Claimed By Sin: Father Levi

Chapter Five: Dimitriy Mikhailov

Kanara

As I walked down the aisle, my father on my right arm guiding me to my doom, flashes of Father Levi skimmed their way across my brain. The time I first realized how handsome he was was the day we met to help me find the lord. What a load of crap that was. I was just trying to find an escape from my father. I wanted to put as little effort into the ceremony as I could.

“The Wedding March” hit its pique, pulling me out of my reminiscing. I glanced around, seeing how the hall was decorated with an assortment of flowers and white and gold accents. The beauty did little to hide the darkness of today's ceremony.

Everyone was standing… Staring at me. My gaze swept over the sections I could,hoping to see Father Levi in the crowd. Dmitriy denied my request to have him officiate my wedding, probably because what he was doing to me wasn’t right and he didn’t want to get called out for it.

I couldn’t find what I was looking for. My eyes wandered and landed on my husband to be. My chest ached as Dmitriy’s stare landed on mine. His face furrowed into a disgusted look making my heart drop further.

He was sporting a traditional black suit with a white top. His tie was black, his features rough but attractive. Not my cup of tea though, he seemed too–clean if that made sense. Like he was hiding something. Which he of course was.

My father patted my arm once we approached the small steps that led up to the priest and Dmitriy.

“You’re doing great my love.” He kissed my cheek, releasing me.

“You lost the right to call me love once you stripped me away from my will…father.” My whisper was full of venom. His expression dropped as I turned, sticking my nose up in the air. I ascended the steps, landing at the top.

“Please, everyone take a seat.” The unknown priest stated in front of me. I sucked in a breath, holding it as he continued on.

“Thank you. Friends, family and loved ones, we come together today…” His words drifted across my ears as I looked at Dmitriy’s face. He seemed highly disinterested. I let the air out in my chest slowly as I turned my head slightly, looking over the seated faces. My eyes slowly landed on that pair of green ones I was desperately looking for.

There he sat. Father Levi, sitting forward in the last bench in the back. His elbows on his knees as his gaze locked with mine.No one surrounded him, all by himself like when we first met. Except this time– his eyes seemed full of something I couldn’t name. My breathing almost halted as he leaned back, keeping his focus on me.

His intensity was burning it’s way into my core, setting my middle ablaze.

A hand flung out, grabbing me by my chin. My eyes were forced to meet with Dmitriy’s.

“Pay attention.” He hissed in a Russian accent. I gulped, nodding. Every fiber of my being wanted to retaliate, but I forced myself to listen. Now is not the time to be defiant.

“Just skip to the important part.” Dmitriy stood straight in front of me, adjusting his tie as the priest nodded.

“Do we have rings to exchange?” The officiant asked. The man standing behind Dmitriy stepped forward, handing him two rings. Dmitriy grunted, taking them and handing one to me.

“Good. Do you, Dmitriy Mikhailov, take Kanara Smirov to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“Yes.” My fingers trembled as those words left his mouth. I fumbled while putting the ring on him.

“Do you, Kanara Smirov, take Dmitriy Mikhailov to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

My throat closed off, my vocals cords screamed at me as Dmitriy held my hand. He pinched down, hard causing me to wince. The room filled with silence as my answer refused to leave my mouth.

Dmitriy, yanked me forward, pulling me into him.

“Say yes ty devchonka* or your father will be gutted in front of you.” His hot breath hit my ear. Tears welled up in my eyes as my lip trembled

*You wench*

.”I–I do.” I squeaked out pathetically as he released me. I stumbled back slightly, Dmitriy grabbing my hand with his tatted one and holding me in place. He roughly stuffed the ring on my finger, pinching my skin.

“I know pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride!” The priest stated with a little too much excitement behind his words. I could see someone stand up in the back and head to leave from my peripheral vision.

Dmitriy roughly pulled me to him, grabbing my chin with his index and forefinger. He pried my mouth open as he planted a wet hot kiss on me. I closed my eyes tightly while an unpleasant feeling washed over me. His tongue just stuck in my mouth as he barely moved it around. It was the worst kiss I’ve had in my life.

Cheering and clapping erupted from the onlookers. He pulled away, biting my lip hard.

“Congatulations to the wonderful couple!” My father boomed, clapping as a smile plastered his face. My stomach churned, twisting into an unforgiving knot as Dmitriy gripped my wrist roughly. My fingers started losing feeling.

“Smile devsushka, I will break your fingers if you don’t play the happy wife.” He snarled. I forced a smile, waving at the members who walked up to us, congratulating us. My mind tried to find the happy place Father Levi helped me find.

“Come on, think. You can’t have all bad memories.” His voice–god his voice lingered in my head from that visit. We were in a coffee shop, a week after I reached out asking for help.

“Well, they’re not bad memories. Just uneventful. My father always had me hauled off to prestigious schools.” I sipped my coffee. He dunked his tea bag in his water, steeping it after a few more dips.

“Well, what about the ones with your mother?” He raised a brow at me as I wrapped my fingers around my cup. I chewed my lower lip, racking my brain.

“My mother passed away when I was sixteen.” I solemnly said, staring into my coffee. “We–we loved to sing. She’d take me into the garden and we’d sing our hearts out.” A small giggle formed within my chest, rising up and escaping. Father Levi's facial expression turned soft.

“Then remember that. In your darkest moments, remember that and hold onto it.”

I inhaled deeply, the memory leaving me as flashes from cameras went off. I smiled wide as the song my mother and I would sing together echoed in my mind.

We loved to sing ‘Con Te Partirò’ by Andrea Bocelli. We could never hit the notes as smoothly as he could, but it was so fun to harmonize with each other. My mothers voice hummed in my mind as Dmitriy wrapped his arm around my waist.

After the bombardment of photos and conversations, we made our way to the banquet hall, where an assortment of drinks and food lay. It again was just as plain white and gold like the ceremony. Do these guys not know color?

As we entered, faint music lulled out from the back where a live band was sitting. My eyes fell on the food lined up. I took a step forward, but was yanked back.

“No.” Dmitriy stated, holding me where I stood.

“What do you mean… no?” I scowled up at him. The last thing I ate was last night. I was too nervous to eat this morning.

“Natasha, our maid who helped us out told me about your…” He paused, glancing down at me. He raised his brows and made a gesture at me. My face burned hot.

“So–I’m not allowed to eat because I’m too fat for your taste?!” I hissed yanking my hand away from him. He groaned, grabbing my arm again, this time more firmly. He gripped my wrist, twisting it and shoving my arm behind my back. I winced, tears forming in my eyes as he pressed. It felt like my shoulder would pop out if I tried to move.

“Defiance is not accepted here. Keep your mouth shut and do as I say, ok devsushka?” He said sickenly as he kept a smile on his face. No one looked at us, and the way he had me concealed what he was doing. Rage boiled under my skin. My jaw clenched, my teeth grinded as I pressed my tongue against them.

“Yes.”

“Yes… what devsushka?” He pressed harder, making me gasp.

“Yes–Sir.” He released me as I complied. I sucked in air as I cradled my arm. He stepped next to me, adjusting his collar.

“Come.” He tucked his arm, sticking his elbow out for me to grab onto. I hesitated, then grabbed hold. My spine prickled as if someone was watching me, I glanced around, not seeing anyone familiar. Sighing, I went forward with Dmitriy. Static whizzed over the microphone followed by a tapping sound.

“Test, test, test…1-2-3!” My fathers voice rang throughout the hall. Clearing his throat loudly he continued. “Please clear the dance floor for our lovely couple and their first dance!”

I smiled, leaning on Dmitriy. He pushed me slightly, letting me know not to get comfortable. We walked forward, my feet aching from the shoes I had on. He turned, taking my hand in his. The music slowly lulled out, I couldn’t quite place the tune. It seemed classical, somewhere in the key something Bach would write. I never really particularly paid attention to music class. I was more of an art enthusiast.

My mind was brought back to the dance I was apart of. I was guided gracefully by Dmitriy, it also probably helped that I took dance classes before all this. I winced as my foot stung from the straps.

“Don’t f*****g mess this up…” He hissed as I caught myself. I kept my focus on his chin, I refused to make eye contact with this brute. I ended up glancing over his shoulder as we spun, my gaze landing on Father Levi who was standing in the corner, sipping on a glass. His wonderful eyes moving with each step I took. I all of a sudden started worrying about my performance.

Adjusting my hold, I kept my pace up with Dmitriy, letting him lead. I ignored the pain cutting through my ankles, making note of the rhythm and keeping in time. I followed every step, every move with a grace I didn’t know I had.

Getting lost in the tune and swaying, I forgot I was with Dmitriy. A smile stayed on my face as the crescendo's swelled, my heart fluttering. Maybe– he’s not so bad. Maybe this will end well.

The music slowed, as did our steps. I placed my hand on Dmitriy’s chest as he hovered over me.

“Mmm– I didn’t realize you smell so good.” He whispered against my ear, pulling me close to him. I looked over my shoulder, my vision focusing on Father Levi.

“Excuse me Dmitriy, I need to go say hi to someone. Is that alright?” I turned facing him as his jaw tightened.

“Make it quick.” He released me, stepping back and fixing his tie.

“Oh! Father Levi, I didn’t see you there.” I leaned up, kissing Dmitriy on his cheek while I patted his chest. The mood shifted, the air became stiff once I said those words. I moved away from him, making my way to Father Levi.

It felt like time itself slowed down as I approached him. His beautiful emerald eyes entrapping mine while I made my way to him. A new aura rolled off him as I approached, one that made the hair on my skin stand on end. I took a quick breath while his lips planted on his glass. He took a sip out of his drink, my attention focused on how he swallowed. My brow broke out in a sweat as I watched his Adams apple bob up and down.

Smiling, I extended my hand to shake his. I honestly didn’t expect him to still be here. I thought he was the person leaving during the ceramony. He removed the glass rim from his mouth, turning and placing it on the table next to him. My heart sank as he looked at me, his lips curving into that fake smile he always wore around me. Silly me for having hope.

“ Hello Kanara–” He halted as his hand wrapped around mine. I froze. Electricity ran through me, sending spine tingling chills throughout my body. His grip got tighter, his jaw tightening, brows furrowing. My God this feeling was intense. I’ve– never felt this before. He quickly released me, standing straight.

“Sorry, I got lost in thought.” His facial expression softened, which brought the corners of my mouth up into a soft grin.

“It’s been far too long, Kanara. I haven’t seen you at a service for a couple of months.” He softly spoke, holding his hand up to his chest.

I pulled my brows together, dropping my expression. “Yes Father, I apologize– things have been…” I trailed off, slightly looking over my shoulder at Dimitiry. He was staring daggers into Father Levi. Panic slowly bubbled within my chest.

“Kanara! Come!” Dimitiry barked at me, raising his hand and snapping at me. the command made my blood boil.

Sighing, I faced back to Father Levi. “Excuse me Father– I have to go. But…” I stood on my tippy toes, he was taller than Dimitiry, so I had to get my hand on his shoulder. His gaze drifted to me, sending my nerves into a frenzy. Sorrow filled my heart, as this was probably the last time I’d ever see him.

“Thank you for coming to this celebration. Your support–means a lot.” My eyes filled with tears, I struggled to keep them at bay. Todays events were finally crashing down on me. I pursed my lips together, attempting to hold what little composure I had left. I slowly slid my hand down his shoulder, removing it.

My breath hitched as he quickly snatched my hand, pulling me into him. My chest pressed against his, my eyes widening as he held my wrist. His touch was soft, yet firm, like he was holding the most delicate thing in the world. I found myself leaning into him, my face tilting. My forehead touched his chin, his warmth engulfing me. He shifted slightly, his lips hovering just above my lobe.

“If you need… anything– do not hesitate to ask my little cannary…” He whsipered, low–dangerous. Like a possessive child over a toy. My body prickled as goosebumps ran over my skin. He released me, letting me stumble back slightly.

“Th–Thank you Father…” My words low. Tilting my head down slightly, my heart raced as I turned on my heel. I dragged my feet as I kept my gaze down on the floor. Dimitiry’s stare could be felt from a mile away sending my instincts into over drive.

Dmitriy reached out, grabbing me roughly by my arm.

“Ow!” I hissed as he dragged me across the floor. He started spewing Russian at me while he forced me down the hall, the music fading along with the lights. The corridor was dimly lit, and eerily silent.

“You do not interact with anyone I do not approve of!” He roared, grasping my shoulders.

“You said it was ok Dimitiry!” I choked out, my body getting slammed up against the wall. He pressed himself into me, hovering over my face. His hand bolted out, grabbing my chin, pinching it and forcing my head back.

“It is never ok to touch another man, unless I say so!” He spat, his saliva hitting my cheek. “You are under contract with me. You move when I say, you talk when I say…” His hand released my chin, sliding down to my breasts and cupping them. My eyes widened as my body froze. “You f**k when I say.” He growled against my ear, nipping it.

“Dimitiry–n…no.” I whispered out. His hand went lower, rubbing my stomach as his knee pressed into my groin.

“What–did you just say?” He hissed, applying more pressure. Tears formed in the corner of my eyes.

“I said– no. We can’t do that here… we’re in public.” I kept my voice low, almost inaudiable. He grunted, grabbing my frill with his hand and hiking it up.

“So? I’m a Mikhailov, and this is my house. We do it where I say.” He ran his rough fingers up my thigh, making contact with my underwear. I sucked in a breath, turning my head away from him.

“Please–Don’t. I…” Panic wrapped my brain as he pulled my garment to the side, making contact with my c**t. “I don’t want our first time to be in a hallway.” I said as sweetly as I could.

He grunted as he continued to move his finger around me. My jaw tightened, my lip trembled as he paused. Slight relief washed over me. My words got to him… I gasped as he thrust his finger into me.

“You have no say Kanara. You’re nothing but a breeding horse now. So shut the f**k up and do as you’re told.”

I bit my lower lip, hard. My eyes shut tightly as ‘Con Te Partirò’ slowly lulled through my mind.

***

I sat on the edge of the bed, last nights events were a blur after I had my interaction with Father Levi. I stared at the ripped gown in front of me. Small blood droplets spattered across the frill, a reminder of how I fought against my assault. I reached up, brushing my split lip as tears spilled over and down my bruised cheek.

“It’s not that serious Kanara.” Dimitiry’s voice slid out of the bathroom. I flinched, covering myself up as his tone hit my ears.

“Let that be a reminder to listen.” He hissed as he stuck his head out the door. I nodded, tucking my knees up onto the bed. Pain riddled its way through my body as my limbs shook. He was rough, and it seemed the resistance only riled him up more. It didn’t help that his member was big. He didn’t give me any warm up before he jammed it into me.

“I need to go and do intake at the club.” He stepped out, a towel wrapped around his waist. His body had tattoos wrapping around his chest and shoulders.They were a variety of skulls and crosses. My father explained to me what Dimitiry’s family does, so I knew what those symbols meant.

“You are to stay here.” He dropped the fabric, making his way to the wardrobe that sat in the corner of the room. I averted my eyes, my hand still covering my chest. His body was toned, built like a killing machine. Any woman would have been fawning over him, but the sight of him made me nauseous. My brows pulled together, my nose scrunched as bile rose into my throat.

I flung my hand over my mouth, fumbling off the bed. My body hit the floor as I reached the contents of my stomach onto the floor. He turned, rolling his eyes.

“Really Kanara? On the floor?” he sighed, walking over to me. I heaved and gagged as I threw up again. “You’re cleaning this up by yourself!” His voice void of emotion.

“If it wasn’t for your status, your defected body would have been tossed onto the street.” He barked, grabbing me by my arm and dragging me to the bathroom. He threw me onto the tile as I coiled into myself.

“You better not be pregnant. I know it wouldn’t be mine.” He spat as my stomach cramped, my abdominal muscles spasming.

“I’m not–I’m… on the implant!” I huffed out, rolling over onto my hands and knees.

“Good. Because that’ll be removed today.” His words echoed off the tile. I froze, my hands shook as the weight of his words hit me. No. I can’t have his child!

“My father expects us to have a kid soon, someone to take up the mantle and take both our names.” He leaned on the doorframe as I struggled to get to my feet. “With your wealth and my status, our takeover of the city will be set in stone.” He smirked, sticking his pinky into his teeth.

“L–let me do it. I have my OBGYN that’ll see me today.” I huffed out, my legs barly kept me upright. He eyed me up and down, shaking his head.

“No. They’ll log your injuries. Can’t risk it.” He pushed off the frame, turning to leave.

“Take a shower and make yourself presentable. I’ll have the family doctor stop by and remove it later.” He halted in his step, casting me a glance over his shoulder. “ Don’t try and escape while I’m gone. My dogs haven’t been fed in a few days… they’d love to feast on your love handles.” He chuckled, waving me off with his hand.

I stood there, my knees knocking together. I heard the bedroom door close, clicking shut. I sucked in my bottom lip, falling to my knees. I ran my hands into my hair, my scalp sore from being tossed around last night.

“Why? Why is this happening to me?” I sobbed. I titled my head back, glaring into the sky.

“Am I a joke!? What did I do to deserve this!?” I screamed at the sky. “If you exist… then WHY do you let these things happen!?” I choked out, collapsing into myself on the floor. I squeezed my eyes closed as tears spilled onto the cold floor.

“If you need anything my little canary– do not hesitate to ask.” My eyes snapped open as Father Levi’s words resonated within me. I clenched my teeth, forcing myself back to my feet. Pain riddled its way through my body as I stumbled, falling into the wall. I huffed, bracing myself against the plaster. I shoved off the wall, making my way to the bedroom.

I shuffled as my hips screamed at me. My muscles spasming and