Page 34 of Dancing With Delusion

“Sure,” he says, sounding amused.

“I didn’t unpack my bag from last night,” I warn. “I’m done letting you threaten me. If you want to lash out, I’ll see you in the dungeon when I get home.”

He sighs heavily. “And when will that be, my krasota?”

I smile wide. “When I fucking feel like it.” I disconnect the call and laugh out loud.

I find a parking spot at the shopping centre. I know Dmitry has trackers on all his cars, so he’ll already have Nik or someone equally as annoying on their way to find me. But for once, I’m one step ahead.

I spend the next twenty minutes rushing through the centre, disappearing in the crowds just in case Nik’s hanging around. Then I head out onto the high street. I take my time dipping in and out of shops before grabbing a cab and heading to the spot we’d arranged brunch.

It’s another half-hour before Nell and Ivy arrive, followed ten minutes later by Phoebe. I notice she’s looking a little better. She’s even put on makeup.

We spend some time catching up. It’s been too long since we did this, and so much has happened since we last spoke. I fill them in about Dmitry, seeing as that’s the main topic everyone seems to want to know about.

“I can’t believe your luck,” says Nell wistfully. “When you tried to pull him in Kat’s before, we had bets on him fucking and chucking.”

I scowl playfully. “Hey, he knew a good thing when he saw it.”

“And his ex?” asks Phoebe. “Is she out of the picture for good?”

My heart stutters at the thought of Vivian. “She’s the last thing I want to talk about,” I say, waving my hand to grab the passing waiter’s attention. “Prosecco,” I order. “Two bottles, please.”

So, two bottles turned to five, followed by afternoon cocktails and not much brunch at all. And I am definitely feeling the buzz of the alcohol as it fills my body.

Being with the girls is fun. It’s easy and relaxed. And for once, Phoebe hasn’t mentioned my brother. But I miss Dmitry, and my drunken brain is finding it harder to push the intrusive thoughts away. What if I’ve driven him into Vivian’s arms?

There’s a bunch of business types at the next table, having their lunch break, I assume, but they’re loud and rowdy. Nell leans over to me, giggling. “There was a time when you’d be all over that table,” she reminds me.

I stare over to where a few of them are looking our way. “Those days are gone,” I say, smirking and thinking of the punishment Dmitry would dish out if he caught me talking to these strangers.

“At least get them over here for your very single friends,” argues Ivy. I’ve always been considered the loudest of the group, and I’ve never had any trouble attracting the opposite sex.

I sigh. “Fine, but only for you,” I say with a wink, pushing to stand and going over to their table.

Somehow, time stands still, yet my conversation with the boring bankers soon moves from flirty chat to dancing. It’s mid-afternoon, and as one of the men slips his arm around my waist, I realise I should go home. I’m putting myself in situations that would send Dmitry over the edge. A few weeks ago, that thought would have thrilled me, but Harriet’s words haunt me. Maybe I am self-sabotaging.

Before I can fully reject this persistent creep, a hard body presses to my back and I gasp as a hand glides up my neck and cups my jaw. And then I smell his spicy scent and almost sag in relief when I feel Dmitry’s mouth at my ear. “We have a date in my dungeon, my krasota,” he whispers smoothly. “And I am bored of waiting.” His free hand swiftly grips the man’s hand and removes it from my waist. He keeps hold of it, and I see the confusion on the man’s face, but before he can question it, Dmitry twists the limb while shoving it towards the man’s body. There’s a sickening crunch as the guy falls to his knees, wailing in pain.

I swallow the bile that hits my throat. “Dmitry, I?—”

His grip on my chin tightens. “I don’t want to hear your words, Victoria. Whatever you say will only make me want to punish you harder, and trust me when I tell you I am planning the longest night of your life.”

He keeps me pressed against his front, with his hold slipping down to my neck as he walks me from the bar. I don’t raise my eyes to see the curious looks I know the girls will be giving us.

Outside, Dmitry thanks the doorman for his vigilance, and I scowl in his direction, “Traitor,” I hiss as we pass.

The dark, sleek car is parked out front, and Marshall and Nik are leaning against it, deep in conversation. When they spot us approaching, they stand straighter, and Marshall opens the door.

I feel like a chastised child as we all climb into the car and Marshall drives us back to the manor.

Dmitry

She stands before me wearing nothing but her heels, exposed for me. I barely said two words to her once we were inside the car, knowing it would build up the trepidation for the journey I’m about to take her on. She will be grovelling for me to stop by the time I’m finished. She wanted an orgasm, and that’s exactly what she’s going to get . . . until she can’t take any more.

She goes to open her mouth to speak, put I place my hand under her chin, closing it shut. Her eyes are ablaze with lust.

“Well, my krasota, you wanted to play games, so let’s play a little game.” I circle her slowly, taking in each curve of her body and the way it breaks out in goosebumps as I stalk her. “Do you think allowing another man to touch what’s mine is appropriate, Victoria?”

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