Page 38 of Embrace of the Russian Tiger

Nikolai strode into the room, his lips curling into that same smug smile as before. He had changed into a tailored suit, the sharp lines of his jacket emphasizing his powerful frame. The sight of him made my skin crawl, but I kept my face blank, knowing that showing fear would only give him more power.

“You’ve had some time to think,” he said, his voice dripping with arrogance as he stopped in front of me. “I trust you’re beginning to understand how hopeless your situation is?”

I bit the inside of my cheek, keeping my gaze steady. “What I understand,” I said, my voice cold, “is that you’re desperate. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be holding me here like this. You’d have already made your move.”

His eyes flashed with anger for just a moment, but he quickly smoothed his expression back into one of cruel amusement. “Clever, aren’t you? But I wouldn’t mistake my patience for weakness.”

“I’m not,” I shot back, my pulse quickening. “I’m just wondering how long it’s going to take for Maxim to figure out where I am and come for you.”

At that, Nikolai’s smile faltered, but he covered it with a dry laugh. “Maxim might care about his toys, Anna, but not enough to risk everything for you. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you matter that much.”

“I don’t need to be a fool to know that you’re afraid of him,” I countered, leaning forward as much as the chains would allow. “You’re hiding, aren’t you? You’re hiding behind me, because you know that if you come at Maxim directly, he’ll destroy you.”

Nikolai’s expression darkened, and for a moment, I thought I had pushed too far. But then, he leaned down, his face inches from mine, his breath hot against my skin.

“You’re right about one thing,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “Iamgoing to destroy him. And you? You’re going to help me do it.”

I swallowed hard, my heart racing as I stared up at him. “I’ll never help you.”

Nikolai chuckled softly, straightening again. “You will, Anna. Whether you like it or not. Because if you don’t, you won’t make it out of here alive. And you and I both know that’s not a risk you’re willing to take.”

I clenched my jaw, fighting the wave of fear that threatened to rise up in me. I couldn’t let him win. Not like this.

“Maxim will kill you for this,” I said, my voice steady. “You know that, don’t you? He’ll come for you, and he won’t stop until you’re dead.”

Nikolai smiled again, a slow, menacing grin that made my stomach turn. “Oh, I’m counting on it.”

He turned and walked toward the door, pausing just before he stepped out.

“We’ll talk more later, princess,” he said, his voice laced with mockery. “For now, think about my offer. Marry me, and maybe I’ll let you live.”

The door closed behind him with a heavy thud, and I was left alone, my mind spinning with fear, anger, and determination. I had to find a way out of this. I had to survive. I knew if I agreed to marry this sucker, he would keep me alive until he gained access to all assets.

I had to make sure that when Maxim came for Nikolai, I’d be there to see him fall.

The moment I heard the news, everything inside me went cold.

CHAPTER 17

Anna was gone.

I stood in my office, my grip tightening around the phone as Mikhail’s voice echoed in my ear. He had been careful, deliberate with his words, but it didn’t matter. Nothing could soften the blow. Anna—my Anna—had been taken.

And I knew exactly who was behind it.

Nikolai.

The name burned through my mind like a brand, filling me with a fury so deep, so all-consuming, that it threatened to break the tight control I had spent years perfecting. Nikolai had made his move, and now Anna was in his hands. My breath came in short, controlled bursts, the only sign of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Fear clawed at the edges of my mind, but I shoved it down. Fear was useless. Fear made men weak. And I had no room for weakness right now. Not when Nikolai had her.

"Where?" I snapped, cutting Mikhail off mid-sentence.

"We think she’s being held somewhere connected to the Bianchi family," Mikhail said, his voice steady despite the tension in it. “I think they might know?—"

“Let’s meet at their place," I interrupted, my voice cold. "I’m going to see them now."

I didn’t wait for a response. I hung up the phone and grabbed my coat, my movements sharp and deliberate. There was no room for hesitation. Every second Anna was in Nikolai’s grasp was a second too long, and I was going to tear apart anyone who stood between me and her.

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