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    Grimm
    Grimm
    Grimm
    Ebook179 pages3 hours

    Grimm

    By Harley Wylde

    5/5

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    Read preview

    • Family

    • Motorcycle Clubs

    • Loyalty

    • Betrayal

    • Protection

    • Secret Baby

    • Protective Hero

    • Enemies to Lovers

    • Damsel in Distress

    • Forbidden Love

    • Found Family

    • Hidden Identity

    • Motorcycle Club Romance

    • Fish Out of Water

    • Redemption

    • Love

    • Fear

    • Russian Mafia

    • Marriage

    • Trust

    About this ebook

    Oksana – Growing up in the Bratva wasn’t easy, especially for a woman. At twenty, I thought I’d get married soon. Start my own family. All approved by my family, of course. It never occurred to me, my father would implicate me in his shady dealings, or that I’d be punished in the most severe way. So I run, with the help of a friend, and go straight to the Dixie Reapers. I don’t know what I expected. Certainly not for a sexy man to make my heart flutter, or make me wish for things I shouldn’t. I’m pretty sure I’m falling for him. Grimm will do his best to keep me safe, but who’s going to protect my heart?

    Grimm –The Bratva is in my rearview, where I want them to stay. I haven’t heard from my last remaining relative in a long, long time. So when Nikolai sends Oksana to me, it’s a bit of a shock, to say the least. But the more I get to know her, the more protective I feel. In my gut, I know she’s mine. The Bratva can try to take her if they want… anyone who comes for my woman better have their affairs in order. I’ll put every last one of them in the ground.

    WARNING: Grimm is part of the Dixie Reapers MC series and is intended for readers 18+ due to adult situations and bad language. Sensitive readers should proceed with caution. No cliffhanger, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherChangeling Press
    Release dateSep 15, 2022
    Grimm

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      Book preview

      Grimm - Harley Wylde

      Prologue

      Oksana

      No matter how scared I felt, I couldn’t show it. Growing up in the Bratva, I’d learned early these men fed on fear. The more terrified you were, the more empowered they became. I’d stand here, listen to everything they said, then once I was alone again, I’d throw up and bawl my eyes out.

      Nikolai did his best to shield me, but it wasn’t enough. Not this time. Feliks may have softened since marrying Raina, but to the rest of us, he remained a monster. And now, he held my life in his hands. Why? Because my father decided to gamble with the Bratva and lost in a big way. Not only had he lost his ranking and had his wealth stripped, but he’d forfeited his family as well.

      My sixteen-year-old sister couldn’t contain her tears. They ran freely down her cheeks as she sobbed and wrapped her arms around her waist. Feliks seemed unmoved, flipping through the papers on his desk. What would become of us? I’d already heard what happened to our mother. Would our fate be the same?

      Yulia Romanov, you will study at the prestigious girls’ academy downtown until your eighteenth birthday, at which time, the Vor will select a husband for you. Feliks didn’t look up as my sister cried even harder. You will leave immediately, and we will provide clothing.

      I straightened my spine and waited. At twenty, my options were limited. If he didn’t marry me off to someone, then I’d most likely be put to work in the brothels. Neither fate seemed like something I’d survive.

      Oksana Romanov. Feliks lifted his gaze and leaned back in his chair. I flinched slightly, and he smiled. The bastard. Your father speaks highly of you. According to him, he could have never accomplished so much without the help of his beloved Oksana.

      My eyes went wide. What the hell was he saying? I’d never helped my dad!

      Many people were hurt due to your father’s actions. He’s paid the price for his crimes. Now it’s your turn. Feliks motioned to someone behind me. I didn’t get a chance to turn around before my wrists were bound at my back. My heart slammed against my ribs, and I fought to stay upright. Black dots swam across my vision, and I sucked in a deep breath. What was going on? Oksana Romanov, you will be beaten, sold, and used until the day you die. It’s no less than you deserve, considering what happened to the women you lured into your father’s trap.

      No. I hadn’t! I’d have never done such a thing. I knew my pleas would fall on deaf ears. Protesting wouldn’t do me any good. He’d never believe I was innocent of the crimes he said I’d committed. Yulia started to scream as they dragged me from the room. The men guided me to a car and shoved me into the back seat. The sound of the door slamming shut felt like the end of my short life.

      Did Nikolai know what they planned to do? Had he tried to stop them?

      The buildings passed in a blur until we reached the warehouse district. The men pulled me from the vehicle and shoved me inside. The air smelled dank and musty. The vast space held only a table, chair, and a ratty-looking mattress. One of the men lifted a hunk of my hair and sniffed it, a lecherous smile curving his lips.

      Are you a virgin, little one?

      I swallowed hard and nodded. Lying wouldn’t get me anywhere. But maybe if they knew, they wouldn’t rape me. I’d earn a high price if they sold me instead. It didn’t mean I’d get away from the beating Feliks said I’d receive.

      The second man smacked the other one in the chest. You know we can’t ruin her. Not like that. She’s too valuable.

      Only if she retains her teeth and we don’t leave many scars.

      The man yanked my head back, craning my neck. There’s much we can do and still fetch a decent price for her. Shall we begin?

      I refused to cry. I wouldn’t beg. No, I’d remain silent and take whatever they dished out. I’d survive as long as I could. The moment Yulia heard of my death, she’d give up. I couldn’t allow that to happen. No matter what it took, I’d keep living. Even when I didn’t want to anymore.

      The man licked my face, and I inwardly cringed. My outward appearance didn’t change. Not so much as a single shift in expression. I’d learned well, and I’d use every skill I had to keep them from knowing how scared I was right now.

      We may not be able to pop your cherry, but we can do anything else, the man said, his voice a low growl in my ear. Ride your ass. Fuck your throat. By the time we’re finished, you’ll be broken.

      The other man reached for me, gripping the top of my dress, and ripping it down the middle. I’d never been very big up top and hadn’t worn a bra. My breasts spilled out, and the bastards groped me, hard enough I knew they’d leave bruises. I bit my tongue until I tasted blood. Whatever they did to me, I’d take it. What other choice did I have?

      The lights flickered, then went out. The men started cursing and stumbled around. I heard one of them crash into something, possibly the table. It got quiet. Too quiet. Was it a trap? Or they were really gone? Without either of them holding me, I could flee… if I had any idea of where to go. I couldn’t see even an inch in front of my face.

      Hands grabbed hold of me, and I tensed until I heard a voice whisper in my ear.

      Follow me, Oksana.

      Nikolai! I staggered as he led me through the warehouse. The cool air hit me when we stepped outside. I didn’t have the time to be embarrassed over the fact Nikolai would see me half-naked. He cursed when he saw what they’d done and slipped out of his jacket. He untied my wrists and helped me cover myself.

      I’m sorry I was late. Come on. You need to leave town.

      Where will I go?

      South. Alabama. Nikolai opened a car door, and I got in. He didn’t speak again until we’d left the city limits. After another two towns, he pulled over and shut off the engine. I have a vehicle ready for you. It’s nothing fancy, but it will get you where you need to go.

      What’s in Alabama? I asked.

      The Dixie Reapers. More importantly, my cousin is there. Ivan Volkov, but he goes by Grimm.

      You’re sending me to your family?

      You’ll be safe, Oksana. He won’t let anyone hurt you. I’m going to give you a note. When you see him, make sure he reads it.

      Nikolai, are you going to get into trouble for this? I asked.

      Possibly. It depends. I don’t think Viktor truly wished to punish you. If your father hadn’t said so many lies to Feliks, you’d have never been treated this way.

      What about Yulia?

      He shook his head. You can’t save her. She’ll be safe, and I promise I won’t let Viktor marry her off to anyone who would harm her. She’s used to this way of life. Where you’re going, things are less civilized.

      I snorted. Right. Because rape, murder, and torture are the building blocks of civilization. Only the Bratva would consider those things to be a normal way of life. They might dress in suits and buy expensive things, but it didn’t make them any less monstrous. To the outside, they appeared refined. Rich. Powerful. In reality, they were more dreadful than any horror movie anyone had ever seen. And even worse… they weren’t fictional.

      Nikolai handed me a set of keys and a sealed envelope. Take these. The blue car in front of us has a full tank of gas. There’s cash hidden under the seat, as well as a fake ID. If anyone asks, you’re Oksana Volkov and you’re going home to your husband.

      My mouth dropped open, and I stared at him. Are you serious?

      Grimm can protect you, Oksana. More than I ever could. Please don’t decide to start fighting now. If you’re going to survive, or have the slightest chance at leading a happy life, then you’ll do as I say.

      I sagged into the seat, knowing he was right. I couldn’t stay. If I did, I’d end up right back in the warehouse. Or worse. I’d never met Nikolai’s cousin, and had no idea what he looked like, but if he said I’d be safe, then I’d trust him. He’d never hurt me before and had even come to rescue me.

      All right. I’ll go find Grimm. But, Nikolai, please watch over Yulia. Don’t let them hurt her in retaliation for me escaping.

      He nodded. You have my word. Go. Be happy. I’ll do my best to keep them from searching for you. Just be careful.

      I got out of the car and paused, looking down at my ruined dress and his suit jacket. I couldn’t travel like this. The moment someone saw me, they’d report it.

      Nikolai huffed and removed his shirt, handing it to me. I took it and returned the jacket before slipping the shirt on. I buttoned it, then tied it at my waist. Not exactly stylish, but at least my breasts wouldn’t be exposed now.

      Thank you, Nikolai. For everything. Being my friend. Watching out for me. I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.

      He gave me a sad smile. Live a happy life. That’s all the repayment I need. Now go. I need to get back before someone comes looking for me.

      I got into the little blue car and drove away. I didn’t know where life would take me, or if this Grimm person would really help me, but at least the Bratva wouldn’t use and abuse me. For the first time in my life, I had a real chance. I might not know the person Nikolai was sending me to, but he couldn’t be as bad as the Bratva men I’d known. Nikolai wouldn’t send me into a worse situation, would he?

      For now, I’d pretend I had a bright future. One of hope and all sorts of possibilities. No one demanding I bend to their will. No men dictating who I’d marry, what I could wear, or what job I’d be permitted to have.

      Freedom.

      Nikolai had granted me freedom… and I would embrace it fully, no matter the consequences.

      Chapter One

      Grimm

      I couldn’t remember the last time I went to a party at the clubhouse. When had I gotten tired of it all? It seemed the parties started earlier and earlier these days. I knew the younger guys were enjoying themselves, and I still went whenever I needed a release, but those days were few and far between lately. My hand got the job done. Less drama. No clingy women wanting to be claimed. As if I’d ever make a club whore my old lady!

      I leaned back on the couch and took a swallow of my beer. I had no idea what movie even played. Even though I’d turned on the TV when I got home, I hadn’t paid the least bit of attention to it. Something felt off. All day, I’d had this prickle at my nape. I didn’t know if it meant good fortune was heading my way, or death and destruction. Around here, it could go either way.

      My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out.

      Problem at the gate.

      Great. Guess that answered my question. But why the fuck were they bothering me about it? I might be an officer now for the club, but Tempest was the new Sergeant-at-Arms. Shouldn’t they have called him instead?

      I set my beer aside and pulled my keys from my pocket. Thankfully, I’d only had the one drink. I went out to my bike and rode over to the front of the compound. Whatever I’d anticipated, it wasn’t the tiny woman glaring at the Prospect. With a man’s shirt tied off at her waist, she looked like a kid playing dress-up.

      What the hell is going on? I asked after I shut off the engine.

      Says she needs to see you, Grimm.

      I eyed her, admiring her delicate bone structure. Pale blue eyes stared back at me, and her blonde hair seemed nearly white. She looked like an ice queen. Or more like an ice pixie, if such a thing existed. I could probably break her with one hand. I felt the urge to give her a cheeseburger. When had she last eaten?

      Who are you? I asked.

      She reached through the bars of the gate and handed me an envelope. As I tore into it, her voice made me freeze.

      My name is Oksana Romanov, and I need your help.

      The slight Russian accent made every muscle in my body lock up. I’d left all that behind me. My parents had died thanks to their ties with the Bratva. I’d joined the military when I turned eighteen, and I’d never once looked back. I’d run across my only living relative by accident when he’d been a kid. I hadn’t stuck around, knowing that life had never been right for me. So why had this woman come here? How had she found me?

      I skimmed the contents of the letter and cursed. My younger cousin, Nikolai, had sent her. Which meant I couldn’t in good conscience turn her away. Not without feeling like a complete asshole. Whatever sent her running, it had to be bad. Arranged marriage? Something worse? Only way I’d find out would be to ask, and I wasn’t going to do that at the gate.

      Let her in, I said. I backed up my bike and turned it around before eyeing her. Get in your car and follow me. We’ll go to my place and discuss whatever happened for Nikolai to send you to me.

      She gave a curt nod and quickly obeyed. I couldn’t help but smile a little. Yeah, that woman was Bratva born and bred. If the women knew how to do anything, it was follow every command given to them without question. She’d jumped to do as I said without a moment’s hesitation and hadn’t stopped to ask questions. I remembered my mother being the same way. Unfortunately, it meant when my father pissed off the wrong people, my mother got tangled up too.

      Should I notify anyone? the Prospect

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