Chapter 25

CHAPTER 25

C aroline

I wasn't surprised at what Vadim had just said. In truth, I didn't know if anything could surprise me any longer. Everything had become far too surreal, even if it felt as if one foot was still in quicksand.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"It's certainly not your fault. However, if my thinking is correct, Joshua didn't know what he was getting himself or you in the middle of."

Exhaling, I shook my head. "But why didn't the asshole just read it off the text?"

"Think about Joshua. It's possible he managed to delete the text that had the details about where he'd hidden the drive."

"Then how did he know Joshua had texted me in the first place?"

"I'm only surmising but it's possible Joshua only had time to delete the one and without special equipment, which would mean wasting time, Francois wouldn't be able to find the ghosted email."

"Only if Joshua emptied his trash bin, which sounds like him." I looked away. "I tried to warn him, but it was too late."

"His death isn't your fault. You must know that."

"I do, but that doesn't mean I don't feel bad for him. I didn't know him, but no one deserves to die the way he did." I heard my faraway voice and shivered.

"Of course you can feel bad but you aren't to blame." He wrapped his hand around the back of my neck, pulling me closer.

I was grateful for just being able to press my hands against his chest. "That man wanted me dead. He called me a bitch and was so angry with me."

"Because you're tenacious as hell, refusing to give up. We still need to talk. You'll need to show me how you managed to break into my private facility and lock out my cameras."

"I just used the temporary disable feature. Easy peasy. Any kid could do it." I felt the heat rising on my cheeks all over again.

"Uh-huh. You have amazing skills that you've yet to share with me. I do admire that about you and plan on utilizing your talents. But," he said as he placed his index finger across the bridge of my nose. "You're not going to do it on your own. Still, if there is an issue, an ease getting into the system, then someone could break into the panic room and I can't allow that. It might be the only place where you'll remain alive. Or my daughters for that matter."

I pressed my lips against his hand, which seemed to surprise him. When I rose onto my tiptoes, arching in, he had almost an annoyed look. Yes, I was trying to help him forget I'd disobeyed him.

Somehow, I didn't think it was working.

"You're hurt," I said as I stared at the blood on his shirt. He wasn't wearing a jacket, his once perfectly white shirt marred by brownish bloodstains. He'd rolled up his sleeves past his elbows, exposing his gorgeous tattoos.

"I'm not hurt. The fucker didn't have a chance against my anger."

"Big, bad man. Aren't you?" I was unable to resist, tracing the dagger he had on his arm. He flexed it as I continued and it allowed me a smile.

"Always. Something you should remember."

"How could I forget?"

"It would seem you also had a memory lapse of the fact that because I own you, you are required to obey me."

I'd come to terms with how stupid and reckless I'd been. The entire last few months had felt that way. The stupid choices and decision-making had to stop. But in this case, maybe, just maybe we'd get lucky with the drive.

"What is a panic room?" I was ignoring his comment, not that it would go very far. The man never let anything go.

"A completely secure room with uninterruptable communications to the outside world, or at least that's the way it's supposed to be. There's food, water. Medical supplies and weapons. Enough to sustain at least four people inside for an extended period of time."

His answer sent another shiver down my spine. "Oh." I tried to look down, but he refused to allow it, sliding the same finger under my chin and lifting it.

"You do know I was worried about you," he whispered, his voice so husky I was drawn into the man more so than before.

"Yes, I had a feeling you would be."

"Yet you didn't call me."

"I was attempting to do that when the asshole kicked my phone from my hand. I promise. Scout's honor."

Vadim lowered his head. "We'll deal with your infraction later. Right now, I'm going to bask in the fact you're safe. And I plan on keeping you that way even if it means keeping a guard in every room you're in."

"I won't leave. I wanted to help." My heart was racing as he continued to lower his head. The animal magnetism between us was incredible, so much so I couldn't think clearly any longer. Either that or the Tylenol the doctor had given me was making me loopy. No, it was definitely the man. The beautiful, amazing man who had been my guardian angel. "How did you find me?"

"Mmm… My secret."

I popped him in the chest. "No fair."

"A tracking system, my sweet. And no, it wasn't about not being able to trust you as much as it was having a way of finding you if necessary."

"Are they going to kill me?"

"Not while I'm alive, but you are a significant thorn in their side."

"Who are they?"

He took a deep breath. "Yet to be determined. I'm getting closer."

The sensation roaring through me as he captured my mouth, holding our lips in place was more electrified than before. I was already swooning, enjoying the way he was holding me. Just like he'd done when removing me from the horrible death scene. So caring. So loving.

He was entirely different than I'd ever thought he could be, so tender for a man who killed people for a living.

I allowed myself to be swept into the moment of passion, needing his touch more than ever. He seemed to sense exactly what I needed, pulling me tightly against him, acting as if he would never allow me to get free of his hold. Very gently he shifted his hand to the back of my neck, squeezing more out of the need to provide comfort than to prove his utter dominance over me.

I didn't need any proof in that department.

The kiss was sweet at first, the man allowing me to explore his mouth. But I could tell our passion was building like always. I still couldn't fathom how we'd gotten this close so quickly.

As he shifted his hips back and forth, allowing me to understand what he was feeling and thinking, I was even more lightheaded.

He finally thrust his tongue inside, sweeping it around. I rolled one hand over his shoulder, almost immediately tugging at his shirt. The man could arouse me from my death bed. I swear he could. I was so hot, so in need that I didn't care who might be watching or condemning. I wanted him as much he obviously did me.

While our passion began to explode, I had a sense he was trying to continue being gentle, likely fearful he would hurt me. Even with the aches and pains I was experiencing, I wanted him.

All of him.

Every inch.

Every kiss.

Every touch.

Every heated command.

And God help me, I never wanted our connection or our relationship to end.

He was already growling into the kiss, his muscles tensing and the moment I freed his shirt, sliding my hand underneath, I was certain he was going to lose all control. He slid his hand under my bottom, lifting me off my feet.

I wrapped my legs around him and as he spun me around a couple of times, even after all I'd been through, the horrible visions that would forever remain in my mind, I couldn't help but feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Was life a little bit crazier? No, a lotta bit, but at least I could try to shove all the ugliness behind me.

As my mother always told me, I couldn't control the future, at least not entirely.

I was as hungry as he was, no longer aching. No longer scared. We ripped at each other's clothes, his laugh boisterous and unexpected.

And so deep and dangerous.

While his look was even more possessive than before, there was also still a sparkle of relief in his eyes. I had worried him.

Which meant my bottom would pay for it later.

He finally let me down and I was the one laughing as I fumbled to unfasten his belt. He was so big and strong and so tall. All I wanted to do was to see every inch of him. I longed to lick the lines of every tattoo, getting to know them up close and personal.

"You're not in charge," he told me in a husky growl as he ripped off my shirt then his, jerking the bloody linen from the back.

"I could be," I purred and finally unfastened his belt, yanking on the zipper with enough force I was certain I'd broken it.

He was just as forceful, yanking down one bra strap then the other, deftly removing the tight confines as if it was nothing. I shouldn't ever be shocked by how good the man was at anything.

"Never," he huffed and continued undressing me just like I was doing with him.

I'd never felt this way, the desire completely uncontrollable. When we were both devoid of every scrap of clothes, I jumped onto him, crushing my legs against his hips.

His breathing was labored and he wasted no time, shoving me against the wall, jutting his hips forward. His cock found its way with ease and with a single brutal stroke, he thrust the entire length inside my still aching pussy.

For a few seconds, we were in slow motion. I closed my eyes, leaning my head against the wall while he took scattered breaths. The way my muscles constricted and relaxed was euphoric. Electric sensations crawled down my spine all the way to my toes.

"Oh…" There was no other word I could say. I lifted my arms, pressing them against the wall. There was no worry of falling. The man had a tight hold and when he pulled almost all the way out, I sucked in my breath.

"I'm going to fuck you until you can't walk any longer."

His words were more enticing than they should be and I bit my lower lip, every nerve standing on end and on fire.

The way he fucked me was like we were both running out of time or maybe as if he'd realized what there was to lose in life.

Every savage drive shoved me against the wall but all it did was create a feeling of floating. Some passion was meant to be animalistic instead of romantic. I was convinced of that. Especially around this man. His needs were stronger than even his hunger, but the way his eyes pierced mine was different.

For twenty plus years, all I'd seen in the man's dazzling eyes was the stern but loving look of a father. I'd never witnessed him working his business or handling a damning issue. I'd never known about how dangerous his life really was. He'd done a damn good job of masking the other side of him and his world.

But he'd been unable to mask anything around me now. A switch had been flipped both in our level of intimacy and in the acts of truth I'd seen about his world. Did I wish I could go back to the girl who'd easily been able to pretend he was just a brilliant businessman?

At first, very much so.

But now? Not a chance.

I'd been gifted the golden key to the inner sanctum of the man and how he'd become so powerful. And truth be told, I loved every second of it. Maybe I was a danger junkie. My parents would say my vision had been clouded and I was a fool. But I no longer cared. I was happy. Ecstatic.

After fucking me long and hard for a few minutes, he slowed his pace, grinding his hips into me as he nuzzled into my neck. His whispers were sexual and tingled every part of me.

"Fucking you is more important than breathing. It's the sunlight and air that keeps me alive."

I wasn't certain how I could have such an impact on him. He'd had and could have any woman out there, but he wanted me.

As I tried to arch my back, I clung to his shoulder with one hand, my inner core heated to the extreme. I couldn't see clearly but knew I didn't need to. He would be my eyes and ears if necessary, keeping me protected and wanted.

Vadim was an insatiable man and I had no idea how he had so much stamina, after all the stress and exertion earlier.

I raked my nails over his shoulder, giving him a mischievous grin. He responded by spinning me around again, taking long strides to his office couch. I'd always wanted to be fucked on fine Corinthian leather. He sat down, requiring me to straddle him. Now he was the one who threw his arms over the back of the sofa, giving me his version of a wicked look.

"Fuck me, baby girl."

The thought was riveting and I lifted myself off his cock, tormenting him as he'd done with me, throwing back my head and releasing a strangled, sinful moan. He cocked his head, his predatory expression returning.

The moment was incredible and I couldn't resist him any longer than he had been able to with me, slamming down in such a way his cock was pushed in as deep as it could possibly go. Several moans erupted from my chest, the vibrations as intoxicating as his musky scent. The man was truly everything I'd dreamt of.

He allowed me to take my time, bucking against him then slowing down, savoring every second. Something inside of me was fearful moments like this would be fleeting. Beads of sweat provocatively dripped down both sides of his face and I had a feeling that was more about the fact he wasn't completely in control.

As soon as I squeezed my muscles, I thought for certain he was going to lose it. Panting, I gripped the back of the couch as I tossed my hair from side to side. Seconds later, an orgasm spiraled through me. It was so powerful, I was knocked for a loop, no longer able to move a muscle.

That's the moment he took over, gripping my hips and pounding me up and down with wild abandon. The brutal actions only pushed me into a more intense orgasm. I couldn't stop shaking, was completely incapable of thinking clearly and was loving every minute.

I should have known he wouldn't allow me to get off so easily. He would always remain in control. He pushed me off, halfway tossing me onto my knees, crawling behind me without hesitation.

The moment he rolled his fingers down my spine, I shivered. Yet when he brushed a finger down the crack of my ass, I couldn't help but moan.

When he gave me two hard cracks of his hand against my bottom, a smile crossed my face. He certainly knew how to keep a girl turned on.

He drove his cock back into my pussy, pumping hard and fast but he wasn't finished yet. "All of you belongs to me."

"All?"

"Every inch." He laughed softly and pressed the tip of his cock against my dark hole. There was no holding the man back. While he tried to be gentle, I could tell by his heavy breathing that he would soon lose that battle as well.

He shoved a couple of inches inside, growling as he waited for my muscles to become accustomed to his huge size.

The pain was just like before and I hung my head, blinking furiously as lights sparked all around me. But the discomfort quickly faded and he seemed to know the moment it did, driving the rest of his cock inside.

Vadim was the one who moaned as he crowded over me, placing his hands on mine. In an unexpected move, he entwined our fingers together, our breathing even matching the same rhythm.

For so many reasons, I felt closer to him than I had to anyone my entire life. As he pressed his face against mine, allowing us both a quiet moment, tears formed in my eyes but they weren't ones of unhappiness or fear. And that was the most joyful thing of all. How could a man so dangerous and powerful make me feel this way?

"This is just the beginning," he said and resumed fucking me.

Every sensation was more intense. Every jolt of current making me feel more alive. I had no idea how long the moment lasted but when I sensed he couldn't hold back any longer, a smile crossed my face.

The rush of feelings and emotions was no longer unexpected. As he filled me with his seed, I accepted the fact he'd been right all along.

I'd always been meant to belong to him.

Forever…