It begins with us.

Chapter Forty-Three

Yaakov's POV

The uneasiness that swarmed within me had begun to double with every passing second as I waited for Ava to descend the stairs. I was not accustomed to the feeling of having my whole world being so venerable and out in the open with a threat looming over her head. When I say she meant more to me than my own life was an understatement. I would gladly burn the word in order to keep her safe. We had all taken percussions tonight, from the root we all would take to the event, down to the man who would be the final bid on Ava. Thomas Quar was an honorable man who had served as one of our many captains under my Papa for years, before he swore his loyalty to me. I had arranged the money transfer a few nights ago, not wanting Mr Quar to be out of pocket for a deal that was of my own making. There was some hesitation on his end of cause. He was a proud and loyal man, wanting to pay whatever the price would be to protect his Queen. I knew he could afford it, but it wasn't about the money. It was about protecting Ava, and I would gladly hand over my empire of gold and diamonds if it meant keeping her safe.

"Cars are ready, we are ready, but the women? No, they have to make a grand entrance and cost us time."

Danial muttered impatiently as the seven of us sat on the lounges gathered to the right of the stairs. A small smile tickled at my lips as I watch him exhale dramatically and slump back onto the lounge. Danial wasn't looking forward to the events tonight, he just wanted the men responsible for the pictures to be in our basement with his knife buried deep between his ribs while he twisted the blade. I couldn't blame him, because I wanted the same thing. There was something euphoric about taking a life that was never meant to exist. The rush their scream and cries gave you as you peeled away at their skin till their bones were exposed. The feel of their warm blood coating your hands as you worked to remove their teeth from their gums. I was a sick bastard, but I owned it proudly.

"You get used to it."

Kemal shrugged as he turned and grinned towards his wife while he grips her hand in his.

"Are you complaining now? Because if I remember correctly, it takes me a while because I have to fit the mess you created."

She lifts her brows, giving her husband a knowing look as they both chuckle softly.

"The colour of your lipstick was the wrong shade my love. Can't blame a husband for that."

"Well, it looked divine on you dear husband."

I shake my head with a smile as I watched my General pull his pregnant wife closer to him while he placed his hand over her stomach. It was nothing new, seeing my men become puppy dogs whenever they were in the presents of their loved ones. I never thought that I would be one of them, but here I was, ready to give Ava whatever she wished. The sound of heels descending the wooden stairs grabs my attention as I turn my head in the direction. My heart skips a beat as she comes into view, and what a fucking view it is. My breath hitches as my body works on autopilot, standing up from the lounge and walking towards her. The teal silk dress that is clinging to her body makes my mouth water with a deep hunger. Her white scars that scattered across her chest were visible due to the slit that ran down the front of the dress, and I fucking loved that she wasn't ashamed, or self-contuse of them. Her hair was down, crushing over her shoulders as she reached the last step where I was standing. Ava, to me, looked perfect morning, noon and night, even with her bed hair and morning breath. But tonight? She literally took my breath away with the beauty and fearlessness she radiated.

"Droll over her later brother, we are late."

Rivka spoke as she walked down the stairs, passing me to greet the others in her black leather bodycon. I tightened my lips as Ava bit her bottom lip. I could see she wanted to laugh but held it in as I reached up to hold her hand.

"Ava... you look..."

I pulled her into me, taking a deep breath as her vanilla scent consumed me. I wanted to just throw her over my shoulder and fuck her up against our bedroom wall while my tongue explored her soft skin, I wanted to feel her hair wrapped around my fist as I pulled her head back while she reversed cowgirled me. I could feel my cock harden as Ava raised both eyebrows up at me, her eyes traveling down to the tent in my pants as I just shrugged. What did she really expect?

"A bit inappropriate Yaakov, don't you think? considering we are not alone."

I chuckled at her comment, because she had clearly forgotten resent events.

"I do not think so my love." I brushed my lips over her glowing cheek before whispering into the shell of her ear. "Wasn't it you who kept sucking my cock while my brother was in the kitchen?"

Instead of gasping in shock, she pushed her breasts into my chest as she moaned. The feel of her hardened nipples had my hand twitching to just reach in through the slit and play with them. I could play with her body all day long.

"Don't tempt me to recreate that scene in the car Yaakov... I'm starving."

She grins up at me as I close my eyes in agony. I can already feel her warm wet mouth covering my cock as I continue to grow in my pants as her soft giggles reach my ears. This woman is going to make me cum in my pants like a pubescent teenager at this rate.

"Should we take an extra car, brother? So, you and Ava can continue this in privet?"

"Fuck off Danial."

I turn my head at the stupid man standing beside me as he slaps my shoulder playfully. His eyes drift towards Ava as he smiles. "You look beautiful as ever my dear sister-in-law."

I watch as Ava's faces lights up at the title my brother gave her, seeing her warm glow brighten even more as she wraps her arms around my middle while I pull her in tighter. A burning sensation makes my chest ache an emotion overtakes me in that very moment. An emotion that is primal and deadly, because one day, very fucking soon, this woman will be my wife, then the mother of my children... and that makes the beast dwelling inside of me even more protective of her.