Page 44 of Bound By Revenge

I sigh, reaching for the remote. We'll never finish this video if he keeps hitting pause. “Nothing. Just a little parting gift from your man, Boris.”

His face hardens as he reaches out. “Let me see.”

“I don’t think so,” I say, trying to grab the remote. The faster we get through this, the sooner I’m done here.

“What are you doing?” he asks, exasperated.

“You’re hogging the remote, Nik. I'm trying to watch this video, but you keep pausing it every five seconds.”

“Tough luck. My house, my remote.”

“Seriously? Are you really that controlling? Didn't you ever learn to share your toys with the other children?”

He breathes out a heavy sigh. Closing his eyes, he rubs a hand across his face and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Alright, I’ll tell you what—because I’m a reasonable man, I’ll make you a deal. Let me look at your head, and I’ll hand it over.” He stuffs the remote in his back pocket.

I study him. I'm fast enough to snag it, but that would mean... touching him. More precisely, it would mean tackling him and fondling his ass. And God only knows what would happen then.

“Fine,” I snap. “But be gentle—it’s tender.” I turn my head, brushing my hair aside.

He leans in, his fingers grazing my scalp, light and careful. Still, I wince at his touch.

“Sorry,” he says softly. He probes the area a bit more. “My men did this.

“Yep. Boris’s buddy knocked me around when I fought back,” I say, uncertain if he's asking a question or just making an observation.

“I’m sorry, Kat. He’ll pay for hurting you.”

His cold tone startles me. It’s so easy to forget that, beneath his charm, he’s a ruthless man.

He stands up abruptly.

“Where are you going?” I ask.

“I’ll be right back. I’ll get you some ice and aspirin, and I’ll call someone to come take a look at that bump.”

“You mean like a doctor?”

He gives me a strange look, as if my question is absurd. "Yeah, a doctor, Kat. Head injuries are a big deal. You could have a concussion, or even worse.”

I scoff. Men are so dramatic…

“You're being ridiculous. I’m fine. It’s just a little bruise. It’ll be gone by tomorrow. Let’s finish watching this.”

“I don’t think so. Just a minute.”

I can only watch helplessly as he exits the room. True to his promise, he’s back in an instant, with an ice pack and a glass of water in hand.

Nik hands me the drink, then reaches behind his back and pulls a bottle of aspirin from his pocket.

"Go ahead," he says, putting the ice pack on my head.

I humor him, but give him a dirty look. Obviously, I don’t want a headache, but that doesn't mean I like his bossy attitude.

“Thanks,” I mumble, drinking the water.

He watches, satisfied. “The doctor will be here later.”

I roll my eyes. “Nik?—”

---