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

knew different, but it would take time for her to realize her strength.

Chapter Three

Imogen

I felt as if he’d stripped the flesh from my bones and left me a bloody, broken mess. Men had cut me, beat me, burned me… but until today, none had taken the time to give me an orgasm much less two. Ivan had shaken me to my core. He said I was marrying him, and I’d thought it would just give me a fancy title, but I’d still be little more than whore. I’d heard the stories of men like him using their wives to advance in the ranks. Would he expect that of me?

When I’d called myself a whore, he’d been furious. I didn’t know what to expect with him. I’d known my place for three years. Until today. The way he spoke, demanding my obedience, it seemed as if I were little more than his slave. And yet… even the sting of the flogger had only stimulated my body and made me crave more.

I placed a hand over my belly and despair washed through me. I’d been forced to abort my baby, and I had no idea if I’d ever carry another. He’d said he planned to fuck me until he got me pregnant. What if it wasn’t possible? I didn’t know what he’d do if I ended up being barren. A man like him would need an heir. If I couldn’t give him one, he’d have to go elsewhere, and he certainly wouldn’t keep me as his wife. Would I be sent to the brothels then?

I looked around the bathroom, admiring the beauty. I didn’t know how long I’d be here. For however many days, weeks, or months Ivan decided to have me in his bed, I’d enjoy my new home. And when he discovered I was defective, I’d at least have some good memories to hold onto. Unless he turned into the same sort of monster I’d lived with the last three years. It was possible today was only a fluke, a way to lure me into a sense of security.

A knock sounded at the bathroom door and I tensed. It couldn’t be Ivan. He’d walk in uninvited since it was his bathroom. The woman who’d greeted us on the front steps hadn’t liked me. Even if she’d smiled at Ivan, I’d seen the way she looked at me. She didn’t want me here, and I had no doubt she’d do her best to get rid of me. Maybe she wanted him for herself.

“Who is it?” I called out.

“Sonya. Mr. Lenkov sent me to purchase a few things for you. Would you like me to set them inside the bathroom or leave them in here?”

I chewed on my bottom lip and twisted my fingers together. It wasn’t like I hadn’t been put on display plenty of times, and usually in front of men. And she’d asked to come in, she hadn’t just barged into the room.

“You can come in,” I called out.

I folded my knees to my chest and wrapped my arms around my legs. A woman not much older than me stepped into the room, a hesitant smile on her face. She held several shopping bags and set them on the floor in front of the vanity.

“Everyone’s excited about Mr. Lenkov getting married,” Sonya said. “It will be nice to have a lady of the house.”

“I’m not sure everyone wants me here,” I murmured skimming my hand over the water.

Sonya smirked. “You mean Irina? Don’t let her get to you. She’s worried she’s going to lose what power she holds over this house. If you ask me, it would be a good thing. She sometimes acts like she’s more important than everyone else, even though she’s an employee like the rest of us.”

“Does she have feelings for Ivan?” I asked, unable to stop myself.

Sonya shook her head. “Not like that. I think she considers him a friend, but she’d have married him if he’d asked. She’d have endured sex with him even if she didn’t like it.”

Not like it? The man had shattered my soul when he’d decided to teach me a lesson today. I couldn’t imagine anyone not enjoying being in his bed. Unless Irina was a frigid bitch. It was unfair to think such things of her when I didn’t know the woman, but seriously. Ivan had done the impossible and made me come more than once.

Sonya moved a little closer and lowered her voice. “Irina doesn’t like men. Not in that way. She prefers the company of women.”

Oh. In that case, I could understand why she wouldn’t want to be in Ivan’s bed. It didn’t make sense she’d want to marry him though. Then again, I knew people would do anything for power. Not me. I couldn’t care less about such things. I just wanted my freedom – something I’d never have.

Sonya set bottles, brushes, and other items on the counter before carrying two of the other bags into the closet. Had Ivan sent her for all this stuff? He’d said he needed my sizes, but I’d thought he’d just buy me an outfit or two. It seemed she’d picked up more. A lot more.

She bustled back out of the closet and stopped to face me. “There’s talk downstairs. Apparently, Mr. Lenkov told Irina where he’d found you. Most of us think it’s rather romantic, him swooping in to save you like that. And to marry you! It’s like a fairy tale. Irina is another story. She isn’t too keen on you being here, especially knowing about your past. Don’t let her bully you.”

“Thank you, Sonya. Why are you being so nice to me?” I asked.

“You’re going to be Mr. Lenkov’s wife. No matter what Irina thinks. I’m one of the ones excited to have you here.”

I nodded and studied the water. At least there were a few people who wanted me here. Sonya drifted closer and winced at the bruises on my skin.

“Would you like