Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

R aphaella

"You will forever be mine. The filthy things I'm going to do to you are purely sin."

His whisper was husky, his hot breath skipping along the back of my neck. I sensed I was murmuring in my sleep, every inch of my skin sensitive. I rolled over, sliding my arm across my pillow to the second one.

The jarring moment forced my eyes open. He wasn't there.

I stared at the wall, realizing early morning light was already streaming in. The last thing I remembered was the sweetness of our conversation after the incredible moments of passion.

Sighing, I rolled back over, noticing a glass of wine placed on my nightstand. I'd missed out on the rest of the evening.

But it had been worth it, the night's sleep some of the best I'd had in a long time. How interesting when I'd been certain I would never relax here. I stretched, unable to keep from yawning. I was still naked, previously curled tightly under the soft covers. It would forever surprise me that I was comfortable in his house.

In his space.

I wasn't used to that, always on edge even in the small apartment. Maybe my father's safety concerns had weighed heavily on me.

A quick look at the clock reminded me this was a workday and an important one. I was going to be a part of a historic case. Or so I thought. I'd heard some on the news, realizing both the client and the prosecutor were noteworthy. Names didn't matter but the fact the defendant had been accused of killing his ex-wife did.

I wasn't judgmental in the least given what my father did for a living. However, if I'd known when I found out about the other witness, I'm not certain I would have been so eager to provide it to Aleksander. That sounded terrible even in my own mind but even I had unwritten rules about the sanctity of marriage, whether or not it had ended in divorce.

The thought remained with me as I headed into the bathroom to take a shower. The incredible space was like every other room in the house, the room bigger than the kitchen and small eating area in the apartment. Every fixture was expensive, including the marble-looking floors and glistening tiles in the shower itself. I marveled at the shower's design. With two showerheads, space enough for six people, and a glass door that appeared to fade into the wall without tracks, I knew I'd likely take a long shower.

There was a basket of goodies on the counter housing two sinks, various shower soaps and bubble bath for the tub placed under the huge window. There were also fresh toiletries suitable for having someone over for an unexpected weekend gathering.

The towels were also to die for, soft and fluffy, more of a bath sheet than anything close to the bath towels I was used to using. I scooped one up, holding it next to my face as I peered into the mirror. Reflections told no lie. I was glowing, not quite the ugly duckling my father believed me to be. I bit my lower lip, my lurid thoughts about the sexy Russian still surprising.

How was I going to keep the budding relationship from my coworkers? They were snoopy bitches, all of them. I'd learned that quickly.

The water had warmed up quickly and the moment I grabbed the strawberry shower gel and netting ball, stepping inside, I was giddy. I'd never felt so pampered or so much like a lady. It was silly of me, but I didn't care. I was trying to enjoy myself however I could.

I stood under one of the heads, basking in the warm glow from the rough fucking. I'd let myself go with him and that was as priceless as it was telling. My attraction was getting the better of me.

It was funny how someone could know they were no longer alone in a room. I'd closed my eyes, taking my time for everything to be soaked. While I heard nothing at all, not a single noise, I felt him.

With no cold air rushing in, he was able to advance like the predator he was without difficulty or disturbing me.

It wasn't until I'd sensed he'd placed his hands on either side of me that I opened my eyes. Of course, he'd given himself away when he pressed his throbbing cock against my ass.

"You left our bed without being allowed," he growled in my ear. Fresh images of the dream I'd had right at the end filtered into my mind.

"I didn't think you'd remained in the room."

"That doesn't matter. I will always track you down." He bit down on my ear, even tossing his head back and forth. His animalistic action added to the thrill of tingling around him.

"Mmm… If you can find me."

His deep laugh could chill anyone to the bone. "I have excellent tracking skills. But as I told you last night, it's obvious you need reminders about who owns you."

With the water cascading down my head to my back, he pulled my hips further away from the wall, using his knee to kick my legs out wide.

"What are you doing?" I glanced over my shoulder, catching a limited sight of his glorious body.

"Why, giving you a good morning spanking. Which you desperately need."

When he brought his hand down from side-to-side multiple times, the ache in my bottom was immediate. No one told me that a wet butt equated to additional pain but now I could be a living testament. Whew, the round of discipline hurt like hell and he was only using the massive palm of his hand. Even the hollow sounds were more exaggerated, somehow managing to echo in the huge chamber.

"Yes, I'll add an addendum to my requirements. A spanking every morning." He was chuckling to himself, his Russian language pushing every seductive button.

" Vse plokhiye devchonki zasluzhivayut togo, chtoby v ikh zhizni byl sil'nyy muzhchina, moshchnoye vliyaniye ." His continued whisper only added to the excitement.

"You need to tell me what you are saying." The yin and yang of what he was doing kept me breathless.

"I was telling you that all bad girls deserve to have a strong man in their lives, a powerful influence."

Well, that was honestly true. I never would have said so a week before.

I couldn't say anything as he peppered my aching butt with one spank after another. I could feel my legs shaking but not nearly as much as my pulse was racing. He was far too good at this, covering every inch of real estate. He even added pleasure to the mix, licking the shell of my ear.

I adored his growling sounds almost as much as the electricity shooting through us.

"A spanking a day keeps the bad girl away." He laughed after making the joke. I had a feeling he already knew me very well, enough to realize I was a bad girl every day of the week.

The heat of his body radiated all through me, pulling at my inhibitions. If I had any left. I was no longer shocked at the profound way my body reacted. My core had reached overdrive the night before but whew, it was hot in here.

He finished up the spanking, but not before another series of shivers skated down my spine.

I bit my lip and cast my eyes down to the drain, concentrating for a moment on my feelings, emotions, and thoughts. "I don't want a big wedding."

"Then we won't have one."

"But I want my friends there."

"Are you bargaining?" he asked.

"Maybe I am. I know it's dangerous, but I need someone I know there. And my brother and sister too. That's important."

He hesitated but at least gave me an answer. "You know what? You're right. Then I'll make that happen. Now, no more discussions of any kind. Not right now. Understood?"

Around him I rarely got a chance to fully react to anything. As he'd done the night before, he thrust his cock deep inside, the rush of adrenaline stealing as much of my breath as his actions. So much of me wanted to stare into his eyes as he fucked me but much like kissing, it was very personal.

I had the distinct feeling this was him laying his claim for the world to make note.

"You do realize I'm the villain?"

Why was he asking me that? "Not the hero?"

"I could never be anyone's hero. They are usually eaten by sharks when they least expect it. I prefer swooping in under the cloak of darkness." He pulled out, plunging even harder.

We were both under the water, the heat and steam creating beads of real sweat dancing down my arms. He was telling me this because of how I'd see him in court today. I was certain of it. If I didn't already know better, I'd say I was a fly caught in a spider's web. But not him. Something instinctive inside of me screamed he was one of the good guys.

Whether he wanted to believe it or not.

"You might be my hero," I whispered, my skin aflush with extreme heat.

He ceased his actions and sighed. "Then you'd be wrong. Now, I make all of you mine, every hole and every inch of your beautiful skin, and I plan on exploring more after court today."

Nothing would keep him from getting what he wanted. Certainly not my cries if he was talking about fucking me in the ass, I was completely a virgin in that aspect. Perhaps he sensed that as I'd known he had with how to please me. Where he'd been rough before, exactly what I'd needed, he was being gentler this morning, barely pressing his thumb against my dark hole.

There was something darker about him this morning, more possessive than before and I hadn't thought that possible.

As he pumped his thumb inside, I was more lightheaded than ever before, panting as if I'd never be able to catch my breath. But to my surprise and delight, the discomfort quickly morphed into something more sensual, a desire that I'd never felt before. I was even matching the limited thrusts with one of my own.

He chuckled as if I was pleasing him, removing his thick digit a few seconds later. "Yes, you are perfect."

The way he said the words made me feel like a fragile doll meant for keeping on a shelf. I wasn't certain how I felt about his words, but I doubted it would matter. He'd already claimed me as his own.

When he replaced his finger with his cockhead, I sucked in my breath, waiting for the blast of pain.

It came but not as forcefully as I would have thought. When he was halfway inside, he stopped. I knew he was allowing my muscles to stretch.

His breathing was as ragged as mine, perhaps more so because I could tell he was using every ounce of control he had. It was a pleasant thought that I was driving him crazy.

The patience he was showing was short lived. He pushed another two inches inside. Then another.

Another wash of agony pulsed through me but just like before, it quickly floated away as rapture took me like the night before. He fisted my hair, pulling back my head. I had no idea how he managed to do it but as soon as he was fully seated inside, he kissed me roughly. Every inch of me betrayed all my good girl thoughts as my own demands pushed to the surface.

He wasn't gentle now at all, the kiss and the way he fucked my ass a reminder he was a ruthless man. Somebody would say this was so very wrong, but I didn't care. Being his lover felt oh-so right.

His roughness heated my blood and I was meeting his thrusts as I'd done before. Yes, this was filthy and sinful, but I loved it. A moment of shame burned my cheeks, but it didn't stop me from participating. Even the crush of his body weight was exactly what I needed. It felt as if the man was ruining me for anyone else, keeping me on a short leash until everything was figured out. There was no reason to think that, but the thought was right there in the forefront of my mind.

In claiming every inch of me, he knew it would forever alter our odd but electric relationship. This moment wasn't about real passion but making a point.

That his claim I belonged to him was correct.

The next few heated seconds went by in a blur, my mind spinning with far too many thoughts, none of them appropriate for mixed company. Before long, I sensed as I had the night before that he was close to coming. I was trembling, uncertain if I should like this at all. But I was incapable of holding back, issuing a sharp cry the moment he erupted inside.

I could only imagine how I'd feel sitting in a stark courtroom next to him for several hours. That thought alone was enough to allow me a huge smile.

What other people didn't know wouldn't hurt them. Right?

I wore the nicest suit I owned, which paled in comparison to the one Aleksander was wearing. He didn't just look like he'd stepped out of GQ Magazine ; he looked like he owned it. He was even wearing a crisp white shirt I knew cost more than I made in two weeks, his black onyx cufflinks only adding to his debonaire look.

Plus, the look boosted his dangerous persona.

Just walking in that day I'd felt tingles. Not because I'd be working even more closely with the man but also because I was pretty certain I was being gawked at as I headed to my tiny cubicle. It seemed so odd I was worried about what anyone thought or that they might know I was involved with the man.

The funny thing was that I could almost read a few of the women's minds. Maybe they'd been jealous when I'd been assigned to such a sexy Russian. From what I knew of the other partner, Roman Whitfield, the man was a shark but not nearly as good looking. I was trying not to draw any attention to myself. I certainly didn't want anyone to ask questions at this point because I had no idea what I was supposed or allowed to say.

I buried myself in gathering the last of the documents for court, which was in session in barely over an hour. Judges didn't like tardiness, usually making it difficult for all parties involved.

I'd seen a portion of a news bulletin when I'd walked in, reporters already camping out on the steps of the courthouse. I'd forgotten the defendant was a US congressman.

The city did thrive on whatever rabid dog case was presented to them. A huge, juicy bone had been tossed in their direction. We had to be on our game.

I was trying to absorb everything I'd learned about the unexpected witness, which was why I didn't notice I had a colleague standing in front of my desk until she cleared her throat. As I slowly lifted my head, it became apparent the woman had been used as a scapegoat to find out the scoop.

"Raphaella. You've been busy." Her voice was cooing, trying to entice me into her web. That wasn't going to work. I was no fool.

Jasmine had been nice to a point, but it was apparent inside this firm jealousy was abundant. "I'm working on an important case. I put my all into my assignment."

"That's not what I mean." I sensed at least a few of the other girls were ready to either laugh or launch into me. God. You'd think I stole their man from them.

"Then what do you mean? We leave for court in ten minutes and I still have a few things to do."

She had her arms folded in an obviously defensive stance. What the fuck had I ever done to any of these people, stolen the most eligible bachelor?

"Rumor has it you're engaged to Mr. Semenov. Is that true?"

Of course her tone was accusatory but that's not what bothered me as much as that the information that had already leaked. How? In my mind, there was only one way. My father. He wanted me as uncomfortable as possible.

"I'm curious," I said, throwing attitude back at her. "Where did you hear something like that?"

"Oh, I have my sources." She stared at me as if she was going to cry then burst into laughter. "You really don't know what's being said. Do you?"

"I have no clue what you're talking about."

She pulled out her phone, grumbling under her breath. The way she was tapping her phone indicated she was angry as hell. Fine. Whatever.

"Here. Take a look. This is one of several articles and headlines floating out there." She thrust the phone out at me, keeping a firm hold as I lowered my gaze. The headline was mortifying but not completely because of the topic.

Is the World's Most Eligible Bachelor Off the Market?

That alone was damning enough but it was the photograph someone had managed to take when we were inside the ice cream store than sent shivers down my spine. We'd been followed, watched, and likely photographed in several locations.

"This means nothing," I said, pushing her hand away. "We were working. You know how reporters can be." I was cringing inside even while I tried to laugh as if she was being silly. But I needed to tell my boss what was being said before we walked out in public. I could only imagine the accusations.

"You're a mafia princess. The goddamn daughter of one of the most merciless men in the city. At least according to the article. Is that true?"

Now I was starting to seethe.

"So what if I am? I live my own life. I have my own set of friends and a job I enjoy, which I intend on keeping, so I suggest you run along." I even whisked my hand in front of her like motioning her away.

She stood right where she was before leaning over, planting her hands on the surface of my desk. "Be very careful, princess. You are being watched. Monitored. So is your ruthless boyfriend. You'll never know when to expect it, but a venomous snake is hiding in the dark, wet grass just waiting to unfurl and strike."

"What?" Her threat wasn't anything I would have expected but I sensed it was very real. Who was she? Or a more appropriate question was who was she attached to? "Don't threaten me, Jasmine. You won't like what happens if that behavior continues."

"Oh, I'm scared. One last warning. You don't want to be around when Mr. Semenov takes a leap off a cliff. I assure you that he'll suck you down with him."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.

What in the hell was she insinuating?