Page 100 of Bound By Revenge

He chuckles, the sound vibrating against me. “Speak for yourself,” he says softly, his breath warm against my ear.

Dmitri’s voice cuts in from the doorway. “Ah, love’s in the air, I see.”

“Good morning, Dmitri,” I call out, smiling despite myself. Nik’s only response is a low, displeased grunt.

“Good morning, Kat. Nik,” Dmitri replies, his tone all mischief. “Am I interrupting? Please tell me I am.” His exaggerated sigh has me giggling before I can stop myself.

“Stop encouraging him,” Nik mutters, his voice tinged with exasperation as he glances down at me. “He’ll only get worse if he thinks he’s entertaining you.”

I shrug, grinning. “Heisentertaining me. And honestly, I think he’s doing it more for your benefit. Your visible disapproval fuels him.”

Dmitri grins broadly. “No comment. I’ll neither confirm nor deny your vile accusations,” he quips, clearly enjoying himself. Nik just rolls his eyes.

“Since you’re here,” Nik says, turning to Dmitri, “you can make yourself useful. You’re taking Kat shopping. Or wherever she wants to go.” He pins both of us with a sharp look, his tone firm. “Within reason.”

I sigh, shaking my head. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but… what the hell are you talking about, Nik? I can't go shopping. We have work to do.”

Nik wastes no time in correcting me. “No,Ihave work to do, which is whyyouneed to go. You’re just… too distracting. I can’t think straight with you here.”

I blink, incredulous. “Seriously? It’s the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, and you’re pulling me out of the game? I wasthis closeto hitting a home run. McGuire was about to brag about killing Maxim when you threw your little jealous tantrum!”

Dmitri groans loudly, throwing his head back in exaggerated frustration. “Seriously, you two are killing me. Do you haveanyidea how frustrating it is knowing no one’s ever going to believe me about this?”

Nik doesn’t even spare him a glance. “Kat, it’s not happening. McGuire thinks I took his daughter. It’s too dangerous. You’re not getting anywhere near him.”

I sigh, crossing my arms. “Just because he’s gunning for you doesn’t mean he’s gunning for me. Honestly, this might work in our favor. He seemed plenty motivated to snatch me up last night.”

Nik’s jaw tightens, his words coming through clenched teeth. “Thanks for the reminder, but I don’t need it. It’s burned into my brain.”

I roll my eyes. “My point is, he’s angry. He’s desperate. This is the perfect time to strike. He’s not thinking straight—easy pickings.”

“No,” Nik snaps, his tone final. “And that’s the end of it. The risk isn’t worth it.”

“The reward outweighs the risk,” I argue, throwing my arms up.

Nik scoffs, shaking his head like I’ve lost my mind. “The hell it does. I’m not putting you in danger. End of discussion.”

“Just think about it,” I plead, softening my voice. “For all we know, he might not even be angry at me. Maybe he thinks I’m innocent in all this.”

Nik shakes his head firmly. “It doesn’t matter what he thinks. We’re not gambling with your safety.”

I groan in frustration. “Nik?—”

“Don’t,” he cuts me off, his voice steely. “Save your breath. The only way you’re getting anywhere near McGuire is over my dead body.” His lips curve into a sharp smirk. “And I’m not an easy man to kill.”

“It’s true,” Dmitri chimes in with a grin. “Better men than you have tried, Kat

“Maybe I’m the right woman for the job,” I mutter, narrowing my eyes at both of them.

Dmitri bursts into laughter, holding his stomach. “Uh-oh, Nik, your kitty's got claws. Love it.”

I glare at Dmitri, then turn my attention back to Nik, who’s as unfazed as ever. “I know you think I’m being unreasonable,” he says, shrugging like he’s somehow the picture of cold logic. “But trust me, I could say the same about you.”

Before I can come up with a snarky response, he smirks wider. “Hey, if you really want to make me pay, take my credit card and go nuts. Do your worst.”

I narrow my eyes, leaning in slightly. “Careful, Nik. You’rethisclose to underestimating me.”

Nik flashes me a grin, and, against my better judgment, my anger softens. “Oh, I’m not making that mistake ever again. Trust me,” he says, finishing with a wink.

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