Page 78 of Bound By Revenge

“You don’t have to,” I say quickly. “If you don’t want to go, we’ll figure something else out.”

She pulls back just enough to look at me, her eyes steady. “No, I need to go. I’m done letting that man control my life. And if it means helping you take down the person who took Maxim from you… I’m in.” Her voice wavers just slightly, her lips trembling before she pulls herself together.

I groan again, dragging a hand through my hair. “Kiska?—”

She cuts me off, shrugging, her lips quirking into a teasing smile. “Besides, I know you’ll keep me safe.”

I meet her gaze, my own softening. “With my life,” I say, the words leaving no room for doubt.

Chapter 30

Kat

The feelof Nik’s hands on my skin is exactly what I need tonight.

His callused palm brushes against mine as he helps me out of the sleek black limousine. The warmth of his touch makes my heart race, and for a moment, I almost forget the possibility of him being here tonight.

Almost.

As thedonof the Italian family, Giuseppe Salvatore—the man I unaffectionately call thestronzo—could very well be at this party. The thought of facing him while Nik is close by sends a chill down my spine.

Nik notices immediately. “Are you cold? You should’ve worn something that actually covers you,kiska,” he says, already shrugging out of his suit jacket.

I stop him with a quick smile. “I’m fine. Beauty is pain.”

He’s not wrong. My backless pink silk dress may be gorgeous, but it’s utterly impractical in this sharp coastal breeze. Still, I stop him before he can drape his jacket over my shoulders. I need to stay sharp tonight, and seeing him undress—even slightly—would make that impossible.

He leans closer, his voice a low rasp against my ear. “Then you must be in constant agony.”

I laugh, my nerves easing just a little. “You silver-tongued devil. Do you shamelessly flirt with all the women working for you, or am I just lucky?”

“Oh, you’re lucky,” he murmurs, his hands sliding to my waist and pulling me closer. “You’ve got no idea how lucky you are. Let me show you.”

He pulls my hips tightly against his, and the hard bulge I feel against my stomach teals my breath. I gasp, heat rushing through me as his smirk deepens.

Shimmying against him, I’m about to toss out a flirty comeback when our host cuts in.

“Nikolai! Kat!” Patrick McGuire calls out, striding down the steps with a wide grin. “Great to see you both. I’m so glad you could make it.”

“McGuire,” Nik says coolly, shaking the man’s hand.

Patrick turns to me, his smile widening as he takes my hand and kisses it—over the top and clearly for show. Nik tenses beside me, his shoulders going rigid.

“Kat,” McGuire says, holding my gaze a little too long. “Welcome to my home.”

“Thanks, Patrick,” I say, letting my lips curve into an easy smile. “Beautiful place you’ve got here.”

“I’m glad you like it,” he says with a laugh. “I’d love to show you around later. But first, Nikolai, you have to see my new yacht. I’m guessing you haven’t had the pleasure yet?”

“Not yet,” Nik says dryly.

“Well, you’re in for a treat. Kat, would you like to come with us?” Patrick asks, throwing a glance my way.

“With these heels?” I scoff, gesturing to my four-inch stilettos. “You two have fun. I’ll find myself a drink.”

“You sure?” McGuire asks, a polite frown creasing his face.

“Positive. Go ahead.” I wave them off and head toward the house.

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