Page 14 of Bound By Revenge

His expression darkens. Clearly, it was the wrong thing to say.

“Is that why you’re in such a hurry? Do you have another man waiting for you at home?” His voice hardens. “If you’re hungry for more, I’m happy to oblige. No need to leave. As a matter of fact, I’ll have to insist. I don’t share.Ever. So, whatever plans you had with him are officially canceled. Indefinitely. You’re spending the night with me.

Unfortunately for him, that’s the worst thing he could have said. After months at the beck and call of one controlling man, the last thing I need is another who thinks he can claim me so easily.

Nik was the lay of the century, no question. But hell will freeze over before I let another man dictate my life.

If we had more time, I might have let him bend me over and spank me. Or fuck me—maybe both. But just because I might play submissive between the sheets doesn’t mean I’ll submit to him—or anyone else—in any real sense. I’ll always be my own mistress.

If Nik thinks otherwise, I need to get out of here fast.

In the end, it doesn’t even matter, anyway. I need to cut all ties with anything and anyone even remotely related to this party. Any lasting connections could land me in jail—or, even worse, dead.

That is why I push him away, hard enough to catch him off guard.

“Whether I have a man—or a hundred—waiting for me at home is none of your business,” I say, my tone suddenly sharper.

My shift in demeanor throws him off, and he doesn’t move to grab me again

“Maybe not at first,” he says, voice laced with the same tone, “but you made it my business when you begged me to make you come earlier.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you,” I reply coolly. “Why don’t we agree to part as friends?”

He studies me, his gaze intense as if searching for something in my expression.

Time seems to stand still—until the faint chime of a microphone breaks through the silence.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the fireworks display will begin in ten minutes,” a voice announces, cheerful and completelyoblivious. “Please join us in the main gardens before the clock strikes midnight!”

Fuck. I jerk upright, my heart skipping. “Midnight?” I gasp, my voice sharp with panic. “Shit, I lost track of time.”

I shove him out of the way, my dress still twisted around my hips as I grab my clutch and bolt for the door. Just as my hand touches the handle, it hits me—I’m barefoot. Where the hell are my shoes? My eyes sweep the room, landing on them under the desk.

Before I can make a move, Nik’s right there, fingers curling around my wrist. Then he’s standing between me and my Louboutins, and my shoes are officially out of reach

Four thousand dollars. Gone. Fuck me.

I grit my teeth and twist the handle anyway. “This was fun, but I gotta go!” I throw over my shoulder as I start to pull away.

“Wait,” he says, his voice low and dangerous enough to stop me mid-step. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“I can’t stay,” I snap, trying to sound firm while my heart pounds like crazy. “I have to go. Now.”

His dark eyes narrow, his grip tightening just enough to make me hesitate. “Why?” His tone is quiet but sharp. “What’s the rush?”

I hesitate, but there’s no time for explanations. Thestronzois waiting, and he doesn’t do patience. I yank free of Nik's hold, open the door, and step outside.

“Thanks, this was nice!” I call over my shoulder, trying to keep things light even as my pulse races.

He stands in the doorway, staring after me, and for half a second, I think I’ve made it. Then I hear his footsteps, heavy and deliberate, right behind me. He catches my wrist again, spinning me around so fast I nearly trip over my own feet.

“Where the fuck are you going?” he growls, his voice low and razor-sharp. "What are you running from?”

I meet his gaze, putting on my best poker face and yanking my arm free. “Sorry,” I say, even though I’m not. “I’m on a tight schedule.”

I bolt before he can stop me, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Wait!” he calls after me, his voice cutting through the night. “At least tell me your name!”

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