“We had sex. Once. It was a one-time thing. Two ships passing in the night. That’s all. Our relationship is strictly professional now.”
“So you admit we have a relationship.” He smirks. “Let me ask you this: do you see what happened between us earlier today as professional behavior? Damn, I should’ve hired you ages ago.”
“That was a momentary lapse of judgment. Nothing more.”
His smile grows wider. “Tell me, did you touch yourself after I left?”
The urge to throw my wine at him is strong, but I don’t give him the satisfaction. Instead, I surprise us both by playing along.
With a casual shrug, I set my glass down. “Actually, I didn’t. I decided to save it for later. You probably don’t know this, but I’m into delayed gratification. You should try it.”
He stares at me silently, his gaze both playful and calculating. “You don’t seem the type.”
“Just thought I'd wait until later—feel free to join me.”
His eyes darken as I lift my leg, stretching it under the island until my foot brushes his calf. He grabs my ankle, his grip firm. Inch by inch, I run my foot up his calf, before placing it on his stool seat, right between his thighs.
A dangerous spark flickers in his gaze as it meets mine. “I know what you’re doing.”
“I know.” I slowly slide my foot up his thigh. As I'm about to reach his crotch, he grabs my foot and keeps it still.
“You don’t want to go down this road with me again,” he warns, but a hint of uncertainty slips through his words.
“Oh, but I do.”
He has no clue how much. It's never a chore to flirt with him. But maybe, just maybe, getting him to like me is the answer to all my problems. Perhaps he’ll think twice about hurting me or A.J. if he starts to care about me.
Plus, he might be exactly what I’ve been looking for—a powerful ally to fight thestronzo. Maybe a little sweet talk will convince the big, badbratvaboss to protect me.
Nik won't release my foot, so I play with the top button of my blouse.
"Don't even think about it."
“Too late," I say, unbuttoning my shirt.
“Kat—”
I disregard him. The feeling of power is almost intoxicating. I’ve got him. Even if he can manipulate me into working for him, it doesn't matter. He wants me—badly. I can exploit his desire for me.
I slowly releasing another button, revealing the swell of my breast. He mumbles something in a language I don't understand, and I pause. Time to put my theory to the test. “What are you saying?”
He looks at me, puzzled.
“What you just said… Is that Russian?”
"Yeah," he says, staring at my boobs.
“What does it mean? Was it a curse word?” I twirl a button near my belly button, teasing him.
His eyes narrow. “What if I don't want to tell you?” he asks, already knowing the answer.
“I'll stop.” I button up his shirt, smiling.
In one swift motion, he stands, releasing my foot. Then he scoops me up from my chair, lifting me into his arms. He doesn't say anything, just goes to the counter and plops me down.
He roughly pushes my legs apart and stands between them. With a sharp tug, he pulls me forward until his hard cock presses against my bare pussy. Grabbing my neck, he yanks me close. Our foreheads touch, breaths mingling.
“I warned you not to toy with me.I’m starting to think you want me to punish you.”