Read Online Indulgence: A Russian Mafia Romance (Grekov Mafia Book 1) by Jacee Macguire - Free Book Online Page A

so appealing. The women he shared his bed with knew who he was and what he did for a living were whores after all, preferring his wealth and power over all else. There was no love involved and that was how Nikola liked it. He didn’t have time for that. The Bratva was no place for love. He knew that very well, having watched his mother get killed by a rival family just to get to his father. He had learned the hard way that when it came to the Bratva, the Bratva was the only family a man needed. Women had no place in this life. They were a weakness that could be exploited.
    A car suddenly barreled through the parking lot of Desire, tires screeching, snapping Nikola’s attention from the woman by his side. Ivan jerked him to the ground so quickly that Corsica slipped from his grasp. He watched in horror as a hailstorm of bullets rang out, shattering windows all around Corsica as she stood frozen, screaming bloody murder. Nikola had just made it to his knees, screaming her name, when her body lurched backwards. She hit the ground, eyes wide with fear and torturous pain as he scrambled to her side. Right away, he noticed she had been shot in the stomach, blood already soaked through her dress. Lifting her into his arms, he shouted for Ivan, who appeared by his side instantly. “Call the doctor. Have him meet us at my place. NOW!”
    Cradling Corsica in his arms, Nikola placed her in the car, keeping pressure on the wound as Ivan tore out of the parking lot. They raced to the apartment, Ivan swerving around other cars and running through red lights, but time seemed to stand still as he listened to Corsica moan in pure agony.
    “I d... don’t want to d... die,” she gasped, lifting a hand to his face. The softness of her voice, laced with fear, cut him like a knife. He was responsible for this. He was to blame; him and him alone. He knew it was the Italians gunning for him, not caring one way or another who went down in the process, but they would pay for this. Corsica was an innocent and he... he was not. He was the devil who would see each and every one of them die.
    “You will be okay, Radost’ moyA. I promise you that,” Nikola said, his breath ragged as he pulled her closer, kissing her forehead. She couldn’t die.
    Corsica passed out as Ivan sped into the underground parking structure of Nikola’s building. The doctor was waiting by the elevator, his medical bag prepared for whatever damage was brought to him. He had seen evidence of much violence in his years with the family and this night was no different. But they had never brought him a woman. This was a first.
    “Doc. Gunshot to the stomach. Fucking Italians,” Nikola snarled. The doctor joined them in the elevator, knowing the outside world was dangerous. Even here, in the parking garage of Nikola’s home, they were vulnerable to attack.
    “Put her on the table there,” the doctor said calmly as they entered the penthouse apartment. He moved to the table and began preparing his things.
    “What do you need?” Nikola asked, impatient for the doctor to begin.
    “The dress must be removed. I need to be able to get to the wound.”
    Nikola nodded as he fisted the dress, tearing it easily. He growled as the dress fell open, revealing Corsica’s naked breasts for all to see. Ivan shifted, turning his head away from the woman. He left the room, returning moments later with a towel. He handed it to his boss.
    “Thank you,” Nikola said, spreading the towel over Corsica, covering her as best he could while leaving Doc plenty of room to work.
    He watched as the doctor worked in silence, removing the bullet and suturing the wound closed. The bleeding had long since stopped, Corsica coming around only to pass out again moments later. He knew the pain was great. Many of his men had experienced the cold bite of lead; some made it, some did not. Even he was familiar with the pain of a gunshot wound.
    Doc taped a bandage over the wound before turning to Nikola.