Page 165 of The Darkness is Calling

It isn’t a subject I normally discuss with anyone. But just as my family knows about the existence of these thoughts, Ekaterina, more than anyone, has the right to ask me that question.

“They’re more like an echo,” I explain, trying to find the right words to describe something that has existed in my head for as long as I can remember. “Thoughts that sometimes become very loud in my mind.”

“Are there moments when you feel like you give in to them completely, or can you control them all the time?”

I smile.

“You will always be safe. Don’t worry. My voices have adored you since the first time I kissed you.”

“And before that?”

That I should fuck you while choking you until I felt your throat crackle beneath my crushing touch.

But of course, I can’t tell her that.

“They wanted you from the beginning,” I answer instead, confessing only half the truth. “We liked the string of pearls you wore at the Christmas party.”

Her sparkling eyes find mine.

“I have them somewhere at home. What will you do if I wear them again?”

If my dark stare doesn’t tell her what the thought of those pearls around her throat does to me, then I’ve officially failed as a dangerous man at my entire profession.

“I’m going to fuck you so hard, pulling on them until they break... Either them or you.”

The smile that spreads on her beautiful face confirms what I already know.

She is perfect for me.

Chapter 29

Ekaterina

Shortly after our kidnapping, things began to return to normal.

Well... the new normal. At least for me.

My greatest joy was being able to return to the gallery, where I spent hours talking with Oksana about everything that had happened from the failed wedding until now.

It felt good to leave that cage, but it felt even better when Artem told me we could return to the big house. Something inside me lit up, and that was when I realized that place had become a symbol for our relationship, while I had begun to feel it as home.

We decided together to postpone the honeymoon for a little while, but we managed to run away to Paris for three days, where we spent our time in peace, like two people in love. Especially in the hotel room, making love for hours.

I know we could have done that at home too, but something always came up and interrupted us, because emergencies are part of a Pakhan’s life.

A Pakhan who asked me not to request for details about Oliver’s death. All I know is that, when he came home that evening, he was very subdued and wore a different suit than the one he had left in that morning. But on his neck and his right wrist, I could see a few drops of blood that had not been wiped away.

I smiled warmly, then took a towel, wet it with warm water, and wiped away the dried spots.

In response, he kissed me ferociously and carried me in his arms all the way to the bedroom, where we made love until we both collapsed from exhaustion.

If you had asked me two months ago what my life would look like at this moment, I would have described a completely different scenario. And even if that future sounded good and seemed far more peaceful, I would never trade it for what I have now beside the only man I love until I feel like I can’t breathe. Sometimes, quite literally.

I smile every time I think about our first kiss.

Just like now.

Because I am the happiest woman, as long as Voron is beside me.