Page 76 of Bound By Revenge

Kat steps outof the bathroom, a towel in her hands, her damp hair curling at the edges. My legs nearly give out. All I can think about is pulling her into my arms and licking the droplets of water clinging to her skin.

“So,” she says, clearing her throat and tossing me a teasing smile. “What brings you here this morning?”

I narrow my eyes, playing along. “Cute,” I say dryly. “Very cute,kiska. Don’t make me drag you back to bed—if that’s even possible for you.”

Her grin widens, but I don’t let up. “Funny you should ask, though. We’ve received an invitation.” The words taste bitter in my mouth. “To McGuire’s summer home for his birthday celebration. You must’ve made quite the impression on him.” Even to my own ears, I sound bitter. Jealous.

“A win is a win, right?” she replies, her smile faint but steady, like she’s testing the waters.

I make a noncommittal sound. “It could mean an overnight stay, so you should pack a bag.”

“This is a great opportunity for us,” she says, practically buzzing with excitement. “He’ll be comfortable on his home turf. We’ll actually be able to make some progress with him.”

My jaw tightens as anger flashes through me. The thought of Kat “making progress” with McGuire churns my stomach, but I swallow it down.

“I agree,” I say instead, keeping my tone even. “I bet he’s dying to get another look at you—and to rub it in my face while he’s at it. He hasn’t invited me to one of his parties in years. Not since Maxim and Erin’s... incident. He loves making a big production out of inviting the heads of all Seven Families—except me. As if I give a shit about his party.”

Her smile slips, her excitement draining from her face so fast it leaves me unsettled. The change is abrupt, stark enough to stop me mid-thought. “What’s wrong?” I ask, sharper than I mean to.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” she says too quickly, her voice tight. The flicker of fear in her eyes says otherwise.

“Kat,” I press, softening my tone. “What’s the matter? What did I say?”

She sighs, her shoulders slumping. “It’s nothing. Really.”

“Yeah, I’m not buying that,” I say, shaking my head. “It’s obviously something. I can see it all over your face. Don’t waste your breath denying it. Was it something I said?”

“No,” she scoffs, but the hesitation in her voice is palpable. Her lips part like she wants to say something, but then she stops herself. Finally, she speaks, her voice quiet. “It’s not you... it’s me, actually. It’s complicated. Really complicated.”

I cross my arms, frustration mounting. “I’ve got time.” My tone leaves no room for argument. Whatever’s upset her, I need to know. Iwillknow—and then I'll fix it.

She chews her bottom lip, her eyes darting away. “Nik, I—I can’t. It’s not just my story to tell.”

This woman and her endless secrets will be the death of me. Just when I think we’re getting somewhere, she reminds me of all the parts of her world I’m still locked out of.

“I see,” I say, even though I don’t. Not at all.

Whatever she sees there makes her sigh. She opens her mouth, closes it, then tries again. After several moments, she finally speaks, her voice low and unsteady.

“Nik, I need you to understand...you and I met during a very complicated time in my life. I need you to be patient, to be understanding. There are things I have to do to keep my friends—and myself—safe. Things I can’t tell you yet.”

Her words hit me like a gut punch, but the vulnerability in her tone keeps my anger at bay.

“If you’re in danger, I need to know,” I say firmly.

“It’s not that simple?—”

“It’s nonnegotiable,” I cut her off, my voice hard.

She sighs again, shoulders slumping. “Look, like I said, I can’t tell you everything right now. It’s complicated.”

I clench my jaw, every instinct screaming to demand answers, to push harder. But I force myself to take a breath, to speak evenly. “Then tell me what you can. Give me something, Kat.Anything.”

She blinks, and for a moment, I brace for her to shut me out again. Frustration churns inside me—I must’ve said something wrong—but then she speaks.

“I guess I could tell you it’s related to the Flame of Mir,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “That’s why I took it. I had to—there was no other choice. A.J. got involved with someone dangerous, and he figured out how to use her to control me.”

Her words hit like a hammer to the chest. Whatever I thought she might say, it wasn’t that. I stare at her, processing, my mind racing to piece together the implications. Then everything screeches to a halt when I notice the look in her eyes—pure, unmasked fear.

---