Page 16 of Ruthless Royalty

“Tell you what,Micetta,” I say with a cold smile, and watch her eyes widen. “Why don’t we test that courage of yours?”

“Stop calling me that,” she snaps and narrows her eyes. “What are you planning?”

“Nothing drastic,” I say, though my voice suggests otherwise. “Just reminding you of Legacy Week, since I know Nikolai must have told you by now. It’s a tough world here, and since you want to go up against a king?—”

“Your imaginary crown doesn’t scare me,” she says, rolling her eyes. “I may not have been born into this life, but I’m not going to allow someone like you to push me around.”

I can’t help but smirk at her bravado. It’s almost endearing, if it weren’t so misplaced. I lean in closer, my hand instinctively tightening around her throat. The pressure I apply is just enough to remind her who’s in charge without causing real harm.

“Oh, babygirl,” I say, watching her eyes widen and a blush forming on her cheeks. “I can’t wait for you to swallow those words when you’re on your knees for me.”

She gasps, her breath hitching as she tries to push me away, but I don’t budge. Her attempts are half-hearted; she’s still trying to project strength, even though she’s clearly rattled.

“You think you can intimidate me into submission?” she chokes out, her voice strained but defiant.

I lean in closer, my lips brushing against her ear. “Of course I can. I enjoy breaking pretty little things.”

She shivers, her eyes darting around the hallway as if looking for an escape route. “Let go,” she demands, her voice quivering. “This is harassment.”

“Harassment?” I laugh softly. “That’s a bit dramatic. I’m just reminding you of your place. You’re not in the safe, cushy world you were used to. You’re here now; and in my world, things work differently.”

I can feel her pulse quickening under my grip, her skin warm and soft against my hand. It’s a feeling I’ve always enjoyed—the power, the control. But with her, it’s different. She’s got this fire that makes me want to push her harder, to see how much she can take.

How much can I push her until she shatters?

“You keep saying my place is below you. Does Dmitri know what you think of his family?”

Her words feel like a slap to the face, and that just pisses me off more. “You’re not a Mikhailov and you’ll never be one of us.”

“That’s just it. I don’t want to be one of you,” she says, her voice barely a whisper now. “You’re just another bully wearing Daddy’s last name like a crown.”

I don’t know if I want to choke her harder or fuck her until she’s screaming my name. So I just smile, releasing her throat but keeping my hand close enough that she knows I could tighten it again in an instant.

“And you’re just another stubborn girl who thinks she can play with the big boys,” I say, running my thumb over her bottom lip. “We’ll see how long that attitude lasts.”

Her breath catches, and for a moment, I think I see a flicker of something in her eyes—fear, maybe, or excitement. Doesn’t matter. She’ll learn, one way or another.

“You’re right,” I murmur, leaning in so close our breaths mix, “I’m not your king. But by the time I’m done with you, you’ll wish I were.”

Legacy Week can’t come any sooner.

CHIARA

Ihate him.

When Nikolai and Mihai mentioned that Giovanni was arrogant, I didn’t expect this much assholery. What the fuck? Who does he think he is?

It’s only my second day, and he’s made both days unbearable. I can’t even think about the gorgeous syllabus because I have that prick’s taunts on repeat in my head.

“I’m gonna kill him,” I grumble as I cut through a tomato while preparing a sandwich for lunch. “Next time I see him, I’m sticking this knife so far up his?—”

“Easy there, warrior princess, I don’t think you want the Cosa Nostra Prince’s blood on your hands.”

I look up when I hear Nikolai’s voice and see the amused look on his face. He’s leaning against the door with his arms crossed and his head tilted to the side.

“Oh, I think I do want his blood on my hands. He’s a fucking asshole!” I exclaim and put the knife down before I hurt myself with it.

Nikolai chuckles and walks over to me, grabbing a slice of tomato from my cutting board and popping it into his mouth.

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