Belong

"Mr. Petrov..."

"A Petrov...?"

"Why a Petrov is here...?"

Hushed, terrified mumblings erupted as Samuel Petrov stood in the middle of the room, looking foreboding. A lot of questions are whirling around but no one dared ask aloud.

Tense silence rules as everyone nervously waits. No one dared move more so leave despite wanting to scurry away from his dark gaze.

While everyone's attention is on the Petrov entourage, Kamilla is busy lamenting her miserable state. More than her throbbing cheek, her fortitude is ebbing away.

She felt like being stripped of whatever dignity was left in her. She was slapped not because of the insult she hurled, but because people regarded her as insignificant. An irrelevant member of society she thought she belonged to.

She had been too preoccupied with her thoughts to notice the intent gaze that bore down on her. Only she realized the attention after a huge hand cupped her chin.

She looked up, startled, only to be met with a piercing cold gaze she had previously encountered. A pair of dark orbs that only belong to certain people known for their immense power and ferocity in the underworld.

The Petrovs.

For a fleeting moment, she seemed drawn to the realm of the unknown as she locked gazes with the man. But before she could grasp what was happening, the baleful pair looked away.

"What plausible explanation for such violence...?" Though he sounded calm, no one was convinced as his cold questioning eyes drifted and bore at Desiree Baranov.

For a mere woman, under the scrutiny of a formidable man whose presence is feared by strong men and even criminals, Desiree seemed to have lost her tongue as she gaped in fear at Samuel Petrov.

"Waiting is not my cup of tea, woman" Samuel gritted his every word as he impatiently issued his warning to Desiree.

"I'm demanding repayment of my money, Mrs. Desiree Baranov's son owed me"

Though nervous, Kamilla brazenly blurted out, earning everyone's attention including Samuel.

"Shut up, you crazy girl. Stop these lies" In a low and hushed voice, Desiree tried to silence her. But Samuel's threatening look made the older woman nervously step back. Seemingly trying to get away from the man's piercing sharp eyes.

Samuel narrowed his eyes to Desiree before they averted to the guy next to her.

"Mama to the rescue?" Samuel snickers in mockery after grasping the situation he arrived at.

"No, Mr. Petrov. It's not what you think" Vehemently shaking his head, Ivan tried to salvage his pride.

"That girl is just fabricating stories, Mr. Petrov. My son doesn't owe her anything. She is a liar. She can't accept that my son dumped her" Desiree, after gulping hard, defended her son.

"Is that so?" Samuel turns to Kamilla with raised brows.

"Ivan Baranov owed me thirty grand eight months ago to pay for his car. It has nothing to do with his betrayal. Anything borrowed should be returned" Kamilla, undeterred to prove her point, met Samuel Petrov's unnerving stare as she grits her anger.

For a while, Samuel stares at her, seemingly gauging her words. Though she was intimidated, she met his eyes with equal intensity.

"Thirty grand for a slap" His eyes averted at the side of her cheek that still shows the imprint of Desiree's palm.

"It's my money and I want it returned" She defended herself while she glared at the man everyone feared.

"You don't need to resort to such wickedness, Kamilla. If you desperately need money, I will give you fifty grand. Consider it as a donation for your father's demise. He hasn't raised you well and left you with nothing with his death but I understand your life won't be easy without him. Money is difficult to earn for a young one like you" Anthony Baranov interrupted with his surety.

Kamilla stiffened at the mention of her father. Samuel felt it too. Thus, his scrutinizing eyes narrowed on her.

"I don't need alms from anyone, especially from the Baranov family. Ivan Baranov borrowed my money and I want it returned" Ignoring her tribulation, she faces Anthony Baranov with evident anger.

"If you can't pay me my money, please tell your parents to stop lambasting my dignity, Ivan. And keep my father out of this. His good name is all I have" With a clenched jaw, she turns to Ivan with her warning.

"I don't know what you're saying, Ella. Just please stop lying. Especially in front of Mr. Samuel Petrov" Nervously glancing at Samuel Petrov, Ivan denied her.

Aghast by the Baranov's continued charade, Kamilla roughly took her breath to collect herself. She can't believe Ivan and his family could be cruel.

Despite the tension filling the room, Samuel seemed to be enjoying the scene as he folded his arms and watched with an amused expression.

"Is thirty grand worth this exchange?" After a while of silence, Samuel turned to Kamilla.

For a moment, she locked gazes with the man. As she let herself be drowned in his soulful orbs again, everything that happened earlier flashed in her mind.

Is thirty grand worth the slap she got from the Baranov? Can she let herself be subjected to it again? After some contemplation, she closed her eyes and heaved a sigh.

"Nevermind" shaking her head, she dejectedly murmured. She comes to realize how pointless the argument is.

Knowing the Baranovs, getting back her money is impossible without them, ruining her credibility.

"Great" After her quick agreement, Samuel exclaimed as he straightened on his feet. A simple gesture but made everyone tense.

"Everyone, leave" he added as he fixed his gaze on the Baranov family before it slowly scanned the crowd.

Recognizing the calm yet stern command, everyone scurried to the door. Even the staff of the restaurant dashed to leave in fear of the Petrov security who took a step forward to show their rule.

The place is almost empty when Kamilla has the chance to stand and follow the rest.

"Except you, Kamilla Laskin" Samuel declared as he firmly gripped her arm to her surprise.

Startled, she froze on her feet as she gape at him. She wasn't aware he knew who she was.

"Of course, I know who you are, Kamilla" Seeming to have read her mind, Samuel muttered as he led her to the chair she previously occupied.

Confused, she let him help her. Her mind is full of questions about why a Petrov is here. Has he come to meet with her? But why? After the news of her father's death, she heard nothing from them. Even his body is yet to be delivered for her to bury.

"Where's my father?" She dazedly whispered as she blankly stared at nowhere.

"He was being prepared. The reason I'm here" he took a seat across from her and what he said caught her full attention.

"The Petrovs never abandon their people" he added while meeting her questioning eyes.

"It's been weeks" She bitterly whispered.

"I know. But I'm here now, Kamilla" For the first time since he arrived, he sounded sympathetic. Weird, she could almost hint assurance with the way he said her name.

The gentleness in his voice surprised her. Petrov men are known for their rough demeanor. They could only be seen as agreeable whenever they were with their women. But most of the Petrov cousins, though all are women magnets, remained bachelors.

Every female population in the country could only fantasize about earning even the slightest attention from one of them. However, at present, no one has succeeded.

"You will not worry about anything from now on. Especially with money" he added with the same gentleness despite it being firm.

"I will only demand what my father deserves, Mr. Petrov" she seriously blurted out.

"Well, then it's everything, Kamilla. You deserve everything" He persisted with a dismissing tone. But the way he looked at her made her wonder, more than his words that thoroughly confused her.

"I'm not expecting such benevolence from the Petrovs. My father is a mere employee" Despite her intimidation, she dared challenge his words.

"You don't know anything about the Petrovs, Kamilla. But I won't blame you. People believe what we want them to believe" With an ominous smirk, he stands up while rummaging through his chest pocket.

"Here"

Kamilla stared at his hand, stretched towards her while holding a black card.

"What is that?" Her brows furrowed with confusion.

"My card" he casually responded while urging her to accept it. But she did nothing, instead, she just stared at it before her eyes averted at him with a raised brow.

"Spend as much as you can. Starting today, keep away from the Baranovs. There's way more than thirty grand in this card" he added after getting no response from her.

"I'm fine, Mr. Petrov. I have a job and with my father's death benefit, surely I could live a decent life" She shook her head as she refused his offer. With Petrov's money, she won't be surprised if the card contains millions or even billions of dollars. But she is not interested in their money.

She could see his displeasure but she met his indifference with bold defiance as silence rules between them.

"Well, I forgot to tell you, Kamilla" he muttered with an ominous glint reflecting his orbs upon earning her interest.

"Your life is Petrov's vital concern. So bear in mind that as of today, Kamilla Laskin belongs to the Petrovs" Samuel smirked while she gaped in sheer perplexity.

***tbc***

Not Easy

Whatever was going through his mind when he declared his possession of Laskin's daughter, he refused to think about it deeply at the moment. It was not part of his plans and even he was surprised.

However, a punny girl like Kamilla Laskin should not be left alone in the world. She will be an easy prey for predators.

"I do not want to burden you any further, Mr. Petrov. "I know the way to my apartment." After a long silence, Kamilla's voice drew him away from his deep thoughts.

After they left the restaurant, she has been insisting on leaving. She refused to enter the vehicle, but his cold stare rendered all of her efforts futile.

"Believe me, Kamilla, you will never be a burden" Across from him, he met her panicked gaze and watched her restlessness.

Despite his efforts not to intimidate her, he could sense her discomfort. She has been relentlessly watching the road, seemingly waiting to be rescued.

"Don't you dare fear me, Kamilla" with clenched words, he warns. It irritates him seeing her cower from him.

His words caught on Kamilla, earning her attention. Her round puppy eyes reflect both fear and charm as she stares back at him. He watched her closely and was quite bemused by two disparate aspects of her.

Her frailty awakens his protector instincts, but her fear irritates him. He did nothing to make her fear him other than the fact that he was Petrov.

"You are a Petrov."Worst of all, you are Samuel Petrov," she mumbles softly to defend herself.

"What is that supposed to mean?" He heard her soft murmur and he was aghast by her defense.

Despite his desire to make her feel at ease around him, he could not help but be irritated, as evidenced by his grim voice.

"You have the darkest disposition among all of the Petrovs." Despite her obvious fear, she is refreshingly honest.

Her candor is putting him in a disparity. The girl has the ability to simultaneously annoy and amuse him.

"It runs through the family." Not knowing how to respond, he indulged her with a dismissal.

"You are the worst" she boldly insisted while he did nothing but calmly stare at her.

"You haven't met everyone in the family. How did you come to know? He coaxes her into a conversation. She appears to be forgetting her fear as she argues with him.

"Everyone in the country knows your reputation, Mr. Petrov" she continues to persist while looking almost vexed.

"You have time to listen to gossip" he casually shrugged and his nonchalance made her more irked.

"It is not gossip," she quickly countered, glaring at him.

He has no counter. How can he tell her all Petrovs share the same disposition as him? They just have different levels of temperament in certain circumstances.

"We're here" he muttered after the vehicle came to a halt.

Her attention is averted outside, and she realizes they are already parked somewhere. She noticed men dash towards their vehicle before the door opened.

"Where's here?" Suspiciously, she narrowed her eyes on him as she refused to move.

"My place," he replied as he casually stepped out and extended his hand to her.

"Your place?" Her brow furrowed, revealing her confusion and internal panic.

He watches her ashen face as she battles with the torment inside her head. He can do nothing but heave a sigh, seeing the fear in her eyes

"Come out now, Kamilla" he tried to be gentle but the girl vehemently shook her head at him.

"Look, I won't do anything but to get you settled. "I have a meeting in an hour, so I need to leave soon." Trying to be patient, he massaged his temple as he explained. He was not accustomed to explaining himself to others, but here he is.

"Just drop me off at my place so you can attend to whatever business you have, Mr. Petrov. I do not want to bother you any longer," she begged, hoping he would see her point.

"But that is not the case, Kamilla Laskin" Undaunted, he declared, "From now on, your place will be with me."

He watched as her perplexity deepened. Despite his dwindling patience, he allowed her to take her time.

"What exactly do you mean by that, Mr. Petrov?" Despite her shock, she managed to speak, albeit weakly.

"Am I not clear enough earlier, Kamilla?" He smirked, enjoying her quandary.

"You now belong to the Petrovs and you will not be anywhere else but in Petrov territory" He seriously added while holding her troubled eyes.

"I am not something to be owned," she says in fearful defiance.

"I am fully aware of that, Kamilla. You're a defiant soul in flesh and blood" he snickers his agreement.

"No, I am not..." she protests, pursed lips and almost sulking.

"Then, save us both from further trouble. We are wasting time, so let us go inside," his icy tone was unmistakable, and she recognized the command.

Despite her reservations, she nearly jumped out of the car in fear of his foul mood. She will never forget that she is dealing with Petrov. They are the Gods of this country, and they have the most formidable disposition.

Seeing her acquiescence, he gestured for her to follow, which she readily obeyed. There was silence as they crossed the distance between the vehicle and the private elevator. His brown formal leather shoes make a sound against the floor, whereas she tries not to make one with her sneakers.

Being inside an elevator with one of the world's most feared men is like slowly draining her life force. There was an awkward silence until they arrived at the heavily guarded floor. She hesitated for a moment before stepping out, but when she saw Samuel Petrov leave quickly, she followed suit.

Despite the intense yet subtle attention, she passed by grim-faced men who slightly bowed at Samuel Petrov and cast her curious glances.

"Why so many guards? Who will dare climb this high? That will be suicide" She whispers to herself while looking out of the glass wall and realizing how high they are. She could only see the tops of several skyscrapers in the city.

"I will not be a prisoner here, right? Will I be able to leave once I get inside? Am I being kidnapped?" She came to an abrupt halt, clutching her chest. Her eyes widen with terror as the realization dawns on her. She could feel her heart violently pounding beneath her palm.

"There will be no such thing, Kamilla. You are not being kidnapped. Of course, you can leave. But make sure to come back or I swear I will turn the country upside down to find you" Samuel's incredulous voice reached her ears, and she realized she had blurted out her thoughts louder than she meant to.

She was embarrassed not only towards Samuel Petrov, but also by all of the other men who had undoubtedly heard her ridiculousness.

Secretly, she compared herself to him. In contrast to his business attire, she is dressed in a unicorn-design t-shirt and tight, tattered jeans, paired with worn-out white sneakers. She looked like a lost teen in the middle of fine gentlemen. His security is better dressed than she is. How audacious she is for having such thoughts.

For a long moment, he just stares at her, seeming to be waiting for her response, which she doesn't have. She is too embarrassed to speak.

Despite it being disconcerting, she endures his silence. She was only relieved when he turned away and continued walking toward the massive door.

With downcasted eyes and bowed head, she hurriedly followed to escape everyone's attention.

As expected, inside the heavy door is an exceptionally elegant place. Fit for a Petrov.

Everywhere she turns screams luxury and it's intimidating for someone like her who is not used to such grandeur. Everything is speck clean. Almost gives the vibe that no one is living there.

Despite the elegance around and unquestionably expensive stuff, the place felt empty. Depressing.

She turns to Samuel to find him staring at her.

"Who lives here?" Not able to contain her curiosity, she softly asks.

"Me, if I'm in the City" he casually replies before turning to the two figures standing afar.

"This is Miss Kamilla Laskin. Attend to her needs" his voice is filled with unbending command.

"Yes, Sir Samuel" The two older women bowed with their submission while she gave them a shy smile.

"The stuff from your apartment will arrive before nightfall. If you need anything, just tell Beca and Cel. You can go shopping if you want. A vehicle will be on standby for you" he turns to her, to which she responds with a reluctant nod. She was surprised and overwhelmed to speak.

As much as she wanted to ask how they could enter her apartment, that would be pointless. The Petrov family and their men can do even the impossible. She can even bet her landlord would be so delighted to assist them in rummaging her place.

"I need to go. Make sure Kamilla gets settled in her room" he ordered while checking his wristwatch.

"Yes, Sir Samuel. I will make sure Miss Kamilla is comfortable" Beca politely responded with a bow.

Samuel turned to Kamilla but said nothing. He just stared at her for she didn't know how long. Despite it being overly intimidating, she boldly meets his gaze.

There was a moment of silence while their gazes were locked. He appears to have something to say so she waited. But after a while, she heard him heave a sigh and, without another word, turned towards the door and left.

"Wew, he is seriously scary" she softly murmurs after heaving a relieved sigh.

"All Petrovs are" a reply reached her ears, making her mentally groan. She was aghast at herself for being heard again.

"But they are respectable people, Miss Kamilla" the woman named Beca continued with a soft smile for her.

She has no come back to what the woman said so she remained quiet. Though the Petrov family is outrageously famous in the country and most parts of the world, nobody truly knows them.

"Though this is the first time Sir Samuel showed such concern to someone. Even if you are Damian Laskin's daughter, Sir Samuel is strangely attentive towards you" Beca added while giving her a peculiar look.

"Sir Samuel never brought someone here, even his cousins are prohibited to visit without prior notice. He strictly values his privacy" Cel spoke after her silence.

"Why do you think Sir Samuel brought you to his place instead of just giving you the death benefits of Damian?" Cel added while narrowing her eyes to her.

Two pairs of curious orbs were directed at her but there's no way she could answer their query. How in the world would she know what motive Samuel Petrov has?

"Damian, with his selfless dedication and unwavering loyalty, is unquestionably worth several million dollars. With his death benefits, you can live comfortably without needing to work. That is how the Petrov family values loyalty and hard work. Surely, they have also prepared a place for you to live" Beca muttered, keeping her gaze fixed on her.

The two women appear to be assessing the situation through her, which is absurd. Even she had no idea what was going on.

"But no matter how much the Petrovs value their people, no one in the family had become this...'personal'. Especially Sir Samuel who is the oldest and the most serious among the cousins" Beca trailed off her words, boring her with an intent gaze.

Since they started their assessment, Kamilla kept her silence. She is completely clueless of what was happening and what the two women were doing is starting to overwhelm her.

"How old are you, Miss Kamilla?" Beca did not hide her curiosity as she ask.

"Ahm...twenty-three" though puzzled, she softly replied.

"Well..." Beca and Cel exchanged strange looks, which she did not miss.

"Sir Samuel is thirty-six" Cel whispered which reached her ears.

"Thirteen years difference" Beca whispered back to Cel. They are talking in hushed voice like she was not standing in front of them. Are they not aware she could hear everything?

She is trying to ignore what the women are implying but she can't help but be incredulous of their thoughts. She also has a lot of questions, but she is at a loss for words.

Though they are quite straightforward, she cannot deny their genuine concern as they fixed their worried gaze on her.

"I pray you're a strong one, Miss Kamilla. Being with a Petrov is not easy" After heaving an anxious sigh, Beca mumbled sympathetically.

****tbc****

Hard

Beca's words remained in Kamilla's mind for the entire week following their conversation. The two women's assumption about Samuel Petrov's motive in helping her is quite absurd.

Mr. Samuel Petrov is one of the heirs to the world's most powerful conglomerate. A man of high caliber and far from being ordinary to notice someone like her. Furthermore, he is too old to care about trivial matters.

With these thoughts in mind, she was convinced that he had a logical reason for bringing her to his home rather than simply providing her with the benefits of her father's death. She will know once she asks him.

For various reasons, she also hasn't left his place since she arrived. She is afraid to go outside without knowing what awaits her. Somehow, the emptiness of the place became her sanctuary. It gave her time to mourn her loss and heal her broken heart. Also, to gather her shattered pride.

Furthermore, she discovered that Cel and Beca are only there during the day to do chores and will leave once night falls. Once they had left, she would explore the luxury around.

Like the rest of the world, she is curious about how the Petrovs live their lives. She even dared enter Samuel Petrov's bedroom and inspect the massive walk-in closet that house all of his expensive wardrobe. The opulence of his residence has clearly proven how wealthy a Petrov is.

Despite the luxury that surrounds her, she is becoming agitated and bored. Beca and Cel are not helping either. The two women are causing her more confusion than providing answers to her perplexing questions.

To distract herself from boredom, she tries to enjoy her stay. Not until she realized it had been a week and Samuel Petrov had not returned after leaving without explanation.

"What now, Kamilla?" she whispered while blankly staring at the clear blue water. The chilly air did not bother her as she sat on the edge of the swimming pool.

As she had on other nights, she went for a swim when she could not sleep. The two-piece swimsuit she owns comes in handy. She bought it on a whim since it was on sale. However, due to its provocative design, she has not used it since. It is too skimpy for her personal taste to wear in public.

But since she was alone, she had the confidence to wear them.

She turns to the magnificent night view of the entire city, and she can't help but be amazed again. The view has never failed to distract her from her melancholy.

"Well, let's enjoy this while it lasts," she heaved a sigh while giving the magnificent scenery one last look before taking another lap in the pool.

She swam back and forth until she got tired. Afloat, she watches the night sky while relishing the silence. The water covering her ears blocks the noise of the traffic around.

"Perfect," she contentedly smiles before closing her eyes. The steady motion of the water around her soothes her nerves and quiets her racing heart from the strenuous swim.

She let calmness drift her to slumberland. She felt blissful until she caught a whiff of something that made her eyes pop open.

"Shit," she blurted out, having lost her balance. Water splashed everywhere while she tried to survive drowning and a huge chunk of humiliation.

"Need a hand, Kamilla?"

A voice reached her ears, but due to his embarrassing situation, she had no way to respond. She is nearly regaining her balance, but not her dignity.

"Shit," she kept on cursing under her breath after she successfully swam to the side.

She takes her time composing herself in order to avoid the towering figure standing not far from her spot. While doing so, she prayed that the man would leave. Since, her plans for tonight do not include looking like a fool while plastered at the side of the pool.

Her hopes were dashed, however, when he remained unmoving.

"Are you not cold, Kamilla? It's late and you're still in the water" his deep voice broke the silence between them.

"Um... I am fine, Mr. Petrov," she softly mumbled after clearing her throat and avoiding looking at him.

There was another moment of silence, and she could not help but look in his direction. She assumed he had already left because he had been so quiet for so long.

However, to her dismay, he is still on his spot with his two hands inside his pockets. He is looking at her with incomprehensible yet intense eyes.

After a week of not seeing him, she was surprised by her joy at his return. She hasn't realized she is waiting for him.

"Welcome back, Mr. Petrov" she tried to sound casual despite her excitement.

She is attempting to contain her emotions and the foolishness she felt while hiding her nakedness from his piercing gaze. The way he looks at her causes her heart to race.

"It's getting late, Kamilla. Get out of the water" ignoring her homage, his soft command reached her flustered self.

"I'm fine, Mr. Petrov. Don't mind me. I'm used to the cold" with a forced smile, she politely refused.

She swears she was not lying about being accustomed to the cold, but her limbs are proving otherwise. She was surprised to feel herself shivering.

Mentally, she was aghast by the realization. It's still summer. She should not be this cold right now.

"You are getting cold, Kamilla. Get out of the water" he insisted, narrowing his eyes on her as warning.

"You are starting to shake, Kamilla. Get out of the water now" looming above her, he bent down and effortlessly yanked her from the water as if she weighed nothing.

Startled, she hasn't made a sound while she was hauled in the air. She is too stunned to speak as she gape at the man who is now holding her inside his strong arms.

With one arm rounding her petite figure, she remained stiff as he casually removed his business jacket.

Except for Ivan, she is unaccustomed to being close to a man. More so, it's Mr. Samuel Petrov, a far from ordinary man she was used to interact.

His proximity had already comforted her in her frozen state. The heat radiated by his body keeps her warm, and the subtle yet intoxicating manly scent that fills her senses makes her languid.

She never imagined herself being so close to a Petrov. Despite her confusion, she likes the way his presence makes her feel.

"What are you thinking, Kamilla Laskin, swimming so late?" he muttered, wrapping her in his jacket.

"I can not sleep," she quickly explained after snapping out of her trance.

She just realized she was already wearing his jacket, which reached her knees.

"Am I that small?" she mentally asks herself as she carefully moves away to look at herself in his jacket.

However, before her gaze could travel down her body, her eyes were drawn to the large wet spot on his shirt. Her eyes widened in horror as she stared at the wetness of his white shirt, revealing the fine hair covering his chest.

"Oh my... I got you wet!" she exclaimed in horrified surprise.

Her heart is pounding hard from fear as she mentally chastises herself for bothering a Petrov.

"No, Kamilla, you made me hard," Samuel grimly countered, holding her agitated gaze with his dark one.

****Tbc****