Brutalize Me (Corrupted Royals, #3)

by Michelle Heard

“Stop making excuses for other people. For why they do certain things. For how they treat people or how they treat you. Giving excuse and justification gives defense, which lets them act however they want. It allows them because you tolerated it. Don’t accept less than what you’re worth because you’re worth a lot.” ― Dominic Riccitello

Misha and I were adopted by the Aslanhovs, and even though they took care of us and never abused us in any way, I never quite felt like they were my family. Blood is thicker than water. But nothing is stronger than love.

But fuck, Tiana is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I don’t know what I expected her to be like, but it was definitely not the angel seated beside me. She smells like vanilla cupcakes. Sweet and fucking edible.

Home. It’s the one thing I want more than anything. A husband I can love. Children I can give the world to. A house I can call my own. To many, it’s a stupid wish, but to me, it’s everything.

“Once we’re married, the apartment will be our home. I don’t want you to ask permission for anything. I want you to make the place your own. I don’t believe in divorce, so we’ll spend the rest of our lives together. It will take a lot of work, but I believe we can be happy.”

I press a kiss to her hair and wrap her so tight against me it will take an army of men to pry her from my arms.

Like I’ve done almost every night since I was a teenager, I create a fake scenario in my head so my mind will stop racing and I can fall asleep. This time Armani is the star of my fantasy.

“Stop putting everyone else first!” Misha snaps at her.

“That’s right, tesoro mia. Saying our vows won’t change a damn thing. You’re mine for life, and only death will part us.”

“I’m going to love you so hard to make up for all the days you felt unloved.”

When we’re alone, he breaks a piece of the bread off and holds it out to me. Just like he used to do whenever he could steal something for me to eat.

“This will be the last time I feed you,” he says, his features tight with emotion. “From today, Armani will take over all duties concerning you.”

“But like a shadow, I’ll always be there, Tiana,” he continues with a hoarse voice. “Your last name might change to De Santis, but you’ll always be a Petrov.”

I take a deep breath, and looking at my brother, I say, “Thank you for raising me, Misha. Thank you for never complaining and always doing what was needed to ensure I was safe and cared for.” My eyes mist with tears again. “You’ll be an amazing father to your children.”

Of Saints. That’s what Armani’s last name translates to from Latin.