Page 43 of Wicked Villain

“Yes.” Asshole.

He extends his hand for me to take. I slip my hand into the warmth of his, and he guides me down the path.

Despite the curious stares, people bid us well wishes as we walk by, honoring their Pakhan and his wife.

The well wishes follow us all the way to the car, where the driver is waiting to take us home.

It’s the same black Maybach I traveled in this morning with Zoya.

Now I’m riding back with Lev.

He lets me slide in first then follows. The driver gets in after, and then we’re on our way. Back to my cage.

Lev is watching me, so I keep my gaze out the window and turn away. My mind is still reeling from his words, and I know my skin is suffering from the aftermath, too.

From the warmth of my cheeks, I’m guessing I’m a lovely shade of beetroot red, and I’m sure he’d be able to see it even in the dark.

When the car verges onto a country road, there’s nothing but darkness. Still, I feel the heat of my husband’s stare.

It follows me for the two-hour-long journey back to the house, with momentary breaks when we get caught up in traffic. Not once do I look back at him.

As the large wrought-iron gates open and we make our way down the driveway, the nest of bats living in the pit of my stomach flutters into a frenzy.

We’re back. We’ll be entering the house as husband and wife.

Is he going to force himself on me? Hold me down and rape me just to spite my father?

I don’t know what to do. Even if I tried to defend myself, I’m no match for him.

When Mama was crying as we spoke about the consummation, I tried not to think about it. At the time, I needed to find the strength to get through the wedding.

I did. Now we’re here, and giving Lev my body is not the same as walking down the aisle and marrying a stranger.

The car rolls to a gentle stop outside the manor. Lev gets out first, and one of his guards opens the door for me. He’s one of the guards who patrol the grounds.

He extends a hand to help me out of the car, but Lev appears next to him and swats it away. I swear I even hear a growl rumble from him.

What the hell is his problem?

I won’t make the mistake of thinking I could possibly have friends or allies here, and I don’t want any. But I at least recognize good manners. The guard was only helping me out of the car. Lev didn’t have to behave like a Neanderthal.

To make matters worse, he starts telling the guard off in Russian. As terrible as I am with understanding the language, I pick up the words woman, wife, and mine.

The poor guard looks heavily apologetic. And scared for his life.

I stay put, not wanting to move just yet.

The hand that reaches toward me moments later is Lev’s. Not wanting to piss him off again, I take it and he helps me out of the car.

As soon as I’m out, he slips an arm around me and leads me up the path. I glance back at the guard, but he keeps his gaze ahead, completely away from me.

I look back ahead knowing I have bigger problems to worry about than Lev’s guard. At least he can take care of himself. I can’t.

I’m guided into the house and up the stairs, very aware that Lev looks like he’s on some kind of mission.

I can’t breathe. By the time we reach the bedroom, my soul feels like it’s going to leave my body.

Damn you, Papa. Damn you.