slow down

I choked on the water I was trying to drink to cool my body.

Mikhail was beside me in a heartbeat, patting my back.

That contact sent something electrifying straight to a part of my body that had no business coming alive.

I clamped my thighs, afraid that Mikhail would catch something inappropriate.

“ Slow down, you don't have to be so excited about our marriage.” Mikhail teased and I took that as my cue to push him away.

“ Don't be so full of yourself. I haven’t agreed to it yet.” I retorted, unwilling to show him how much he was affecting me.

“ The fact that you are here is an answer enough.

You've disappointed your grandfather once. I know you don't want to disappoint him again.”

His reply, as cocky as it sounded, was right.

“ Now that we are getting married, do you want me to deal with that scum? Just say the world and you'll never hear from him again." Mikhail offered but I shook my head.

" I have my plans." I replied.

" Does your plan have something to do with going back to him tonight and sharing his bed?" His eyes narrowed dangerously.

" I don't share what's mine, Leslie. I don't mind shedding some blood to prove that to you.” Mikhail declared dangerously, something dark and sinister flickering in his eyes.

I met his gaze without blinking.

“ I will deal with Austin myself.” I stood my ground.

Mikhail dealing with Austin simply meant torturing him and eventually killing him.

I have something better in store, something that will make him wish he never met me. That's my ultimate revenge.

“ Don't take too long, Leslie. You know me, I am not a patient man.

I have already given you three years to play house with that motherfucker. It's about time you return to where you belong to.” Mikhail declared, an edge of warning in his words.

That tone triggered something ugly inside me.

“ Let's get something clear, Mikhail. Just because we are getting married doesn't mean you own me. I am not your property.” I snapped.

He has always been a control freak and that's one of the reasons I fought and refused our arranged marriage three years.

Marriage was meant to be a premise of mutual understanding, not one party acting like the boss.

Just because I failed in one marriage didn't mean I was willing to overlook that part.

Mikhail's eyes glinted with something that bordered amusement and dark promise.

“ Soon Leslie, you'll be begging me to own every inch of your body.”

I scoffed at that even when I was burning inwardly.

Did he have to spout such words recklessly?

Beg him to own me? What a joke.

“ Wait until we get married before you make promises.” I threw back at him. Mikhail didn't say a word, he just chuckled like a man who knew he was already winning.

After agreeing on the day to get our marriage licence, I left the hotel and tracked Austin's location.

He was at a bar downtown, not far from where I just had a meeting with Mikhail Volkov.

With my marriage with Mikhail set in stone, I didn't have to keep playing house with Austin.

It was exhausting and nauseating.

I was also doing him a favour before he got his neck snapped and died without knowing why.

That's something that Mikhail was capable of doing.

As expected, his buddies were there and so was his sweet little wife.

Sally was perched on his thighs feeding him grapes.

When Austin saw me, he had the decency to look terrified, scrambling on his feet.

“L- Leslie, what are you doing here?” He stammered, pushing Sally away like she was some hot potato scalding him.

She landed with her ass on the floor awkwardly.

“ I got bored and decided to join you.” I lied.

“ I didn't expect to find you really celebrating.” I said, my eyes flickering to Sally.

I spotted the earrings he had tried giving me this morning on Sally's ears.

I almost scoffed out loud.

So he gave them out after I refused them?

" You don't have to explain anything to me. She is your legal wife and carrying your child, I don't see anything wrong with holding her." I declared, letting him know I knew about his betrayal.

" What nonsense are you saying? Leslie, listen to me..." Austin attempted to explain.

Before I could cut him off, someone else did.

" My woman doesn't need to listen to anything you say. Save your explanations for your wife."

A familiar voice said before strolling leisurely.

I turned to see Mikhail approaching, his long coat draped on his hand and a cigar hanging on his lips.

He stopped besides me, wrapping his arms possessively around me.

The air inside the room turned cold and awkward.

I watched as Austin's eyes moved from my face to the arm wrapped around my waist.

“Leslie, what's the meaning of this? Who is this man?" Austin asked, his voice sounding angry and annoyed.

He looks like he could murder someone, except that his little emotions didn't seem to faze Mikhail who continues to smoke his cigar without any hurry in the world.

" Your nemesis and Leslie's husband." He declared before leaning in and kissing my lips.

I hissed when Mikhail bit me, nudging me to open up.

When I did, he shoved his tongue inside my mouth, tasting every corner and coercing a moan out of me.

Once satisfied, he pulled away, his thumb brushing over my abused lip.

He surveyed the damage he just did with satisfaction while I fought the urge not to slam my fist on his cheeks.

My eyes flickered to Austin who looked humiliated, his hands clenched into fists.

His friend Stephen however seemed to be enjoying the show.

The other spectators had their jaws on the floor.

Sally looked like she could explode with jealousy and that kinda gave me a sense of satisfaction.

" The night is still young, shall we head home and continue, my wife?” Mikhail asked, a dangerous smile playing on his lips.