Secrets Read online

  “Hi, Muffin, that’s a good boy, it’s nice to meet you. Hey, Tate, his collar’s really 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 and stuff too. 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 really 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 beautiful here, Tate, everything. I love it and I’m excited to stay here for a few days, thank you.”

  “Yeah, you can definitely 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 warm body. While we kiss, Muffin wiggles between us and just stands there. I pull away from Tate and look at the dog. He’s just happy as can be. What started as an awful, stressful day has turned out to be wonderful.

  We grill steaks, chicken breasts, baby potatoes, corn and pineapple slices. We all sit outside on the patio and enjoy the beautiful Tennessee night. The season’s changing, so evenings and mornings are perfect times to enjoy being outside right now. We talk and make plans to have crab legs for dinner tomorrow. I can’t wait; I am so excited to cook with Tate. Surprisingly Muffin lies on the outdoor couch and doesn’t beg 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. We clean up 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 am 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.

  “Shhh, Красота, you fell asleep during the movie. I’m taking you to bed, so go back to sleep, baby.” I lean my head against his chest and relish in the feel of his strong arms wrapped around me. He sets me on the bed and strips to his tight, black Abercrombie boxer briefs. He pulls my shorts and shirt off, and then replaces my shirt with the tank top he just took off. It’s still warm from him and smells delicious. He moves the fluffy comforter back and adjusts the pillows for us.

  “There, baby, crawl under the blanket, to the middle of the bed.” I do what he says. I’m too tired to ask him why. Tate slides in behind me and tucks the covers around us. 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. 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…

  Tate

  Chapter 10

  “What do you mean, you haven’t found him yet? I don’t care if he’s fucking disappeared into thin air, I want him found! Do I have to get all of the Russkaya Odessa Mafiya involved to find one fucking person? Do not make me tell Gizya you have failed at this simple task.” I hang up on the idiot.

  How have they not found Emily’s ex yet? Hopefully, dropping my father’s name will motivate him to find the fucker. My father is Konstantin ‘Gizya’ Ginzburg. Otherwise known as Большой босc, or The Big Boss to Americans. He is in charge of the Odessa Mafiya, which incorporates around five thousand members in America. My uncle, Victor Averin, who my brother Viktor is named after, is second-in-command for the Solntsevskaya Bratva. My grandfather was the great ‘Vory Vzakone’; real name, Vyacheslav Ivankov. So it’s imperative I grow into a strong Boss, with all of my family heading up the Russkaya Mafiya at some time. I am Luka Tate Masterson to everyone; but to family, I am Luka Tatkiv ‘Knees’ Ginzburg. I enjoy breaking people’s knees when they piss me off, call it my fetish. My brother, Viktor, has made it his life’s mission to not be a Boss. My family finally accepted him when he became the family accountant and helps find disposal for any bodies we need dumped. My family hails from Mother Russia and The Odessa is mostly from around Moscow.

  I was really hoping one of my boys would find this sick fuck, Jeremy, but I may need to call a few of my uncle’s Bratva goons to see if they have any luck. I need my guys concentrating on keeping the Italians and Chinese out of my clubs. I will do business with them, but not at my clubs. Many innocent people could get killed if something went down there.

  I make my way back into the house to check on my sweet Emily. She has been here a week and I love every minute of it. I have come to the decision that I never want her to leave. I have also decided that I have been patient long enough. For a man who has never had to wait to fuck a woman, I think I’ve done very well. I find my Красота in her kitchen. I gave it to her, she thinks I’m joking, but I’m not. Hell, she can have the whole house if she wants it, I’ll even build her a bigger house if that’s what makes her happy. I feel like I live to see my Emily smile; it’s become sort of a goal for me every day. I try to see how many times I can put a huge smile on her face. I don’t think she knows it, but she takes my breath away when she smiles like that.

  Emily

  Tate walks into the kitchen. I’m busy looking at my magazine on the counter. He has black leather bar stools that have fast become one of my favorite seats. I love how the breakfast bar is located in the middle of the kitchen, so I can see him when he cooks. I never knew a man in the kitchen could be so sexy, but when he cooks yummy food and is shirtless, well, it takes the cake.

  I feel strong arms wrap around me and I relish the feeling. I snuggle back into him.

  “Hey, hot stuff, you done with your business call?”

  “Sure am, Красота,” he whispers in my ear and starts to kiss on my neck. God that feels amazing. I learned at my apartment that Tate is very talented with that mouth. I turn in my seat so I am facing him. I want to kiss on him, too.

  “Want to play, Красота?”

  “Depends on what exactly that means, Tate.” I lick up the side of his neck and he shivers. He makes a rumbling sound in his throat and it’s so sexy.

  “It means I get to feel that sweet cunt wrapped tight around my cock, little lamb. I want to make you feel good again.” I pull him between my legs and kiss him full on the mouth. He kisses me back deeply. I match his tongue with mine. If he is any good at reading me, he will know this is not just a yes, but a hell yes. I am so ready for him. It’s been sweet torture sleeping next to him every night, feeling his hard body holding me tightly. I wrap my legs around his body and lightly drag my nails down his back.

  “Ahhh, that’s it, Красота, you’re mine, baby.” He nips at my neck and slides his hands around my waist. He picks me up and I keep my legs wrapped around him. Tate carries me about a foot away and sets me on the counter. He pushes me backward so I’m leaning on my elbows. He looks so gorgeous, his cheeks are flushed, he’s panting and his hair is sticking out every which way. He snakes both hands up each of my thighs, pushing the material of myloose, white sundress up until he gets to my lace thong. He looks at me and his eyes dilate as he takes me in. He starts whispering in Russian and it turns me on like there’s no tomorrow.

  “Я утверждаю, вы как шахта красоты, навсегда (I claim you as mine beauty forever).”

  “Mmmm, whatever you’re saying, keep saying it. I love how it sounds.” My panties are soaked, each time he says something in Russian I get wetter. He smirks at me and gives me a look that’s says ‘if you only knew’. He slowly pulls my thong down my legs and licks his bottom lip a little as he takes me in.

  “Please, Ta
te, don’t slow down, I want you so badly.”

  “Shhh, baby, I know.” He starts with his fingers inside me. Holy fuck, does that feel good. I pull on his hair to let him know I want more. I want him. I want to feel all of him inside me. He pushes my dress up over my head and starts to kiss me all over my tummy and the tops of my breasts. I’m so glad I chose to wear matching panties and bra today. I want to look sexy for him.

  “Oh, that feels so good,” I gasp out. He is so good at this. I place my hands on each side of his face and start to bring him up my body more. I don’t want to wait any longer.

  “Tate, no more waiting, I need to feel you inside me.” He stares into my eyes for a few seconds almost like he’s reassuring himself I really am ready for this. I smile and bump his nose lightly with mine, it seems to shake him out of his thoughts and he peels off his shirt. I run my hands down his smooth, cut body and lightly tug on his nipple rings. I lean up and suck his left nipple ring into my mouth. I use my tongue to play around with it and lightly nip on it with my teeth. I let it go slowly and look down the rest of his body. His cock is so hard it’s peeking out the top of his pants. God, I just want to lick it.

  “Can I lick it, Tate?” I keep my eyes on his straining dick so I don’t see his expression.

  “Fuck!” He starts to pull his pants down. Good, he’s going to let me take him in my mouth. I hope I do as good a job as he does. I start to slide off the counter to get onto my knees.

  “Oh no, Красотa, you can put my cock in your mouth later, right now I’m going to make that pussy mine. Hold onto the side of the counter, this is going to be rough.” My pussy convulses at his words and I feel my wetness dripping down my butt. Tate slides me to the edge of the counter and pushes his pants down. Holy fuck he’s big! His dick reaches up to his belly button. That has to be at least eight inches. No way will that fit in me. I look at him a little panicked and he grabs the nape of my neck, kissing me passionately. He grips my thigh in his other hand then moves the one from my nape to grip his cock while he works it into me. Tate rubs the head in my wetness all along my pussy lips. He parts my lips with his cock and thrusts inside me.

  “Oh God!” I gasp out. It’s been awhile since I was with my ex. Two years actually and he doesn’t hold a candle to Tate’s size.

  “Good girl, just relax and take me in, baby. It will fit I promise, especially with all your pussy juice leaking everywhere. You are so fucking sexy like this, so beautiful.” It makes me hot inside to hear him talk about my pussy juices leaking all around his cock. I hold on tight to the edge of the counter as Tate goes to town thrusting hard into me. It feels as if it’s a really tight fit, but not painful, just full. He moves his fingers down between us and holds his dick for a few seconds as it goes in and out of me. He gets his fingers wet from it and then starts to rub on my clit. It feels out of this world, I’m building, I’m almost…so close…oh god I’m going to come.

  “Oh my God, Tate, it feels fucking awesome, I’m going to fucking come, please, please, harder!”

  “That’s it, Emily, milk my cock. I’m going to fill you up so fucking full of my cum.” I explode. I drag my nails down his back, hard. I know it will leave marks. I lean in and bite his neck as I gasp his name out.

  He hears me gasp “Tate” and his dick starts to throb. My pussy is so tight around him I can feel each time his cock convulses. I feel the warmth of each spurt of his cum paint the inside of me. He lays his big body against mine for a few minutes. His face is resting on my chest as he catches his breath. I play with his hair and close my eyes. So this is what bliss feels like. I can’t wait until we get to do that again, that’s for sure. A chill runs over me and I shiver. The granite counter top is not made for warmth or comfort. Tate must feel me because he stands back up. He leans over and places a soft kiss on my lips and then my forehead. He lifts me up and carries me to the bedroom. I’m thinking round two but am pleasantly surprised when he places me in the bath tub.

  “Relax and get warm, baby.” He smirks and winks, then turns and leaves the bathroom. Well, guess I’m taking a nice bath then. I don’t mind that at all.

  Emily

  Chapter 11

  I needed to come to my apartment to get some more stuff to take to Tate’s. Since the boys are in class, London offered to come with me. One of the perks of having Tate drive everywhere is we don’t have a car. Tate is nice enough to let me use his Mercedes so that’s why being carless is a perk! He told me I could just have the whole freaking car. Crazy man. I told him no and he says we will go pick one out that I like. Yeah right, I’m not letting him buy me a damn car. I can’t believe London is still here. I heard her and Cam arguing about her looking for a job last night in Cameron’s room.

  “Hey, chick, I was thinking you should just stay here, this semester’s already half over. I mean, if you’re planning on coming back to live here for next semester, it’s silly to waste money on the back and forth. You can still do your classes here on a computer, right?” I look at her out of the corner of my eye as I drive. I’m a cautious driver; I always try to pay extra attention to everything around me.

  “Well, um, about that: I kind of already finished all the assignments that were due for my classes and turned everything in. So now I just have to wait until the professors grade all my work.”

  “Holy shit, that’s great, London! You need to transfer here, you are way too freaking smart for those classes you take! You truly are the smartest person I know. I’m so proud of you, chickadee!” She gives me her signature cocky smile.

  “Thanks, you know I am pretty great. But, so, yeah I was thinking if I liked it, I might just stay and have Mom send me some of my shit. I haven’t done anything or shopped since you left, so I have saved every penny. I don’t have a lot of money but I have enough to pay for my first semester if I don’t get picked for a scholarship. I got my acceptance letter before I came.”

  “That’s great, I’m so happy for you! I bet Momma and Elliot are super proud of you for transferring to a University. Hey, we never did get to talk about why you showed up out of the blue with all the drama going on.” Thinking of that shit brings a sick feeling to my stomach.

  “Oh my God, I’m glad you brought that up. I completely got side tracked, but I wanted to tell you as soon as I got here. You just looked so happy; I didn’t want to ruin it right away. Okay, so I guess the Sheriff went to your house to let you know Jeremy was getting out early. Well, Rosa, the lady who Elliot has to come clean answered the door and got the message. According to Elliot, he didn’t see her for like a week because of their schedules, and the dumb bitch didn’t think to write the freaking message down! So, when he finally saw her she gave him the message. He was so pissed; he freaked out and fired her. He showed up to Mom’s house spazzing out about how I had to drive up here to warn you and make sure you were okay.

  “I guess he had tried to call you and it went to voicemail. I told him you were probably locked in your apartment doing homework with your phone on silent. That is your usual routine. He thought Jeremy had already gotten to you so he took my car and filled it up with gas and checked all the fluids while I packed my stuff. He tried calling you again and it still went to voicemail, so he and Mom shoved me in the car and programmed my GPS, handed me a wad of cash and sent me on my way. It was like nine o’clock at freaking night, so I drove all night long. I was so tired when I got here, but I realized I could catch you after your class. I’m so glad you had given me your schedule and sent me the campus info, because I had a map and was easily able to find where to go. That’s probably why you thought I looked like a zombie when you saw me.”

  “Wow, that’s crazy. I wish you would have told me when you first got here. At least you got to take a small nap after you arrived. Geez, I had no idea. I even kept telling myself I needed to call you both, but I just had so much homework that week before our long weekend. Ugh, I can’t believe the freaking psycho is out loose somewhere.”

  “I know, I can’t
believe it either. Did Tate tell you about what he was screaming about outside when assfuck wrote on the wall? Did I really hear him say Jeremy is fucking with the Mafia? I mean what is that all about? I asked Cameron but he won’t say anything about it, just tells me it’s none of my business.”

  “Shit, I was so upset I forgot he’d said that. I’m going to talk to Tate about it.” We arrive at the apartment and drive all around to make sure there are no stalkers hiding out waiting for me. I’m scared to go into my apartment now, but at least London’s with me.

  “Oh, thank god, I was so scared it was going to be trashed or something.” When we walk inside, I look around the apartment and it looks as if everything is where it was when we cleaned it up before leaving the other day. “I’m going to jump in the shower really quick since I have my razor here. I have trees growing on my legs.” I smile sheepishly.

  “Gross, Em! Why didn’t you just use Tate’s razor? I used Cam’s, he wants to touch me then he can lend me his razor.”

  “I don’t know, I don’t want him to feel I’m taking over his whole life.”

  “Please, that man is making you his whole life. Wake up, darlin’, and smell the rich, fine-ass flowers in front of you. Since everything’s kosher I’m gonna go downstairs to the laundry and wash the dirty clothes we have here while you shower and pack. Give me your key and I’ll lock the door. Is that okay? Or if you want, I’ll stay.”

  “No, I’m fine. That’s actually a great idea. Way to kill two birds with one stone.” I grab my key off the counter and give it to her.