He reached some big-ass wooden door, opened it easily, and went inside, placing me back on my feet. I had to grab his arms as my knees wobbled.
Holy hell. I certainly didn't expectthat.
Dominic
Rosa’s jaw almost hit the floor from her shock, and I scanned my home along with her.
My apartment wing consisted of three rooms, two bathrooms, and a huge balcony with one big window, which opened up to a view of the whole mansion. The suite also had a secret passage that led to all the important places, something Vasya made sure to show and explain to me. Being the pakhan of the Bratva, you had to always know how to protect your family and the people relying on you. Before, I didn't give a shit about this, but after deciding to claim Rosa as mine, I couldn't help but appreciate the knowledge.
The wing had marble floors with small squares, which glistened under the crystal chandelier. Expensive leather couches, chairs, and a flat-screen TV dominated the living room that also had a small bar with gold glasses. An expensive Persian rug was in front of the fireplace, which was rarely used these days. Leaving her gaping at the place, I walked to the small office containing a huge, black oak desk with a computer on it. I placed our passports, documents, and the information about finances Yuri gave me in the safe and shut off the light then went back after my woman.
“It’s well… luxurious.” Her eyes met mine. “More like the pakhan’s apartment. Your hotel room didn't impress me much, to tell you the truth.” Hurt colored her voice as she wrapped her arms around her chest as if protecting herself from me.
My heart panged painfully, regretting she had stepped even a foot there. That room was reserved strictly for hooking up with women. As a result, the room was nicknamed by my men the ‘hotel room,’ and everyone knew not to disturb me if I was in it. Usually, the whole encounter lasted only a few hours, and it never meant anything. Yeah, an asshole thing to say, but I never promised anyone anything. Shameful as it was, I didn't even care for their pleasure in bed.
“It’s not mine anymore.”
She licked her lips, and asked quietly, “For how long?”
Sighing heavily, I palmed her face, raising her chin so she wouldn't be able to hide her emotions from me. “I don't claim to be a saint, but,krasavica, I haven't touched anyone since seeing your picture in the office almost two and a half months ago.” Pausing for a moment, I didn't know if I should share more, or how it even worked between couples, but I decided to go for complete honesty. “That’s the day I last had sex too.” She flinched, trying to get away from me, but I wouldn't let go. “Rosa, please try to understand it.”
“I do. I just—I don’t want to sleep in the same place where they did.” Her voice was so low, barely a whisper.
“No one has ever entered here.”
Her brows lifted in surprise. “Really?”
“Yes.” My mouth covered hers in a soft, chaste kiss, as she sighed in pleasure, circling her arms around my neck. Dropping my open palms on her ass, I picked her up so she’d wrap those shapely thighs of hers around my waist as we continued. “Let me show you the rest.” With that, I guided us to my master bedroom.
Vasya had lived in these rooms for thirty years, and as expected, the last thing I wanted was to move in here, but once you were the pakhan, you didn't have a choice. Changing anything in the other two rooms was senseless. All the furniture was already antique, and I didn't spend enough time there to care.
However, the master bedroom was a different story. I rearranged everything. I threw away the massive bed, couch, all the Dominant crap Vasya had. I got rid of the red satin sheets and curtains, expensive clocks, and artwork. The bathroom was cleared of all the feminine necessities— who the hell would use them anyway? Instead, a single black mattress was on the floor with a woolen blanket. Several candles were placed in different corners of the room. A curtain hung to the side of the balcony door, allowing the cool breeze along with dusky light inside. Because of the size of the window, the room didn't really need any lamps or chandeliers, so I'd removed them too.
Canvases and paints were scattered on the floor, against the wall, everywhere. The single thing I had for myself in this life. My hands twitched with longing, as Rosa gasped, “Oh, my God, you paint?” She wiggled out of my embrace and looked around, her eyes sparkling with wonderment and appreciation.
“Yes.” Clearing my throat, I elaborated, “After Vasya took me in… somehow the brush and painting became my best friends, and I couldn't stop even if someone put a gun to my head.”
“Well you shouldn’t. You have talent.” My cheeks heated, not used to compliments, as no one ever had the chance to study my art. Her fingers ran over the canvas, touching it gently and tenderly. “What’s this?” The painting showed the Baikal Lake during a rainstorm. Navy blue dominated the painting as nature ruled over the people in the boat, who unfortunately were drowning.
“Baikal Lake. The idea of the absolute power of nature fascinates me.”
“Everyone is powerless against it,” she whispered.
“Exactly.”
She hugged me close. “Would you paint something for me?”
“Yeah.” Without thinking, I said, “You naked.” She froze, leaned back, and blinked a few times. My mouth opened to make a joke of it, but she nodded. She fucking nodded.
“Is there a bathroom in here?” As I pointed at the door near the walk-in closet, she practically ran to it and closed the door after her.
Did my woman just agree to pose naked for me? Toeing off my shoes, I took off my shirt, leaving only my black jeans on, put my hair back in a bun so it wouldn't get in the way, and prepared the surroundings for the perfect atmosphere.
I lit several candles, removed the blanket from the mattress, dropped my shirt on it in case she felt modest, and allowed the fresh air to slip in from the open balcony door.
The only thing missing was my woman, who I couldn't fucking wait to paint.
Rosa
