Page 81 of Tainted Empire
Ivan shifts uncomfortably. “We need a plan, Mikhail, we can’t wait for him to strike again.”
“I’m aware of that, Ivan,” I snap, my patience wearing thin. I lean back, my mind racing with possibilities. “We’ll find a way to get to him, even in Berlin. He thinks he’s safe, but he’s not. Not from us.”
The meeting turns into a strategy session, each of us contributing ideas and suggestions. My frustration simmers beneath the surface, but it’s channeled into determination. Alexei may have outmaneuvered us this time, but he won’t win. I won’t rest until he’s paid for his betrayal.
After everyone leaves, Gabriette comes into the office, her presence bringing a momentary respite from the turmoil. She closes the door softly behind her, her gaze filled with empathy as she approaches me.
“Mikhail,” she starts, her voice gentle, “you couldn’t have known about Alexei. He was meticulous in his deception. It’s not your fault.”
I let out a heavy sigh, the weight of recent events bearing down on me. “I know, baby. But I brought him into our lives. That’s on me. He played us all.”
She sits beside me, her hand finding mine. “We’ll handle it, Mikhail. We’ve faced worse. We’re in this together, remember?”
I nod, grateful for her unwavering support. Gabriette has a way of bringing clarity to the chaos.
Trying to shift the focus, she brings up Natalya’s wedding. “You know, we’ve got Natalya’s wedding coming up.”
The mention of the arranged marriage I set up for business reasons does little to lift my spirits. “Yeah, Demetrius Papadopoulos, the Greek magnate. The wedding is close, and with everything that’s happening... it’s just another thing on the list.”
Gabriette squeezes my hand. “It’s important, Mikhail. It’s a big step for Natalya and a significant alliance for us. Maybe getting away from all this for a bit, attending the wedding, could give us a new perspective.”
I look into her eyes, finding a sense of calm there. “Maybe you’re right. It might be good to step away, even if it’s just for a little while. Clear my head.”
She smiles, a glint of optimism in her eyes. “It will be good for both of us. A change of scenery, some time to breathe. Perhaps a honeymoon we never had?”
I catch the smile in her voice and nod, the idea slowly appealing to me. “Alright, let’s do it. We’ll go to Greece for Natalya’s wedding. It’ll be a break from all this chaos.”
As she stands up, ready to leave the office, I pull her back for a brief, but heartfelt kiss. “Thank you, Malyshka; For everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
She returns the kiss with equal passion. “Together, Mikhail. No matter what.”
As Gabriette leaves the room, I feel a slight shift in my mood. The wedding in Greece could be the break we need, a moment of peace amidst the storm. It’s a chance to celebrate something positive, and maybe, just maybe, it will give us the strength to face whatever comes next.
Epilogue - Two Months Later
Gabriette
He grabs me by the throat and pushes me against the shower wall, kissing me so hard I swear I can taste blood. Mikhail hasn’t been rough with me in a long time, and honestly I am getting a thrill just thinking about it.
Breaking off the kiss, he moves his lips down and kisses my neck, trailing his tongue towards my nipples. I gasp when he pulls on them with his teeth, knowing they’ll be aching tomorrow.
“My queen,” he murmurs against my skin as he drops to his knees. “Let me worship this pussy. Open your legs.”
With a low groan, he takes my mound in his mouth, working his tongue in circles over her clit until I feel myself bucking into his mouth. He pushes three fingers inside my pussy and roughly fucks me with them, all while sucking on my clit.
This man is a fucking God with his tongue.
“Mischa…” I whisper his name and he groans into my pussy, slipping my leg over his shoulder. “Yes… Oh, my God. YES!”
“I want your screams, Malyshka,” he groans. “Give me your fucking screams.”
If you asked me what my name was at that point, I wouldn’t be able to tell you.
Lingering in the steam-filled warmth of the shower, the droplets of water cascade down my skin, mingling with the touch of Mikhail’s hands. The intimacy of the moment, just him and me, feels like a rare bit of peace amidst the chaos of our lives.
We’re leaving for Greece in the morning for Natalya’s wedding, a much-needed respite from the relentless tension that’s been our constant companion these past months.
Alexei’s shadow still hangs over us, his whereabouts unknown, a ghost that refuses to be laid to rest. And then there’s Anatoly – found murdered along with all his men. It’s a brutal reminder of the life we lead, the stakes we play for.