Page 82 of Bound By Revenge

“Yes,kotyonok,” I repeat, still stumbling over the word.

“Where did you learn that?” His eyes light up, and his grin stretches wider as he bites his bottom lip, looking so pleased it makes me smile. It takes everything in me not to grab him and kiss him right then and there.

“Well, you wouldn’t tell me whatkiskameant,” I say with a shrug, my tone light but pointed. “Even though you’ve been calling me that nonstop.”

He arches a brow, but I keep going. “So, I asked Irina. You know, when I hit her up for herPelmenirecipe. Figured I’d kill two birds with one stone.”

His expression shifts, wary now. “And?”

“She wouldn’t tell me either,” I continue, crossing my arms with mock exasperation. “I even tried to bribe her, but no dice. All she did was laugh her ass off. Then, when she finally caught her breath, she said I should start calling youkotyonokin return.”

Nik groans, rubbing a hand over his face. “Of course she did.”

Then he chuckles, his grip on me tightening possessively. “You’re just the gift that keeps on giving, you know that?” he murmurs, tilting my chin up so his mouth hovers just over mine. His forehead presses against mine, his breath mingling with mine.

“You’re one to talk,” I reply, and he smiles, that rare, disarming smile that makes my stomach flip.

Our eyes lock, and the moment stretches between us, timeless and electric. My heart races, but this time it’s not because of the adrenaline still lingering from my fight with Vladmir. It’s him. All him.

I sigh, reluctant to break the spell but knowing I have to. “What are you going to do with Vladmir?”

“Don’t worry about it,” he rasps, his lips brushing my cheek. Goosebumps erupt across my skin, momentarily distracting me.

“Nik…”

He sighs, leaning back just enough to meet my gaze. He knows me well enough to understand I won’t let it go. “I’m well within my rights to kill him, Kat. He knows that. He’s lucky I didn’t kill him on the spot. He knows the rules. No one touches what’s mine. No one.”

I gasp, horrified. “Nik! I don’t like the guy, but that doesn’t mean I want his death on my conscience forever.”

“I shouldn’t have said anything,” he mutters, almost to himself. “Forget it. I don’t want you wasting another second thinking about him.”

I tug at his jacket, refusing to drop it. “But?—”

He squeezes my hand, cutting me off. “Fine. I’ll figure out something that won’t upset you. Happy now?”

I narrow my eyes. “I’d be happier if you promised no maiming or murdering. Come on, you can give me that.”

With a soft laugh, he grabs me by the neck, pulling me close until we’re face-to-face again. His sudden nearness overwhelms me, every one of my senses focused solely on him. He rubs his nose against mine, amusement playing on his lips and glittering in his eyes.

The duality of man—a ruthless mob boss who gives nose-to-nose kisses…

Rising onto my toes, I brush my lips against his. He sighs softly, but neither of us deepens the kiss right away. I tilt myhead slightly, marveling at the softness of his lips, parting mine just enough to glide along his bottom lip. His eyes flutter shut, and when I run the tip of my tongue over the center of his lip, a quiet gasp escapes him. His hand finds my hair, threading through it and holding me closer.

Then something vibrates between us.

The spell breaks, and I step back, straightening as Nik curses under his breath. He reaches inside his jacket, pulling out a vibrating phone.

His eyes stay locked on mine as he answers it, his voice sharp. “This better be fucking life or death, Dmitri.”

I smirk, amused by his irritation. He notices, raising a brow, his expression still tinged with frustration.

“I’m sorry,” he says after a moment, lowering the phone slightly. “I need to take this. Stay here. I’ll be right back.” He squeezes my hand once before turning away, already barking something in Russian into the phone as he exits the room.

With a sigh, I sink back onto the stool I was sitting on before Vladmir’s outburst. I glance around the room, my mind replying the kiss, the feeling of his lips still fresh on mine.

That’s when I spot McGuire.

He’s leaning casually against the doorway, watching me with an intrigued expression. His smirk is knowing, far too amused for my liking. He raises his glass in a silent toast, his wink only adding to my unease.

---