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Prologue

Vasha

My heart hammered against my ribs. The man in the suit circled me, a pungent scent of tobacco, vodka, and mothballs made my eyes water. I knew who he was, why he was here. And I’d never been more scared in my life. Growing up under the care of Grigori Popov, I’d known fear before, but not like this. This man, Vladimir Bykov, would own me. I was to be his bride, but I knew what that meant. Obeying his every command, letting him touch me, do things to do me… and I’d have no say in the matter. I was an accessory, something to own and play with.

Bile rose in my throat as he trailed his cold, clammy fingers down my arm. There was a stain on his shirt and sparse silver hair peeked from the neck of the button-down. I didn’t know how the buttons hadn’t popped off his rotund figure. I had nothing against older men, but this one… revulsion filled me. The thought of lying under him nearly made me throw up.

She’s perfect, my soon-to-be husband said. And properly trained?

Vasha! Present yourself to your husband, Grigori demanded.

I swallowed the knot in my throat and sank to my knees, head bowed, hands in my lap. The picture of subservience. It was the last thing I felt. I wanted to scream, to hit them. Instead, I knelt and did nothing. Just the way I’d been taught. Sit quietly, be meek, and take whatever punishments I received without complaint.

Good, Vladimir said. And she can take a cock?

I felt the blood drain from my face, hoping he wouldn’t ask me to prove it. Grigori had a woman from a brothel come every week and teach me the proper way to please my husband-to-be -- orally -- by using a ten-inch dildo. I tried not to look at the man’s crotch, but I seriously doubted he was anywhere near that big. Not that I wanted to find out. The mere thought of putting him in my mouth made vomit rise up my throat, but I choked it down. If I let it spew across the floor, or the men, there would be hell to pay.

Of course, Grigori said. She’s been instructed on all your desires and needs.

Her virginity is intact?

Yes. You’re welcome to examine her to be certain.

No! I wouldn’t, couldn’t stand the thought of such a humiliation. I’d already suffered at the hands of a so-called physician checking for my hymen, sticking his fingers inside me while Grigori watched. It was something I’d endured every year since my fifteenth birthday, when my true training had begun in order to prepare me to be a proper wife.

If she does not bleed on our wedding night, I’ll be back for a refund.

We honor all our transactions, Grigori said. If the merchandise is damaged, a refund is reasonable.

Merchandise. Because I wasn’t a living, breathing woman. Just collateral. Something to be bought and sold. Useless except for providing use of my body and popping out kids. Although, the man purchasing me as his wife couldn’t have children. I’d already been informed of that. As well as what would be expected of me to ensure he had heirs. It wasn’t common knowledge my husband-to-be was sterile. Instead, I was to spread my legs for his guards, while he watched, until they got me pregnant.

I’d do anything to escape my fate. Anything!

When I was finally dismissed, I practically ran to my room. Anatoly was waiting, his gaze full of concern as I dashed away the tears on my cheeks. It was a sign of weakness to cry, but the situation was so hopeless. I was doomed to a life of misery.

I can’t do it, I said, my voice breaking. I can’t!

I knew he understood. Anatoly was only a few years older than me, but he’d been my assigned guard since I’d turned fifteen. Before that, I’d considered him a friend, almost a brother. We were still close, but we could never allow anyone to see. They would use us against one another, and we suffered enough already.

There’s only one way out of this. You understand? There’s no going back if I do this, help you escape. It would mean leaving Russia, living with a stranger. Would it be better to let Vladimir have you, or to offer your body to a man you’ve never met in a country you’ve never seen?

No one could be as horrible as Vladimir, could they? Being with him would be like having an animated corpse fuck me. It’s what he reminded me of… a bloated, disgusting dead body. Except he moved and spoke.

A stranger would be preferable. At least then I’d have a chance. Or so I hoped.

Anatoly nodded. I’ll see that it’s done. Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, Vasha. We only get one chance at this. One! If it fails, then we’re both going to die. Or perhaps you’ll only wish you were dead.

I knew this would cost him. I wouldn’t be the only one leaving Russia. If Anatoly stayed, once my absence was noticed, then he’d be tortured and eventually killed. It gutted me to think of the sacrifice I asked of him, but maybe a life elsewhere would be better for both of us.

Do it, Anatoly. I need out of here. I’ll suffer anything if it means I don’t have to let that man touch me.

He gave a nod and came closer, pausing a moment to kiss the top of my head.

Rest. I’ll set things in motion.

We’d had this discussion before. Several times. There was a website on what Anatoly called the Dark Web. A place where women were bought and sold. He said I’d be a mail-order bride, but I knew I’d likely end up someone’s whore. As long as it put me far from Vladimir’s reach, I didn’t care. Well, I mostly didn’t care. The thought of ending up in a brothel somewhere was frightening, but it was a risk I had to take.

Whatever was asked of me, whatever was required, I’d do it.

Even marry a stranger, sight unseen.

I could only hope the man who chose me wouldn’t change his mind. If he sent me back to Russia, I’d end up right back with Grigori, then things would become much, much worse for me. He had a wide reach in Russia. Sneaking out would be difficult enough, but the moment I returned I’d be at his mercy again. I’d never been much of one for prayer, but I’d kneel every night and beg God if that’s what it took.

Chapter One

Slider

I eyed Surge across the room, noting the way he leaned into the pretty blonde. Looked like he was back to banging the club whores, which was a pity. I’d already scanned the offerings tonight and no one snagged my attention. It wasn’t like he and I were in a relationship, but we had fun from time to time, and had been a sure thing the last three weeks. I’d thought he was getting as tired of the club sluts as I was, but it seemed I was wrong. The men we called brothers, the Hades Abyss, didn’t seem to care who we fucked, as long as we handled shit when we were needed. Even after I’d been named the club’s Secretary, no one had batted an eye at me spending time with Surge. I knew a lot of clubs wouldn’t feel the same. But none of that seemed to matter right now. The way Surge’s face was practically in the blonde’s fake breasts told me he’d already found his hook-up for the night, and it wasn’t me.

One thing was for sure. If he thought he was tumbling back into my bed, he’d better get tested first. We’d gone together weeks ago to have that done, and since we’d only been with each other after getting the all clear, not to mention we’d still used protection, I hadn’t been worried. But there was no telling what some of those women were carrying, and I liked my dick too much to take any chances with it rotting off. A bit of latex wasn’t foolproof.

Pushing to my feet, I ambled through the clubhouse and headed outside. I leaned against the porch post, wondering if I was getting too old for this shit. I wasn’t even thirty, but the fact that easy pussy, or even easy ass for that matter, didn’t seem all that appealing anymore made me wonder if I was going to fall prey to the same bug that had bitten Rocket and Spider. Was I ready to settle down? And if so, did I want to settle down with a woman or a guy? I was pretty sure my club wouldn’t care that Surge and I had been fucking, but would they be quite so accepting if it was a permanent thing? How would it look for a club officer to be gay? Technically, I was bisexual, but to some people it wouldn’t make a difference.

Speak of the devil. I smelled Surge’s cologne before I saw him.

We good? he asked.

Yep. Just tired of the scene inside.

He shoved a mug of beer toward me. Here. Drink. Might take the edge off.

I took it and gulped down half. It was more bitter than what I usually had, but beer was beer. At least, tonight it was. Maybe if I got drunk, I wouldn’t care that I’d be spending the night alone.

He rubbed the back of his neck and cast a look around before reaching for my hand. He twined his fingers with mine. I know you want more than what I can give you, and you should have it. I’m sorry I’m not ready to settle down, and I hope things don’t get weird between us. I like you, a lot, but I still want to have fun and meet new people. Maybe learn some new things.

I could understand that. He was younger than me. While I’d been partying hard since high school, Surge was only recently experimenting and opening up more. He’d been a bit reserved when he’d first asked to prospect. I gave his hand a squeeze before letting go.

It’s fine. I get it. You were clear up front that we were just having fun. Guess I’m just… envious. I see what Spider and Rocket have, and I think I might want that too.

He looked torn. Before I could react, he pressed his lips against mine in a fast, hard kiss, then took a step back. The way his hand shook belied his agitation, but I hadn’t kicked him out of bed. This was his doing. I didn’t understand what he was thinking or feeling. Had he just been scared of getting too close to someone?

This might be overstepping, but there’s a gift at your place. All right, so I seriously overstepped, but I think it’s what you need. Before you even said anything, I could tell that you were starting to get that itch. I knew that our time was up or you’d start wanting more from me. You’ve had that look in your eyes almost since the beginning. I’ve been working on this surprise for over a week.

A week. For a week he’d planning to end things and hadn’t given me a fucking hint? All he’d had to do was say he was bored and we’d have gone our separate ways. No big deal. If he’d just talked to me, been honest about what he was thinking and feeling, then maybe I wouldn’t be so disappointed right now. I’d expected more from him. Not more as in a relationship that was long-lasting, but I’d thought he was man enough to be up front about shit.

What the fuck does that mean? I asked.

You want someone steady in your life, and that’s fine. It’s just not something I want right now, he said. Maybe someday. I don’t know. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it. All I want is for you to be happy, Slider. Now go check out your gift.

I ran a hand down my face, wondering if there was a way to rewind and undo this conversation. It was weird as shit and getting worse by the moment.

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