35. Chapter 35

Dmitri

With Jade's youngest brother sufficiently appeased after meeting Ivan and watching a movie in the Morozov's secret cellar, my girl can breathe a little easier again. She seemed to think it went as well as can be expected, and Ivan agrees.

Unfortunately, her newfound relief is about to meet another stressor. I've called a midnight meeting with the Lord of Empire Academy, and she has to be there for it. We'll start our walk there in just a few minutes.

"I wish we could just stay here," she whispers, her nose dragging up the side of my neck. "We could have so much more fun."

"Tempress," I chide.

If this meeting were about anything other than Jade's safety, I would also rather stay here and worship her. Unfortunately, some things are more pressing than sex. Even really good, never felt like this before, sex.

"Am I motivating you to make this go by quickly?" my Krasotka asks, her voice dipping into that sultry tone I love so much.

I already want this to go quickly. I want permission to kill the woman who tried to have a grown man drag my pregnant wife into a sparring match. I don't care if we haven't said our vows yet, once the two pink lines appeared on that test, Jade became my wife. The ceremony is more of a formality than anything at this point. And if a man can't kill someone threatening his wife and unborn child, justice is dead.

"I'm not sure how long it will take, baby."

"Bummer," she murmurs. "Have you seen the Lord before?"

"Yes, I know him."

He's a walking power-trip, but he's good enough at his job. He has a flare for putting on a show, but unfortunately, I don't think this instructor did enough to warrant an execution. Fuck if I'm not going to aim for one, though.

"Is he scary?"

Will? Is William scary?

Maybe if you consider the people backing him up, sure. But he's just a regular man with mediocre capabilities. I sort of can't blame him for it. Why should he know how to kill the way I know how to kill when his snipers will just blast through anyone who tries to attack him.

I suppose being ‘untouchable' can make people fear you. But Jade has nothing to fear from him.

"No," I say confidently. "He won't scare you."

"Okay, good," she replies, allowing her shoulders to relax.

Pressing a kiss to her forehead, I ask, "You ready for this, Krasotka?"

When she nods, we grab Ivan and leave.

Jade

The Lord's meeting place is creepy. Who wants to meet on a rooftop at midnight when it's chilly? Apparently, this Batman wannabe weirdo does. I mean he isn't wearing a mask, but he might as well be wearing a cloak.

Ugh, I wish I had a cloak. It's freezing up here.

I bet his shaved head is cold too. He's got bleached fuzz on top of the round surface, surely not enough hair to keep his head and ears warm. He's pale and wearing black leather gloves that would be stark against his fair complexion if his arms weren't covered by his dark blue cloak.

I shiver silently in my sweater while the Lord greets Dmitri, sharing a formal handshake. Ivan doesn't leave my side after he does the same, practically gluing himself to my side as we sit. There are four chairs, one for each of us, but Dmitri and the Lord sit last, lowering themselves slowly.

"I've been briefed on your issue," the new man says, starting the conversation immediately. The stars dance around in the sky above us, and the sound of wind sweeping through treetops creates a subtle soundtrack in the air. "Quite a mess, I'm afraid. Empire would like to formally apologize for the actions of Ms. Haller."

Haller! That's her name. She mentioned it on the first day, but it completely went in one ear and out the other. Her last name doesn't give away what crime family she's from, but at least I have something to call her in my head.

"She's been suspended for the next four semesters and will only be hired back after retraining and extensive questioning. She'll be off the island within the week."

Oh wow. I did not expect such a direct and intense course of action.

"That's not enough," Dmitri seethes, apparently disagreeing with me.

The crack of silence that follows is thick and uncomfortable but passes quickly.

"And how do you suggest I punish her, exactly?"

Dmitri doesn't hesitate or waver. "You could let me snap her neck in the middle of the courtyard for everyone to see," he deadpans the suggestion.

"Dmitri," I gasp, looking at him with wide eyes. He doesn't return my gaze, keeping his eyes trained on the man across from him.

The Lord lets out a long-suffering sigh. "Any less dramatic suggestions? Perhaps something more fitting for an attempted crime?"

Dmitri tightens his jaw. "Okay, how about you let me attempt snapping her neck in the courtyard for everyone to see."

"I see this is going to be a very productive meeting, great," the Lord drawls, lighting up a cigarette with a match as sarcasm drips from his every word. The smell of cloves instantly floods the brisk air around us.

Worried that this meeting is going to spiral, I speak up before Dmitri can.

"You could make her fight," I suggest gently.

"Jade…" Dmitri turns to look at me, shaking his head. He doesn't want me to have anything to do with this because I shouldn't have to handle situations like these. He'd take care of everything by himself if I didn't have to come.

The Lord eyes me carefully. "Fight?"

"I mean, yeah." I shrug. "That's what she tried to do to me, isn't it? Pick out some big guy to beat her up and call it even. Surely a fight training instructor can handle a less-than-friendly sparring match?"

Shocking the absolute hell out of me, the Lord smiles. "Your bride is a smart one, Morozov. Hasn't been in our world for long, and yet she grasps the rules, doesn't she?"

I mean, she's not sure why you"re speaking about her in the third person. But thank you for the compliment, I guess? Also, I love being referred to as his bride.

"There's no eye for an attempted eye, but when an attempt is made to this degree… well, something must be done, no?"

"It's not enough," Dmitri argues stubbornly.

"Surely you have an idea of someone who could dole out this punishment that would qualify as enough for you." The Lord pauses before adding an additional guideline. "Though, I must insist you pick someone other than yourself or your blood. Touchy subject, this is. Wouldn't want you to break a rule in the name of vengeance. Having to execute an heir would not win me many favors."

Another cold chill hits me, and I shudder.

Dawning a concerned look, Ivan reaches out to touch my cheeks. "Fuck, Jade," he says with worry. "Tell me when you're cold next time. He shrugs out of his overcoat, wrapping it around me like a blanket before I can blink.

The embarrassment of my teeth nearly beginning to shatter is so worth the immediate warmth his coat provides. Ivan kisses the top of my head before he sits back down, and even his lips have more heat than I do.

"How are you so warm?" I mumble, tugging the fabric closer.

"Being pissed off does that," the Lord answers for him. "So, what'll it be? A fight before we send her off? A longer suspension? What will allow you to leave this table satisfied, Dmitri?"

I hold my breath for his answer.

"Send her off," he replies, voice as hard as stone. "I don't need you to punish her further, I'll take care of it myself."

Oh shit, is he going to have someone kill her outside of campus?

I don't know whether I should be appalled that he really wants her dead for almost hurting me or insanely turned on.

When I squeeze my legs together, I realize it doesn't matter how I should feel. I do feel it already. Being wet and achey between my thighs, I wonder if my body temperature will start to increase. That'd be nice.

The Lord claps his hands together, pleased with his answer. "By all means, handle your business within the rules as you see fit, I always do prefer it that way. As a gesture of good will, we'll adjust her suspension to a lifetime ban."

"Short ban," Ivan mutters under his breath.

"Yes, a short ban indeed." The Lord chuckles, having caught it. "Less paperwork for me, and a solid revenge plot for you all. Marvelous."

Everything ends pretty quickly after that, with the three of us leaving first.

When we get back to Dmitri's room, I pull off Ivan's coat and my sweater too. My man makes a move to speak, but I shut him up with my mouth before he can. I went from freezing to burning up with desire in the span of a few minutes. Being turned on by the prospect of someone killing for me is probably not a trait to be proud of, but I'm too horny to bother caring.

I pull at the seams of his shirt, ripping a button off in the process.

"Fuck me," I demand, reaching for his belt.

"Slow down, baby," he encourages, kissing me more passionately than hurried. "We've got hours, there's no rush."

"I want you now," I whine.

"Shhh," he says softly. "Krasotka, your face is hot."

"Your face is hot, too," I return, giggling.

He shakes his head, and our kisses end. "Yes, you're stunning, but no, I mean, your face is blisteringly hot right now. Do you feel okay?"

I frown, lifting the back of my hands to my cheeks. Heat practically singes me.

"Weird," I comment, pressing my hands there harder.

The skin gets damp with incoming sweat, and my stomach rolls.

Covering my mouth, I push past Dmitri and rush into his bathroom, barely making it to his toilet before I vomit. The bile burns, and I cringe, a swell of discomfort washing over every inch of me.

My stomach recoils, and I cough up the excess in my throat, only to feel my hair being pulled back from my face.

"D-don't," I rasp, mortified. "Go away."

"Not a fucking chance," Dmitri returns, scooping every stray hair away and beginning to rub my back. "I'm staying right here."

My eyes prick with painful tears, watering while I blink. I don't think I'm going to throw up a second time, but I refuse to move, just in case.

"I don't want you to see me all gross," I whisper, my voice hoarse.

"You're not gross," he states firmly, continuing to rub my back. "Do you feel better or is there more?"

I wince, but shut the lid, flushing the toilet without answering him and climbing to my feet. Dmitri doesn't leave me for a second as I fish out a spare toothbrush and start scrubbing away the acidic taste in my mouth. I gargle mouthwash twice and look in the mirror when I'm done, only to find my face paler than ever.

I frown at myself. "I wanted to have sex."

Dmitri nods, kissing my shoulder. "I know, Krasotka. It's okay."

"It's not," I disagree. "I'm still horny, and now I look disgusting."

His gaze in the mirror becomes sharp. "You do not look disgusting."

"So we can still fuck?" I ask hopefully.

Planting a few open mouth kisses on my collar and neck, he hums. "No sex tonight, baby. But if your stomach settles and you still want something, I'll finger you until you soak my hand in cum, how about that?"

Not as appealing as being railed into the mattress, but it'll do. He probably just doesn't want to rock me around too much and make me nauseous.

"Okay," I mumble.

"Come on, baby," he coos, taking my hand. "We'll get you some water to sip on, and I'll rub your back."

My god, I adore him.

"Thank you."

"What for?" he asks, brows furrowed.

"Just for being you."