Page 106 of Bound By Revenge

“First of all,” I start, my voice rising to match his intensity, “if you retaliate, it means war. Wasn’t the whole point of this scheme to avoid that?

His gaze softens, but his resolve doesn’t waver. “Things change,kiska. If he wants war this badly, I’ll give it to him.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I do,” he says, his voice calm but unyielding. “It’s time to end this. Enough is enough.” His fingers slip into my hair, and the tenderness of his touch is at odds with the steely determination in his eyes.

I shiver under his intense gaze, but I push past it. “Nik,” I say, my voice trembling with anger now, “this is a mistake. You’ve said it yourself—he’s dangerous. You’re rushing into this without thinking it through.”

He shakes his head slowly, his lips quirking into a faint, almost amused smile. “It’ll be fine,kiska. You’ll see.”

“You don’t know that!” My voice cracks under the weight of my frustration, the fear clawing its way to the surface. “If you won’t listen to reason, then at least don’t be stupid enough to go after him yourself. What’s the point of having an entire army if you can’t send them to do your dirty work?”

He chuckles, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead. “I’d never do that. I can’t ask my men to risk their lives for thebratvaif I’m not willing to do the same.”

I scoff, the tightness in my chest making it hard to breathe. “That’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever said.”

“Besides,” he says, his tone firm, ignoring my interruption, “this is too personal. He took my best friend from me, tried to harm my woman, and even plotted to steal her from me. It’ll be my pleasure to end him myself.”

“Nik—” I start, my voice faltering. I’m not too proud to beg, but the look in his eyes stops me. It’s pointless. He’s made up his mind, and nothing I say will change it.

His gaze flicks to Dmitri. “I need you to stay here.”

Dmitri groans, his frustration palpable. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“You’ll stay and protect Kat,” Nik says with finality.

“Kat will be fine here, Nik. She doesn’t need me. My place is with you,” Dmitri counters, his tone pleading.

Nik’s jaw tightens as he shakes his head. “I can’t go after McGuire unless I know with absolute certainty that she’s safe.”

Dmitri’s glare matches mine as he sighs, “Come on, man. Don’t do this to me.

Nik’s voice softens slightly, but his resolve remains unshaken. “This isn’t a punishment, Dmitri. It’s the highest honor responsibility I can give. Kat’s safety means everything to me. And there’s no one I trust more than you—you’re the closest thing I have to family now.”

Dmitri hesitates, visibly torn, and I realize it’s up to me to intervene. “No, Dmitri’s right. I’ll be fine here. You should let him go with you, Nik.”

Nik turns his scowl on us. “You two seem confused about how this works. This isn’t a democracy,” he says, his voice rising.

“Please,” I beg, my voice cracking despite my best efforts to keep it steady. “Let him go with you. Please. For me. I’ll feel better knowing he’s watching your back.” My throat tightens, and my vision blurs as tears threaten to spill.

Nik exhales sharply, rolling his eyes in that exasperated way of his before pulling me into his arms again. His lips press a soft kiss to my forehead, and I feel the faintest curve of a smile against my skin. “Come on,kiska,” he murmurs, his tone gentle but teasing. “I’m flattered, but there’s no need to cry for me. I’ll be fine. I don’t need mybratishkato hold my hand.”

Beside us, Dmitri stiffens. The sharp intake of his breath breaks the silence, and his stunned expression tells me that whatever Nik said meant something deeply sentimental. Dmitri’s uncharacteristic silence only confirms it.

Nik holds me close for a moment longer, his thumb tracing soothing circles at my temple. “You’re both worrying over nothing,” he says with a quiet confidence that feels unshakable.

I grab fistfuls of Nik’s sweater, tugging him closer, my voice trembling. “Please,” I whisper, pressing a soft kiss to the warm skin of his throat. “For me.”

I expect him to refuse immediately, but he hesitates, his jaw clenching as if waging an internal battle. Finally, he exhales sharply. “I have one condition,” he says, his voice low but firm. “You stay inside the penthouse. You’ll listen to my men—no sneaking out, no arguments.”

Relief floods through me, and I nod quickly. “Okay. I promise.”

His eyes search mine, lingering a moment longer before he adds, “Actually, I’ve got a better idea. You’ll lock yourself in my bedroom with the gun I gave you. If anyone who isn’t me comes through the door—” His gaze hardens. “You shoot them. No hesitation.”

“No problem,” I reply instantly, my voice steady. If this is what it takes for him to agree, I’ll do it.

His lips curve into a faint smile as he presses a lingering kiss to the top of my head. “Good girl. Now go.” Then, as if to ease the tension, he gives my butt a light swat. Still teary-eyed, I can’t even bring myself to roll my eyes, let alone protest.

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