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

Armani De Santis; 24. Tiana Petrov; 21.

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.

I won’t have anyone who’ll put me first. It’s a sobering thought. And a frightening one.

After Vincent died, everything changed. Mr. Aslanhov threw himself into work. Mrs. Aslanhov grew quiet, the loss of her son drowning her in sorrow. And Alek…it broke him.

The attractive guy steps closer, and my eyes dart between him and Misha. “This is Armani.”

I’m just about to extend my hand to Armani when his strong fingers grip hold of my shoulders. An intense wave of tingles spreads over my skin, and as he leans down, I almost forget how to breathe. Armani kisses my left cheek, the woodsy scent of his cologne filling the air between us. Jesus, he smells divine. His mouth brushes against my right cheek, then his deep voice hits me square in the chest as he murmurs, “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Tiana.”

“Likewise.” Armani pulls a chair out, then a devastating smile curves the corner of his mouth. “Please, sit.” Oh wow. It’s not every day I cross paths with a gentleman.

“We both know Alek’s dealing with his own shit. There’s no one I trust more with your life than Armani.” Misha has never trusted a man to be alone with me, so for him to say he trusts Armani with my life tells me how close they are. I’m still surprised, though.

My eyes dart to Armani’s face, and I catch him staring at me with a sharp gaze. He’s trying to read my reaction.

Misha asked me to marry Tiana and to look after her. I said yes out of loyalty to my friend. There were times I regretted the promise I made, but I was going to see it through because I’m a man of my word. 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.

Reluctantly my eyes leave the beauty beside me only to meet Misha’s amused smirk. The fucker knows I’m impressed by his sister.

I watch as her delicate hand pulls the device out of her purse, and when I take the phone from her, our fingers brush. The electric current passing between us is so fucking intense my eyes snap to hers. Tiana’s lips part, and for a moment, she looks startled before a smile wavers around her heart-shaped lips. I felt it, too, piccola. Calling her ‘little one’ feels as natural as breathing.

As Misha presses a kiss to Aurora’s mouth, Tiana’s eyes dart to me. It’s only for a second before she rises to her feet. I get up as well, and when we walk toward the stairs, I notice all the men's eyes are on Tiana. I make eye contact with every fucker who dares to look at her, not wasting any time showing them she’s protected.

As two cartel members walk toward us to get to the entrance, I place my hand on Tiana’s lower back again. The moment their eyes land on her, I can’t stop myself from wrapping my arm around her and tugging her against my side in a possessive move that catches me off guard.

Just as I walk into the living room, there’s a knock at my door. When I open it, I’m surprised to see Armani standing in front of me, looking like a god in a dark green three-piece suit. Slowly his eyes sweep over my body, then he murmurs, “You look breathtaking, Tiana.”

“Soon, it will be your turn to get married.” Dear God. It feels like I swallowed sand as I nod again. “Don’t worry.” Viktor gives my trembling hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll make sure whoever you marry is a good man.” Are there any good men in the bratva? “Thank you,” I whisper.

When Aurora reaches Misha, and I watch my brother stare at his bride with all the love in the world, I say a little prayer that whoever Viktor chooses as my husband will look at me the same way. But deep down, I know the odds of that happening are slim to none.

Armani leans slightly down, then asks, “Are you okay?” “Yeah. It was just scary sitting next to Viktor Vetrov. I’ll have a panic attack if I have to sit with him at the reception.” He lets out a chuckle. “Don’t worry, you’re seated next to me at the table.” Thank God.

“At least I didn’t spill the water on us.” Not thinking, I rest my arm on the back of her chair. My fingers gently caress her shoulder, the touch increasing the attraction I feel for her tenfold. “A little water never killed anyone,” I murmur.

I move my arm from behind Tiana and take hold of her hand. Her fingers feel so fucking delicate in my hand, it makes a wave of protectiveness crash through my chest.

As I lead her across the floor, and she doesn’t stumble over her feet, a smile starts to spread on her face until it looks like the sun just rose in her eyes. I’m so lost in the girl in my arms that I don’t notice the song ending and the next beginning. Tiana’s eyes lock with mine, and for a moment, there’s no nervousness to be seen on her face. So this is what she looks like when she’s happy.

Misha’s expression grows serious as he leans closer so our conversation will be private. “Just take it slow with Tiana. Once she’s comfortable with you, your patience will be rewarded.” Wanting to set Misha at ease, I reply, “It’s a reward just looking at her, brother. Tiana will be safe with me.”

Christ, nothing in this life could’ve prepared me for this woman. Everything about her draws me in like a moth to a flame.

The thought that this woman might be untouched has a possessive feeling, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, roar in my chest.

Christ, I’m ready to be done with my training. I want to get back to my own life in Venice – with Tiana as my wife.

Mr. Aslanhov turns his stern gaze to me. “This is Karlin Makarova, Tiana. I’ve arranged a marriage for you.”

Just then, a message pops up on my screen, and when I see it’s from Armani, my smile widens for a moment. Armani: Did you get home safely? Tiana: Yes. Thank you. Armani: Do you need anything?

I stare at our exchanged messages, wishing the arranged marriage was with Armani instead of Karlin.

“So you’re not going to tell me?” Alek asks as he falls into step next to me. I let out a chuckle. “You’re dying to know what I think about Tiana, aren’t you?” “Yes,” he admits. “Out with it.” Knowing Tiana is like a little sister to Alek, I don’t admit anything sexual and keep it respectful. “I like Tiana. She’s beautiful and well-mannered.” He shoots me a scowl. “You can do better than that. Tiana’s a fucking goddess.” “That she is,” I agree as we head up the stairs toward our suites. Shooting Alek a glare, I mutter, “You could’ve warned me, though. When I met her, my jaw was practically lying on the floor.”

A woman like Tiana will make the brutality of my work bearable. Coming home to an angel after spending the day in the pits of hell will make a huge difference.

“Oh, good. I like the boy. You say she’s pretty?” Chuckling, I shake my head. “She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” Knowing the information will soften Mamma’s heart toward Tiana, I say, “She’s introverted and vulnerable. We’ll have to take good care of her.” “Of course,” Mamma mutters.

Hopefully, the three months will go by in a blink of an eye. Thank you for checking in on me. Have a good night’s rest. Unable to resist the urge to make things less formal and more personal between us, I reply, Sweet dreams, piccola.

I quickly tie the strands in a ponytail, then answer the call. Armani appears on my screen in all his handsomeness. A smile spreads over his face. “That’s better.”

A frown forms on Armani’s forehead. “Turn your head to the right,” he orders, his tone no longer polite but biting. My eyebrows draw together as I carry out his instruction. “What’s the mark on your jaw near your ear?”

“Hey,” Armani’s voice comes over the line, “I just sent you a message.” “I need help.” The words rush from me, my voice tight with panic. “God, I don’t know what to do. I think I screwed up badly.” My voice strains as tears push to my eyes, and my emotions spiral out of control. “I don’t know what to do,” I gasp as I start to run. “Tiana, where are you?” His voice is filled with a world of danger, and there’s no sign of the gentleman I got to know last weekend. “I’m running toward the city,” I say breathlessly. “What are you running from?” I hear movement on Armani’s end. “I’m coming to you.” “Karlin Makarova. Mr. Aslanhov arranged a marriage between us. I tried to hold out until Misha got back from his honeymoon, but I can’t.” “Send me your location so I can keep track of where you are,” Armani demands. “Go to the nearest hotel and call me from there. I’m on my way.”

“Tiana?” Armani asks. “How are you holding up?” “I’m scared.” I gasp, and with my free hand, I wipe the rain from my face. “It’s raining, and I’m cold.” “Cazzo!” It sounds like a curse, and my wild guess is it means fuck. When the car has passed and I’m sure it’s safe to move again, I get up and run. “I’m at the airfield. I have to end the call. If anything happens while you can’t reach me, call Alek.” “I don’t want to drag him into this mess. It will only create more trouble between him and his father.” “Tiana,” Armani’s voice is harsh and commanding, “call Alek if you can’t reach me. It’s an order.”

Stalking into the hotel, I head up to the second floor and knock on the door. When Tiana doesn’t open, I knock again, calling, “It’s Armani.” Not even a second later, the door swings open. My eyes lock on Tiana’s pale face and damp hair. I step into the room and shut the door behind me, then take a good look at her.

“We need to get back to St. Monarch’s. You’ll be safe on neutral ground.” “I don’t have my passport. It’s at the house.” “You don’t need one.” I hold my hand out and wait for her to place her palm in mine, then pulling her to her feet, I lace our fingers as we walk to the door. “I need to settle the hotel fee, but I don’t have money,” she informs me as we leave the room. “I’m so sorry.” “I’ll take care of it.” My eyes flick to her face. “Stop apologizing, Tiana. It’s my duty to take care of you.”

“Why am I only being told now?” “We were waiting to complete our training. I apologize for not telling you sooner, sir.” Luca lets out a heavy sigh. “Let me talk to Viktor. I’ll get back to you.”

There’s an instant flare of anger in my gut as I see the unmistakable imprints of fingers on her pale skin. “What happened to your neck?” Unable to avoid eye contact any longer, Tiana finally looks at me. “Karlin grabbed me.” Slowly, I nod, rage filling my chest. “Is he responsible for the mark I saw on your jaw?” She nods, and clearly embarrassed, she lowers her eyes from mine. The fucking bastard hurt her. “What else did he do?” The words rumble from my chest as my control starts to slip. She shakes her head. “Nothing that will leave a permanent mark.” My anger increases tenfold, but outwardly I look calm. “What else?” I demand.

The moment the seat belt sign is off, I get up and unbuckle her belt. Pulling her up, I wrap her tightly against my chest. Her body trembles against mine, her shoulders shuddering with the silent sobs. For this, Makarova will die.

The flash of pain on her face is so fucking fleeting I almost miss it. I’m going to fucking rip that piece of shit limb from limb. “Show me your back,” I growl, my tone too harsh as the last of my control slips through my fingers.

“Piccola means little one.” I take a step closer to her. “It’s a term of endearment.” Her gaze flicks to mine, then slowly, she turns around. When she doesn’t lift her top, I close the distance between us and pull the fabric up. Red and blue welts cover her entire lower back. The sight has me clenching my jaw as uncontrollable rage floods me. Jesus, that had to hurt.

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” she whispers. My eyes snap to hers, and instantly she moves farther away from me, fear flashing over her face. Few people in this world have seen me angry. Most of them are dead.

When she stares out the window again, I relax in my seat. My eyes lock on the bruises covering her neck, and I vow to cut off each of the fucker’s fingers.

I’m highly conscious of his strong fingers that are wrapped around mine. His body moves with predatory grace, but I’m starting to get the feeling it’s all a mask to hide the mafioso who won’t hesitate to maim and kill whoever gets on the wrong side of him.

“Turn so I can check your back,” the doctor instructs. I do as I’m told, and when he lifts my top, I help to hold the fabric in place. Armani takes a sharp breath, and I can feel his eyes burning on my skin. “It looks worse than before.”

I quickly pull the top over my head and cover myself. When I turn around, Armani looks like he’s about to kill someone. When his eyes lock with mine, he visibly calms down again. It amazes me how much control he has over his emotions. I wish it were that easy for me.

“I’m not letting you out of my sight until Misha’s back.” The corner of his mouth lifts in a comforting smile. “It’s for your protection. I’ll sleep on the couch.” My eyes dart to the couch that’s too small to fit Armani’s body. “I’m smaller. I’ll take the couch.” He shakes his head. “It’s not open for discussion.”