Page 6 of Bound By Revenge

A moment later, it becomes obvious she’s walking toward the service alleyway. Leaving so soon? I don’t think so. So I almost jog to catch up to her, dodging politicians and movie stars who try to get my attention in vain.

Suddenly, she halts by an empty table near me. She's looking around the gardens, cruelly robbing me of the chance to see her face.

Still, up close, I notice things that had escaped me earlier tonight. Her glossy dark hair, for example, has a distinct warm chocolate hue, and her long nails are painted blood-red.

Distracted by these details, I’m slow to notice we’re on a collision course. Before I can move out of her way, she crashes into my chest. Instinctively, I hold on to her to stop her from falling.

Her skin’s so damn soft.

With a gasp, she glances up at me, looking right into my eyes.

Fuck me.

Finally, I have an answer to my question from earlier.

Blue. Deep, dark blue.

Fuck.Me.

I’m a goner.

Chapter 3

Kat

As I tryto free myself from the gorgeous hunk of a man holding me, I struggle to contain a sigh. The universe sure has a twisted sense of humor. Why else would it drop this tall drink of water in my lap right now, of all times?

In different circumstances, running into a man this hot would’ve made my evening. Sadly, the museum’s gardens aren’t the right place for that, and tonight isn’t the right time. It's only a matter of time before someone notices a particular red diamond is missing. I have no intention of sticking around to see that play out.

Still gripping my shoulders, he stares into my eyes before allowing his gaze to trail down the rest of me. Even in my favorite four-inch high heels, he towers over me.

As discreetly as I can, I sneak a glance at the rest of him. I find no faults—from his glossy dark hair to his prohibitively expensive Italian leather shoes, he’s one fine man. His eyes are a brown as deep and dark as his hair, sparkling with undisguised intelligence and wit as he scans me from head to toe.

His lips, framed by his dark facial hair, twitch with barely contained amusement before he smiles at me. Sexy, sexy mouth. For some mysterious reason, he seems really pleased withhimself, and I’ve got no problem admitting it’s a good look on him. The delicious friction of the roughened calluses on his hands against my shoulder sends a shiver down my spine.

“Forgive me,” he says. His deep voice makes me want to moan with pleasure. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No biggie. No harm, no foul. Thanks for catching me,” I say. The moment the words leave my mouth, an overwhelming urge to groan almost consumes me.No biggie?That’s my witty comeback?

But he smiles again, and as if on cue, heat pools low in my abdomen.

“Anytime,” he says, his panty-dropper smirk still in place. “I’m Nikolai, by the way.”

“Well, Nik—you don’t mind if I call you Nik, do you? It’s truly my pleasure to meet you. Trust me.”

My words seem to amuse him, if the way his smirk melts into a full-on grin is any indication. I can’t help but sigh—frankly, it’s some breathtaking stuff. I’m as good as doomed.

“Won’t you tell me your name?” he asks, completely ignoring my obvious attempts to break free from his hold.

Even as I struggle against him, I detect a slight accent. Slavic? Russian, maybe? Well, whatever it is, I can’t get enough of it. It’s as sweet as honey, and I’d listen to him talk about anything all night long. Of course, that’s exactly why I must leave—right now.

“Sorry, but no. I have to get going. Places to go, people to see, yada yada yada. You know how it is, right?”

He lets go of my shoulder to grab my hand, caressing my knuckles with his thumb.

“Why don’t you stay a little longer? I insist, actually. The night’s still young, after all, and I hear there’ll be fireworks later. You wouldn’t want to miss the show.”

Staring into my eyes, he lifts my hand to his lips. I have to remind myself to breathe as he, boldly holding my gaze, brushes his lips against my fingers for so long it makes me blush.

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