Russkaya Mafiya

Chapter 9

EMILY

I relent. Tate just devoured my p***y and it pretty much drained the fight out of me.

I eventually break down and confide in him, sharing my secret about my sordid ex, Jeremy. I tell Tate the secret I live with every day, about my baby M. He looks so troubled to hear about my baby. I recognize it then in my heart, that Tate would never hurt me or my child like my ex did.

When I weep, Tate holds me close, comforting me as he murmurs promises that he will always protect me. I know I'm falling for him. It's too fast, and it frightens me. I know it's way too soon for this to happen after all the s**t I went through in my last relationship, but I can't help how I feel about him.

"I'm scared, Tate. Jeremy's crazy..." I attempt not to cry again, but my anxiety level is getting too out of control.

"No, Krasaaveetsa, I will take care of him," Tate grumbles, retribution blazing in his eyes, once he's informed about some of the stuff the monster had put me through. You have no idea, Tate.

"What-what are you going t-to do to him, Tate?" I stammer, overwhelmed with memories haunting me.

I can't help but wonder about Tate's plan; I don't want him to get injured in any possible way. Jeremy can be very dangerous and there's no telling if he has gotten worse in jail. I glance at Tate, taking stock, he's pretty ripped, but still, I care way too much for him.

"I'm going to make sure that piece of trash never touches you, ever again. I told you pet, you are mine. Threats to myself and those I care about, I take very seriously. I do need some information on him though, so I can have my men find him."

His men? What in the hell is he talking about? Despite my confusion, I love the fact that he thinks of me as his.

"Please just leave it, Tate. I don't want you to get hurt. I think Jeremy would end up killing you and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something were to happen to you." He doesn't realize just how much of a psycho Jeremy is.

Tate chuckles, shaking his head as if I amuse him. I gaze at him, confused because this s**t is not funny in the least. I'm being serious about his safety. I've lost enough people in my lifetime. "I'm sorry," Tate backtracks when he sees me get annoyed, "Krasaaveetsa, it is not funny, and it's just so cute you worry about me, but don't." I notice his Russian becomes more pronounced when he attempts to placate me or when he's angry about something. It almost purrs out of him when he becomes tender with me, it draws me deeper, making me tumble towards him more with each Russian word.

"Look, Emily, understand that I am worried and want to help you also. Don't take this the wrong way, but there is just a lot you don't know about me."

I'm glad he's taking this seriously. I know there is a lot I may not know about him. It doesn't matter to me what that is, though. He's accepting me with my freaking drama, so what could he possibly have that I can't handle?

I sigh, "No, I get that, and I love that you want to protect me and hopefully I'll get to learn more stuff about you, soon?"

"Yes, pet, soon. The first thing I'd like is for you to come and stay with Cameron and me just until this is all handled. We have a good-sized place and you will get to meet Muffin. I'll feel better if you always have one of us around to help keep you safe."

Stay with him, in his house? Who the hell is Muffin?

Hesitating, I attempt to imagine what it would be like staying with them. "I don't know, Tate, I feel horrible enough involving you, but to involve Cameron too? And invade his space? That's not very fair of me to ask him, he may like my best friend, but I don't think that's enough of an incentive. And who's Muffin? Please tell me you don't have like a live-in stripper or something." I take a breath and continue, "Also, what about London? Her classes are online and I don't know how long she's staying. I can't just leave her here alone." When I ask about Muffin he starts laughing and his irises sparkle with humor. I'm so glad to see that murderous look gone from his eyes and the happiness return. I grin when he laughs; it always makes me feel as if a coat of warmth blankets me, all over.

"Okay, look, Cam will feel better if you are there, too. We have plenty of room for London also. The place has four bedrooms and three bathrooms; trust me it has plenty of space. Cameron will be happy to have London whenever he wants her. I have a security system and high-grade locks installed, plus Niko is always there, too. And Muffin is not a stripper," Tate chortles at this, "he's my dog!" I start to giggle when he tells me it's his dog.

I bet he's a cute little dog. Aww, I love little dogs! Maybe I could. I bet we would have some fun if all of us got to hang out for a few nights, anyhow.

"Sorry, but Muffin? That's the dog's real name? And is Niko, Nikoli?" I love the name Niko! I wonder why Tate doesn't go by Luka? It sounds so Russian and mysterious.

"Yes, his name is Muffin. Wait 'til he hears you laughing at him," he teases. "And yes, it's Nikoli, we call him Niko for short usually. Why don't you get a bag together and we can all go to my place and then grill out?" God, he's so tempting... But I'm still not one hundred percent convinced, maybe like ninety-six and a half percent.

Shyly, I inquire, "Are we going to be sleeping in the same bed, if I stay with you?" I don't want to admit it, but I could get used to snuggling up to him at night. I bet he snores and cuddles with his little dog. I chuckle to myself, that's a cute thought. Oh, I wonder if he sleeps naked.

"Krasaaveetsa, you are my girl, staying in my home. Yes, you are in my bed. I won't pressure you about anything physical, but you will be at least sleeping in my bed, next to me."

I can handle that. I love when he does that Alpha-growl thing. Does that mean I can't pressure him? I would not mind hopping on him in the middle of the night.

I smirk at him and nod, "Okay, but I'm not staying for very long. Thank you, Tate. I promise I will keep out of your hair and clean up. I'll be the best guest, I promise."

"I hope you don't stay out of my way, and we have a housekeeper that comes once a week to do the deep cleaning, so you don't have to worry about that either. Just come, stay and relax, concentrate on school work and we will have fun while you're visiting at the house."

I jump up, rushing to pack a bag. I grab enough stuff for five days, along with my toiletries.

"Umm, is there a place for me to lie out and tan with Avery?"

"Yeah, babe, you can lie in the backyard or bed, whatever," he responds, winking at me, cheekily.

I stuff my bikini in my bag, throwing it over my shoulder to leave, "Okay, I'm all set. Let's go tell everyone else what's going on." Tate stands, coming to me, removing the bag from my shoulder and carries it for me. I swiftly make myself presentable, pulling on fresh panties and shorts, then follow him back out to see the others.

I can't forget I need to grab some of my snacks and sodas, that way I don't eat up all of Tate's food. I like junky stuff and judging by his physique, he's more than likely a health food nut. When we get to the living room, we notice everyone crowded around my little table from the kitchen. Please help yourself and move my furniture around. I think and roll my eyes to myself.

Clearing my throat, I cut in, "Hey, what are y'all doing in here?"

Nikoli turns, beaming a striking smile and stands up. He has gorgeous, bright white, straight teeth. Niko spreads his arms out widely, and chortles loudly, "Winning man!"

I start to belly laugh, being followed by a few of the others. Man, I love this guy.

He smirks after everyone quiets down, "No, Luka's Krasaaveetsa, I am kidding, this Texan girl is teaching us how to play Texas Hold'em!" he declares proudly, all excited as if it's the coolest thing in the whole world. Poor guy has no idea that London cheats her ass off at this game.

"Ahh! The game of champions! Be careful with London though, she will rob you of every penny. That girl is very sneaky." I shoot her a smug smile. Busted!

"Oh! Shut your face, woman. I do not rob anyone. I win fair and square!"

"Yeah, right! You win because you play with people who have never played before." Her brother taught us that trick when he was a teenager and kept taking all of our quarters.

She huffs, crossing her arms and grinning, "Okay, b***h, get over here and show me how it's done then!"

"Actually, we're going over to Tate's house to grill out and hang over there for a few days. We should take some games though and have the boys play with us."

"I'll play with you, Krasaaveetsa," Tate mumbles quietly, but everyone still hears him anyway.

"Hell yeah, I'll play with all three of you," Cameron says cheekily and Niko nods frantically in agreement. Those s**t heads! Tate is going to bust their balls.

Tate scowls, growling, "Cameron." I knew he'd get pissed. Tate seems to be a pretty territorial man.

Cameron just shrugs good naturedly and then bellows excitedly, "Woohoo! No offense, Emily, your pad is nice and all, but I miss my bed." Cameron jumps up in a hurry, putting all the stuff they had out, away. I guess he's excited to go home. Or he's probably just excited to get London all alone with an actual bed and some privacy.

Avery collects her few belongings and London walks around the living room, compiling enough stuff to last her for a few days. London may as well bring all her luggage since she always needs so much stuff. Her suitcases are dark purple with leopard print. Even the items holding her clothes have to be stylish like her.

We all step into the hall as a group and everyone suddenly halts, going silent. What's going on?

I shuffle into the hall, passing everyone and see there's something written on the wall. It's in huge, dark, crimson letters about three feet tall. Oh My God. f**k! It reads-

‘THE w***e IS MINE'

My face heats, I'm so f*****g irate inside right now. How dare he! How dare Jeremy do this to me in front of so many people, in front of my friends, the people I care about now? I swear I f*****g hate him so much.

I peer over at Tate, I know my face is red and it feels as if it's on fire. Emotions and anxiety well up choking me inside, it's too much. It's all just way too much, I can't deal with this. I wish that monster would just f*****g leave me alone already! I begin to sob and it's Tate's breaking point.

Before I even register what he's doing, he nods angrily to Cam. Cam stands beside me, then Tate and Niko take off outside. Tate's practically running, he's so livid, I think he's going to rip off someone's head.

I quietly slip past Cam and take off running outside, behind him. I watch them go out of the apartment building's entry doors. I'm so close behind them, but Tate doesn't recognize it.

Flinging my arms in front of me, I hit the glass doors hard, bursting out of the main doors. I make it just in time to see Tate lose it.

He bellows in an angry, gut-wrenching voice, "She's f*****g mine, motherfucker! Come out and face me!" He reaches behind him, pulling out one of his .45's from his back holster and shoots three times toward the sky.

I drop to the hard ground, rocks scraping roughly on my palms as I land on my tummy and cover my head as soon as the shots begin to fire. I slam my eyes closed and grit my teeth harshly, attempting not to call out to him, scared.

Tate yells out loudly, "Do you have any idea who you are f*****g with? I'm the Russkaya Mafiya's Balshoy Shef! I will gut you!"

I have never witnessed Tate so torn up or out of control. He always appears calm, collected and in control of every situation. I open my eyes, glancing at him now and he looks almost helpless like he doesn't know what to do to fix things right now.

Tate looks every bit his young age of twenty-two right now and lost. My heart hurts, seeing him like this. He is dealing with this massive mess, all for me.

Suddenly he turns to Niko and snarls, "f*****g find him and bring him to me. I want him alive, he's mine to hurt. He was just here Nikoli while we were inside. f*****g find him!" Tate's voice gets louder as he clenches his free fist, "I'll make that piece of trash bleed. I will get everyone in the f*****g Mafiya after him if I have to!"

Tate glances back behind him and does a double take, "s**t, my little lamb, come over here." He holds his hand out to me, "I am very sorry you are witnessing me so upset. I will take care of this issue and you will be safe, I promise." He rasps, his accent coming out heavily.

Cameron, London, and Avery have all come out of the building; they stand behind me and each one remains silent. I think I can hear London crying again. I'm so sick of all the crying, of being scared, of running. For once in my life, I have friends who are standing up and helping me. It is no longer my secret, but something all of us are going to get through. I don't know what I would do right now if it weren't for them, just keeping me sane and working to keep me safe. I may not know them as well as I know London, but this group of people have become very important to me and I will cherish them forever.

Tate picks up my bag and holds tightly onto my hand, he then leads me to the passenger side of his lifted Tahoe. His cheeks are still flushed with anger, as he breathes deeply. He keeps scanning the parking lot on alert, as do I.

He opens my door, bending down and lovingly kisses my forehead. Tate then helps me climb inside and shuts my door for me. He sends me a look that I have no clue on how to read, he's so serious, but it's not really a cross look toward me. I hope he's okay. Walking around the back, he opens the hatch and loads my stuff in. Tate politely waits for everyone else's bags to get loaded and then climbs in the driver's side.

Tate turns to me and grasps one of my hands as he says, "Everything will be okay, Emily. Will you please trust me?" Can I trust him? Yes, I think I can. Do I already trust him? It's strange, but I do.

"Yes, Tate, with my life," I murmur. I give him a small smile and squeeze his hand in reassurance. He returns my smile, nods a little, and then drives us all to his and Cam's house.

When we arrive, my mouth has to be gaping. I know London and Avery, who are sitting in the back, probably have the same expression as I do. I was expecting Tate's house to be nice, but this is absolutely beautiful!

He wasn't kidding about having enough room; this place is huge. First off, it's not some college house like I was expecting to see. No, it's a freaking gated, wealthy community. I guess I should have expected it though with the type of cars he and Cam drive. I never see Niko drive, but I'm guessing the dark blue, brand new Chevrolet Silverado parked out front is his. Unless Tate picked him up from his apartment, but I remember he said Niko is always at his house. The house is made of stone and there is a four-car garage attached to the house. Tate does love his cars, so this is not very surprising.

Tate parks in the driveway, closest to the front door and when we get out of the vehicle, I hear barking. There is a large privacy fence, running the length of the house; it looks like his yard is huge. I can't see the dog, but I can hear him, and he doesn't sound like a ‘little' Muffin. No, this dog sounds big and very excited. Muffin must know what his dad's truck sounds like.

Tate interrupts the barking, "Come on, ladies, let's get you all settled in and then we can take you on a tour. Last but not least, you all can meet Muffin. Avery, you are going to stay here too, right? Niko practically lives here." Tate glances at Avery as we all walk inside and I see Niko nod at her. She looks a little unsure so I try to help out Nikoli.

"Please, Avery? It would make me feel better to know that you and London are here with me and safe. Plus, we will have so much fun being here all together." I smile big and give her my version of puppy dog eyes.

"Okay, if you guys really don't mind, then I'll stay a few nights. I need to wash my clothes though or else go by my place."

Cam speaks up and smirks at her. "Of course we don't mind! The house is too quiet. It'll be nice having people around making some noise. The poor dog is probably lonely, too. We have a washer you can use, just as long as you wash my clothes while you're at it."

"Yeah right, Cam! I'm not washing your undies, London can do it!" Avery snickers at them.

"I don't mind, Cam, I can wash them for you," London says quietly and looks at him sweetly.

"Oh my God! Are you serious? Where did my BFF go? London, where did you go?" I start looking around all crazy and calling her name loudly. She shoves me while laughing then sticks her tongue out at me.

The inside of their house is nice. There is no way they decorated this place by themselves. It looks like a home you see in a magazine and not a bachelor pad. The couches are extra big, with really fluffy pillows and throws that all coordinate together laid on the back of each couch. The living room's large enough that they have three couches and two big recliners. The walls are this cool white color with a hint of blue in it and the floors through the whole house are a rich, dark brown wood. The kitchen is a cook's playground. Beautiful granite counters spread throughout and stainless steel appliances compliment the colors.

I gaze around at the brown wood cabinets, the cool tiled floor and can't help but imagine cooking in here. The bedrooms are spacious with huge walk-in closets. I don't have enough clothes to even fill up half of one of their closets. The bathroom in Tate's room has big, plush towels and a beautiful clawfoot tub. I hope I get to try it out. Out of the entire house, the kitchen is my absolute favorite.

"What are you doing, baby?" Tate asks when he walks into the kitchen. He stands beside me and pulls me into his arms.

Tate looks so handsome right now. He's relaxed, being home and now changed into comfy clothes. He has on a pair of thin, grey sweatpants and a white, fitted tank top. His shoulders look like they bulge out of the shirt and his colored arms stand out beautifully. He looks hot and buff and I just want to jump him right now.

"Not much, just daydreaming about cooking in this beautiful kitchen." I grin and lift on my tippy toes, to press a chaste kiss to his sexy, stubble-covered chin.

I wrap my arms around his firm waist and rest my hands right above his plump ass. His butt looks like it's perfect to bite, just firm enough to bounce a quarter off of.

"Ahh, you like to cook?" I nod, kissing his chin again.

"Well then, Krasaaveetsa, you must cook in it while you are here. I would love to have you cook for me, it would be an honor."

"Okay, I would love to."

"Now, let's go outside so I can start the grill. You can check out the pool and meet Muffin. I'm sure he's tired of waiting patiently outside, even if the weather's been pleasant. He's probably eager to come in and check everyone out." Tate tugs on my hand and starts walking toward the back door.

"Oh, my gawd! You have a pool too? Geez, Tate, you are going to turn me into a spoiled brat!" I get so excited, I start to giggle. I love swimming in pools, rather than dirty old lake water.

"Good, Emily, you deserve to be spoiled and I plan to make you very happy."

I swoon; I swear this man is perfect.

We make our way outside and I love it. Tate has numerous garden beds that line the whole yard around the fence. The back porch patio is covered and is adorned with the same stone that's on the house.

Tate has one of those outdoor, covered, man kitchens that have a TV hanging in eyesight, a built-in, stainless grill, and mini-fridge combo, with the bar completely covered in stone.

There's a big glass table on the patio that seats eight; off to the side are a few outdoor couches and chairs with fluffy, bright teal cushions. The pool is a large square, with sparkling dark sapphire colored water. It has a built-in waterfall, Jacuzzi, slide, fake rocks, and plants all on the side. Around the pool are a few small tables with chairs and about ten lawn chairs you can lie on. It's perfect. Tate lives in my dream home and I actually get to stay here for a few nights.

I make my way over to Tate and suddenly this huge dog comes running at us. He looks like he probably comes up to my waist.

"Holy s**t, Tate! I thought you had a little dog named Muffin, not a huge Cujo!" Okay, I admit I am scared of the dog. He's huge and full of energy. Tate chuckles at my remark and my alarmed expression.

"This is Muffin. He's a full size Doberman Pinscher. You don't have to be scared or intimidated. Did you know Dobermans are the only dogs that were bred specifically for safety? His sole purpose in his breeding is to protect his master and his master's family. They are also one of the top three smartest dogs. He's not a Cujo. He will see how much I care about you and he will love you. Come here, baby, and meet him."

I approach them both leisurely, with my hand out. I was taught by Granddaddy that it's best to approach bigger dogs slowly, showing them respect and consistency. When I get close, Tate pulls me against his body while Muffin sits still, watching how I treat Tate.

"Muffin, come here boy, be easy, this is Emily." Tate kisses my cheek a few times after he says this. It must work because Muffin watches his master then proceeds to smell my hand. I must pass a test because he comes and leans his body against my legs and lets me pet him.

Muffin is large, with black and tan fur, his ears and tail are cropped and has on a neon orange collar that looks like it has something reflective on the stitching. His fur is soft and he seems happy. He lets his tongue hang out and his little stub of a tail wags like crazy.

I coo as I scratch behind one of his ears, "Hi, Muffin, that's a good boy, it's nice to meet you." I look up to see Tate watching me with a bemused expression. "Hey, Tate, his collar's cool, what's on the stitching? Is that reflective?"

"Yes, Muffin usually goes on runs with me in the morning, so he has a reflective collar in case it's still dark out. I don't ever go alone and the guys like to sleep, so he's my road dog. He loves going to the lake and in the boat also. It drives my mother crazy, all the wet fur, so I usually do it on purpose."

I laugh at him; leave it to Tate to antagonize his poor mom with the dog. Muffin doesn't seem so bad; in fact, the opposite. He's really friendly and paws at me every time I quit petting him.

"That's cool, Tate. He's a sweet boy, and I can tell you love him a lot. Would you mind if I run with you in the mornings? I usually use the treadmill in the community center at my apartment. It's so peaceful here, Tate, everything. I love it and I'm excited to stay here for a few days, thank you."

"Yeah, you can go with me. Muffin has to come too, though. Also, you are very welcome; I'm excited you are here." He kisses me long and deep, it makes me melt into his firm body.

While we kiss, Muffin wiggles in between us and just stands there. I pull away from Tate and glance at the dog, he's just happy as can be. What started as an awful, stressful day has turned out to be wonderful.

Later that evening, we grill a small feast, including steaks, chicken breasts, baby potatoes, corn, and pineapple slices. We all sit outside on the patio, sipping sweet tea mixed with vodka and enjoy the beautiful Tennessee night. The season's changing, so evenings and mornings are perfect times to enjoy being outside right now.

We all talk and make plans to have crab legs for dinner tomorrow as a group again. I can't wait; I am so excited to cook with Tate. Surprisingly, Muffin lies on the outdoor couch and doesn't beg from anyone during dinner. I remember the Golden Retriever Granddaddy had. She was named Goldie and when I was little, she always begged for anything she could get.

London, Avery, and I clean up afterward and make our way into the living room to watch a movie. Muffin snuggles up to me so he's on one side and Tate's on the other. Not only is Tate stealing my heart but so is this giant, sweet Dobie. I'm so glad we have a four-day weekend. I can't imagine a better way to spend it, than with people I care the most about.

I'm roused out of my sleep by Tate picking me up and carrying me bridal style to his bedroom, "Shhh, Krasaaveetsa, you fell asleep during the movie. I'm taking you to bed, so go back to sleep, baby."

I lean my head against Tate's chest and relish in the feel of his strong arms wrapped around me. He carefully sets me down on the edge of the bed, and then strips to his tight, black Abercrombie boxer briefs. Tate pulls my shorts and shirt off. At this point, I'm game for whatever he wants to do. He surprises me by replacing the shirt I had on with the tank top he just took off. It's still warm from him and surrounds me in his delicious scent.

He turns the fluffy comforter back and adjusts the pillows for us, pushing them close together in the middle of the ginormous bed.

He rasps, rubbing his rippled abdomen, "There, baby, crawl under the blanket, to the middle of the bed." I comply, doing what he says. I'm too tired to ask him why.

Tate slides in behind me and tucks the covers all around us, to keep the chill from the air conditioner away. They keep their house cold, so I snuggle back into him. He puts one arm under my pillow and the other, he wraps around my stomach, holding me tightly.

We lace our fingers together and poof, I fall asleep almost instantly. He's warm, soft, and makes me feel safe. I know at this point my heart is gone...