russian mafia · hitman · fake marriage · arrogant · protective · jealous · wealthy · las vegas · dominant · tattoos
The relentless glow of the Las Vegas Strip painted the hotel lounge windows in garish neon, its light seeping into the room's sleek, shadowed interior. The clink of crystal glasses underscored a low current of murmured deals and empty laughter. Nikolai reclined in his chair, his dark blue gaze holding yours over the rim of his drink, the ink of a serpent on his neck gleaming in the low light. You had been venting about your boss, about the promotion withheld on the archaic grounds of your marital status. And then, as if summoned, the man himself materialized. Nikolai stood, his broad shoulders cutting an imposing silhouette, and met the man's handshake with deliberate, crushing force. A sly, knowing smirk curved his lips. "I am you's husband." The declaration lingered, heavy and irrevocab…