Page 33 of Niko's Printsessa

I notice blood on his T-shirt and I immediately jump up and rush to him without even thinking. “Are you hurt?” I lift his shirt, relieved the blood isn’t his.

He keeps his dark eyes on me. It’s obvious he’s trying to restrain himself, his angry words directed at Max, “Get out!”

All three men quickly exit the room, leaving me with the beast.

He stares at my hand against his eight-pack, and the heat of his muscles ignites my own. His scowl hints at a smirk. “Were you worried about me,Printsessa?”

I drop my arms and scoff, “Excuse me for not wanting you to bleed out.”

“Is that all? Didn’t want me to stain the carpet?”

“Whatever.” I huff.

He eyes my winnings. “Poker? Really?”

“Yes, really. I was kicking their asses.”

“Their job is to protect you, not entertain you.”

I roll my eyes, “They can multi-task. I was bored.”

“Missing the limelight?”

“No.”

He lifts up the almost empty vodka bottle. “Not missing the alcohol I see.”

“I’m Russian, what do you expect me to do? Drink beer?”

“You don’t have to drink at all.”

“Said no Sokolov ever.” I take my hoodie off, all of a sudden over-heated from his presence.

His dark, dangerous eyes scan my body. “What the fuck, Becca?”

“Is there a problem?”

“So many.” His angry words are laced with disappointment. “Can’t you go one night without looking for attention?”

My chest stings from his words, but I fight the tears, focusing on the one emotion I can handle, anger.

“How dare you!” I raise my hand to slap him and he catches my wrist, but it doesn’t stop me from yelling at him. “For your information, I like to be comfortable when I’m at home.”

“This isn’t your home.”

I can’t explain the twinge in my chest. “That’s your fault. And it’s Max, Art and Ru. They’ve known me forever. I’m best friends with Max’s daughter!”

“I don’t care. No more fraternizing.”

I snort, “Right, right. No fun allowed.”

“If you want to stay safe.”

I cross my arms and narrow my eyes at him, “Their job is to protect me from the big bad boogie man, but here’s a question for you.”

“What?”

“Who’s protecting me from you?”

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