Page 122 of Bound By Revenge

His apology surprises me, but I stay focused on the bags. If he’s finally willing to admit he’s been an ass, I’m not about to interrupt.

“Look at me,” he says softly. “I shouldn’t have talked to you like that. I regretted it the second you walked out. I can’t tell you how sorry I am for upsetting you. I just hope I haven’t ruined things between us. Tell me what I can do to fix this—anything. I’ll do it.”

The rawness in his tone catches me off guard. Against my better judgment, I glance at him over my shoulder—and instantly regret it. His troubled expression is my undoing. He looks impossibly handsome, even now, in light jeans and a gray sweater. His tousled hair is a glossy mess, evidence of how often he’s raked his fingers through it.

“Did you send Dmitri to sweet-talk me into forgiving you?” I ask, raising an accusatory eyebrow.

Nik glares at me, visibly insulted. “I’m not ashamed to say I’d stoop pretty low to get you to forgive me. But if you think for a second I’d send another man into a bedroom with you…” He trails off with a sharp shake of his head, his voice dripping with disgust. “I don’t know what to tell you.”

His genuine outrage makes me want to smile, but I hide it. Schooling my expression into something neutral, I say, “Well, your apology doesn’t impress me. Talk’s cheap, Nik.”

“I know,” he sighs, stepping closer. “That’s why I’m going to show you I mean it. I’m not afraid to grovel—repeatedly, if I have to. Forever, if that's what it takes. And that's why I come bearing gifts.”

He pulls a glittering object from his pocket and steps behind me, brushing my hair aside. Cool metal grazes my neck, sending a shiver down my spine, as he clasps a choker around my throat.

“Well?” he asks softly. “Do you like it?”

I move to the mirror, my breath hitching in my throat. The necklace is striking—cushion-cut diamonds shimmer in the light, catching the light in mesmerizing ways. t’s a bold piece, yet somehow understated—exactly what I’d buy for myself if I happened to be a billionaire.

“It’ll do, I suppose,” I say with a shrug, though my delighted reflection betrays me.

Nik smiles knowingly. “Am I forgiven?”

“It’s a good start,” I reply, arching a brow. “But don’t think for a second this is a get-out-of-jail-free card.”

“Damn it,” he says with a smirk. “There goes my plan. Apparently, I can’t buy my way into your heart with diamonds. What a shame.”

I grin. “I mean, I wouldn’t be terribly put off if you tried anyway.”

He laughs, his eyes softening. “I’ll keep that in mind. Now, will you be terribly put off if I kiss you? I need to know we’re okay, but I’d hate to provoke your wrath again. Then again…” His eyes drop to my lips. “I just might risk it.”

“That depends. Got any more diamonds on you?”

He steps closer, his lips twitching. “Come here and frisk me. Find out for yourself.”

I grab his sweater, pulling him into a kiss. His lips are warm, his kiss slow and consuming. Just as I’m about to forget everything but him, a thought pops into my head, and I pull back. He grunts in protest.

“Let me ask you something—do you always keep priceless jewelry lying around, just in case you need to appease a disgruntled woman?” I ask, arching a brow.

“For your information,” he replies, stealing another kiss, “there’s only one disgruntled woman in my life I’d bother to appease.”

“Meaning there are others you wouldn’t?” I tease.

He laughs, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Let’s stay on topic. No, I don’t keep a secret stash of jewelry. But if you want to go on a treasure hunt, be my guest. I could use the entertainment.

“And we all know your entertainment is my main priority,” I say with a smirk.

He smiles, his fingers brushing over the choker. “I bought this years ago at an auction in London. It always felt special. Seemed fitting you should have it.”

“Sweet-talker,” I murmur, brushing my lips against his. Then I chuckle. “Funny, though—a diamond got us into this mess, and now you’re giving me dozens of them.”

“The irony isn’t lost on me,” he says, his smirk widening.

“The first one started us off on the wrong foot. Maybe these will change everything. Who knows? Maybe it’s a good luck charm.”

His expression softens. “The Flame of Mir brought you into my life. That’s all the luck I need.”

I laugh. “I’ll remind you of that next time I piss you off.”

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