Chapter 9 - Alyssa

His lips were soft, but his kiss was powerful. It felt like my skin melted as his hands moved from my shoulders down my sides. No, my mind screamed, this can’t be happening. He’s the enemy.

Pushing back, I turned my head away as I spoke. “No, stop. Leave, please.”

“Alyssa,” Piotr said, carefully touching my shoulder.

Wiggling under his weight, I spoke louder. “Piotr, I said leave.”

Once he moved off me, I jumped up. I was shocked not only by the remnants of my dream but also that I had permitted him so close to me.

“Will you tell me about your dream? Were you selling organs?” he asked as I walked to the window.

Glancing back at him, I felt my heart racing. “Can we do it later?” I replied softly.

I heard the door opening and closing. I was horrified that I had allowed my emotions to take control. How could I allow him to kiss me?

He’s undoubtedly just like Jones being mixed up with Bratva. Most of the day I spent in my room going through the things in it. I found nothing of interest after searching for about two hours. The cupboards, closets, baskets, bins and such didn’t contain much of interest.

Piotr had sent for my things that were still at Jones’s. How he got them, I didn’t know. But I was grateful to have some of my own clothing. I was packing them away when there was a knock at the door.

“Yes,” I said, turning to face the door.

The door opened and Mila stepped in. She placed a couple of bags on the bed. “Piotr asked me to get some things for you, I hope they fit,” she said as she walked out.

Opening the bags, I was surprised at the array of clothing. Most were similar to the clothing I owned. I packed these into the closet with mine. Standing back, I smiled. It was the most clothing I had ever owned.

Sitting down by the window, I stared out at the trees. I considered my options for freedom. Even though he had agreed to assist, I wasn’t sure I could trust him.

Heading down for dinner, I moved slowly. I didn’t want to see Piotr after what had happened. I thought about asking Mila if I could have dinner in my room. Entering the living area, I noticed Mila and Konstantin in the kitchen.

Piotr was nowhere in sight. Walking briskly to them, I wondered where he was and how long he would be out. I didn’t want him to see me. My heart raced as I entered the kitchen.

“Evening,” I said in a rushed tone, catching the attention of both of them.

“Hi there,” Konstantin answered. “Are you okay?”

Glancing around, I answered slower, hoping they wouldn’t hear the nervousness in my voice. “Yes, I’m fine, thanks. I was wondering, though. Would it be possible maybe to have dinner in my room?”

Their eyebrows raised as both turned to face me. “Are you not feeling well?” Mila asked, walking closer. “Piotr would be back shortly. But I could call a doctor if you like?”

“No, no, I’m fine, just tired,” I replied, trying to sound sincere. Since my arrival here, I have been wondering about their family. They shared a surname but didn’t look anything alike.

Knowing that Piotr wasn’t home yet put me slightly at ease, and I couldn’t resist asking. “May I ask how you have one last name but don’t share any features?”

Mila and Konstantin shared a brief look and smile.

“Sit and have coffee with us,” Konstantin said.

Mila brought three cups and we sat at the kitchen island.

“We grew up in the same orphanage,” Mila started.

Konstantin blew over the top of his cup before talking. “Yes, but we don’t share DNA. Growing up together, we stuck together.”

They smiled at each other again before Mila continued. “We used to get ourselves into trouble. We were stealing and doing odd jobs to get by. Piotr was fighting for cash. But after a fight gone bad and we almost lost Piotr,” she took a deep breath, sipped her coffee, and stared into her cup, explaining further. “We decided to start our own family. We changed our last names and turned our lives around.”

“We might not be blood, but I can assure you our bond is stronger than any blood family,” Konstantin added.

Mila rose, placed her cup in the sink, and started dishing up. “You sure you won’t join us for dinner?” she asked, holding my plate.

“Yes, thank you,” I replied.

As I took the plate from her, she leaned in closer and whispered in my ear. “If you hurt Piotr, I will deal with you. So, tread lightly, little sheep.”

I could see in her eyes she was very serious. I was caught off guard and didn’t know what to say. Nodding, I took my plate and retreated to my room.

After dinner, I took a long bath and lay reading a book I found in one of the drawers. It was a love story about a man and woman from two very different backgrounds. They conquered all the odds and made it work.

Closing the book and placing it on the nightstand, I wondered about my odds. I needed to know more about this family if I wanted their help. I would probably also have to share more about me if I wanted their trust. Rolling to my side I hugged the pillow as I fell asleep.

My dreams were filled with horrid images of Jones, his organ business, and his goons pursuing me. I awoke in the early morning hours, soaked in sweat. My heart was racing, but I was relieved I had not awoken anyone else.

After taking a relaxing bath, I dressed in a light blue summer dress. It was also one of the items left by the woman called Cindy. Even though it was a bit loose, I felt comfortable wearing it.

Sneaking downstairs, I made a fresh pot of coffee. As I poured myself a cup, Mila entered, surprised to find me there.

“Morning, you’re up early,” Mila said, pouring herself a cup.

“Yes, I didn’t sleep too well,” I replied, heading back to my room. I didn’t feel like talking to her after yesterday. I didn’t ask to be here, and she made me feel unwelcome. I stood by the window, staring out at the shadows beyond the trees for a while, sipping my coffee. After a while, I felt a little better.

Getting back into bed, I fell asleep quite quickly. I wasn’t sure what time it was when Piotr peeked around the door. Still half asleep, I heard him saying he would be out for the day. That pulled me completely out of my dreams.

“Wait,” I said, sitting up. “Where are you going?”

“Hey, princess, I didn’t want to bother you. I thought you were up.” Piotr added, still looking around the side of the door.

“I was up earlier,” I replied, wiping my eyes.

“I just wanted to let you know that I would be out on assignment for the Morozov family,” Piotr stated.

“Oh,” I replied, intrigued. “What are you going to do?”

Piotr stepped into the room, speaking softly as he came closer. “Just business, but I can leave later if you want to have breakfast first?”

I shifted a bit as he sat on the bed next to me. I couldn’t move up much as the sheets were tangled around my legs. Smiling, I replied. “No, I was just wondering if there was something I could assist with.”

Grinning, Piotr leaned closer and whispered. “There are other things you can help with.”

Glancing at the door, I felt my cheeks heat up as he shifted sideways next to me. “May I touch you?” he asked. Feeling his breath on my cheek sent small shivers through me. I wasn’t sure what to say as my mind fought with my body.

Piotr gently made a line down my leg with his fingers. My body craved his touch. I wanted to lay back down and allow him to touch me all over. Yet, my mind wasn’t willing. He was one of the bad guys, and I wanted a Prince Charming.

His fingers moved back up my leg, carefully pushing the sheets away. I closed my eyes as his warm touch sent shivers through my senses. His fingers moved up my thigh and stopped just before he touched my hip.

I breathed in slowly, hoping to calm the tornado whirling through me. I felt Piotr tapping his fingers carefully as he slowly made his way down the inside of my thigh. I wanted to open my legs wide and allow him access. My body ached with a hunger I had never felt before.

But I couldn’t allow this. Placing my hand over his, I stopped him from proceeding. Carefully, I pushed his hand away and pulled the covers over my legs. I have never been so confused in my life. Why was my body betraying me? He was a bad guy. I shouldn’t want him so badly.

Piotr stood and moved to the door. “If you need anything, let Mila know. I’ll see you later, princess.”

I didn’t look up as he left. After hearing the door close, I rose and stood at the window. The warm morning breeze blew in a variety of odors. Breathing in deeply, I absorbed the essence of nature. I had to get a grip on my emotions. I couldn’t allow my body to betray me.