Page 47 of Stolen Seconds

She kissed me as if she wanted to punish me. For what? I had no idea, but I feasted on her lips, allowing her essence to seep into me.

Even with my hand around her throat and the other on her waist, I couldn’t seem to bring her close enough. An animalistic need for her had come over me and it drove me insane, trying to figure out ways to brand her permanently on me—in me.

I pulled back, peering down at her swollen lips before holding her gaze. “You have no idea of the sheer power you hold over me, Irina,” I breathed. “Put me out of my misery.”

She clutched the front of my shirt and for a moment, I could see the internal war she was having inside those alluring eyes. Her hand shook against me, and I didn’t know if she wanted to pull me closer or push me away.

With a guttural sound, she spread her palm and pushed against my chest, slipping out of my hold.

“Don’t corner me again,” she said, turning and nearly running back the way she came.

My entire body vibrated with anger. These stolen seconds weren’t enough to extinguish this fire tearing at my insides.

One way or another, Irina.

Chapter 12

Irina

“You’re running out of time, princess.”

Viktor leaned against the brick wall of the alleyway, his hands inside his pockets as he stared at me with distaste.

The feeling was mutual.

“These unwanted meetups are useless. I already told you I’m doing this on my terms.”

“Is that why you’ve been avoiding your father’s calls?”

I narrowed my eyes at him and his stupid, patronizing tone. “What else did he tell you?”

“That he doesn’t mind coming here and resolving the issue in hisownway.”

“He’d be a fool to start a war with the Italians.”

He hummed, nodding his head. “War is on the horizon, cousin, so I suggest you hurry the fuck up.”

My skin had become cold, and it had nothing to do with the winter breeze. Viktor knew how to push mybuttons, always acting as if he was more knowledgeable and superior to others.

“Then I’ll speak to my father. And you definitely don’t need to be an instigator.” I knew he was constantly in my father’s ear, pushing him to stir the pot where it wasn’t needed. “Go home, Viktor. When the mission is done, you’ll know.”

His head tilted at me, eyes icing over, and I knew that expression all too well. He used it to instill fear in his victims as he interrogated them.

I stood my ground, my hands curling into fists as his gaze lingered over me in assessment.

“No ty yeshche bol’shiy durak.”But you are an even bigger fool.

“What isthatsupposed to mean?”

“Your jacket.”

Two words and my heart had begun to race uncomfortably in my chest, sweat gathering at the base of my neck.

Shit.

“I thought you didn’t know Luca Canaveri, Irina?”

My skin pricked athisname. I swallowed through the thick restraint in my throat. “I don’t.”

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