Page 48 of Ruthless Reign

Fuck, that was a close call.

With a tentative step forward, I take in my surroundings. The room is spacious and comfortable, reminiscent of what I imagine high-end suites in Vegas to look like, with its red and black color scheme. A large, plush bed dominates the space, its black silk sheets reflecting the soft lighting. Opposite the bed, a framed gold mirror spans the length of the room, allowing for views from every angle. When I look up, I realize that includes the ceiling as well.

Oh shit. This is clearly a room designed for more than just a good night's sleep.

As my gaze wanders, it catches the silver gleam of handcuffs and restraints, discreetly attached to each corner of the bed.

Realization lands hot and heavy on my skin. This is a sex room. The room where it all happens. There’s a reason I’m in here.

Paulina has no intention of forfeiting the money. Why would she? The house takes thirty percent, and thirty percent of half a million dollars is a substantial amount.

I don’t have a plan or a clear escape route, but I know without question that I need to get the hell out of here. Now.

Swinging the door open, I take two steps forward before I collide with a giant boulder. A living, breathing boulder that’s well over six feet, covered in tattoos, and goes by the name of Roman Vasiliev.

Shock steals my breath. I cry out and stupidly try to dart around him, but a band of muscle wraps around my waist and pulls my back against his hard chest.

“Where do you think you’re going, milaya?” His breath is hot on my skin, his voice a dark rumble.

“I’m leaving. I don’t care how much money you bid. I won’t take it, and I definitely won’t be doing anything with you,” I hiss, fighting against his hold.

“That’s really too bad because Paulina just processed my banking information. Which means…” He pushes me back inside the room and closes the door behind him. “You’re mine for the night.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

LIZA

Panic unfurls in my belly. “What do you mean by that? That I owe you my ... virginity?”

He takes a step closer, his warm breath coasting over my skin. My bare breasts tighten under his intense gaze. I wish I had a T-shirt, a bra, or anything to cover myself.

“That’s what I paid for. Isn’t my money as good as anyone else’s?”

A shiver rolls through me at the insinuation that he expects me to go through with it, to sleep with him.

“No,” I gasp. “This is different. You’re my guard. You’re in business with my fiancé!”

“About that,” he says with a sneer, “Does Anatoly not give you enough of an allowance? You seem to wear nothing but designer clothes and jewelry, but apparently, that’s still not enough for you.”

I grimace, hating the implication that I’m money-hungry. But it’s better he believes that’s the reason for my actions than discovering my true motives.

My eyes unintentionally drift downward, away from his accusing gaze, and catch a splash of red on the cuff of his sleeve. It brings everything into stark focus.

Goosebumps prickle my skin, fueled by both fear and excitement. “What did you do?” I whisper.

Roman’s eyes darken. “He needed to be taught a lesson. I hated those men looking at you, fantasizing about you. Thinking they had a chance when you were never going to be theirs. It drove me crazy.”

I swallow hard. “Did you kill him?”

“There’s a chance he lived.” He brushes a knuckle down my cheek. “But it would be a miracle.”

I must be just as depraved as him because instead of feeling repulsed, a low simmer of heat stirs in my belly.

He killed a man to protect me in his own twisted way. I know Roman is rich, but he spent half a million dollars to end the auction for me.

“Are you going to hold up your part of the bargain?” His eyes scan the length of me. “Because I don’t think I can stand here, with you half naked, for much longer without blowing a load in my pants.” He smirks. “Something you seem to inspire in me.”

My pulse races, mirroring the throbbing between my legs. I swallow hard and lift my chin.

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