Page 44 of Solemn Vow

“I wasn’t teasing,moy sladkiy voin. It’s a dangerous world out there, and when you take off on your own, how can I keep you safe?” I stand my ground. Any sudden movement from me and she’ll flee. While catching her would be fun, it will be much sweeter if she comes to me willingly.

“Viktor, you have to understand. You just barge into my life, and?—”

I put my hand up to stop her. “I’ve heard this already. I barged in, you told me to go, I said I’m staying. It’s all very simple, Marlena. I’m not going anywhere, no matter how many times you run, you try to hide, you try to wiggle away—I will catch you every single time. And each time, we’ll end up right here. You getting your ass punished and me reminding you that I’m not going anywhere.”

Her jaw slackens.

Slowly, she eases herself up to her feet. Her eyes flick to the doorway leading into the hallway that will take her to the front of the condo. The woman has no idea how easy it is to read her.

“If you run, I’ll catch you before you get to the elevator.” I roll my shoulders back, flex my hands. I know my girl.

“You don’t know that.” She thrusts her chin up.

Ah. My sweet Marlena.

“Do you want to place a wager?” It’s too easy, baiting her like this. “If you make it to the elevator, I’ll have Igor drive you home.”

Her tongue touches the tip of her upper lip. She’s contemplating. Ah, but I haven’t given her the other side of the coin yet.

“But if I catch you, you take your punishment like a good girl and you spend the night with me, let medriveyou to work tomorrow without complaint, and you’ll take the lunch Mrs. Ivankova packs for you.” I raise a finger with each item announced.

Her eyes narrow.

“You seem to be getting a lot if you win,” she negotiates.

“Are you afraid you’ll lose?” I question.

“No, but let’s at least make it worth it for me to win. When I win, you’ll ask Igor to drive me home, and you’ll back off about Jimmy and you’ll accept that we aren’t together. You’ll call if youwant to see me and if I say no, you won’t just show up at my apartment.”

Her requests are insane. None of that will happen.

“Fine.” I agree only because she’s not getting to that elevator.

She nods with a smile and spreads her footing a little, getting ready to take off.

“Go!” I shout and lunge for her. She shoves the glass top coffee table at me, hitting me in the shins then takes off in a run, maneuvering around the couch and out of the door into the hallway.

Getting over the coffee table only delays me a breath or two. I’m almost on top of her before she’s even in the hallway.

The elevator is within sight. I’m barely breaking my stride and gaining on her. She makes the mistake of looking over her shoulder.

She screams when I wrap my arm around her middle and lift her off the floor.

“No! No!” She wiggles.

I laugh. Did she really think she had a chance?

“No fighting now.” I flip her around in my arms, then hoist her over my shoulder until she’s dangling down my back. “You lost.”

“No fair. You have longer legs!” she argues as I climb the curved staircase up to my room.

“Don’t be a sore loser.” I flip her skirt over her ass and slap her over the tights she’s wearing.

Her fists fly into my back as I step off the stairs and make my way down the hall to the corner room.

Once inside, I kick the door shut and bring her to the bed in the middle of the room. Most of the house is decorated like something an architecture magazine would cover, but not my room. This room is not meant for anyone but me. Dark green walls, traditional wood flooring throughout with dark graythrow rugs. And a king-sized bed with four wood posts and a hand-carved headboard.

“Before I put you down, remember you lost. No more running or trying to get out of what’s coming. Yes?” I rest my hand on her upturned ass, ready to plant a few smacks if she decides to go back on her word.

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