He grunted and kissed the center of my forehead. “I’m not afraid about anything but losing you or the idea of you getting hurt.” He rested back on the mattress, and I followed him, my head on his chest and right over his heart, my arm slung over his abdomen, my thigh over his. “But not going isn’t an option. It would be disrespectful. And not bringing you when everyone who runs in my demented circle knows about our relationship would be in bad taste and would be a slap in the face of the Morellis, as if I didn’t think they were worthy to see the woman I killed for.”

I said nothing, just let Arlo work through his thoughts and worries. I wasn’t afraid, hated that he was, but I understood where he came from, because the thought of losing him, watching him get hurt, tore at something soft and vulnerable in my body.

“I love you so much,” I whispered and kissed his chest.

“My heart,” he whispered and pulled me over him so I straddled his waist. “I love you more than those three words could ever imply. It’s dark and brutal inside me, this dangerous coil that doesn’t need much to ignite and explode outward, destroying everything in its path.” He smoothed his hands over my waist and cupped my breasts. “You’ve really unleashed the beast, moy svet.”

I didn’t say anything, just reached between us, gripped his already once again hard cock, and slid it deep inside me, showing him with my body as I rocked back and forth, rode him slowly, that I wasn’t going anywhere. I was his.

Chapter Two

Galina

I felt out of place as soon as Arlo pulled his Mercedes onto the paved driveway of the Morelli mansion. I leaned forward, feeling my eyes widen at the clear wealth and luxury that poured from the house and surrounding property.

Perfectly manicured gardens, professionally decorated holiday lights littering just about every inch of the property. It looked like twinkling diamonds scattered along the darkness, like jewels glittering and dripping with their unmistakable opulence.

Arlo pulled the car to a stop in front of the open double doors that led to the grand estate. Staff dressed in black-and-white attire were scattered about, each one having their own task and focused only on that.

The passenger side door was suddenly opened, and the brisk wintery air moved into the warm interior of the car. The scent of the leather seats and the combination of my perfume and Arlo’s cologne were woken up by the shift in the air.