Page 23 of Shackled

I still have to get to the exit and then find my way out of here. I don’t even know where he lives.

But as I near the exit, a shadow looms ahead. I freeze. I can’t breathe. Is that… one of his guards or…

No.

A grim smile plays on Lev’s lips. He stands, his hands anchored on his hips. “Going somewhere, are you?”

His voice is hard and cold, and his features show no sign of surprise.

Dammit.

Panic and frustration surge through me, but I force myself to stand tall. “You can’t keep me here.”

His eyes narrow. “Can’t I?”

Frustration mixed with admiration flicker in his gaze. “You are very resourceful, I’ll give you that. I was sloppy with the restraints. But no, Isabella, you’re not going anywhere.”

I move quickly. When he reaches for my wrists, I deflect, and when surprise registers in his eyes, I take my chance. I shove at his chest, pushing him off kilter, turn, and run.

I’m faster than he is. He curses behind me as he chases me, huffing and puffing, but lock picking isn’t the only skill I’ve learned for a quick escape.

He’s gaining on me. I can feel the heat of his breath behind me, and he’s at an advantage because he knows something I don’t. I have no damn idea where I’m going. And in the end, that’s my demise. I nearly run straight into a chain-link fence in front of me. I come to a crashing halt.

Before I can react, he’s on me, his grip ironclad around my arm. “Let me go!” I scream, but it’s no use. He’s too strong, and he’s pissed.

“No,” he snaps. “You’re lucky I’ve let you live. If you think

for a moment I’m going to let you escape, you’re mistaken.” He curses in Russian. “If any of my men saw you….” He grits his teeth and whips off his tee.

It hits the top of my thighs. It’s warm and it smells like him, but I’m fucking pissed.

I meet his gaze, defiance burning a hole in my stomach. I consider kneeing him between the legs, but he’s got such a hold on me I’m afraid he’d easily deflect and then hurt me even more than he’s planning to already. I’m in major trouble and I know it.

“You’re staying here.”

“You can chain me up, but that doesn’t make me yours.” It feels childish and petty to spar like this, but I can’t help myself.

A glimmer of a smile plays at his lips. “You’re so full of yourself. You think it’s all about you, don’t you?”

I don’t respond. The rebuke stings.

“What makes you think I can’t keep you here?”

I snort. “You plan on keeping me chained up here forever?” I retort, my voice steady despite my shaky nerves. “Even then, I’d find a way. A lock is only a game for me. You’ll see.”

“I have other methods of keeping you under my thumb.”

My God. I want to smack his smug, handsome-as-sin face.

“You don’t intimidate me.”

He pulls me closer to him, his eyes flashing. “I haven’t even tried yet.”

I smirk. “Bring it.”

He smiles, baring his teeth. “Oh, I intend to. But first, let’s get you back where you belong.”

Where I… belong?

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