Page 62 of Bound By Revenge

“Oh, stop.” I let out a playful laugh, gently shoving at his chest. He responds by pulling me a fraction closer, his hands still respectful but firmly gripping my body. It takes years of practice and control not to grimace at the gesture, but I keep my smile in place. After all, the dance is only beginning.

“I’m sure this is nothing new to you. Heartbreakingly beautiful women always know their power and aren’t afraid to wield it.”

“I’ll plead the fifth on that,” I reply, a hint of teasing in my tone.

McGuire chuckles, though there’s a subtle darkness to it. “I have to say, you seem familiar. Are you sure we’ve never met?”

I shake my head, letting my lips curve into a small smile. “I’m positive we haven’t. I’d definitely remember meeting someone as handsome as you.”

His laugh is softer this time, edged with something unspoken. “Careful, Kat, or I’ll start thinking you’re encouraging an old man’s crush.”

I shrug, feigning innocence. “What can I say? Old habits die hard. But let's keep this little back-and-forth between ourselves. Wouldn’t want Nik to get the wrong idea.”

“No, of course not,” McGuire replies smoothly, leaning closer as his voice drops. “Speaking of him, here comes your knight in shining armor.”

I turn and almost collide with Nik’s chest. He wasted no time cutting across the room as soon as the song ended.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Nik says, his voice cold and clipped. “Your dance is over, McGuire.”

McGuire chuckles, unfazed. “Right. Kat, it’s truly been a pleasure. I hope we cross paths again soon.” He lifts my hand and presses a kiss to the back of it. “And now, Nikolai, she’s all yours.”

Nik’s response is a glance sharp enough to cut. His tone is arctic as he says, “For once in your life, you are absolutely right.” Without waiting for a response, he wraps his arm firmly around my waist and leads me away.

When we’re a safe distance from the dance floor, I lean closer, keeping my voice low. “What are you doing? I was just getting started. Then again, maybe it’s smart to leave him wanting more. You were right, by the way. He couldn’t help himself. The man was practically falling over himself to charm me away from you. I’ll have him eating out of the palm of my hand in no time. Oh, and the jealous boyfriend act? Flawless. He totally bought it.”

“Fiancé,” Nik growls through gritted teeth, his tone laced with barely restrained irritation.

“What?”

“I’m your fiancé, not your fucking boyfriend,” he snaps, his grip tightening almost painfully.

“Right. That’s what I meant. Great job. But I wish you hadn’t surprised me with that. A little heads-up would’ve been nice, boss.”

Nik mutters something unintelligible under his breath, his jaw tightening. He quickens his pace, his grip on my arm firm and unrelenting as he practically drags me through the entrance foyer.

“Where are we going?” I ask, breathless as I try to keep up with his long, purposeful strides.

“Home,” he snaps, his voice leaving no room for debate.

“But we just got here!” I protest, stumbling slightly in my heels.

“We did what we came to do. Now we’re leaving.”

“But I didn’t even say hello to Sheila!”

Nik shoots me a perplexed glare, as if I’ve completely lost my mind. “Who the fuck is Sheila?”

“John’s fiancée,” I reply, giving him a look that suggestshe’sthe one who’s lost it.

“Fuck John. And fuck Sheila, too,” he says, his voice eerily calm—the kind of calm that’s far scarier than any outburst.

He yanks the front door open and drags me outside with no regard for subtlety. His grip doesn’t waver as he marches us toward the driveway, where his sleek black limousine pulls up moments later.

The driver scrambles out immediately, but Nik waves him off with an impatient gesture. Without a word, he opens the door himself and motions for me to get in. I stand my ground.

“What’s your problem?” I demand, my frustration bubbling over.

“Kat,” he growls, his voice low and dangerous, a clear warning to tread carefully, “Get in the car.”

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