The Mafia and His Obsession: Part 1 (Tainted Hearts 4)

May I have this dance, my silent myshka?

My lips twitched in a small smile before I quickly hid it. I would give him my smiles later. Right now, we had a little game to play.

My head turned to my right, and I waited for Valentin. For him to give me his permission.

Valentin stared at me through cold eyes, his lips thinned in a straight line. He dragged the silence—the suspense—until he finally nodded. My breath left me a relieved sigh, and I looked back at Viktor. He smirked and raised an eyebrow, waiting.

Slowly, I released my dress from my tight hold and brought my hand up. My fingers had barely touched his palm when Viktor grasped my hand firmly in his. His grip was soft but unyielding.

He pulled me up, and I stumbled into his chest. His other arm went around my waist.

Protective and possessive.

His eyes told me, “Mine.”

My eyes told him, “Yours.”

My heart said, “His.”

Viktor walked us backward, toward the middle of the room. A few people moved out of our path. We finally stopped, and I waited, my heart in my throat and my stomach twisting nervously.

Butterflies.

I had butterflies.

My lips stretched into a smile, and I wanted to laugh freely.

Even in a moment like this, while I could feel my husband’s glare on my back—scorching my skin, I wanted to laugh.

Because I was…happy.

Even for a little moment…I was happy.

With a hand in his, my other on his shoulder and his arm around my waist, Viktor started moving.

My ears were useless—but I didn’t have to hear the music to dance.

I followed Viktor. Every step he took, I followed and matched him.

We were one.

Everything and everyone disappeared, until it was just Viktor and me. Almost like the whole world had darkened and the light was only shining on us.

We moved around the room, lost in each other.

And oh, how beautiful it was.

Tears pricked my eyes, and I quickly blinked them away. Viktor smiled, his arm tightening around my waist before he pulled me closer.

“Don’t cry, Valerie. Your tears are my undoing. They decimate me.”

My smile widened at his words.

I never wanted this to end.

But eventually, just like any happy moment—this ended too.

Our feet stopped, and I tried to catch my breath. Viktor lost his smile, and he gave me a small nod.

I swallowed hard because I knew what this meant.

It was time to go back to my husband.

Viktor gripped my hand and walked me back to where Valentin was waiting. I sat on the chair, refusing to meet his gaze.

Viktor’s grip tightened, and then he let go. My eyes widened, and I pressed my fist against my thighs, my heart racing wildly in my chest.

Viktor walked away, and I released a shuddering breath. Valentin pressed a hand on my shoulder. I felt his hot breath near my ear, and I knew he was speaking to me—but it was useless. I didn’t hear any word.

He released me too and walked away, joining a group of men, talking and laughing.

I stayed still, waiting—confused and lost. Not knowing exactly what to do.

Finally, when I knew everyone’s attention was off me, I opened my palm.

There laid a small, crunched-up paper. The one Viktor had slipped into my palm before letting me go.

I opened the paper, and I was no longer lost anymore.

Because I knew where my place was.

Meet me in the back garden-10 minutes.

My gaze quickly flitted to the corridor that led to the back garden. It was empty. Everyone was in the middle or scattered around the room, chatting or dancing.

My heart thumped, and I waited.

I saw everyone’s attention moving to one spot. My gaze followed, and I winced at the sight.

A maid was bent over a table. Her tray was on the floor, glass broken and scattered everywhere. Her dress was pulled up to her waist, and a man I didn’t recognize mounted her from behind.

Oh God. No.

I wanted to lurch forward and scream.

I wanted to scream and stop him.

I wanted to save her.

Everyone watched.

Nobody did anything.

Tears fell down my cheeks as I stayed seated…I didn’t do anything, either.

I watched as my husband walked around the girl, unbuttoning his pants before gripping the girl’s jaw and bringing her mouth to his waiting cock.

I could taste the bile in my mouth, and I fought against the urge to gag and throw up. Snapping my gaze away, I looked toward the corridor—toward my Viktor.

He was waiting for me.

With everyone’s attention away from me, I quickly got up and walked away. My steps were quick, my dress swishing around my ankles as I tried to meet Viktor before anyone could catch me.

It felt exhilarating. Forbidden…and my heart thumped again.

I walked outside, just a few steps out the door. The cool air caressed my skin, and I breathed it in. After so long—this was…beautiful.

It was the only word I could use.