Page 67 of His to Own

My father did deny me the chance to have these experiences. But I’m having them now with Maxim. My scary yet surprisingly kind mafia husband. How can he be both?

“I…” I gasp.

“Say it,” he growls. “Say what’s on your mind. Say it for me, Elena.”

“I love this,” I whisper.

His smile consumes me. “I knew you would. Now come for me again. And scream this time. I want to hear your voice.”

His hand is working magic on my body. It only takes one more flick of my nub for me to find my second release.

I can’t scream though. The only sound that comes out is a tiny whimper.

Maxim removes his hand from between my legs but he places it on my knee, keeping my legs open… staring down at me. “You really are beautiful, Elena. Never forget that.”

The urge to cry hits me all over again. For the first time since Maxim and I married, I feel a tingling sensation in my heart. Like I could fall in love with him.

The park near Maxim’s house is beautiful. This time of year, the trees are back in full bloom and the snow has melted. There’s still a chill to the air so I wrap my jacket around me tighter. But I can tell that things will be warming up soon. Summer will be on its way. I have only a month to submit a piece of writing for Professor Burgov’s internship. He’ll announce the winner at the end of the semester.

I stroll through the park, breathing in the air. Maxim is at work. Mafia things. I haven’t truly seen what he does but given that I’ve seen him murder someone before my very eyes, I can only guess it isn’t good. I don’t want to even consider that part of Maxim. If I were to face that part of him, my fear would come rushing right back and I just want to be relaxed around him.

I settle on a bench and people watch. Little kids run around their parents’ legs. Parents snap at their kids to stop. Couples hold hands and look in love. A group of older woman walk by, gossiping about their kids and grandchildren.

I let myself relax into the sight. I don’t have my father hovering over my shoulder. I don’t have my mother’s critical words in my ear. I don’t have to listen to Lana and Adriana bicker.

I can just… be.

“Elena?” A woman’s voice interrupts my peace and quiet.

Looking to my right, I see that Alisa is right by my bench. Her smile is soft and her cheeks are a rosy pink.

“Hi,” I say, sitting upright. “Alisa. How are you?”

“I’m good. I haven’t seen you since the party. You passed out. Are you doing all right?”

“I’m… fine. Better.”

She points at the bench. “Can I sit?”

“Sure.”

She sits down with a sigh and we people watch together. “What are you doing out here?”

“Going for a walk. You?”

“Same.” She sighs. “Just needed some space from my husband. He can be a bit domineering.”

“I’m sorry. Your husband works with Maxim?”

“Yes. For years now.”

“So you’ve known Maxim for a few years then?”

She slants her eyes at me and there’s an expression in them I don’t quite understand. “Yes. I have. Why do you ask?”

“I just haven’t met anyone else who’s known Maxim for long.”

“Ah. Are you wondering if I have any stories about him to tell you? Well, I’m afraid I don’t. We haven’t spent that much time together.”