lights adorned the walls and ceilings—even beneath the giant bed—their soft glow enveloping the space. Portraits were hanging off the walls, a big closet stood in a corner, and a couple of pieces of state-of-the-art furniture were placed strategically.
"It's beautiful," I confessed, admiring the interior.
"It's your room now," Irina said, gently shutting the door behind her.
I took off my heels and set down my bare feet on the soft rug spread in front of the master bed. Those shoes had been killing me all day anyway; it felt good to be free of them at last. Next was this dress; it was time to get the hell out of it. I was struggling, as I couldn't reach the zipper on the back.
"Let me help," Irina said, walking up to me. "So, how does it feel to be Mrs. Tarasov?" She pulled down the zipper.
"Do you want me to lie?" I asked.
She laughed. "I noticed you enjoyed the kiss on the altar."
I turned to face her, a little embarrassed.
"Don't be shy," she said, chuckling. "There's nothing wrong with that." Irina helped take the dress off of me.
God! That's much better.
I felt so light now that I'd gotten rid of the gown and could finally breathe.
Irina passed me a piece of red lingerie on a hanger. "Change into this once you're freshened up. Bathroom's that way." She pointed in the direction.
I reluctantly accepted the dress, and my heart skipped a beat at the realization of what it meant. "Do I have to wear this?"
"It's your first night together. Don't you wanna look sexy for him?" she asked.
No. Not really , I thought.
Irina sighed softly. "Look, Sierra. You're his wife now, and you're expected to play your role. The sooner you accept this, the better." She held my hand. "I know it's hard, but if you want to get through this, I'd suggest you start seeing him as your husband, not a heartless monster." She offered me a final sad smile and then walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
Irina was right. It was difficult to do what she suggested, but I didn't have a choice; I had to at least try.
With the lingerie in my hand, I walked into the opulent bathroom, complete with a massive bathtub, and stripped naked, hanging the dress nearby.
One foot first, and soon, I was fully settled in the tub, relaxing in the warm, foamy water where I had a long bath. As I slowly sponged my body, I thought about the kiss and how it made me feel. I was confused at this point, unsure of whether or not I should be harboring these feelings for the man who kidnapped me and forced me to marry him. I wanted to hate him, and to an extent, I did, but why, then, did I still find him so attractive?
These thoughts went on and on until I was finally done washing my body. I stepped out, dripping wet, as I cautiously walked over the slippery floor. Grabbing a white towel, I wiped my body and slipped into the lingerie.
I stood in front of a mirror, watching the woman in the reflection—the sexy woman in red lingerie, who I scarcely recognized. I heard the front door open, and I knew it was Artem walking into the room. His cologne gave him away. I was too shy to step outside, knowing that things would definitely get heated up once I did that.
"You can't hide in there forever," he said from the room.
He's right. Just go out there and get this over with. I exhaled sharply. What's the worst thing that can happen?
I padded out of the bathroom, and there he was, sitting on one side of the bed.
He had no coat on or tie, but his white undershirt was still tucked into his black pants. His eyes held a mysterious glint of lust as he looked at me, head to toe. As I walked over, Artem rose to his feet, and I summoned the courage to lock eyes with him.
I struggled to stay calm when he halted in front of me, checking out my body. His fingers flew into my moist hair, and he caressed my scalp while watching my body react to his touch. "You want me, don't you?"
Do you always have to be so sassy about it all the time? I didn't say anything, but my eyes were glued to his.
"You have such an amazing body." Artem's fingers ran along my chest, traveling down my cleavage.
I was shaking, trembling at the sensation of his touch that had once again left me breathless.
He wrapped his hand around my slender waist and pulled me to himself. "You're my wife, and I want you." He pulled me closer, holding on tighter.
I swallowed hard, feeling the size of his cock brushing against me.
Fuck, he's turning me on. What should I do now? I want him as much as he wants me.
He whispered into my ears, "You're so sexy."
His words brought a reflexive smile to my face as I felt myself slipping into his strong arms. I could feel his breath on my skin, and as his hands traced my curves, my heart began to burn while I subtly gasped for air.
He kissed my neck, and I lifted my head toward the ceiling, basking in the feeling of his actions. A moan escaped my lips when he slipped a hand under my dress. I shuddered as he teased my thigh with his fingertips before caressing my underpants with gentle strokes.
Fuck.
With his other hand, he pulled my head close and planted a much deeper kiss on my lips than the one he had done back at the church. I returned the gesture, and soon, things got heated up. I let go of my reservations, allowing myself to feel this passion; I gave in completely.
Our tongues twirled in our mouths, and our breaths were difficult to catch. He shifted my underpants and slipped a finger into my cunt. I moaned abruptly at the sensation that jolted across my body like volts of electricity.
He pulled off my panties and whisked me up, and I clasped my feet around his waist as we continued to share a deep kiss. Seconds later, he gently lay me down on the bed and spread my legs apart. Artem's tongue parted my folds, its chill sending shivers down my spine. I arched my back in pleasure, biting my lower lip as my hands pulled on the sheets beneath me.
The feeling was overwhelming, and I could feel my nipples standing erect. That instant, he threw his hands to my chest and deliciously pinched those sensitive nubs. It was a sweet pain, and I didn't want him to stop. I had never felt this way in my life, and I couldn't help but wonder what his tongue was doing to me; it was touching places I hadn't even known existed.
My body was writhing, and I was moaning, enjoying the ecstasy that was traveling to my brain, blocking my senses.
He pulled his mouth off my pussy, and I looked down at him, wanting more. He rose to his feet and, gripping the buttons, ripped his shirt off, revealing his perfect build and tattooed skin.
That's so hot.
"Get on your knees," he commanded.
I obeyed immediately as he unbuckled his belt.
"Now get over here and return the favor."
Sir, yes, sir.
I crawled on all fours until I got to his groin, where I jerked my eyes to look at him while withdrawing his cock from his pants. Fuck, it was bigger than I had imagined, heavy and veiny.
I looked down at it with a faint smile, weighing the organ in my hand before taking it into my mouth. It was satisfying hearing him let out a deep groan of pleasure. This encouraged me to suck on his cock even better.
I pushed my head further into his groin so the organ would freely travel deep into my throat. And it did. I choked on it, gagging and wheezing as he took a handful of my hair and fucked my mouth like it was my pussy. It was a little aggressive, a little nasty, but I liked it.
He forced my head out, and a sudden gasp escaped me as I drooled over his big slippery cock. He bent over and kissed me, his hand going down to finger my cunt some more. He was an excellent lover, one who knew exactly how to pleasure me.
He pushed me, and I fell on my back, surrendering to his dominion over my body.
Artem lay over me, kissing those lips like he knew that they were his alone. He teased me with the tip of his cock, running it over my entrance. I was going crazy, yearning for him, even though I'd never done this before.
The moan that came forth was a painful one after he tried to penetrate my pussy.
He noticed my discomfort and paused. "What is it?"
I blinked rapidly, embarrassed and concerned that he might lose interest, but I told him anyway, "It's just…I…I haven't done this before."
His brows rose, and I saw something that resembled a smile on his face. "You're a virgin?" He looked astonished, his brows raising.
I nodded slowly.
"Even better," he said and kissed me deeply while running his cock over my entrance. "You're perfect." He fondled my breasts for some time, sucking and biting on my nipples.
These actions were gradually making me wetter than before. I guessed that was a ploy to prepare me for his penetration.
"Don't worry, I'll be gentle," he bit against my ear.
At his words, my body trembled, and I squeezed my eyes shut when he slowly pushed his cock inside me. I was wet already, so it was easier, but it still hurt a little. He pulled out and pushed it back in with careful, slow movements while kissing me. He repeated the process over and over, each time better than the last. My pussy was gradually widening, accepting the width of his cock with each penetration.
He continued in that manner, and it moved from pain to sheer pleasure. In no time, my tight cunt grew free enough to accommodate his cock. I was moaning, with my hands thrown up into my hair. He had successfully taken my virginity, and it did not hurt the way that I had thought it would. His cock was so good, and the feeling of it sliding into my slippery pussy had me twisting and twirling beneath him.
He hung my leg in the air, romancing my thigh as he continued to plunge deep inside me. Artem trapped my hands in his and positioned them over my head. I couldn't use them, and the fact that I was in bondage was exciting. The only way that I could express my feelings was through my moans, and they were growing louder and louder the faster he fucked my pussy. My eyes were rolling back in ecstasy. My hanging legs were shaking, yet he wouldn't stop; he wouldn't slow down.
Artem let out a groan, and soon after, I felt his warm load shoot inside me, filling up my pussy with a very deep thrust that forced my body to jerk in response.
Exhausted yet satisfied, I exhaled sharply as he collapsed on my body.
"Fuck," I muttered.
No other word could capture the pure ecstasy racing through my veins.