Page 93 of Bound By Revenge

Nik turns, his jaw locked tight, his eyes like dark storms as they meet mine. I’ve never seen him look so furious. “You’re damn right I did,” he growls, his voice low and simmering with danger. “You’remine. And anyone who eventhinksabout laying a finger on you will answer to me.”

I gape at him, stunned, but before I can respond, he leans closer, his voice dropping into something darker, deadlier. “A broken hand was mercy. The next bastard who touches you? I’ll put him in the ground myself.”

Chapter 36

Kat

I stare at Nik,my heart hammering in my chest.

“Eyes on the road,” he snaps. I don’t even think—I just do it, hands tightening on the wheel.

My thoughts are a mess, tangled and racing, and my pulse feels like it’s trying to burst out of my throat. This man—this wild, absolutely unhinged, ridiculously hot man—will be the death of me. And yet, if I somehow survive him, I doubt I’ll even recognize who I am anymore. Because, so help me God, I can’t deny it: when Nik stared into my eyes and calmly threatened to kill anyone who dared to touch me, I wasn’t scared.

I wasthrilled.

Not terrified. Not worried.

Thrilled.

Real bullets are flying. Angry mobsters are hunting us down. And all I can think about is jumping into Nik’s arms and begging him to ruin me so completely I forget my own name.

“Kat, pull into that driveway,” Nik says suddenly, pointing to a narrow turnoff on the right. His voice is clipped, urgent. “Now. Before they come around the bend.”

I cut the wheel and swerve into the driveway, the gravel crunching beneath the tires as I slow the car. “Why are we stopping?” I ask, glancing at him.

“Out,” he says, already throwing his door open.

“What—?” I barely have time to blink before he’s yanking open my door and dragging me out like I weigh nothing.

“Nik—what are you doing?” I stammer, but he’s not listening. Vladmir is already sliding into my seat, slamming the door behind him.

The engine growls to life, and I gape. “Why is Vlad?—”

“They’ll follow the car,” Nik cuts me off, his grip firm as he pulls me into the shadows lining the driveway. His voice is low, calm—but charged with an edge that sends a shiver down my spine. “Not us. Now stay close.”

I stare at the car as it speeds off, still trying to process what’s happening. I look up at Nik, my confusion spilling out. “What are we even doing here?”

“Hiding,” he says simply, tugging me toward the house ahead. His eyes dart around, scanning the quiet street and windows. “Good. Nobody’s home,” he murmurs, more to himself than me, as he leads me to the backyard, tucking us out of sight.

“And now what?” I ask, my patience wearing thin.

“Now, we wait,” Nik replies, leaning casually against the wall like we’re not on the run from armed men.

“Wait for what?” I snap. “Why are we even here? And where the hell did Vladmir go?”

Nik’s gaze flicks back to me, steady and unbothered. “This was the first safe spot I saw. Vladmir’s leading McGuire’s men away from us.”

“Why?” I press, crossing my arms.

“They were too close. I didn’t want them catching up to us with you in the car. And to be honest…” He hesitates, thensmirks faintly. "I wasn’t sure how much longer you’d hold it together before you wrapped us around a tree.”

I gape at him, offended. “Well,excuse mefor not being calm, cool, and collected whilebulletswere flying past my head! This might be just another day in the office for you, Nik, but newsflash—it’snotfor me.”

Nik lets out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. “Kat, I didn’t mean it like that. You did great—better than most people would’ve in that situation. I just…” His voice softens, and something raw flickers in his eyes. “I’m just trying to keep you safe. I promised I would, and you shouldn’t have been in danger to begin with. That’s on me. I’m sorry—more than I can say.”

“Oh, please.” I wave a dismissive hand. “I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

“I know,” he says with a small, reluctant smile. “You did get us that getaway car, after all.”

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