Page 21 of Bound By Revenge

“No, not really.”

I sigh, frustrated. “I don’t think you fully understand the seriousness of your situation.”

“Oh, I understand. The leather restraints kind of give away how seriously fucked I am.” She gives a nonchalant shrug. “But that’s all I have to say.”

“If there’s something—anything—you can tell me to help your case, why not tell me now?”

“I have my reasons.”

I sigh again, bursting with frustration. I don’t know what to make of her. Or what to do with her, for that matter. I came in here intending to make her suffer for her crimes against me, but now, looking at her, I can’t quite bring myself to carry out the tortures I planned for the little thief.

“Is your friend A.J. part of those reasons? Because already I know she’s involved in this.”

She turns sharply, as much as the cuffs allow. She gives me the darkest, most serious look I’ve seen on her face. That’s how I know I’ve found her soft spot. “Leave her out of this, Nikolai. Whatever issues you have with me, they’re between us. You stay away from her.”

I consider taunting her, reminding her that she’s hardly in a position to make demands. But I don’t have the heart to threaten her friend, even if emptily, while she stares up at me with her big, blue eyes.

“I hope I’ll have no reason to even think about A.J. because I’m counting on you and I coming to an understanding.”

Her eyes dart to the bed and the cuffs restraining her to it, realization dawning as she shifts uncomfortably. All at once, she seems to become intensely aware of the fact that she’s been tied to a bed by a man who’s been sexually drawn to her from the start.

“What kind of understanding?” she asks, guarded.

“Not the kind you’re imagining. Unless you ask me very nicely, of course.”

She scoffs. “I wouldn’t hold my breath,Nikolai. Or whatever your real name is.”

“My nameisNikolai,” I say, letting a smile play on my lips. “I had no reason to lie to you about it. Nikolai Stefanovich, as I’m sure you know.”

She gasps, staring at me wide-eyed.

“I see that my reputation precedes me.”

“You have to believe me. I had no idea.If I’d known who you were, I’d have never?—”

“Stolen my most valuable possession and assisted with my best friend’s murder?”

Her mouth falls open. “Wait,what? I may have taken the diamond—allegedly, of course—but I did not kill anyone. I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

I study her reaction, watching for any sign of deceit. But her shock and outrage seem genuine.

“The night you stole the diamond—my oldest friend, Maxim, was murdered. Quite the coincidence, don’t you think?”

Her eyes widen in horror. “I would never—you must believe me. If you looked me up, then you know I don’t hurt people. I’m strictly white-collar. Ask anyone who knows me.”

I’d gathered as much during the past week. She’s a skilled thief, a con artist—but no record of violence. It’s not a guarantee of innocence, but at least it’s more than my desire to believe her.

“Let’s say I believe you weren’t involved in his death,” I say slowly. “You still stole from me. Surely you know I can’t just let that go.”

“Trust me, if I could go back in time, I would. As a rule of thumb, I try my best to avoid incurring the wrath of thebratva.”

“And yet, you did,” I say, my patience waning. “Which brings us back to why we’re here. I want my diamond back.”

“Unfortunately, I’m afraid that’s impossible. I don’t have it anymore.”

“Well, get it back, then. That’s my first condition.”

She shrugs, exasperated. “Like I said, I can’t. It’s gone. Choose something else.”

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