Page 26 of Sinful Games

I rolled my eyes, grabbed the sugar pack, and strutted over to the egg aisle, secretly hoping he wouldn’t follow me this time.

Inhaling deeply, trying to keep my cool as I sped through the store.

I had no idea why Romaniev was here on a random Thursday, but part of me wasn’t surprised. Just like his othervictims, he’d shadow me until I gave in.

If only he knew.

"What? Not interested?"

I stayed silent, snagging a pack of twelve eggs and making a beeline for the cashier. Maybe if I pretended he didn’t exist, he’d disappear like a bad dream.

His body heat closed in on me, and in a moment of weakness, I accidentally inhaled his scent—a mix of expensive oud, a touch of cinnamon and cherry, and something elusive I couldn’t quite place.

His hand casually tapped the cashier’s desk, trying to grab my attention, but I deliberately looked away.

"Come on, Caia, don’t be shy. I promise my tongue's got a five-star rating," he added, his voice lingering behind me like an annoying soundtrack.

Unable to help myself, I let out an exaggerated sigh and muttered, "Just what I needed, a Yelp review for your disgusting tongue."

The cashier shot me a puzzled look, and I shrugged, pretending I was deep in conversation with my imaginary friend.

Placing the items on the counter, I kept my eyes forward, refusing to acknowledge him any further.

"You're breaking my heart, baby. I thought you'd appreciate a good deal."

I bit back a laugh, realizing just how absurd this whole situation was.

A discount on oral sex—how could I resist?

After paying, I made a grand exit from the store, practically marching down the snowy street. Of course, Romaniev was right on my tail, as if he were permanently attached to my shadow. The wet snow beneath my boots had other ideas about my hasty getaway, and, predictably, I stumbled over an uneven patch.

Before I could face-plant into the snow, his arms were around me, saving me from the fall. A shiver ran down myspine, not just from the cold but from his shockingly warm body. “Easy there. Can’t have you slipping away so soon.”

I pulled away, regaining my balance. “I don’t need your help.”

I brushed off his concern and continued down the street.

Here was the plan: For my crazy, selfish, and downright inhumane father to get the leverage he needed in his business dealings, I needed someone to catch Mr. Oral Sex over there and me in action. Rumors spread like wildfire, and the sooner this scandalous affair unfolded, the quicker I could get the heck out of this city.

But then, a sharp pang in my chest stopped me in my tracks, forcing me to take a deep breath. I couldn’t leave—not with my babushka depending on me.

I massaged my temples, trying to fend off the headache that was creeping in.

“You know?—”

I snapped, “Don’t you have better things to do than follow me around like a lost puppy?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Well, if I remember correctly, you were the one storming out of the store like it was about to explode. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t spontaneously combust on the street.”

I shook my head. “You’re unbelievable.”

His blue eyes sparkled with mischief. “So, where are you headed?”

“Away from you.”

“You know, I think we got off on the wrong foot,” he said, stepping in front of me and blocking my path. I tried to sidestep, but he moved with me, forcing me to look up. “Let’s pretend we just met.”

I couldn’t help but scoff. “How about we pretend we never met and never will? How’s that for a plan?”

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