Chapter 15

POV Tatyana

Maria quickly leaves the room, afraid of hearing something negative from Samuel. He slides his hand down to my butt and squeezes it hard, making me moan in pain. His gaze is suggestive, and his deep voice comes out commanding:

"Let’s go downstairs. If anyone asks who you are, tell them you’re my new submissive."

I shove him hard, and Samuel Colt smirks sarcastically. He’s probably expecting a sharp response. I can’t figure him out—minutes ago, he was insulting me, and seconds later, he was kissing me like a madman.

"This man has serious issues dealing with emotions. I think he mixes anger with love," I think to myself.

"Keep dreaming! I’m not your submissive, and I never will be!" I snap, walking out the door and heading to the main hall.

As I descend the stairs, I see several men, all dressed in identical, perfectly tailored suits. They enter and walk toward the meeting room. I position myself next to Adam, who stands near the door. Once everyone has entered, he takes my hand and guides me to the Burgundy Hall.

The men’s expressions are serious, as if they are incapable of feeling anything. I admire the vast hall; the place is truly magnificent. The floors are black marble, and in the center stands a massive rustic oak table. The room has a distinctive scent, a blend of woody notes and aged whiskey. The walls are adorned with white pillars topped with capitals, adding a luxurious touch.

The Brotherhood members chat among themselves, but every voice falls silent when Samuel enters the room.

"Good morning. Today we will discuss important matters, but first, help yourselves to some well-aged whiskey."

While everything is quiet, a man with green eyes, tan skin, and an incredibly charming demeanor questions Samuel.

"Very well, Samuel Colt, who’s the girl? Your new whore?"

"Show some respect. The whore is your mother!" I shout angrily.

Adam storms out from my side like a lion, glaring at the man with fury.

"Severo Morozova, she will be my future wife. If you disrespect her again, I’ll break all your teeth!" Adam threatens, visibly irritated.

"Wife?" Severo says, raising an eyebrow.

Samuel glares at me with fury, and I already imagine the delicious punishment if I defy him.

"Forgive me, miss. What’s your name?" Severo asks, embarrassed.

"Tatyana, and yes, I’ll be Adam Orlov’s future wife!"

Samuel growls, his gaze tearing me apart little by little. Adam holds my hand and leads me to the table, where I sit beside him.

"Where is your wife, Colt?" asks another man, tall, with red hair, pale skin, and honey-colored eyes.

"She won’t be joining us today."

As they discuss future killings and bribes, I approach the table and pour myself a whiskey. I gently tilt the glass, letting the liquid swirl over the ice. Bringing it to my lips, I savor the unique bitterness as it slides down my throat.

A soft, delicate voice pulls me out of my moment of peace.

"Good afternoon, I’m Agata, John Colt’s fiancée. I’m not sure if you’ve met yet, but it’s a pleasure to meet you."

My gaze meets her features—she’s stunning. Agata has a sculpted body and a delicate demeanor. Her skin is fair, and her long blonde hair has a golden hue, a signature trait of the Colt family.

"I didn’t know Adam was with someone. He’s always so discreet," she says, looking at me kindly. "He must really like you," she adds, surprised.

"He’s not. I’m just provoking him," I explain, pointing my glass toward Samuel, who’s talking to his men.

"You’re brave. Samuel is a horrible man. When he had to marry my sister, he did cruel things."

My heart races—I want to know everything about the past of the man who will father my child. What made Samuel become who he is today? What did he have to do? Did he suffer much? How many lives did he destroy?

I look at Agata and decide to ask.

"What did he do to your sister? Why is he like this?"

"Samuel Colt is a mystery to unravel. Even though we grew up close, he was always very reserved. When my uncle started those horrible training sessions, he changed. Sam used to be sweet, calm, caring, but he began to turn into a demon. Pavel is entirely to blame—he’s a heartless monster," Agata confesses, her gaze fixed on the glass she grips tightly in her hand.

I shift my focus to Samuel, who meets my gaze with intensity. I feel so many things as I look at him—anger intertwined with an infinite, insane desire. Even though I condemn and challenge his ruthless ways, I’m drawn to him. His darkness intrigues me, and what I want most is to truly know him. I want to understand both the bad and the good within him—a bitter man who lost his childhood to become a leader of evil.

Agata shares something surprising.

"Luara fell in love with another man, Albert, but Samuel killed him a week before the wedding, claiming he would never be betrayed."

I want to ask so many more questions, but we’re interrupted by Pavel, who stops beside me. His expression is unreadable, and the scent he exudes is one of cruelty.

"I want to talk to you, Tatyana. Come with me."

I look at Agata, who keeps her head lowered. I stand and begin to follow Pavel. Samuel rises and quickly grabs my arm.

"Let her go now," Pavel commands harshly.

Samuel hesitates but releases my arm. I follow Pavel to his office, anxious about what lies ahead.