Page 81 of Bound By Revenge

“Why are you so fucking nosy?” he snarls, his face an inch from mine. He shakes me hard enough that my teeth clatter, his fingers digging painfully into my arms. Bruises—there’ll definitely be bruises. “You ask too many goddamn questions. Especially for a thief.”

“Put me down,” I snap, trying not to sound as rattled as I feel.

“Want to know how I felt about Maxim?” he growls, his grip tightening on my shoulders. “Fine, I’ll tell you. He was a lucky asshole, plain and simple. His whole life, he was always in the right place at the right time. That’s how he got everything—everything. He didn’t deserve to be second-in-command. He didn’t earn it. He never earned a damn thing in his miserable life. And whatever wasn’t handed to him? He just took it.”

His voice drops, colder now. “Like Erin McGuire. Maxim cuckolded Lorenzo like it was nothing, like he wasentitledto myfriend’s fiancée. That’s who Maxim was. And if you don’t watch your mouth, you might just get to meet him yourself real soon.”

His green eyes burn with pure hatred, and I know he’s not bluffing.

Before I can respond, Nik’s voice cuts through the air, dripping with pure, murderous rage. “What thefuckdo you think you’re doing? You have two seconds to let her go, or you won’t leave this room alive. Touch her again, and I’ll make you wish you were never born.”

Chapter 31

Kat

Vladmir setsme down so quickly I stumble backward, my legs unsteady.

Before I can catch myself, an arm wraps around my waist, pulling me against a solid chest that’s practically trembling with anger.

I glance up and see Nik’s face—only it’s not the Nik I know. This isn’t the man who held me in his arms as I cried, whispering sweet nothings in Russian to me. This is Nikolai Stefanovich, thepakhanof thebratva. His eyes burn with a fire I’ve never seen before, pure rage barely held in check.

In front of me, Vladmir’s face drains of color, his usual confidence nowhere to be found.

“Prosti duraka, pakhan. Ya ne khotel tebya obidet. Ya bol’she tak ne budu,” Vladmir mutters, his voice unsteady.

Nik doesn’t let go of me. His voice is low, calm, and cold enough to make my stomach twist. “Don’t fucking apologize to me. You knew better than to touch her. I should kill you where you stand. You know exactly what happens to anyone who lays a hand on my woman.”

“I understand,pakhan,” Vladmir says quickly, his head bowed. “It won’t happen again. Forgive me. I’ll accept whatever punishment you decide.”

Nik tilts his head slightly, his grip on me tightening. “Get the fuck out of my sight. You’ve caused enough of a scene.”

I glance around and notice the stares. Half the room is watching, their whispers buzzing like static.

“I’ll deal with you later,” Nik says, his tone so cold it sends a shiver through me.

Vladmir gives a stiff nod and walks away, his steps quick and silent, leaving the room without a word.

Nik spins me around until I’m facing him. His gaze sweeps over my face, searching, like he’s trying to figure out exactly how I’m feeling. “I’m sorry” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“For what?” I ask, genuinely confused.

His brows pull together, like I’ve just asked the dumbest question. “For Vladmir. What else?” He pulls me tight against his chest, his lips brushing the top of my head. “He shouldn’t have touched you. I’m sorry. Did he hurt you?”

“Nik,” I say, scoffing softly, “I’m fine. Really.”

He pulls back slightly, his eyes narrowing as if he’s checking for any damage I’m hiding.

“I mean it,” I insist. “You got here just in time, Prince Charming. Not that I needed you, of course. I had it under control.”

His lips twitch, and he scoffs this time. Pulling me closer again, he leans down to murmur near my ear, his voice low. “Prince Charming, huh?”

“More like Prince Terrifying,” I tease, giving his chest a playful shove before pressing my face into it. “I didn’t know that side of you,kotyonok.”

He freezes for half a second, then pulls back to look at me, his eyes gleaming with something between amusement and surprise. “What did you just call me?”

I laugh nervously. “Did I say it wrong?”

He raises an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth tugging up. “You meant to saykotyonok?” His pronunciation rolls off his tongue perfectly, unlike my awkward attempt.

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