4.

Russia

The silence was thick in the air, chocking the throats of men like a poisonous serpent. The entire room was dark except for a bulb hanging from the ceiling at the centre of a round table. Don Volkov dragged his cigar and released the puff of smoke in the air. His eyes were distant, lost in thoughts. A gun rested in his palm. Bloody spots decorated his coat and right side of the face. Ricardo was sitting at his left, looking unfazed of what happened a few seconds ago. He rubbed his eyebrow in irritation. Just because of Don's presence he was here, otherwise, the man has no interest in registering this show of power and cleaning the mess. His eyes jumped on Roosevelt. Chief of team alpha. The one who deals with human trafficking as well as weapon supplies for Don. The prick was transferring a hefty number of weapons to small gangs around Russia for the past two months, secretly. No one could be blamed for this; he signed his own death warrant. Volkov is a godfather, nothing escapes his sight.

Ricardo stared at now unmoving man who has his head lying on the table and ass still glued to the chair. A puddle of blood was collected around his cheek. The bullet has pierced his skull from the left before blowing the brain and escaped from the right. It was a close shot after all. He was considered lucky as the Don didn't bother with his shit for long by torturing him for days and killing his family. He was lucky to die in one fucking moment.

Other men were still shivering from the recent encounter. They were scared for their lives.

This was the terror of Russian Don.

No one can escape from his den without his permission, once they entered. He will keep you alive till you please him. Once you are done with your deed, he will bury your body under his chambers, caging even your soul under his boot. The ruthless man wasn't familiar with the word humanity. He was dark and frightening. The sole heir and only ruler of this empire.

Resting the gun on wooden table, he dropped the used cigar in the ashtray. With a handkerchief, he started wiping the sign of sin from his face. The white cotton fabric turned crimson completely. Throwing the cloth in the corner, he leaned forward with his hands locked on the table.

"I want those stolen weapons back in the vault. Don't care what you do. Get me the bitches that dared to keep their dirty paws over my toys. And what gangs are working under my nose? I want all the details. Remember, Russia is mine. Only mine. And I don't share my things. Kill all of them." He declared resting back in his chair. Ricardo raised his brows in surprise.

"All of them. They could be hundreds. Are you sure that you want to eliminate so many at once?" He asked bravely and SvetozarVolkov smirked.

"Once you keep the barrel on their skull, they will flutter like a pathetic bird. Half of them will go in hiding from fear. Many of them will agree to work for me under pressure. Kill those who oppose the scheme, Ricardo. I thought you knew me better than others."

"I am aware, boss. I just wanted to confirm and let others know your interests clear. By the way, the deals with Africans is sealed. They are ready to pay millions for our drugs. You just have to order someone to deliver it." Ricardo confirmed as Volkov lit another cigar.

"You are good at this Ricardo. My best..." The Don's words got trailed off when suddenly Oliver, the best tracker around, barged inside panting heavily. It seemed like he had just run a marathon. He looked like a tramp with his long dirty blond hairs covering half of his face. Various piercings and ripped jeans, and brown leather jacket were best to describe his appearance. The other men scrunched their noses in disgust as a horrifying odour wafted from his body. He smelled worse than rotten meat.

"This better be good, Oliver or get ready to go hell. I am in no mood for your rants today." Volkov warned and Oliver's eyes skipped to the dead body resting beside the Don. He gulped audibly and stumbled forward keeping a folder in front of the beast.

"I got something for you. It's urgent." He whispered harshly while catching his breath. Raising an eyebrow, Volkov adjusted the satin addiction between his two fingers and opened the folder lazily. His eyes turned dark, once he noticed the content resting inside the folder. His jaw clenched as he examines the pictures closely.

"When did you got these?" The warning in his tone didn't go unnoticed by others. They sweated waiting for the volcano to erupt.

"Yesterday m... Morning, boss." Oliver's body shook terribly as he sutures, still proud of himself to push the words out of his mouth.

"And I am seeing it now?" The man controlled himself to breathe and not lash out. His hands clutched the pictures closely. "Where were they spotted?"

"At the airport of Italy."

This was enough for SvetozarVolkov to lose his shit as he stood up with a force knocking his chair away. Everyone jumped on their feet as well. They were dying to know what devil the Don saw in those pictures. Ricardo stood up silently and leaned to see the reason for Svetozar's boiling temper. His lips parted watching the familiar face of Italian devil, who brought nothing but floods in their lives. Snapshots of Valentine Romero in a navy-blue suit shines under the glow of dim bulb of the room, showing he was leaving his jet. But what made Ricardo stop breathing was the masked female beside him. He stared at the arm of Romero that was draped around her protectively, almost shielding her from everyone. His jaw clenched watching these pictures in the hands of Don. They both recognized who she was, instantly. It wasn't hard to point such a female even in the sea of women. Her lean built was easily detectable. Ricardo sweated bullets and looked at red-faced Don.

"We have been tricked. She is still alive." He muttered lowly making Ricardo gulp.

The good news is that she is alive, but the bad news is that Volkov has understood Romero's weakness by that one possessive embrace. He was no fool.

"Get some men in Italy, Ricardo. It's time to hunt the lion down."

The Russian mafia leader growled dangerously poking the burning cigar on Valentine's face in the picture.

***

Crystal

I woke up with hot breathing fanning over my neck. Groaning, I tried to turn away, but the weight on my body restricted all the movements. I opened my eyes sleepily and dark hairs came in view. That's when I noticed, Valentine's face was lying in the crook of my neck. His right hand was wrapped around my hips possessively while the left was under the pillows. His eyelashes tickled my jaw. Half of his body was lying over me, pinning me to the bed. The weight was turning my body numb. I can barely feel sensations in my legs. This frightened me a bit. I did fracture them in the accident and the bones were weak.

"Valentine," I mumbled shaking him gently but he snuggled deeper in my neck, groaning lazily.

"Valentine, move. You are crushing me. I can't feel my legs. Please move." I shook him harder and he tilted his head up glaring at me. Man. Never touch a sleeping lion.

"What are you doing?" He yelled showing his irritation making me flinch.

"My legs. They are...." I whispered feeling frightened all of a sudden. His loud voice attacked something in me because my heart doubles its pace. It felt as if someone has wrenched my soul and are ready to push me in darkness. After that, I lost my voice. Sweat coated my body and I shuddered feeling the bile rising my chest. Loud pants were heard as my lungs constricted in panic. His eyes opened wide noting the changes in my features. He backed away immediately and kneeled beside me looking worried.

"Shit. I am sorry. Are you okay? What's wrong?" He asked yanking my body in a sitting position and reached for water on the bedside table. I rubbed my chest breathing harshly. Tears blurred my vision. "Here. Drink this." He held the glass close to my lips and I gulped slowly. "Crystal. Try to take deep breathes. You are fine." He ordered pulling me to his chest and rubbed my back soothingly. "You are fine." He chanted again and again until I was breathing normally. It was like an old fear has gripped my spine out of blue.

"What was that?" He asked while rubbing my sides and I shrugged before wiping the beads of sweat from my forehead.

"I don't know, I got scared when you yelled that way. Please don't be angry." I mumbled feeling my heart still beating wildly.

"I am not angry, baby. I can never be angry at you. I am sorry for startling you like that. I was just really tired." He apologized softly before kissing my head. I sighed in exhaustion, surrendering in his embrace. But the peaceful moment didn't last long as my stomach growled loud, embarrassing me. He backs away and stood up from the bed. It was 10 in the morning.

"Have a shower. I will ask Lola to prepare breakfast." Saying that he left the room in the silence. I stared at his retreating figure and then slapped my forehead. If anyone wants to learn how to ruin a beautiful morning, take classes from me. I have to make it up to him. Jumping out of bed, I stumbled feeling my legs wobble. They were like jelly. It gave a funny feeling in my stomach and I giggled lightly forgetting the rough encounter with Valentine a few seconds ago.

Once showered, I entered into the closet with a towel wrapped around my body. A squeal left past my lips noticing a naked man rummaging through clothes. A white towel was draped around his hips. Lowly. He turned towards my startled figure and passed a charming grin.

"Hey. How are you feeling now?" Valentine asked cheekily pulling out a black shirt from the pile. My mouth went dry noticing water dripping from his hairs and gliding down his muscular back, before disappearing in the towel. "Crystal?" He called when I didn't reply and turns to face me. I immediately averted my eyes on the floor.

"I am fine."

"Look at me and say it." The Italian husband demanded stubbornly making my stiff body sag and face him. His dark eyes were shining under the fluorescent lights of the closet. Suddenly, he looked younger than always and the aura around him was warm and welcoming. The frown and brooding look weren’t there anymore. He was smiling lovingly. I exhaled the tension and smiled back.

"I am fine."

"That's better. Get dressed. You are hungry and after breakfast, I have to give you medicines as well." He said flinging a tie from the hanger and started leaving the closet granting me some privacy. But I caught his wrist stopping him in the middle.

"Valentine. I... I am sorry for this morning. I don't know what happened to me all of a sudden to behave that way. It was weird and frightening at the same time. It shouldn't have happened. I am really sorry." I muttered not able to meet his eyes. If I see it now, all that felt absurd. Why will I feel unprotected and scared in his presence? In the presence of this man who has been so kind and gentle with me from the moment I've opened my eyes. He is the closest thing to comfort and the home I want. I can't behave like a stranger around him because of lost memories. He is my husband and I was his wife.

Hearing my words, he turned towards me and cupped my face. Staring in my eyes, he clenched his jaw. His face was blank of any emotion. Like a stone, he examined my features and leaned closer such that our noses were touching. I know I am taller than most girls, but still reached his chin and that fact intimidates me. So, I squirmed under his unwavering gaze.

"Are you really sorry?" He asked and I nodded. "Then prove it." He announced with a playful expression and leaned against the wall. A questioning look dawned my features and his eyes shined in mischief.

"What?" I sutured pathetically, shivering in front of his authoritative aura.

"Prove that you are really sorry. Come closer and kiss me." He demanded boldly as if it's the most normal thing in the world. My jaw dropped in disbelief as he folds his arms on his chest casually. His biceps flexed at the smallest movement.

It's true that we have seen each other naked many times, but we never shared any intimate moment or touch since I woke up from the coma. Valentine always maintained some distance respecting my personal space and privacy. He never kissed me once on lips except for forehead or cheek. It felt like someone left me in front of the Everest and demanded to climb on it. My heart beats wildly in my chest as I shifted my weight from one foot to another. My fingers fiddled with the hem of the towel in nervousness. What should I do now? Come on Crystal, he is your husband and he has every right over you. You must have kissed him in the past a thousand times. What's wrong with you? Do it before he thinks of you a scared cat.

Gulping the fear, I welcomed sweet tingles on my skin as I took the first step towards him. He froze for a second, the smugness washed away from his face as I approached him. From outside I may look calm, but all my insides were shaking badly. My heart was ready to crawl out of my ass. I doubt that even he must have heard its crazy pace. I stopped when our feet were touching. I shuddered at this first touch. He stared at me amazed and surprised like he was sure that I will decline the idea. Pursing my lips, I leaned forward standing on my tip toes. His eyes followed my lips as the distance between us decreased. I clenched my fists hard feeling his warm breath fanning on my face. His adams apple bobbed up and down at the intensity of my actions. My eyes fluttered close as lips feathered on his like air and then it happened. If my heart didn't stop tasting the forbidden heights, I was going to have an attack. Oppose to his strong and hard body, his lips were very soft. They felt like two petals of rose under my care. My hands crawled on his chest and he jumped slightly at the contact. I nibbled his lower lip slowly, feeling lost. My mind was blank at the moment and totally unaware of what to do. It felt like I was kissing someone for the first time. My performance was like an inexperienced teenager. Warm hands wrapped around my waist crushing me to a hard chest. He was frozen till now, but right at this moment, he took the lead guiding me to bliss. A hum of passion broke between us. I could feel the warmth of his body teasing my skin through a fluffy towel.

Tilting his head for a better angle, he nibbled my lips slowly, occasionally biting my lower lip or sweeping his tongue over it teasingly. My hands encircled his neck and slowly tugged his hairs. Moans slipped past my mouth and he swallowed them all. The moment his tongue touched mine, I lost the power in my knees. But Valentine's hold was tight for me to slip away. Amnesia or not, I was sure that I've kissed this man a thousand times before because of the way our lips mould in perfection, sent warm flutters to my gut and it was all too familiar. From the moment I woke up, I had this nagging feeling at the back of my mind. Doubts were filtering through my head with every step I was taking forward but this one action stomped a full stop to them all. I was standing right where I belong. With him.

He pulled back for a second to lift me up and wrap my thighs around his hips. I breathed hard looking in his desire filled eyes as he turned us around such that my back was pressed against the wall. His lips collided with mine again and this time the kiss wasn't slow anymore, it was rough and dripping with raw passion. My toes curled in the air at the intensity of his sweet attacks. He was sucking the air out of me and giving me his breaths. His heart was beating wilder against mine. Our moans rang in the closet as we moved against each other for more pleasure. Pulling away from my lips, he went down for my throat and bit softly, caressing with his tongue at the same time. My head rolled back in ecstasy, totally ignoring the shameless voices ripping from my chest.

After a heavy make-out session, we both pulled away. Our foreheads rested against each other as we tried to gain our breaths. His eyes were shining darker than their usual colour with rare desire glimmering in them. At some point, it scared me.

"Do you regret this?" He asked huskily and I shook my head slowly in negative. A smile broke on his handsome face and he pecked my lips deeply.

"Good, because this is going to happen a lot from now on." He declared and only one thought crossed my mind.

Oh boy!