SWNOVELS Brutal Savage: Chapter 17
I can’t get her eyes out of my head the following day, the anger within them.
She doesn’t want this.
Neither do I, Elara. But sometimes we have to do the things we don’t want to do.
And she’s going to realize soon enough that she has no say in this. Not with me.
She will be my wife.
She will wear my ring.
And she will not refuse me.
There’s a knock on my office door at the house. My brothers, Fionn and Cillian strut in and settle on the sofa, tipping their heads up in greeting. Cillian is three years younger than me, while Fionn and I have seven years between us.
“You ready?” Fionn leans back.
“Yeah. They should be here any minute.”
We execute most of our deals here on the estate. And the latest is with the Russians to secure a weapons agreement.
The Marinov family is powerful and has deep connections in the drug and arms world.
They have access to some of the most quality weapons out there. Working with them may not be my favorite, but we need firepower.
Konstantin Marinov runs the Bratva. He’s unhinged, and so are his remaining brothers, Aleksei, Anton, and Kirill.
We know the kind of shit they’ve done, ripping people apart with their teeth.
Their father, Sergey, was the worst of them. He was the one who killed our mother.
Her screams as her body burned alive still haunt me, and it’s been about fourteen years since it happened.
He did it all because he and my father had a dispute over property. My mother was just revenge. Then my father killed one of his sons. Blood was spilled on both sides until Konstantin made a truce and banished his father, who returned to Russia.
But three years after that, he came for Iseult.
My blood simmers remembering how she looked after she escaped. Bloody and bruised, but in her face was the fury she still carries.
She took one of his eyes before she escaped, and the bastard just wouldn’t go away.
He came after Eriu not long ago, and that was the nail in his coffin. Now he’s rotting in the ground.
We’ve existed with the Russians without any war for a long time, and we’d all like to keep it that way. Yet if the need comes, we will be ready. We always are.
My cell rings, and I answer it when I see it’s one of my men. “Yeah?”
“They’re here.”
“Send them in.”
My brothers sit up straighter.
From the distance, heavy footfalls pound closer until the door opens and Konstantin walks in first.
“Konstantin.” I rise, and my brothers follow.
I slap his hand with mine, all of us greeting one another. He’s damn huge, probably over six-seven. Big bastard with an even bigger ego.
“Please sit down,” I tell them as they move toward the two unoccupied leather sofas while my brothers take the other. “Thanks for coming. I know it’s a trip for you.”
“Eh.” Konstantin waves off the concern, his accent heavy. “We took my jet. Was a quick ride.”
Of course he did. He’s in New Jersey. Would be too long to drive.
The thought instantly makes me think of Elara and the number for DK that I found. She gave a reasonable explanation of who he is, and that could all be true, but I have a feeling there’s a lot more to it. Once we’re married, she will tell me everything.
“How about we get down to business?” Konstantin’s voice snaps me back to the present.
He leans back against the leather, his dark, cunning eyes assessing me.
Aleksei leans forward, running a hand through his black hair. “We have the supplies and the means to get them here to the States.” His accent as thick as his brother’s. In fact, they all have it. “We just need to know you’re good with the asking price.”
“What’s that?”
The Russians don’t negotiate. The price is the price. And we need their weapons.
“Three million.”
It’s not unreasonable.
“Ammunition?”
“Everything, my friend.” Konstantin’s mouth twitches. “Five hundred companions.”
I know what he means. Firearms. Five hundred of them, just like we asked for.
“That’s fair.” I nod. “How will you get it to the States?”
He runs his fingers over his trimmed goatee. “Don’t you worry about that.” His grin grows. “All you need to know is we have a system that’s been working, and we don’t disclose it to anyone outside the family. Question is, will you be ready for the shipment when it comes?”
“Our land is secure. We can do it here, no problem.”
“Good.” He glances around my office. “I will say I am very impressed by your land and the way you run everything. It almost rivals our process.”
Guess that was supposed to be a compliment.
“When will the shipment arrive?”
“Two weeks’ time. I will let you know once it reaches the States so you can make the proper arrangements.”
“Alright. My father will be happy to hear that.”
“Where is your father?”
“He’s out, though as you know, I will be heading the family very soon.”
“Ah, yes.” Konstantin stretches his arms. “I heard about your father wanting you to marry. How is that going?”
Fionn chuckles. “He’s got someone in mind.”
I shoot him a glare, and he shrugs.
“What? They’ll all know soon enough.”
“And who is that?” Kirill narrows his eyes, the tattoos on his neck twitching as he does. “You know, if it doesn’t work out, we have plenty of beautiful women in the family.”
“Ah, my brother does make a valid point. That may be a good idea.” Konstantin thoughtfully glances between my brothers and me. “It’s always best to form alliances in our circles, don’t you think? And with all the bad blood we once shared—in the distant past, of course—I wonder if a marriage would prolong our mutually beneficial relationship.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll pass.”
The vein in Konstantin’s neck jerks, his mouth curling at the corner. “Well, you’re not the only Quinn.” His attention snaps to my brothers.
Fionn grins. “I like myself a Russian woman. How about you, brother?”
He elbows Cillian, who doesn’t look as pleased with the idea.
“Yeah, I mean…” He clears his throat. “I’ll think about it.”
Konstantin clenches his jaw. “Good.”
“Yeah,” Cillian mutters, not wanting to piss the fucker off any more.
Konstantin isn’t wrong. May be something to consider. Just not for me. I have the wife I want. She’s the perfect woman to get me what I need and help Brody.
“We have brought you a gift.” Konstantin removes his cell, pressing a few keys. “One of my men will bring it in here.”
“Sure.”
Minutes later, one of his guys hands him a gold bottle of liquor. Konstantin places it on my desk.
“This is Russo-Baltique vodka. Have you heard of it?”
“Of course I have.”
It costs 1.3 million dollars.
He laughs. “Then you know it comes in a bulletproof flask made from gold. Only the best for friends. And we are friends, are we not?”
It’s either you’re friends with the Russians or you’re their enemy.
“We are.” I pick up the heavy bottle and examine the diamond-encrusted cap, a replica of a Russian eagle. “This is generous.”
“Well, I do what I can for friends.” His brothers start to rise. “Now, I expect the money in my Cayman account by next week. That won’t be a problem, will it?”
“Of course not.”
“Very good.” He starts for the door, but before he does, he glances at my brothers again. “You know, when you attend my next party, you can meet some of the very single women in my family.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Fionn slaps his palm with Kirill’s, and we all exchange pleasantries before they get the fuck out of here.
I hate having them in our space. One wrong move and they could start another war. It doesn’t take a lot to set them off, especially Konstantin. I once heard he feeds bodies to Calabrian black pigs he imported from Italy solely for that. I must admit that is a useful way to dispose of bodies. No evidence to clean up.
“Damn, imagine marrying into that family.” Cillian whistles.
“That would make for some interesting family dinners.” Fionn laughs, knowing how big my father is on them.
Glancing down at my phone, I realize I am running late to pick up Brody. Shit.
“I’ve gotta go.” I gather my keys and phone and head for the door. “Brody is waiting for me. Probably angrier than he usually is.”
“Yeah, the kid basically hates you.” Fionn grins. “Who can blame him?”
“Fuck off.” I glare at my youngest brother before heading out and into my car, getting the SUV on the road.
I hope she’s still there. I hope Elara hasn’t gone home yet like she normally does before Rogue brings her to me.
I see her then.
In my mind.
That body made for sin.
Every inch of her begs to be corrupted.
To be owned.
But that’s all I want.
All I need.
She will be mine in every sense of the word.
Twenty minutes later, and I’m pulling up at the school. The place is empty, no parents gathered outside waiting for their kids. Just a few exiting the building to get their children after running late like me.
As soon as I’m buzzed in, the security officer greets me. “Mr. Quinn, how you doin’?”
“I’m doing well, Phil. How’s your family?”
The ex-cop shrugs. “Good as ever. Kids are in college now.”
“Wish them well for me.” I turn to the secretary, seated in an office separated by a plastic partition right past the main entrance doors. “Sorry I ran late.”
“It’s no trouble. Brody will be out any minute.”
“Thank you.”
Impatiently, I glance through the glass door leading further into the school, wanting to get Brody and Elara and get out of here so I can talk to her again. Make her see reason before I have to resort to drastic measures.
Just then, Elara appears in the hall, talking to someone.
Not just someone.
A man.
He’s staring at her, discreetly glancing at her mouth and other parts of her body.
Hot rage boils my blood.
She doesn’t see me. Not yet.
The bastard doesn’t seem much older than me, and when he places a palm on her shoulder, I lose all self-control.
“Could you buzz me in?” I tell the secretary. “I want to have a word with Ms. Hill about Brody.”
“Of course.”
No one gets to touch her. Or look at her like that. No one but me.
I try to contain the adrenaline coursing through me as I slowly approach. She’s yet to look at me. Yet to catch the evidence of my unfathomable jealousy.
“I would love to take you out sometime,” he tells her.
Got a death wish?
She laughs nervously, shifting on her nude stilettos. The black pencil skirt, so damn sexy on her—tight and classy—makes me want to bend her over my knee and watch her ass get pink from my hand.
“That is so sweet of you, Vincent, but I—”
That’s when her attention lands on me and her pretty mouth parts, eyes lost to mine, shock and arousal growing within them.
A miniscule smirk tilts up my mouth.
Vincent glances between us, his eyes expanding. Because, of course, he knows who I am. Everyone in this town does.
I’m gonna be watching you now, Vincent. Bad move to try to hit on my future wife.
“What are you doing here?” she asks, trying to hide her shock.
“I’m here to get Brody and to pick you up. Figured I’d give you a ride since I’m here.”
Her chest rises and falls, the swell of her breasts large enough for my hands.
I never cared much about the specifics of a woman’s chest size or the type of body she had. I’ve always found all kinds of bodies beautiful.
But with Elara, I now have a type.
What’s-His-Name clears his throat. “Mr. Quinn, uh, hello. I’m—”
“I don’t care who you are.”
The cockroach stares up at me with just the right amount of fear.
“I’ve missed you.” I kiss her temple, and she jerks beside me.
I don’t overlook the way the asshole’s face goes white.
Curling an arm around the small of her back, I drag her right up against me, leaning my lips down across her ear. “Better behave and go along with it, Ms. Hill.”
She elbows me in the ribs, the pain radiating down my torso. This feisty little serpent needs to be tamed.
He stares uncomfortably between us.
“Are you ready to go?” I ask her. “I made us dinner plans.”
She narrows her eyes at me, her features tightening.
I can’t hide my satisfaction.
“Great.” She grins, attempting to push me away.
He clears his throat. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. I’ll see you tomorrow, Elara.”
His smile disappears as soon as he looks at my face.
If you don’t keep your dick away from her, you may not live to see tomorrow.
“Come on, let’s go.” I pull her toward the exit.
“I’m not ready to go yet.”
“Don’t make a scene and follow me. I’ll be taking you to my place personally so you can get started with Brody early today.”
Shit. Brody.
“You are unbelievable! I told you not to flirt with me. I can’t lose my job, and here you are, acting like we’re together. What the hell?”
With a growl, I grab a fistful of her ass.
“What are you doing?” Her voice is pitched low, irritation marking each syllable.
Stopping in place, I press the front of her body up against mine.
“He wants to fuck you, and he’s still watching us, so I’m telling him rather nicely that you’re mine.” I brush my lips with hers, unable to stop myself. “Would you prefer it if I killed him instead?”
Her breathing turns heavy, fanning across my mouth. “I’m not yours. I can fuck anyone I want.”
Her croaky timbre shoots right down to my cock. I bet she’s soaking those panties right now.
“We are not together,” she continues, failing to sound convincing as she does a shit job of pushing me off with her palms against my chest. “We’re not dating, and we sure as hell will never get married. Get it through your obviously thick head.”
I chuckle coldly.
My thumb slowly rolls over her lips, my eyes following its path. “Such a dirty mouth. Makes me wonder what else it can do.”
Her face flushes, and the tension in my jaw radiates through me.
My lips drop lower, almost meeting hers again. “No one will fuck you, Ms. Hill. No one but me.”
My thumb strokes across her chin and she sucks in a breath. I bet she can feel how hard I am for her.
“This is my town, Elara. My rules. Everyone obeys them, and soon you will too. It’s best you remember that.”
“You need to stop,” she whispers, though her voice is full of obvious arousal.
“But you don’t want me to stop, do you? You like this.” I fist her hair with my other palm.
“Yes…”
The admission emboldens me. “This is only the beginning. The things I’m gonna make you do…”
Need to get us home as quickly as possible.
Someone clears their throat, and she jumps from my grasp like a bomb exploded between us. The older nurse stands there with Brody, staring at us disapprovingly.
“Mr. Quinn.” Her stern tone only makes me grow more irritated.
She’s never liked me. I don’t know who this woman thinks she is.
“Gretchen.”
I don’t miss the way her face tenses when I call her by her first name.
“Come on, Brody. Let’s go,” I tell him.
He pouts, and instead of coming to my side, he moves toward Elara’s.
“Hey, buddy,” she greets him.
With my arm around her, I lead them out of the building, not missing the wide-eyed looks from the secretary and the security guard.
I just staked my claim, and there’s nothing Elara can do about it. She’s mine, whether she wants to be or not.
Now everyone in this town will know it too.
Rogue’s waiting for us by the SUV parked behind mine. He nods in greeting when he sees us.
“Brody, why don’t you ride with Rogue? Ms. Hill and I have some things to discuss. Don’t we, baby?”
Brody doesn’t seem pleased with the idea, sulking before he stomps over to Rogue.
Elara’s disdain for me shines on her face as she glances my way.
“Don’t call me baby,” she whispers.
The back of my hand strokes the outline of her jaw before I grab her delicate throat and stare into her eyes with promise. “I will call you anything I damn well please.”
She cracks a cold smile before it disappears like quicksand. Her mouth rises to my ear. “You’ll never own me like those shiny cars you drive.”
My fingers squeeze around her throat as I let out a low growl. “Get in the car, Elara.”
“Let me go,” she hisses between clenched teeth.
My smirk only makes her angrier.
But I drop my hand before I give the school any more to talk about.
Her fingertips run across her throat, and in her eyes there’s something other than hate. Her attraction to me is obvious.
This is what I need in a wife. Someone I’ll enjoy fucking. Someone who wants to throw me through the wall before I put her up against one and take everything she fights not to give.
She walks over to Rogue’s car, and at first I expect her to jump in, but she talks to Brody instead while I discreetly rearrange my slacks, needing to tame this massive hard-on.
“I can’t wait to get home and play Monopoly!” she tells him as I appear behind her.
He grins, and I swear every time he does, it’s something I can’t explain in words.
“Okay, buckle yourself in.” She pats his knee. “I’ll be right behind you.”
He nods and does as he’s told.
She ignores me as I walk back to the car with her by my side.
“It never ceases to amaze me how good you are with him.”
“He makes it easy.” She opens the car door, her back to me, but I register the smile in her voice and it sets my heart ablaze.
I wrap my arm around her front and kiss her shoulder. She inhales sharply and stays in my embrace, unable to move or do much of anything.
And neither can I.
Why is it so easy with her when I barely even know her? Why does it feel like everything is possible when I’m this close to her?
She turns in my arms, her brows furrowed as she scans my lips before staring up at me. “You really shouldn’t be touching me like this in front of Brody. It will give him the wrong idea.”
With a ragged sigh, I let her go. She’s right; I should keep my hands off her. Though not because of Brody.
She brings things out in me I have no interest in.
A business arrangement. That’s all this will be.
Marrying her.
Fucking her.
Getting her pregnant.
Rinse and repeat.
No feelings.
No attachments.
That’s all.
“You coming?” Those eyes call to me, and this fierce instantaneous possessiveness latches on to me.
Shit. I’m so fucked.
“Get in.” I help her inside, grabbing the seat belt and securing it around her.
She doesn’t protest. What a fast learner. My mouth tugs at the corner.
Making it to my side, I turn the car on, getting us on the road and following Rogue.
Her eyes drift to my groin, my cock thick and hard.
She fights not to stare, squeezing her knees tight and shifting uncomfortably in her seat. But she just can’t help herself.
Thoughts of prying her thighs apart and tasting her overtake me until I’m the one shifting in my seat.
I glance down at my erection. “Bad wife. Look what you did.”
Her throat bobs as she clears it. “I’m not your wife.”
“But you will be.”
“I’m serious, Tynan. You need to get over yourself and your convoluted idea that we’re getting married. I will never accept your proposal.”
“I don’t remember asking for your permission.” I clasp the top of her thigh, and her tongue slips out to wet her lips.
“What the hell does that mean?” She fights her nerves and keeps her tone steady.
“It means this is gonna happen whether you want it to or not.” I massage her skin with my thumb, pushing the skirt up to her mid-thigh. “And just so you know, if I find out you’ve fucked anyone, they won’t survive the night.”
“You’re insane!” she scoffs.
“Certifiable.” My mouth forms a thin line.
She has no idea how serious I am.
“I’m so done talking to you for the rest of the day.”
I let out a low chuckle. “We’re not done talking yet, Ms. Hill. Now sit there and behave.”
Her nails dig into the leather.
“I don’t know why you’re fighting it. It’s obvious you wanna fuck me as much as I wanna fuck you.” My fingers slide up a little higher, right over her inner thigh. “We’d have fun. It doesn’t have to be unpleasant for either one of us.” From the corner of my eye, my gaze roves down her body. “I would very much enjoy waking up next to you every morning and devouring you for breakfast.”
A visible tremor rolls through her.
“I would take care of you, Elara. Your enemies would be my enemies. Your problems would be my problems. Anything you wanted or needed, I would make it happen.”
She sits up straighter, finally listening even while staring out the front of the car.
“You are who I need for Brody,” I explain further, rubbing my palm up and down her leg, feeling her skin prickle beneath my hand. “I don’t want to force you. I want you to say yes of your own free will.”
“That’s never gonna happen, Mr. Quinn. You’re a criminal. I’ll never marry you. So if you wanna kill me, go ahead.”
I hate that she called me by my last name. I like hearing her say my name.
“I have no plans to hurt you, Elara. I don’t hurt women. No matter how badly they get under my skin. And you, Ms. Hill, have dug so deep…” I squeeze her inner thigh. “I don’t ever want to get rid of you. And that’s a first.”
I don’t know where that confession came from or why I said it out loud, but it’s like when I’m near her, my heart does all the talking.
Her chest rises faster and faster, and I just want to hear her admit that she wants me. That she feels what I’m feeling when I’m with her. But she’s too stubborn for that. She’s made up her mind about me, and it’ll take a lot to destroy that notion.
Doesn’t matter either way.
Because I take what I want.
And it’s too bad for Ms. Hill, I’ve decided I want her.