Page 39 of Ruthless Savage

He laughs huskily. “No, stay. Please. Everything is private here. Every thought. Every act. Feel free to do what you want, and with whoever you want. No one has to know, daragaya.”

Daragaya… I’ve heard that word before.

“You’re Russian.”

Well, that was stupid since his accent basically gave him away.

“I am. Do you know the language?”

“Not at all.” I shuffle, every nerve ending in my body warning me away.

“Mm-hmm,” he replies thoughtfully.

Though I can’t truly see his eyes, I know he’s staring at me, dissecting me. My body shivers, and I get the sensation that a man like him enjoys my skittishness.

“Does your father know you’re here?”

I gasp, and something both hot and cold swallows me. Panic like I’ve never known takes hold.

He can’t know who I am! How would he? He’s just trying to scare me.

“My—my father?”

“Yes.” He chuckles. “You’re Eriu Quinn, are you not?”

My knees grow weak, and behind my mask, my eyes practically explode.

His tone though, is full of amusement. “See, I know everyone who joins my club. I personally oversee the applications and mask assignments.”

His club! Oh my God! My heart beats faster.

And that’s when Adam’s words come to haunt me. Rich and powerful… Of course he knows my family. My father knows many people, and this man, whoever he is, may not even like us.

He could hurt me for revenge. Or he could tell the world that I was here! He could even lie and say I did things! Oh my God, I’m so screwed.

Please, universe, forgive me for being reckless. I promise to be a good girl from now on and never come here again.

“I—I need to go. I’m not…uh…” My words stay trapped as he grabs my wrist, thick fingers curling just hard enough to make me know who is in charge.

“I’m not here to hurt you. Your secret stays between us. I promise.”

“Why don’t I believe you? Who are you, exactly?”

He chuckles but it’s got danger written all over it. “Adam’s father and I go way back, and when Adam told me he was planning on inviting two young girls, I decided to allow it. But when I found out you were one of them…well, that was a welcome surprise. I know your family well, but I won’t break your trust to your father. A woman should own her sexuality, and this place may be just what you need.”

My head grows dizzy. I don’t believe him at all. This man could ruin everything. But it’s too late now. He already knows exactly who I am. Denying it seems pointless.

“Please, promise me you won’t tell anyone!” I clasp my hands together to steady my nerves. “If my father doesn’t kill me, my fiancé will.”

“Fiancé? Well, congratulations are in order.” He nods once. “But I can see how that may be a problem.”

His laughter sends hot coals to the pit of my stomach.

“It’s not that kind of marriage. I just met him a few days ago, and he’s…never mind.” Imagine he knows Mason and tells him what I said.

“Ah…” He nods knowingly. “You don’t like him.”

“Not even a little.”

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