Page 61 of Bound By Revenge

“I appreciate the sentiment, McGuire,” Nik replies at last, his tone clipped but polite. Then, with a casualness that feelsanything but, he adds, “Let me introduce you to my fiancée, Katherine Devereaux. Kat, this is Patrick McGuire.”

McGuire’s eyebrows shoot up, nearly vanishing into his hairline as he gives me a once-over, his sharp eyes lingering a little too long.

Fiancée? The word slams into me like a freight train.Thanks for the heads-up, Nik. Schooling my features into a polite smile, I take McGuire’s offered hand gingerly.

“Fiancée?” he repeats, his smile widening, all charm and curiosity. “Well, this is a surprise. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kat.”

“Likewise,” I reply smoothly, leaning into Nik’s side for effect. His hand shifts slightly, sliding over my stomach in a gesture so possessive it almost feels like a warning. McGuire’s sharp gaze doesn’t miss a beat.

“And how long have you two been seeing each other?” he asks, his tone casual, but I can hear the undercurrent of intrigue.

“Oh, not long,” I say, letting out a soft laugh. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind romance.”

“What can I say?” Nik cuts in, shrugging one broad shoulder, his voice effortlessly smooth. “When you know, you know.”

I glance up at Nik and find him already watching me, his dark eyes burning with the same intensity they held the night we met. The heat in his gaze pulls me closer, and I instinctively press my body against his. His arm tightens around my waist, sending an unmistakable message to anyone watching.

McGuire chuckles, his curiosity clearly piqued. “Well, I’ll take your word for it. But Kat, you must share a little about yourself. I’m dying to know more about the woman who’s managed to melt Nikolai’s famously cold heart.”

Turning my attention to him, I catch his eyes sparkling with open interest. They dart to Nik’s hand resting firmly on me, as ifevery detail of our interaction is another puzzle piece for him to study.

Smiling, I ask, “What would you like to know? I’m afraid I’m not nearly as fascinating as you gentlemen.”

McGuire lets out a sharp laugh, a bit too loud to be genuine. “Oh, I doubt that. Are you from around here?”

“I am,” I answer simply.

“And where did you two meet?” he asks, leaning in slightly.

I glance at Nik, sharing a look that implies the answer is an inside joke McGuire wouldn’t understand. “I guess you could say we met at work. Well,Iwas working, at least.”

Nik scoffs quietly, and McGuire’s interest sharpens even further.

“Fascinating. And what did you say you do for a living?” McGuire presses.

“I didn’t,” I reply breezily. “But if you really want to know, I guess you could call it acquisitions and procurement.” I add a light giggle, the playful edge in my tone deliberate.

Nik laughs under his breath, leaning down to press a quick kiss to my hair. McGuire watches us closely, practically buzzing with restrained curiosity.

“I can see why Nikolai is so taken with you, Kat,” he says smoothly. “Tell me, would you do me the honor of a dance? That is, of course, if Nikolai doesn’t mind.”

I glance at Nik, raising an eyebrow in question. His response is a cold yet impeccably polite smile that never quite reaches his eyes. “Not at all,” he says evenly. Then, meeting my gaze with deliberate intensity, he adds, “Kat knows to save the last dance for me.”

I smile teasingly at Nik, rising onto my toes. “Don’t worry, baby. I know exactly who I’m going home with tonight.” I brush a quick kiss against his lips, but he surprises me by pullingme closer and claiming my mouth in a hard, lingering kiss that leaves no room for doubt—or breath.

By the time he lets me go, I’m left slightly unsteady, unsure how much of that was for McGuire’s benefit and how much was something else entirely. Still, I manage a sweet smile for Nik before turning to take McGuire’s offered hand. He leads me to a small dance floor where a handful of couples sway to the music. As he pulls me into his arms as the song begins, his behavior surprisingly respectful. I’d half-expected him to hold me too tightly or let his hands wander, but instead, he behaves like a perfect gentleman.

McGuire chuckles softly. “Your Russian is staring daggers at me. Not that it's unusual—he’s done it before—but seeing him this worked up over a woman? Now that's a first.”

I glance over my shoulder, and sure enough, Nik's gaze is locked on us, dark and intense. I can’t quite tell how much of his display is calculated for McGuire’s benefit and how much is genuine jealousy. Nik might like to pretend he’s indifferent to me, but I know better. That said, nothing matters more to him than taking down the man I’m dancing with.

“He’s just protective,” I say, my tone light but pointed. With any luck, he’ll catch the hint that Nik might not handle it well if I were harmed.

“Protective, huh?” McGuire’s lips curve into a small smirk. “I can’t blame him. If I were in his shoes, I’d be just as protective of someone as stunning as you.”

I laugh softly, pretending to be charmed. “Oh, I’m sure you have plenty of stunning women vying for your attention. Far more beautiful than me.”

“I don’t know about that.” He tilts his head, his eyes glinting with amusement. “I’ll give Nikolai credit for this—he has an unrivaled eye for beauty.”

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