Page 21 of Kaid's Empire

“So, is this the night where you decide to actually share why you have held me hostage?” she asks, knocking back the champagne and holding her glass out to the waiter for another.

“Do you trust me?” I ask.

Her eyes flicker to mine. She straightens her shoulders and smiles. “Of course.”

Lies. I nod. “Come with me.” I stand and hold out my hand.

I see the slight panic in her eyes as she moves the knife to the other hand, it’s adorable really that she think she can outplay me. Taking her hand, I lead her to the edge of the Yacht, looking out to the beautiful sunset. “Tell me, Kroschka, what do you feel when you are with me?” I ask.

“Huh?” she asks, her nose scrunching up in confusion.

I move in close, caging her, placing my hands either side on the railing. “Tell me how I make you feel…” I ask again as I nip her ear. She shudders and I lean back slightly, seeing the heat in her eyes. “Answer me, Kroschka,” I order. She bites her bottom lip and I grab the nape of her neck firmly and kiss her. I can feel her hand with the knife pressed between us. She relaxes into the kiss and that’s when I make my move. Quickly, I grab hold of her hand with the knife and spin her around, holding her arm tightly behind her back, leaning her over the railing. She tries to fight me, but with the tight grip I have on her arm and my body pinning her, fight is futile.

“Get off me!” she growls.

I squeeze her arm tighter, making her cry out in pain, making her drop the knife. I lean in close to her ear. “One little thing you should know, Kroschka, I am not a man you try to kill,” I warn.

“I wasn’t going to kill you.” She huffs, trying to wiggle out of my grasp.

“No? So what was the knife for? Because I don’t think you're trying to start a silverware collection."

“I wouldn’t have killed you; I am not a killer,” she answers, deflated.

My lips brush against her ear. “Here’s the thing, Kroschka, I am.” Her entire body tenses. I smile, relishing in the fear radiating from her, but then she surprises me.

“Then just kill me,” she challenges. I ease my grip on her arm and turn her around to face me, still restraining her. She lifts her chin in defiance. “I said kill me.”

“You continue to surprise me, Kroschka. Most people when finding out the sort of man I am, they cower, they run and hide or change the way they are with me, but you… you are different,” I state.

“I am not afraid of you, whatever you are,” she snaps.

I smile. Letting go of her arm, I grip her jaw. She sucks in a sharp breath. “Oh, you're afraid, Kroschka, I can smell your fear, but your defiance, your stubbornness and your temper take over your fear.” I brush my lips against hers. She tries to turn her face away but my grip is too tight. “Not forgetting the attraction you feel for me,” I add before playfully biting her bottom lip.

She growls and pushes against my chest, shoving me back. I don’t fight her, I allow it. She stands there, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “Let me get one thing straight, I do not like you and I do not have feelings for you. I hate you!” she screams.

I start unbuttoning my shirt and I don’t miss how her eyes flicker to my hands. “I am not afraid of you. You're a vile human, and let me make it clear to you… I will never ever sleep with you,” she snaps, her voice losing conviction as I remove my shirt completely.

Kicking off my shoes, I keep my eyes on hers, watching the appreciation in her eyes. I unbuckle my belt and start unbuttoning my trousers.

“Wh… what are you doing?” she stutters.

“I fancy a swim,” I answer, dropping my trousers to the floor. Her eyes immediately drop to my very obvious erection in my fitted boxers, and she bites that bottom lip of hers. Smirking, I hold out my hand. She snaps herself out of her state of arousal and crosses her arms over her chest.

"Are you insane? Why would I go swimming with you? I have just stood here and told you how much I despise you,” she argues.

I nod in agreement. “True, but your body tells me otherwise, and I think we both need to cool off.” I gesture to my erect cock, and she blushes. She doesn’t take my hand. “Did I mention I'm not a good swimmer? This may be your chance to drown me,” I tease.

She fights a smile. “Well, why didn’t you say? Luckily for you, I'm an excellent swimmer.” She takes my hand.

“I'm humbled that you would rescue me,” I state as I lead her to the pool.

“Oh, I said I was a good swimmer, meaning if you start drowning, you're on your own. I'm making a break for it,” she quips.

We reach the pool and I let go of her hand. I hook my thumbs into the waistband of my boxer shorts. “What are you doing?” she asks.

“Going for a swim,” I state before removing them and diving into the pool, leaving her stood on the side, stunned.

I surface and smile at her. “Get in, Kroschka,” I order.

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