Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Author's POV

Vera woke up and grabbed her head with a defeated sigh. She couldn't believe that she gave in.

She ran fingers through her hair to soothe the effect of wild night. Her eyes stared at the wooden floor as she gulped back the lumb in her throat.

She can't step back now, last night she decided to give in so she can turn the situation in her favour. And she has seen it working, Vlad told her about Layla.

She looked beside her, Vlad wasn't in the bed. She looked around but she couldn't see him.

She grabbed his shirt from the floor and wore it as she has nothing to wear except the staff uniform which is covered in blood.

She splashed warm water on her face and looked at the mirror. Her neck was completely covered in hickeys. She can't help but remember how Vlad's lips never left her neck alone.

"Never thought I would do this to save myself..."

She mumbled.

She walked out and saw Vlad in the kitchen. He was cooking.

"You can cook!?"

She asked while walking towards the table. She has seen him shirtless countless times but every time it hits differently.

"Don't you think I can use knives for other things also."

He turned around and his eyes roamed on her exposed thighs and neck.

"I don't have clothes to wear.."

She answered.

"I don't mind you walking around naked."

He smirked.

She gulped when he pulled her closer and his lips found her neck again.

"You look so tempting with my marks."

Vera closed her eyes when heat spread in her body.

He placed her on the table and stood between her legs, spreading them.

Vera didn't protest when he halfway unbuttoned her shirt while kissing every inch of her neck.

She is too tired and hungry to go for morning round but still she didn't stop him.

Vlad groaned and forcefully pulled away from her with heavy breathing.

"Eat something..."

He ran fingers in his hair frustrated.

"You need to rest."

Vera looked at him with a blank face but deep down she was relieved that at least he cares about her health.

"And for fuck sake, stop me when I am going too hard on you... You are my wife not a sex slave."

He placed the plate on the table.

"Sit down!"

Vera buttoned up her shirt and sat down on the chair. She was starving. Vlad smiled when she stuffed her mouth with food.

"Did you kill Ivan?"

She asked.

"You don't have to worry about it... I'll take care of him."

Vlad answered and she realised that Ivan is alive. After all he is a brother.

"You didn't answer my question, Vera"

He asked taking a bite.

Vera looked at him.

"It was hard to believe... I don't think the man who waited for my consent will do something like that... But I can't ignore the fact that you are a criminal and I don't know anything about you. I don't know how you act in different situations... I can't trust you..."

She answered honestly.

Vlad nodded in understanding.

"I will do my best to earn your trust, wife!"

"I need to talk to Ryan..."

She replied ignoring the thing that he wants to work on their relationship.

"I will arrange the virtual meeting... But before that fix yourself otherwise you will traumatize the kid."

He said looking at her red and purple neck.

*********

"Ryan!"

Vera couldn't control her tears when she saw her brother after so many years.

"How are you?"

"I am fine."

Ryan replied with a smile.

"How are you?"

"I am so sorry, You must be hating me for abandoning you..."

She wiped her tears.

"No! I don't hate you, Vera. I know you were busy saving money so you can make me walk again like you promised..."

He answered and Vera closed her eyes realising he is still naive.

"I will make you walk again, I promise..."

She replied.

"I know, but when are you coming here. I miss you. I want to see you..."

He asked and another wave of tears washed over her.

"Soon! I promise I'll be there soon... Are you eating well? Are they treating you well?..."

She bombarded him with questions.

"Yes, it's better than the previous place. I like it and the food is tasty."

He chuckled.

"They give me special treatment here, I don't know why... I mean it's good but it feels weird, or have you asked them to do that..."

Vera looked at Vlad when Ryan said that. He was typing on his laptop with a blank face but she knows that he is listening to them.

And she felt grateful that he had ordered his staff to take care of her brother, at least she could be relieved.

"How's Zen?"

Ryan asked and Vlad's eyes snapped towards her.

Vera cleared her throat awkwardly. Of course Ryan is unaware of the chaos in her life.

"Umm... Actually Zen and I divorced..."

She declared.

"What? Why? I hope you are fine!"

Ryan looked at her concerned.

"I am fine... It just couldn't work out. I am glad we can live our lives happily now."

She lied.

"But you are wearing a wedding ring."

Ryan replied.

"God! Ryan. You can be a detective, you know."

Vera groaned and he chuckled.

"Who is he Vera? Are you not going to introduce us."

He asked.

Vera looked hesitant, not sure if she should really introduce them. Will Vlad be interested.

She was about to make some excuses but then she heard Vlad.

"He is right, Vera. You shouldn't keep me secret..."

Vlad sat beside her while wrapping his hand around her shoulders.

"Hey buddy, I am Vlad..."

"Hello... I am Ryan, you must have heard about me."

He smiled.

"Trust me, I hear about you everyday."

Vlad chuckled.

"So you married one of the richest and handsome bachelorate of Russia... Not bad, Vera."

Ryan teased.

"You know me?"

Vlad asked amused.

"Of course I know you... I read your interviews about business and economy... Your thoughts about it are really inspiring..."

Ryan exclaimed.

"I am literally your fan..."

"Great! Now I am looking forward to Meet you in person."

Vlad chuckled.

Vera was relieved seeing them getting along.

She was a little surprised after watching Vlad's initiative for trying to know Ryan better. He usually acts dry, even with his own family.