Page 75 of Tainted Empire
As we spar, my body screams with exhaustion, but I push through it. Alexei’s relentless, driving me to my limits. I can feel myself improving, getting stronger with each session, but there’s always more to learn.
I dodge another of his punches, trying to find an opening. “You’re not going easy on me today, are you?” I manage to say between breaths.
Alexei smirks, feinting left before striking right. “You wouldn’t learn anything if I did.”
During a brief break, Alexei wipes his brow with his tank top, and I catch sight of the large skull and snake tattoo on his hip. It’s intricate and menacing, drawing my attention.
“What’s that tattoo about?” I ask, nodding towards the design as I drink from my bottle of water.
He glances down at it, a shadow crossing his features. “It’s a family crest,” he says, his tone vague, almost dismissive.
The tattoo is detailed, and something about it seems significant. There’s a phrase, ‘????? ?? ?????’, inked on the skull.
“What does that mean?” I inquired, curiosity piqued. I may know how to speak Russian, but I don’t really know the Alphabet all that well.
He hesitates for a moment, then shakes his head. “I can’t tell you, Gabriette.”
His refusal to elaborate strikes me as odd, adding another layer of mystery to the man who’s been pushing me to my limits. There’s a story there, something deep and possibly painful.
I study him for a moment, sensing the depth of the story behind those words. “Alright, I respect that. But just so you know, I’m here if you ever want to talk about it.”
Alexei gives me a brief nod, a silent acknowledgment of my offer. “Thanks, but let’s focus on the training. You’re not off the hook yet.”
We resume our training, and with each round, my confidence grows. Alexei’s relentless pace is grueling, but it’s sharpening my skills, honing my instincts.
As we wrap up, I’m drenched in sweat, muscles screaming in protest as I lay splayed out on the mat, catching my breath. “Thanks, Alexei. I... I needed that.”
He gives a rare, approving nod. “You’re getting better. Faster. Stronger. Keep at it, and there won’t be many who can stand against you.”
I smile, lifting my arms and giving him a thumbs up. “I’ll be ready for whatever comes our way,” I assure him, feeling a newfound sense of determination.
As I head out of the gym, my body aches, but it’s a good pain, a testament to my growth. I’m not just learning to fight; I’m learning to lead, to be the partner Mikhail needs and the force the Bratva requires. And I’m ready for it.
After the grueling training session with Alexei, every muscle in my body screams in protest as I drag myself to the shower.
The hot water is a small mercy, soothing my aching limbs, washing away the sweat and fatigue. I stand under the spray longer than necessary, letting the steam and water clear my mind and ease the soreness.
Once I’m done, I wrap myself in just a robe and head back to Mikhail’s office. As I enter, I see him there, looking more stressed than usual. His eyes are fixed on some papers sprawled across his desk, a frown creasing his brow.
“Mischa?” I call out softly as I approach him.
He looks up, his expression shifting from concern to a forced smile as he sees me. “Hey, baby. How was training?”
I perch on the edge of his desk and he pulls me in between his legs, while I try to hide my own fatigue.
“Intense, as always. Alexei doesn’t know the meaning of ‘easy’. But it’s good. Keeps me sharp.” I study his face, noting the deep lines of worry. “What’s going on? You look like you’re carrying the weight of the world.”
Mikhail leans back in his chair, rubbing his temples. “It’s this whole Berlin situation. Something doesn’t add up, and it’s nagging at me. Plus, the news about your father being in Berlin, talking to a Camorrista... It’s too much of a coincidence.”
I nod, understanding his concern. “It does seem too convenient. And with the information about Devon’s family and the hit... Do you think they’re connected?”
He sighs, his gaze drifting to the papers he pushed aside to make space for me. “I don’t know, but Kaius said he’d look into it. Devon’s family name came up and the fact that Anatoly might’ve lied about Dasha’s brother... It’s all too tangled.”
I bite my bottom lip, knowing my husband needs something to relax him with and although sex is the last thing on his mind, I can try, right?
Running my hands over his chest, I trail my fingers lower toward his crotch. “You’re stressed, mio re, let me make you forget for a while,” I say.
“Malyshka,” he sucks in a breath when fingers brush against his cock. “We can’t—”