Page 29 of Ruthless Desire

I strip off my ruined suit, anticipation thrumming through my veins. The hunt is on, and I intend to enjoy every second of it.

"Ready or not, moy voron," I call out, voice echoing through the halls. "Here I come."

Chapter 11 Natalie

My lungs burn as I tear through Shadowcrest's maze-like corridors, my bare feet slapping against cold marble. The thin lace of my underwear clings to my damp skin, offering zero protection from the chill or Dante's predatory gaze.

Jesus, what I wouldn't give for a coat. Or better yet, a fucking tank.

"Where are you, tiny paintbrush?" Dante's voice booms, echoing off the walls. "You can't hide from me forever!"

Shit. Shit. Shit. He's closer than I thought. I duck into an alcove, pressing my back against a priceless tapestry as I try to calm my racing heart. Think, Natalie. There has to be a way out of this nightmare.

A maid rounds the corner, and hope flares in my chest. "Please," I whisper, reaching for her. "Help me!"

Her eyes widen in fear, darting between me and the hallway where Dante's voice grows louder. She shakes her head frantically, scurrying away without a word.

Fuck. Of course Dante's staff won't help. They're probably more scared of him than I am.

I peek around the corner, and my breath catches in my throat. There he is, prowling down the hall like a panther on the hunt. And holy hell, he's practically naked. Dante's wearing nothing but a pair of black silk boxers, leaving every inch of his muscled torso on display.

I hate myself for the way my mouth goes dry at the sight. His body is a work of art, all chiseled abs and powerful arms. Intricate tattoos wind across his skin, telling stories I'm almost tempted to unravel. Almost.

No. Focus, you idiot. He's a monster, remember? A murderer. A kidnapper. The fact that he looks like he was carved from marble by a horny renaissance artist doesn't change that.

I tear my eyes away, scanning for an escape route. There – an open door, just a few yards away. If I'm quiet, maybe I can—

"Found you."

Dante's voice, low and too close, freezes me in place. I turn, heart in my throat, to find him blocking my path. His eyes rake over me, dark and hungry.

"Quite the game of cat and mouse you're playing, moy voron," he purrs, taking a step closer. "But playtime's over."

I back away, my hands curling into fists at my sides. "Stay the fuck away from me, you psycho."

He laughs, the sound rich and mocking. "Such fire. It only makes me want you more."

"I'm not yours to want!" I snarl, even as a traitorous part of me thrills at his words. "I'm a person, not a toy for you to play with!"

"Oh, but you are mine," Dante counters, his voice a silken threat. "You just haven't accepted it yet."

He lunges for me, but I'm ready. I duck under his arm, sprinting down the hall. I hear him curse behind me, his footsteps thundering in pursuit.

I race through room after room, my breath coming in ragged gasps. The opulence of Shadowcrest blurs around me – glittering chandeliers, priceless art, antique furniture that probably costs more than my worthless existence. It's like running through a museum while being chased by the devil himself.

I burst into what looks like a study, frantically searching for another exit. Shit. No doors, just floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a massive desk. I'm trapped.

"End of the line, solnyshko," Dante calls from the doorway, triumph coloring his voice.

I whirl to face him, backing up until I hit the desk. He stalks towards me, all coiled power and dark intent. My heart pounds so hard I'm sure he can hear it.

"Now, now," he tuts, closing the distance between us. "Don't look so scared. I'm not going to hurt you." His lips curve in a wicked smile. "Much."

"Fuck you," I spit, even as heat pools low in my belly. God, what is wrong with me? Why does his proximity make me feel like I'm about to combust?

Dante's hand shoots out, gripping my chin. "Such a filthy mouth," he murmurs, his thumb tracing my lower lip. "I can think of much better uses for it."

Before I can retort, his mouth crashes down on mine. The kiss is all teeth and tongue and dark hunger. I should bite him. I should knee him in the balls and run.

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