Dad's Best Friend: Tempting The Pakhan

ELISSA

" Get her!" Scott's voice echoed behind me followed by the loud sounds of footsteps and that only made me run faster. A sharp pain jolts upwards from my ankle making my body crumble to the ground, dust filling my nostrils.

My heart raced, the crunchy sounds of dried leaves cut through the thick silence, air rushed out my nostrils as I tried to catch my breath but failed.

I tried standing up but he'd already caught up to me, bunching the strands of my hair between his fingers, tugging my head up so hard I felt something snap. His monstrously cold gaze burned into my soul. " You thought you could run didn't you?" I shivered, the cold running down my spine.

" Please, Please don't do this, I'm your sister." I knew it was worthless pleading for his help but I still couldn't brush the fact that there could be a bit of humanity in him.

There wasn't.

He dragged me through the woods, my body scrapping against the ground till we got into the clan premises and right behind the gates Lysandra and Litora stood, their gazes void of warmth.

Scott threw me to the ground, my body landed right on her feet. Slowly, I dragged my gaze upwards, only to meet hers. " Are you insane?" Her fists tightened followed by the grinding sound of her teeth. " Your husband is going to be here in a few days and you dared to run away?"

Tears burned into my eyes, the word husband stung and it wasn't to be used on that monster. " I can't marry him and you know-" the rest of the words died in my throat with a hard slap to my cheek.

" You will fucking get married to him wheather you like it or not! " She snarled, her words stinging more than the pain. "Your silly attempt to escape just made your last days here hell."

Of course I had no say.

I was worthless.

Weak.

And they made sure of that.

Lysandra- my stepmother- was the perfect definition of a monster in sheepskin, I knew from the first day I saw her but after father's death, she only grew worse and her children got worse with her, whilst I? I was just their pawn to use in whatever disgusting games they were playing.

Litora leaned down, a mocking smile on her face. " Look at you, so pathetic." She gestured to me and in a few days I won't get to see that stupid face anymore. Thank God."

" Enough Litora!" Lysandra shunned, turning to me. " Guards, take her in."

More tears cascaded down my face as the guards approached me, peeling me from the ground. I wailed, I begged, I screamed but they didn't let me go, not until I got the so-called space I called my bedroom.

They pushed me inside and slammed the door shut, locking it behind them. I rushed, slamming my fists against it. " Let me out! Please!! Don't do this to me!" But no one came, no one answered but I didn't stop until there was no strength left in me.

Weakly, I crawled to the corner of the room, crumbling to the ground, wrapping my hands around my knees- burying my head between them as I sobbed.

Everyday I dreamt of the day I would finally be free.

The day I would finally escape from this torture.

The day I would get to see him again.

But I knew there was no chance.

They wouldn't let me.

I stayed that way for hours till I heard the door open- freedom? I'd doubt it, but still I lifted my head, my eyes crashed with his.

It was Scott.

My throat went dry.

As he closed the door behind him.

Instinctively, my legs moved but I had nowhere to go as he slid across the room, making his way towards me, his eyes shimmering with lust.

" I never want to hurt you sister," His voice was soft, but I couldn't ignore the cold edge it had as he reached for my chin, pulling me to face him. " I always want to care for you, protect you but you always make it so hard for me..."

Disgust curled in my stomach as I tore my chin from his grasp but that only made him grab it firmer than before. " Look at me when I talk to you!" I froze, my body trembling as I met his gaze, he smirked, my fear arousing him, I could feel it. " Good."

" Don't hurt me..."

" I won't hurt you, if you behave." His cold finger moved from my chin, down to my chest, my heart only raced faster. " You know I love you right?"

" You love me but you want me to marry someone else?" I guess for him, love had a different definition.

" If it was up to me, I would keep you here with me all to myself and as for your soon-to-be husband? I would eliminate him." My blood chilled to red ice as he leaned close, his lips grazing my earlobe. " But I can't do that can I?"

I swallowed, the substance refusing to go down my throat. " So I need to enjoy you while I still have you..." My skin felt like it was infested with spiders, their feet crawling over me but even that would be better than this.

" Kiss me."

" I can't do this, Scott."

" Kiss me." His voice was firmer.

" Please, I."

" I said fucking Kiss Me Lissa." He barked and when I refused, he slammed me into his lips, his fingers digging into my hair.

I cried.

And cried even harder.

As he ate my lips, his teeth digging through my lips, my blood mixing with the kiss but he didn't let me go.

" Fuck, you taste so good Lissa." He mouthed in between kisses, but he didn't let go.

My hands went numb, my knuckles still ached from earlier but I kept hitting his chest, a silent plea for help as the world began to blur, the sound of a metal door cut through the silence as he pulled away from me.

ELISSA

" Are you insane? Do you want mum to fucking murder you?" The voice said, followed by footsteps, I recognised it- it was Litora.

As much as I despised her, right now, I felt like hugging her.

Scott's weight lifted as he peeled away from me, air rushed into my lungs as he adjusted himself, fingering his hair. " I was just having a little fun," He scoffed as though he didn't just...

" Well that 'fun' is messing with the goods and the deal will be off if he notices that you'd touched her." Right, she didn't actually care. Not for me at least...

" Fine, Fine. Get some bitch into my room, I need a good fuck." With that, he walked away leaving just me and Litora.

She came to me, examined my face and body then walked out, shutting the door behind her. My hand trembled as I slowly reached for my phone, looking for his number.

The broken glass shards from my screen pierced through my skin but I didn't stop, not until I found his line.

Hope died when I saw he hadn't replied me. Not one reply since and he was all I had.

Ruslan.

My father's best friend.

Whom I'd always been in love with, who promised to protect me and now when I needed him the most, he didn't reply.

I felt like screaming but I had no strength to. My body ached so much but it didn't compare to the pain I felt in my heart.

I had no one.

No dad.

No Mum.

No Ruslan.

Just me.

And I would probably die; cold, weak and miserable.

Slowly, my fingers moved against each letter, the world dimming as I typed.

" I'm dying, please...Please Ruslan, don't let the..m, take me. Don't let m..e get married to hi..m." I clicked send, letting my lids close as the darkness took over, my body curling like a ball to the ground.

Metal whooshed in the air, slamming loudly against concrete. I jumped, my heart in my throat as I opened my eyes, guards walking in, picking me off the ground.

The light of day burned into my retinas, making the world a blur but slowly, the haze vanished, my vision painfully clear.

" Wher..e are you ta...king me?" I managed, but they just ignored me as they moved. It wasn't until we got to the courtyard that they stopped, plopping me against the floor.

A man kneeled in front of me, his mouth stuffed with a handkerchief, rope wrapped firmly around his build, keeping him in place. My gaze finally landed on Lysandra, her legs crossed as she stared at me.

" Wha-What is all this?"

" Did you really think I wouldn't know?" My heart stopped, all moisture fleeing from my throat. She tsked as she stood, strutting towards me. When I felt her hold around my shoulder, I shivered. " What am I going to do with you Lissa dear."

I remained silent.

" Firstly, you tried to escape and then, you tried contacting your father's ally? Did you think he would help you?" A laugh. " No one can help you, not even him."

My jaw locked, my fists tightening. " What does that have to do with him?" I gestured to the man tied-up beside me.

" Well, he was the one who helped you out by opening the gates," her voice dropped ice cold and she turned to him, " even when I ordered that the gates remained tightly sealed until your wedding day."

The man mumbled some words through the handkerchief as he trembled in fear but she ignored him and faced me. " As much as I want to punish you, I can't" a smirk planted on her lips. " but I won't let you get away with it..."

I didn't think she would do it. But she did and there was nothing I could do. " Guards, deal with him brutally" She faced me " and you'll watch as they rip him to shreds."

My voice broke as I spoke. " Why are you doing this? Why do you hate me so much?"

She chuckled, walking back to her chair. " Hating you would be a waste of time, it's your father I despise-"

" But he's dead! Why are you making my life a living hell?"

" Because you're his blood and your father is a disgusting being and just like him, you deserve to suffer and also," she drawled, twirling her cigar between her fingers. " I need you for other purposes, once you get married I no longer have any use for you."

I knew how my father was.

Although he was never cruel to me, I knew he was evil to the world, so I understood why she wanted vengeance but why me? Why did I have to suffer for my father's sins?

The guards came and they started beating the man up, kicking, punching, the handkerchief was painted red. I peeled my gaze away but a guard came to me, holding my head still, making me watch as they murdered the innocent man.

When they finished, they burned the body and threw the ashes away. " You're a monster!!! A disgusting, evil monster!"

" Guards take her away and get her some food. Her wedding is tomorrow and I want her healthy, because tomorrow night, you'll be a good girl and submit to your husband..." My stomach twisted as the guards picked me from the floor once more and it was that day I died.

The Elissa, who thought that there was some good in here, died and the one within me wanted vengeance. She wanted to punish them all for all they did to her but there was nothing she could do...

My frustration reached new heights at my helplessness, I badly wanted to claw my eyes out but I held myself.

As we reached the room, they closed the door, tossing a tray of stale food my way. At first I refused to eat but I hadn't eaten in hours and if I wanted to fight, I needed strength- even though I knew I wouldn't win.

As I ate, my phone screen flashed and immediately I rushed to it, swiping it open.

" Nothing is going to happen to you, I promise, I'll get you out of there as soon as I can. " the message read and I couldn't help the swell that burned in my chest.

Ruslan was coming to save me.

He was coming to take me away from this hell..

ELISSA

The morning approached quicker than I'd expected. My eyes were thick with sleep, mainly because I kept replaying the scene of that poor man getting burned and also I couldn't help the thoughts that swam through my head.

What if Lysandra does something?

What if he doesn't come and I got taken away?

What if he...

" Elissa," My train of thoughts swerved to a curb. My lashes fluttered as I blinked, the mirror appeared before me, my reflection stared back at me but I could barely recognise her.

She was the definition of beauty and perfection. Foundation smothered my face, covering the wounds and scars that hid beneath it. My hair was styled in a bun, some curled strands fell over my face. My wedding dress clinged to me, the corset snatched at the waist.

To anyone who saw me, I was the perfect bride. But I felt quite the opposite- I felt disgust, fear, dread and quiet hope.

" I'm done with your makeup." The make-up artist said, her voice slowly coming back to focus.

I offered a light smile. " Thank you," she nodded and left, Scott walked in a few minutes later, clad in a black suit, his hair slicked back and this cold glint in his eyes.

He reached me and curled his fingers around my shoulder, a chill ran through my bones as he leaned close, placing his face right beside mine, his cheek giving mine a gentle brush. " You look so beautiful sister,"

He brushed his tongue over my cheek. Smudging a bit of the makeup. " I badly want to rip this dress off you," he pulled away and I could finally breathe. " But I can't, your husband is down there, waiting..."

Husband.

The word irritated me so much.

I stood and he extended his hands towards me. I gave it a glance then met his gaze, his eyes like calm before a storm. I placed my hand in his and he gave it a hard squeeze, bringing it to his lips and placed a light kiss. I looked away, itching to peel my fingers from his grasp but his grip remained firm.

He led me out the door, the guards gave me weird stares as we walked, some with pity, others just didn't care.

A few minutes later, arrived at the hall, his hand still tightly wrapped around mine. The door opened and all eyes turned to us but I barely acknowledged them, my eyes finding my groom waiting at the altar.

He had this glint in eyes, one I chose to ignore as sweat gathered in my palms. There was no sign of Ruslan, not a single one of his men were in sight and I knew he wouldn't attack at the wedding, but at least hoped for something.

Scott led me to the altar and when we got there, my groom's outstretched hand welcomed me. His teeth white with a few specks of gold. His hair black and streaked with grey, he looked fit, handsome even but I knew the monster that hid beneath.

I pushed a hushed breath and took his hand as he helped me up the stairs. Finally, I met his gaze, his eyes sweeping over me like I was a meal he wanted to devour.

" You look so beautiful wifey..."

I didn't respond, my mind a haze as my panic rose.

Lysandra climbed the podium and began officiating and with each word she said I was drowning deeper and deeper into panic. My eyes wandered, looking for signs but nothing came.

I guess Lysandra was right, no one could save me from this.

" Do you, Santoro Dimitri, take her to be your wife, in sickness and in health, in riches and in poverty till death do you part?"

" I do..." he said in a heartbeat. I gulped.

" Do you, Elissa Antonovich, take him to be your husband, in sickness and in health, in riches and in poverty till death do you part?"

My throat closed involuntarily, words too heavy to utter.

The silence ate the entirety of the hall as my heart raced so loud I feared they could hear it.

" Elissa?" Lysandra called with a tight smile.

I was about to say something when Santoro pulled out a gun, the cold metal pressing against my forehead- oxygen clogged my throat. " Say I Do, Darling..." His eyes were dark, his words were as cold as the barrel.

" I D-Do," I stuttered, sealing my fate.

No Ruslan to save me.

No one would come for me.

As he pulled the gun away, my eyes itched as tears gathered threatening to fall.

This was it.

" You may now kiss the bride." She said and he drew me close, kissing me roughly. Just like Scott always did and I knew this was going to be me life now.

Constant forced kisses.

And so much pain.

His lips tasted bitter, I stopped myself from emptying my stomach mid-kiss till he pulled away breathless, leaving me more irritated of my own skin than before.

The crowd cheered at my downfall as Santoro led me down the altar and into a room, Lysandra trailed behind us shortly.

He pulled out a seat and forced me down and pulled out another for himself. " I don't have time to waste Lysandra, get me the documents,"

" Yes, Yes, I know." She replied and opened a drawer, bringing out a file. She slid it across the table till it got to him. He opened it and signed it immediately then he gave it to me.

I flipped through the contents, my face grew pale as I read it. These weren't just marriage certificates, these were asset transfers. All the properties that belonged to my father which he'd left for me, we're now being transferred to him.

This was the reason for this marriage.

He wanted full control of both Russia and Italy.

I turned to Santoro, tossing the folder to him. " I will not sign this..."

" Yes you will," Lysandra ordered.

" I will not! Do you think I'm a fool?"

The sound of a chuckle stopped me cold. Santoro, reached for my chin and turned my face towards him. " I'm sure you're aware of who I am and the terrible things I could do to you..." Goosebumps covered my skin.

The mental image of him doing things to me bled into my mind and I immediately snatched my chin away from him. Hesitating a second more as I slowly signed what was left of my father's legacy to him.