Chapter 117 Chapter 117 Commands
The doorbell rings, and I rush to get it, Gemma on my heels to help me.
We are finished moving everything inside. I put away all of my things, getting plenty of eye rolls from Penelope, Lydia, Carrie, and Dahlia. My clothes and accessories are “too expensive” and “a waste of money,” especially my bags and shoes, apparently. I got so many questions about the number of heels I own. Sorry, I like to look cute—and I can afford it. Shoes and purses always fit, no matter what. They’re the one thing that can make me feel better after a shitty day.
Dragon loved my move-in-day outfit. He openly grabbed my ass multiple times. I’m wearing a white tank top, black shorts with white trim, and my Chucks. Gemma made us take a “family” picture in front of the house—Dragon, me, and Thor, his dog. Or our dog, as he likes to say. The best part? Thor hates Penelope. He growls at her every chance he gets. I’ve given him six treats today. Good boy.
I fling the door open, my head still turned toward Gemma as we talk about her wedding dress. Her mouth drops wide open, and I turn to see what has her catching flies.
My cousin… he looks great, like always. But it’s not him that has her stunned—it’s the heavily tattooed asshole behind him.
Ivan.
I can’t help but roll my eyes and shoot daggers at Stanislav. I don’t ask why that asshole is here with him. Luckily, Stanislav opens his mouth and explains as they both step inside. Before I can shut the door, the pizza guy shows up. We ordered pizza, wings, and pasta. I take the food, hand some to Gemma, and pay the guy.
Gemma and I lead my cousin and Ivan inside.
“We’re opening the club together. We’re going to oversee everything. That’s why he’s here with me,” my cousin whispers.
Then it clicks. Ding, ding, ding… they’re both staying at my place. Keeping myself in check, I swallow my anger and smile.
Everyone grabs food, and we all settle in the living room. Dragon and I share an oversized armchair. Gemma, Nick, and Vince sit on the loveseat next to us. Dragon’s friends take the couch, Josh sits on the floor. Stanislav and Ivan sit across from us in the other armchairs. Gemma and I continue talking about the wedding—I’m just so excited for her.
“Your dress is going to be light pink, kind of like the one you wore to… the fight, two years ago. But much longer,” she smiles.
“Gemma,” I warn, “isn’t that too much side boob for a wedding?”
“Hell no!” she laughs.
“There’s no such thing as too much side boob!” Vince adds, and we all turn to look at him. It’s nice to hear him laugh.
Then, like something snaps inside me—Ashley. It’s my fault she’s dead. My eyes meet Ivan’s across the room. He’s completely still, his face ice cold. He hasn’t said a word. Stanislav’s gaze flicks between us, a smirk playing on his lips like he knows something I don’t.
We finish eating, and everyone starts talking among themselves. Dragon is deep in conversation with my cousin about his car. Gemma and I are still talking about the wedding—she wants her bachelorette party at the Red Rooster. I sigh heavily.
“Elle… I want one of your performances!” she grins.
“No, Gemma.” I shake my head.
“Dragon won’t mind!” she says, glancing at him—but something dark flashes across his face.
“I do mind,” he says flatly. “I might not care if your bachelorette is all female—but my guess is it’s co-ed, so your guys will be there too. I mind a lot.” He pauses, eyes locked on Gemma. “I am not sharing Elle with anyone. Is that understood?”
His voice fills the room, cutting through everything.
Everyone is watching us. Gemma’s face is red—not embarrassed, but pissed. “Since when did you become such a stiff?” she asks coldly. “You used to love to watch.”
Dragon ignores her completely. “Do you smoke?” he asks my cousin and Ivan.
They both nod.
He turns to me. “Babe, can you grab the cigars from the game room?” It doesn’t sound like a question—it’s a command. I don’t know how I feel about that. His hand squeezes my ass, and he kisses the side of my face.
I say nothing. I get up and go to grab his box of cigars. Gemma follows me.
“I don’t like how you are with him,” she says. “Don’t lose who you are. Promise me.”
I don’t answer her.
When I return, all the guys have moved outside. Each of them has a glass of something dark. I catch Ivan swirling his drink, watching me as I walk toward Dragon. Penelope moves quickly to sit next to him. The rest of the girls take the remaining chairs. Gemma tells me she’s heading out.
I lean down and whisper in Dragon’s ear, “If you ever command me like that again, I will leave you so fast it’ll make your head spin. Do you fucking understand me?”
I turn to walk away, but he grabs my wrist and brings my hand to his lips. His mouth forms the words I’m sorry. I snatch my hand back and keep walking.
By the time we reach the door, Gemma seems calmer.
“He’s not the same,” she mutters. “I don’t like this possessiveness—or that Penelope girl. If he hurts you, I’ll have Alek beat his ass.” She laughs, then adds, “I’m starting to think you should’ve just agreed to Ivan’s terms.”
I shake my head. “Don’t say that. I’m nobody’s second choice. You know what he said to me… I fucking hate him.”
Vince and Nick come up behind me, give me quick hugs, then head out too.
I go back outside and hand my cousin two sets of keys. I explain he’s officially a resident and needs to add Ivan as well. There are three parking spots available for him. He asks about meeting some of my single friends. I smile and promise to introduce him to whoever’s still in town.
“You owe me a broken bed!” I laugh.
He laughs with me.
Penelope frowns. “Why?”
“I broke his when I stayed at his place,” I say sweetly, looking right at her. Fucking dumb bitch.
Penelope smiles. “Fat ass or shitty bed frame?”
Ivan stands, motioning for Stanislav. He wants to leave, still silent.
“We broke it together,” he adds, his voice low and dark, followed by a sinister laugh.