Captured by a Sinner (Sinners, #5)

by Michelle Heard

“Only a villain will do what’s necessary to save you. He’ll burn down the world if he has to.” ~ Rosalie

She makes me feel fucking overprotective but also brings out a dark side I never knew I had. It’s different from the one that doesn’t think twice about ending a life.

It created an inferno of protectiveness and possessiveness inside me. No woman has ever had this effect on me.

about the five men who make up the most feared criminal group in the world

The Vetrovs and Koslovs don’t take pleasure in hurting women, especially fragile little things like you.”

Viktor has a star inked on each shoulder and a weird cross made of skulls with angel wings on the sides in the middle of his chest.

But the instant she notices I’m staring at her, the smile fades away, and it feels as if the sun is setting on my world. “You have a beautiful smile, Little Rose,”

“I know it’s going to take time, but one day you’ll realize I’m a man of my word.”

“It doesn’t matter where you run to, Little Rose, I’ll always find you.”

“Until I’m ready to let you go, you’re mine.”

“I saved your life, which means you belong to me.”

“I don’t care if I have to be the villain in your story. At least I’ll keep you alive, and it’s the only thing that matters.”

His eyes warm with an emotion I pretend not to notice as he whispers, “Just like her mother.”

I’ll never admit it out loud, and I’ll only think it this once – maybe Viktor did save me.

God damn, the powerful emotions I felt when I heard Rosalie laugh scared the shit out of me. I watched her fall in love with Luna and got jealous of a puppy.

I’ve gone out of my way to be gentle with her, and it might’ve been a mistake. Rosalie seems to have forgotten who I am. “Don’t look so shocked, Little Rose. I’m the head of the bratva, after all.”

“You exhaust me, Viktor.” He freezes, his eyes burning into mine. “That’s the first time you’ve said my name.” A pleased look curves the corner of his mouth into a hot as hell grin, then he orders, “Say it again.”

All of my friends married the women of their dreams, and I’m forced to say goodbye to mine.

There were so many things I wanted to share with her, but Rosalie never allowed me to cross the line. I couldn’t even take her to Luca and Mariya’s wedding.

It was also the first time I saw the desperation in Viktor’s eyes. He’s always been calm and collected, never losing control. It makes me worry how we’ll get through the last two days. I’m not sure I can keep pushing him away. I’m not that strong. Especially not when I see the heartache in his eyes. Life is so unfair.

He’d just be an ordinary guy I could fall in love with. It would be as easy as breathing to love him. He’s shown me so much kindness during my stay here and has done everything possible to make me feel at home.

We stare at each other, and three years' worth of emotions tense the air until my breaths speed up. Only two more days. But I don’t want to say goodbye. I want to run into his arms and beg him to keep me forever. I want to be free from my guilt to love him.

“I kept my word, Little Rose. I didn’t force myself on you for three years. You better not break your promise,” he orders.

“You taste exquisite, moya Malen'kaya Roza.”

I’ll never be able to admit how I feel about him, but I’ll at least get this one chance to show him.

Emotion is etched onto her features, and no matter what lies she continues to tell me, I know without a doubt this woman loves me. I’ll never love another woman the way I love you, baby.

the possessiveness I feel for her fills every inch of my chest. “You’re mine,” I say with determination. “I might let you go the day after tomorrow, but you’re mine, Rosalie. I’ll give you all the time you need, and when you’re ready, you’ll come back to me.”

“If I ever catch you with another man, I will kill him.”

“To protect what’s mine, moya malen'kaya roza. In our world, it’s kill or be killed.”

At first, I was totally consumed by Viktor. With every kiss and touch, I fell hopelessly in love with him.

Every second it’s becoming harder to deny him anything.

You have to do this, Rosalie. For yourself. Don’t look back. You have to deal with the sorrow, the guilt, and the love that stole your heart. You have to figure out what is real and what isn’t. Don’t look back.

It will never pass. I just watched the woman I love leave. I need to fucking fight, and bleed, and kill.

“Yes. She’s worth every drop of blood on this fucking planet.” Intense heartache bursts through me like wildfire, destroying my sanity as it burns. I shake my head and stagger a step back. “She’s worth everything.” I suck in desperate breaths of air, then look to Luca for help. “I’m not going to survive without Rosalie. Christ, Luca, I love her. I can’t face a day without her.”

I’ve fought wars and killed hundreds, and all it took was a woman to bring me to my knees.

I miss hearing Viktor come home and nag me to join him for dinner. I miss his scent, the way he walks, the intense look in his eyes, and his strong arms. God, I miss them so much.

If I go back to Viktor, it has to be because I’ve forgiven him, and I want to spend my life with him.

I’d give everything I own to have that kind of relationship with Rosalie – to call her my wife.

I’m a one-woman-man which means I’m fucked for the rest of my life if Rosalie doesn’t come back to me.

I nod, then smile as Liam Byrne, the head of the Irish mafia, and Gabriel Demir, the head of the Turkish mafia, join us.

The only woman I’d marry is in New York.

She and Nikolas just celebrated their third anniversary. Liam and Kiara have been married for two years. I watch as Gabriel pulls Lara onto his lap. They’ve been going strong for a year. I let out a disgruntled sigh as I glance at the newest couple. My best friend and my baby sister.

I let out a sigh. “I want her to be with me out of her own free will. I’m not going to take that choice from her.”

I’d give anything to be back with Viktor and Luna. He made me feel safe and treated me with respect. Even when I fought him, he never raised a hand against me. Those last two days, he made me feel so loved and cherished.

God, I had a chance at a love of a lifetime, but I let it go because of my family, who turned out to be bigger monsters than the Priesthood.

After everything I learned about my family, it now seems so stupid that I left Viktor. He might be a villain, but that’s what I need right now.

Because only a villain will do what’s necessary to save you. He’ll burn down the world if he has to.

I realize there’s no more guilt for falling in love with Viktor but only heartache and regret because I left him.

“No, you don’t. It’s my turn to be there for you. I’ll make sure your woman doesn’t get killed.”

Viktor’s eyes snap back to my face, and finally finding the strength, I rip the veil off and step toward the man I love with all my heart.