Page 115 of Bound By Revenge

Nik leans down to press a quick kiss to my forehead before walking out, leaving me momentarily distracted by how great his ass looks in blue jeans.

“Fuck,” A.J. says, pulling my focus back. “That’s a mess. Are you okay?”

“We’re fine,” I say. “Thankfully.”

“We? Since when there's awe?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Okay,” she says cautiously. “I've got time.”

Sighing, I fill her in on everything—McGuire, Maxim, the escalating war, and what led to last night’s showdown.

“That motherfucker came after you?” A.J. screams, outraged.

Then I try to explain Nik and me, how everything feels different now. A.J. listens quietly as I gush about him.

“Wow,” she says when I finish. “Just... wow. Damn. I mean, I have no words.”

I scoff. “Nowthatwould be a first.”

“I’m serious. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me sooner. You’ve gone from ‘he kidnapped me’ to ‘his magical dick is Willy Wonka's golden ticket, the Holy Grail, and the cure for cancer all rolled into one’ in, what, a week?”

I sigh. “I know. But he isn’t who I thought he was. I mean, heisdrop-dead gorgeous and amazing in bed—that hasn’t changed—but he’s so much more. He’s reliable, kind, protective, and... sweet. So freaking sweet.”

“Oh. My. God. You actually like him,” she says with exaggerated horror.

“I do,” I admit, no hesitation. “I really do.”

She sighs. After a long pause, she adds, “Well, I’m happy for you. I guess. But for fuck’s sake, be careful.”

“When am I not?” I ask, scoffing. “Now, tell me—any news from thestronzo? And what about the favor I asked? Did you manage to salvage the museum’s security footage?”

A.J. gives me an update. The footage from the gala is completely ruined, aside from the snippet she sent earlier. It’s not what I hoped for, but it’s not a surprise.

After promising to stay in touch, I hang up and get dressed, eager to join Nik and finally eat.

As I get ready, my thoughts stay with him. Even the marks he’s left—hickeys, scratches, and a bite or two—make me smile. I was just with him, and already, I want more.

But beneath the warmth of those thoughts is a gnawing frustration. I can’t help thinking how unfair it is that we can’t just enjoy this, free of chaos. That I can’t wave a magic wand and make McGuire and thestronzodisappear.

For the first time in forever, I feel... hope. And I'll be damned if I let the ghosts of mistakes past take that away from me.

There has to be a way. A way to end this nonsense before it costs Nik, A.J., or me everything.

Chapter 43

Nik

Dmitri’s voicegreets me the moment I step into my dark office. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.”

I flip the light switch, squinting as the overhead glare reveals him lounging lazily in my chair, his overpriced Italian shoes boldly propped up on my desk.

“Hiya, Nik. So good of you to join us hardworking men this fine morning. Or is it afternoon? Did you sleep well?” His smirk is pure insolence.

I sigh, already irritated by his antics. “It’s becoming abundantly clear your saint of a mother—God rest her soul—must’ve dropped you on your head a few times as a child. It’s the only explanation for your complete lack of self-preservation.”

He grins wider, clearly unfazed. “Where’s your better half, Romeo?” he asks, still comfortably occupying my seat like he owns the place.

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