Taken by the Bratva by Paige Warren (best short novels txt) 📗

me. “Right. I’ll go shower. But I’ve already learned that no matter how hot the water is, or hard I scrub, I’ll never be clean.”

I turned and walked out of the room, heading up to my bedroom and doing as he’d commanded. If I’d bothered to turn around, I might have seen the look on Ivan’s face at my words. I hadn’t said them as more than a reminder to them of what I was. Whatever was to become of me, as long as they didn’t put me into one of their brothels, then my life couldn’t be any worse than it was now.

I reached my room, for once without my shadows, and dropped my dress to the floor. Yanking off my shoes, I tossed them into the corner. I showered quickly, doubting the men downstairs wanted to wait very long. When I was finished, I braided my wet hair and pulled on a pair of denim shorts and a tank top. I slipped on a pair of canvas tennis shoes then packed a bag like the man had instructed. If none of them wanted me, I didn’t understand where I was going.

I finished stuffing the necessities into the duffle and then carried it downstairs. I didn’t see my uncle, and only the Russians remained. Shifting from foot to foot, I couldn’t bring myself to look any of them in the eye. I didn’t know if I’d see pity or disgust, but I wasn’t ready for either. Although, it was better than the lust I typically saw when men looked at me. The way Ivan had looked, he was openly admiring my body.

Dimitri muttered something in Russian, drawing my gaze to him. The expression on his face made my stomach drop. Whatever they’d decided while I was gone, I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like one bit.

Chapter Two

Ivan

Need thrummed in my veins as I watched the beauty. A few times, she’d let her mask slip and I’d seen the emotion in her eyes as she’d struggled to face her fate. What would it take to make her let loose? To release all the anger inside her, just bubbling under the surface waiting to break free.

“Come, kiska,” I said, holding out my hand to her.

Her fingers trembled as she placed her hand in mine. Pavel had offered her to Dimitri, but the fool hadn’t wanted her. I hadn’t planned to take her as my wife, but the idea had merit. She would be mine completely, with no way to escape. I’d own her body and soul.

Dimitri glowered as we walked past, unhappy with Pavel’s decision. He’d wanted the girl protected from Byrnes and his men, and marriage was the best way. I knew Pavel favored Dimitri over me, and it was fine. Dimitri could remain the favorite, as long as I got the woman. I’d had little doubt Byrnes would offer her up to us when we came to collect, but this had gone much better than I’d thought. Instead of a few hours of enjoyment, I’d get her for eternity.

I opened the car door and helped her into my Mercedes CLS. I reached for the seatbelt and fastened it securely before shutting the door. I could feel her gaze on me as I walked around the front of the vehicle. The fear coming off her was tantalizing, but soon enough she’d learn her place. While I could be a demanding man, I’d also shower her with gifts. Instead of being a whore to many, she’d only be mine.

I’d noticed the marks on her body when she’d stripped. The thought of other men leaving a blemish on her skin had anger burning inside me. No one should be allowed to mark her except me. As her husband, I’d see the scars were covered in some way. While I’d never cared for tattoos on my women, perhaps in this instance it would be beneficial. Something to remove the reminder for her and myself that she’d not always belonged to me.

She sat quietly on the car ride to my home. As I pulled up to the gates, I heard her breath hitch. My home was modest compared to Pavel’s, but it served my needs well. The iron gate swung open and I pulled through, taking the winding drive down to the house. Two stories and over three thousand square feet, I knew most would consider my home impressive. It needed to be in order to show off my wealth and power to the men I dealt with every day.

“Welcome to your new home, kiska.”

I stopped in the circle near the front steps and shut off the engine. My woman had a white knuckled grip on her bag as she stared at the house. Irina opened the front door and stood waiting. Even at the age of forty, she was still beautiful. Perhaps if I hadn’t known her when we were children, I’d have been tempted to have her in my bed, but our relationship had always been platonic.

“Is that… your wife?” Imogen asked.

“Nyet. That will be your job, kiska. Irina manages the house.”

Her hands started to shake. “What? You mean you’re really going to marry me? What if I don’t want to? You took care of my uncle already.”

I let my gaze travel over her, lingering on her breasts a moment. “I don’t recall giving you a choice. You’re mine now, kiska. Get used to it.”

Her eyes misted with tears and I watched as she struggled to hold them back. She was strong, but I’d assumed as much since she’d survived three years as a whore, paying off her uncle’s debts. No one weak would have lasted so long, especially without being broken. Imogen seemed docile, and she’d no doubt been beaten into submission, but I could see the fire lurking inside her. I couldn’t wait to watch her burn, see her lash out, and finally accept she needed a monster like me to contain her.

I got out of