Page 21 of Wicked Embers

“You no longer have to worry about him, maya kotyonok.” His words make my heart squeeze and my eyes widen.

“You didn’t hurt him, did you?” I know my father is a first-class dick, but that doesn’t mean I really want him dead. “It wasn’t his fault I lost it.”

“On that, I don’t agree,” Radomir shakes his head, twirling the glass on the table. “Your father stole from you, did he not?”

“More like a long-term loan,” I say, sipping the heady golden liquid.

I put the glass on the table, resting my hand near the stem, and before I can pull away, Radomir takes it in his and examines the tender knuckles, running gentle fingers over the bruised skin. “Tomorrow, I’ll get my doctor to look at it.”

No!“ I pull my hand from his. “It’s nothing.”

“Still, it’s best to make sure,” Radomir tells me.

I have a feeling my objections will go unheard, so I just nod.

Three courses and two bottles of champagne later, I feel like I’m about to burst—I’m so full. We’re finishing off the champagne when an idea hits me.

“Let me win my freedom back,” I challenge, meeting his gaze as his eyebrows lift. “Best of five hands of poker.” I gulp down the last of my drink. “If I win, I go free, no strings attached.”

“And if I win?” Radomir leans his elbows on the table. His eyes darken as they scan my person, making me all tingly. “Do you agree to surrender to me—completely?Mine to keep body and soul?”

His voice dips and takes on a husky lilt that draws my eyes to his lips, and for an instant, I can picture them doing crazy things to my body.

“I…” I gulp and desire hums through me, every nerve alight with longing. Suddenly, all I want is his hands on my body. I clear my throat feeling my cheeks heat, and nod. “Ye… yes.”

Radomir’s smile widens, a predatory edge to his expression. I feel like I’ve just sold my soul to the devil—or at least challenged him for it.

“I’ll agree to this only if I get to choose what type of poker we play.” Radomir’s smile grows.

“Okay,” I agree. “I can play most games.”

He nods. “Alright then, let’s take this somewhere more appropriate, shall we?”

I nod, starting to feel like I’ve been duped somehow. Radomir slides his chair back, stands, and moves around behind me to help me out of my chair. He holds out his hand, and I place my unhurt hand in his.

His gaze fixed on me, he says. “This way.”

My stomach clenches as I allow him to lead me past the living room, the bathroom hiding my phone, and a few other doors. My heart starts picking up speed as I wonder if we’re going to his study. At the end of the hall, he stops and pushes open the door to the main bedroom, and I stiffen.

“We’ll sit at the table by the window.” Radomir points to it. “I thought it more private than in the living room, where one of my men could walk in.”

Stepping through the doorway, I feel like I’m following the white rabbit down a rabbit hole into a strange new world filled with forbidden temptations and dark desires.

“Why does it matter if anyone sees us playing poker?” I ask, my eyes flicking around the room. The massive king-size bed looms like a silent witness, its perfectly arranged pillows feel like they judging my shabby attire. A cozy seating area surrounds the flickering gas fire, and the round table near the window frames a stunning view of the glittering city skyline. Despite the luxury, unease prickles at my skin.

“Because, my beautiful Leigh...” His voice dips, smooth and dangerous, as he guides me to the chair. I sink into it, every nerve on edge as he leans in from behind. His warm breath brushes my ear, sending a shiver down my spine that I can’t suppress. “My game of choice is strip poker.”

I freeze, my heart thundering. My lips part to respond, to protest, but the words die in my throat when his hands rest on the back of my chair, trapping me. His tone darkens, his breath a whisper of seduction and command.

“And I never lose.”

The room feels smaller, the air heavier. A battle drums inside me—a collision of defiance and the pull of something deeper, something I don’t want to name. As I meet his eyes in the reflection of the glass, I realize one thing with alarming clarity: I’m playing a game far more dangerous than I imagined.

Chapter 9

RADOMIR

I pour the clear liquid into two crystal glasses, the sharp scent of premium vodka filling the air between us. Leigh shifts in her seat, her emerald eyes darting to the door, then back to me. She’s trying to mask her nerves, but the slight tremble of her fingers as she adjusts her hair betrays her.

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