LEV PETROV (Wild Men Series #3) Book 2

Chapter 8

BREE



HOW can a man this vicious and monstrous do that? Save me from dying on that cliff? It can't be. Galing na mismo sa bibig n'ya ng gabing iyon. He's mad at me. Loathe me and the DNA that runs through my veins. Pinagtabuyan nga ako hindi ba?

I shake my head and glowered at Lev who's busy reading whatever s**t that is written in the newspaper.

The event last night was not helpful. The talk with Via, that freaking restaurant. The name. . .

Wala sa oras na nasapo ko ang noo. Taragis. I have more questions now than answers.

Ask. Huwag kang shunga. All you need to do is ask.

No. Tapos na ang ‘sad girl Basha please chose me’ era ko. Hindi ko na kailangang saktan pa ulit ang sarili ko.

May pagkakaiba ba? You're already in pain. What if his words will give you peace? The happiness–

Shut the f**k up! Remember what he did to you last night.

Umungol ako't mariing pumikit. My effort to shut the voices in my head is futile. Talo ko pa ang mediator sa pagdidigmaan ng utak at puso–konsesiya ko. Fudge. Kailangan ba ng huli kung demonyo naman ang sangkot sa gulong 'to?

Muli kong sinulyapan si Lev na balewalang humihigop ng kape habang nasa diyaryo pa rin ang atensiyon. Tapos nakisama pa ang hangin, bigla umihip at nilipad ang may kahabaan ng buhok ng asawa ko.

Musk, sandalwood, and spice wafted through my nose. I’m suddenly aware of his imposing presence.

Why does he have to wear a sinfully gorgeous tailored suit first thing in the morning? Kailangan bang guwapo ang isang demonyo while claiming the worthless life of a human being–namely, me.

Umingos ako sa naisip at pinagdiskitahan ang mga pagkaing nasa harapan. Mali yata ang napuntahan ko. Hindi agahan kung hindi fiesta sa dami ng putaheng nakahain. This man is so over the top. From his looks, to the choice of clothes, gaudy mansion and to the scrumptious food.

Paano naming uubusing tatlo ang mga ito?

Groaning, I reached the plate full of eggs to paired it with my blueberry waffle. Via on the other hand eat like a king. Walang paki sa makapal na tensiyon sa pagitan namin ng ama niya. How I wish I can be as unbothered as she is. Hindi iyong kaunting kibot o kaluskos lang, para akong timang na nahihinto sa pagkain. Palihim na tinatapunan ng tingin ang asawa kong demonyo. I want to claw his eyes and put it on his soup.

Gory, I know. But I have all the right. After my rebellious act the last night, nadatnan ko si Lev na naghihintay sa gitna ng madilim na sala ng mansiyon n'ya. A glass of whiskey on his right hand and with greater calmess that scare the hell out of me.

"Did you enjoy your girl's night out, kiska?" He asked coldly and I answered it with a middle finger.

Lev laughed. I had goosebumps all over my body. Tila nawala ang amats ko sa tunog ng tawa ng kabiyak.

Ibingasak ni Lev ang hawak na baso sa side table saka tumayo't lumapit sa akin. I groaned but I never dare to move. I will only feed Lev's predator side kapag ginawa ko iyon. Ngunit, nang bahagya siyang sumuray bigla akong napa-abante upang s'ya ay saklolohan. But I stopped bago ko pa ipahiya ang sarili ko. Walang puwang sa puso ko ang awa para sa kanya.

After a few seconds, namalayan ko na lang nasa harapan ko na siya. Sakal ako.

I don't beg him for mercy kahit na unti-unti na akong napaparalisa. Lalo ko pa ngang pinagdikdikan ang sarili ko sa kanya, nakipagsukatan ng tingin. Lev chuckled at my foolishness.

"Oh, what an adorable creature you are, Bree." Lev clucked his tongue, his tone was so amused but his eyes say otherwise. Puno iyon ng galit.

He leaned forward and sniffed my neck. He then delivered his threat straight to my ear which shook my world.

"Escape again, ulo na ng kapatid mo ang makikita mo. Sweet dreams, baby doll." Lev kissed me on my temple and pointed to a small box. “For you. A gift.”

I opened it and screamed when a severed index finger greeted me. I damned Lev to hell and back the whole night. Gusto ko siyang sugurin sa master's bedroom, sakalin hangga't aminin niya sa akin kung saan niya itinago ang kapatid ko. But I know mas may chance pang pumuti ang uwak kaysa mapasuko ko ang isang Lev Petrov.

Nagkasya na lang ako sa pag paroo't parito sa loob ng guest room na inangkin ko ng kuwarto. Buong gabi akong gising. Naiisip ko kung ayos lang ba si Ally at si Kah. Ilang plano ang na-formulate ko sa kung paano ako makakatakas sa impyernong 'to. Ilang beses ko rin bang pinagsisihang hindi ko napuruhan ang animal nang may chance pa ako.

Dapat yata sa gilagid ko tinuhod ang gago kagabi nang matapos na lahat ng ito. Or, ibaon ko na lang 'tong tinidor sa leeg n'ya—

"I'll go for the knife if I were you, wife. Hindi tatalab iyang tinidor sa akin. Make sure you aim for my jugular. Here. . . and here."

I blinked at the impassive face of Lev while he's pointing at his neck.

Paano nabasa ng kumag na 'to ang nasa isip ko?

"Akong kausap mo?"

"You know na ikaw lang kausap ko't walang iba." Tinupi nito ang diyaryo't sinalubong ang galit kong mga tingin. "Is really being my widow that appealing, Bree?"

A pinched smile and a raise eyebrow was my initial response. “Tempting. Maka tulo laway.”

"Interesting."

The sound he made when he hummed went straight to my core and instantly I was in a fight mode. This is all a game to him and two can play. A bulb suddenly lights on my head. I grabbed a piece of sausage in the middle, hiniwa ko iyon nang marahan. Saka isinubo. I make sure na pinapungay ko ang mga mata ko't malanding umungol.

Dahil bagong luto iyon, it squirted out some juices. I gasped and let out a sultry 'Ohh' and didn't attempt to avoid it. Ending, napunta iyon sa bibig ko't puno ng dibdib.

Malutong na napamura si Lev habang nagkorus sa pagsinghap ang mga tauhan niyang nasa malapit at malamang ay nasaksihan ang nangyari.

Umusal ako nang mahinang dalangin for the poor souls and continue my theatrics. Pa-inosente kong tinakpan ng nadampot na napkin ang basang harapan. But I know Lev had a VIP view of my breasts and n*****s that are now hard. Thank God, I wear this almost see through night gown.

"Damn, I made a mess. Ang init ng tumalamsik sa akin. Though I must admit I missed it." Ngumiti ako nang matamis kay Via na pilya rin ang pagkakangiti.

"The sausage?"

"No. Iyong matalsikan ng liquid. Something warm and sticky." Nabilaukan si Via sa sinabi ko but I’m in too deep in pulling this acting s**t to back down. I trace the juices with my index and bring it to my mouth. I licked it, imagining I was one of those women in a rated-18 show.

"Everyone, out!" Lev growled while Via laughed like there was no tomorrow. Dali-daling sumibat ang mga tauhan niyang naka estasiyon sa 'di kalayuan.

In m y imagination, nag-fist bump ako sa ere nang maulinigan ko ang desperasyon sa boses ng asawa ko. Serves him right. Hindi niya alam magpinsan kami ni Karma.

"Mr. Lev Petrov, zero. Mima Bree, one! Go, girl!"

"Isa ka pa, Oliva. Shut it."

Patay malisya akong tumingin sa asawa. His face is now red, nose flaring. Kuyom ang mga palad. He gave me one of his signature empty look that will send any sane man to his grave.

Malas n'ya I'm no sane nor a man. I smiled sweetly at Lev.

"Oh, sorry. Kausap nga pala kita. I was distracted by the meaty and huge sausage. Ang sarap kasi. . .jumbo, juicy at malinamnam masyado. I forget my train of thought. Where are we? Ayos ka lang ba?”

Kumiling ang ulo ni Lev sa kanan and he scartched his chin. Four times. Alarm bells ring inside my head.

Anticipation boils in my blood cause of that simple gesture. Did I successfully provoke the monster? And if I did, ba't tila happy ako?

"Back to your dark plans to kill me." He said deadpan saka balewalang kinambiyo ang boner n’ya.

Napamulagat ako’t biglang napatingin kay Via. I shoot him daggers when I confirmed na walang nakita ang anak niya. I ignored the sickening feeling brought by his crudeness.

This guy, ang sarap salaksakin ng bread knife sa gums.

"Nasa hukay na ang isang paa mo. Hindi na mahirap i-achieve 'yon. If and only if, maging tagumpay ako sa pag utas sa'yo. . . I'll be doing this planet a favor." Tinukod ko ang magkabila kong kamay sa ibabaw ng mesa't nag puppy eyes sa asawa. Making sure na makikita n’ya ang magkabila kong dibdib.

"Pag utas sa akin? How can you do that? Humor me." Sumandal si Lev sa kinauupuan saka ipinako ang mga mata sa mukha ko. His eyes are glinting with mirth and something dark.

Dinampot ko ang tasa, humigop ng kape upang pagtakpan ang takot na lumukob sa akin. Christ. Mukhang magba-back fire sa akin ang plano ko. Abort mission na ba? Now way.

"Planting a bomb on your car for starters. Pwede ko ring gawin ang greatest trick of all time. Put poison on your drink."

"Geez. Can I stay here, Dad? Mas exciting pa ang atmosphere dito kaysa sa Manila. Ako ang cheer leader n’yo or scorer.”

Pinandilatan ko ng mga mata si Via. While Lev totally ignored her. And to my surprise, he smiles. Hindi lang basta ngiti. Iyong tipo na tutunawin ‘di lang ang garter ng panty mo maging ang mge excess body fats mo sa katawan. Ganoong klase.

A warm hand gripped my heart at the sight. Damn, when was the last time I saw that smile? I totally forgot how handsome he is when he’s not brooding. When he smiles genuinely. Pero kinastigo ko agad ang sarili ko. He's the enemy, rage is what I should be feeling towards him right now. Hindi iyong isang ngiti lang, para kong mauubusan ng lalakeng magpapa uto na naman.

Napalunok ako't mataktikang tumungo. Ngunit may isang malakas na kamay ang humablot sa baba ko. It was Lev. Pilit niyang pinagsasalubong ang mga mata namin.

"Am not impressed. Tsk. Masyadong mataas ang standards ko pagdating sa'yo, Bree. Isa pa may nakakalimutan ka. . .” he said in a low and icy voice while he’s staring at my lips.

Wala sa loob na napalunok ako.

“You can't kill a deadman twice," dumampi ang hintuturo niya sa lower lip ko't pinahid ang katas na naroon.

Nag short circuit lahat ng neurons ko bigla. But wait there's more. Ang hindi na kinaya ng utak ko'y nang isubo ni Lev ang daliri't balewalang ipinaikot ang dila doon. Saka sinipsip.

Jesus freaking Christ! Lev’s unapologetically cleaning his index finger in front of me and his daughter as if it's normal.

The act is so dirty , carnal and yet so freaking hot. I am melting, figuratively and literally. My bravado is gone. I blushed. Namuo ang pawis sa noo ko. I squirm and a white-hot liquid warms my stomach... This traitor heart of mine flutters at my husband's unexpected move and words. I pursed my lips and bit the insides of my cheeks as Lev's eyes burned me to embers.

"OMG! Parentals, mag hunos-dili kayo, hoy! May bata-I mean tao rito. Fudge, I need to capture this. Uncle Trace will be over the moon."

“Via, to your room now.”

“But, dad. . .”

All that Via's blubbering was white noise to me as I looked into those gorgeous and cold dark blue eyes, they made me want to believe him. To freeze the time and stay like this forever.

Me, the powerless prey and at the mercy of a blue-eyed monster wolf.

As past and present collide in my mind, time ceases to exist including everything and everyone around it.

Our past, his sins. My rage and all the twisted thoughts of revenge I have for this man. It's all gone.

Wake up, Bree. Don't go down that rabbit hole again.

"Liking what you see, baby doll? What's the score? 1-1, eh? I digress, I win this one. No sweat." Balewalang binitawan ang mukha ko't bumalik ang animal sa puwesto at pinagpatuloy ang pagbabasa. "If you want to win against me, know the rule first. You know what that is?”

Pati yata kaluluwa ko nag-blush sa ginawa ng animal. Jesus! I can't believe that he defeated me on my own game.

I cleared my throat. Matapang na sinalubong ang nang aarok niyang titig.

"Play the player, not the game?"

"Marami ka pang kakaining bigas, or sausage sa kaso mo. No, Bree. I don’t play by the rules, I break them all. Then I become the game itself. Emotions are for the weak, you have to eliminate them to become the master of the game.”

Conceited prick. Is he making fun of me? Ngali-ngali kong damputin ang pot ng kumukulong kape't ibato iyon sa pagmumukha ng asawa.

"What? Cat got your tongue? No witty retort from the Madaam of the house?"

"I'm not a madam of this house or of any house!" That's it. I slammed the glass on the dining table with a force that could shake his mansion's roof.

“Sit the f**k down.”

I did the exact opposite. I rise to my full height with the intent to leave his presence. Wala siyang karapatan na mag aktong cool at okay lang kami gayong kagabi lang ay sakal-sakal niya ako't pinagbabantaan ang buhay ng kapatid ko. My brother who's missing a limb as we speak. And Karen? What did he do to her? Lalong nagpuyos ang dibdib ko sa galit sa naisip. My feet was about to move when I feel his presence on my right.

"I will not do that if I were you. Hindi ako mangingiming paluhurin ka sa tapat ko kesehodang nakatingin ang mga tauhan ko."

I gasped, looked up, and met his vacant ocean eyes. Kanina pa ba s'ya nakatayo sa kanan ko't nakatitig sa akin? Kumurap ako nang marining ang bungisngis ni Via sabay ang sigaw ng get a room.

“You're just a mean, selfish, obsessive motherfucker who doesn't want anybody–including me to have peace. Maybe you're bored in this gaudy mansion of yours kaya pati akong nananahimik pineste mo. Tell me, what do you want para matapos na ‘to!”

The corner of Lev's lips tugged upward. Then a deep chuckle erupts from my husband, filling every hollow corner of my being with dread. He cupped my chin. Pilit kong pinapakawalan ang baba ngunit mas bumaon ang kuko niya sa balat ko. Which made me realize the second noticeable changes in him. He's not keen on wearing his gloves especially kapag hinahawakan ako.

How I wish he had his gloves on. I hate his touch. And I hate myself more for caving-craving it.

“You know what I want, Bree. You.”

“You have me here.”

“Your utter surrender.”

Nagmulat ako ng mga mata. Umuukilkil sa utak ko ang sinabi niya kanina lang. Emotions are for weak and I need to play any card that was dealt to me no matter how ugly it is. Itinuwid ko ang balikat, on the most calculated voice I answered him.

“Let’s have a truce, Mr. Petrov.”

Tumalim ang mga mata ni Lev, nagtagis ang bagang.

“Truce?”

“Kasunduan.”

Binitawan ni Lev ang baba ko pero hindi ito nag tangkang ibigay ang personal space ko.

“Go on.”

I let out a long sigh. Defeated. I tell myself that I need to let him win this battle if I’m aiming to be a victor in our bloody war.

“Free my family. Let me see, talk to Karen and Ally. I'll b-be your obedient w-wife.”

“Not enough.” Sabay talikod nito pero mabilis kong iniharang ang sarili ko sa daraanan niya.

“I’ll do anything you want.”

“Sinabi mo rin ‘yan kahapon pero kinagabihan binayagan mo ako’t tumakas ka. How can I trust your words, Bree?” Umiling si Lev. He bent down, gazing at my very soul. “I build my empire with trust and loyalty. My men respects me but your antics since yesterday may destroy my reputation. I don’t want anybody questioning me–”

“I’ll do every f*****g thing you want. Gusto mong sumayaw ako, sasayaw ako. You want me to kneel, I will obey. I’ll give my utter surrender, j-just let Ally and Kah go. Please.” My cheeks burned, my throat dry. And my eyes, s**t. I was crying after that litany I spewed.

Lev on the other hand become dead silent. Hawak nito ang baston at nakatitig lang sa akin. Matapos ang tila napakahabang sandali, paika itong humakbang palayo sa akin. Na-alarma ako.

“Mr. Petrov–”

“f**k! Stop it will you. Fine but it will be on my terms. You do everything I say when I say it. Let’s begin by you calling me by my first name. Lev. Hindi iyong para akong propesor mo.”

“S-so, when can I see them?”

Umikot ang asawa ko’t marahas nitong ibinagsak ang baston sa marmol na sahig.

“Stop asking questions, Brethany. Go upstairs, transfer your things, and get ready.”

“Ha? Bakit? Para saan?”

Malakas na napaungol si Lev saka tumingala.Lumalim ang mga gatla sa noo nito but for the life of me it doesn’t make the man less attractive. Kung hindi abot hanggang langit ang galit ko sa kanya, I’ll fine him beautiful.

“Mass.”

Humalukipkip ako habang hinahatid ng tanaw ang papalayong bulto ni Lev.

“Mass? Baka maging abo ka pagpasok sa simbahan. You who’s Satan’s nemesis and totally campaining for his throne?”

He stopped but didn’t bother to spare me a glance.

“I will always be a monster and the devil, Bree. But my seat in hell is lonely and cold. Is it wrong to crave the warmth of an angel?”

“So you’ll leave hell for that warmth?” Sarkastiko kong tanong.

He shrugged his shoulders.

I scoffed. I know what he’s doing. He’s trying to woo me with sweet words. Nek-nek n’ya.

“You know what they say about those t-two mystical creatures. One will die kapag nagkalapit sila. So you better stay away.”

Mas sa sarili ko ang paalalang iyon kaysa kay Lev.

“It’s too late, kiska. I’ve been burnt and guess what? I’ll do it all over again if need be.”

“How sweet. Don’t tell me may religion ka na?”

Lev swirled around and faced me much to my astonishment.

“Yes.”

Before I could respond, he offered me a sorrowful smile.

“You, wife. The best f*****g decision and religion.”

Ilang minuto nang wala ang lalake pero naroon pa rin ako sa marangya niyang dining room. Nakatulala.

Did Lev just drop the bombshell and confessed to me? No freaking way.

But I know deep in me, this thing between us was so freaking real, and it's living and breathing. Alam kong tunay iyon but I’m stubborn enough to admit it. Cause I am afraid that by doing so, it’ll be real.

Firm.

Unbreakable.

Constant.

I promised to ruin his life and made it a living hell, pero sa unang araw pa lang namin bilang mag-asawa, mukhang kabaliktaran na naman ang nangyayari.