Page 23 of Sinful Games

I caged her in, placing my hands on either side of her head. “Indeed.”

“What are you doing?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

I let my finger trace her cheek, letting the touch linger just long enough to make her shiver. “You're just as deceptive as your Papa.”

She whispered, “You know nothing about me.”

She was probably right, but judging by how her body responded to my words, I wasn’t far off.

“I may not know your entire life story, but the scene before me is pretty damn clear, baby. Sometimes, with cases like yours, you can definitely judge a book byits cover.”

I let my hands drop and took a step back, savoring the flicker of anger in her eyes.

She crossed her arms. “Is this how you charm your victims?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Victims?”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. Like any woman would willingly put up with you.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “I don’t need to do shit. Women practically throw themselves at me without me even trying. But you? I’ve heard you’re just good at begging for attention and cash.”

I saw the slap coming before she even moved.

I caught her hand effortlessly, feeling the heat of her skin against mine as she tried to wrench it free. Her eyes flashed with a mix of anger and surprise, and I couldn’t help but relish the way her body tensed under my grip. She attempted to raise her other hand, but I intercepted that too.

She shifted, trying to kick me, but I anticipated her move, spinning her around swiftly. Her back pressed against my chest, and I pinned her arms behind her, my hands gripping her wrists tightly.

Her breath came in sharp, frustrated gasps, and she hissed, "I hate you."

She wriggled, trying to break free, but her struggles only drew her closer to me, intensifying the charged proximity between us.

I leaned in, my lips close to her ear. “Well, I’m thrilled to inform you that you’re my nextvictim, Caia.”

She laughed darkly, still wriggling against my hold. “How delightful. But just so we're clear, Romaniev, you’llneverhave me.”

I smiled.

I thrived on challenges and had alwaysbeen fiercely competitive. Her words only fueled my determination to win even more.

“Well, then let the game begin, baby.”

I let my hands slide away from her, feeling the lingering heat of her skin on my fingertips. As she straightened, I stepped back and made my way back to the ballroom, a wicked grin playing on my lips.

"Dimitri will take it to the warehouse," Igor said, lifting his cigar to his lips. "And Vlad's coming along."

I absentmindedly scratched my chin as I watched our guests head to their car from the window.

Mankiev had his arm around his daughter, guiding her carefully over the rocky entrance in her high heels. He opened the car door for her, and just before she got in, she turned toward the window.

Our eyes met for a moment, and I saw a flash of anger and ennui before she quickly looked away and climbed into the vehicle.

I took a sip from my glass, the strong alcohol burning my throat.

"I'm heading to Saint-Petersburg tomorrow morning," Igor continued. "I've got a meeting with the city's mayor. He wants to sell me a new building in exchange for a VIP+ upgrade at our casino. The guy's appetite for drugs and whores is unmatched."

Volk joined in the laughter. "Money can really buy almost anything these days."

"Alexsei, care to join me?" Igor asked.

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