Page 41 of Claim

“Is this a game for you? You think I haven’t worked you out and know exactly how to play to win?”

I tilt my head and study her reaction as she swallows. Releasing my hold, she stumbles away. I expect her to be furious.

“You think you can win my game, Mikhail? You don’t know me or what I want,” she snaps back.

I nod, my heart hammering in my chest.So, so wrong, pretty girl.

“I know you want to run. And I also know that you want me to chase you, catch you and throw you against a tree and have my wicked way with you.”

Her eyes dart from left to right, weighing up her options. Her gaze settles on my crotch and I smirk. She gets to me, I can’t help it.

“Run, pretty girl. I will catch you, and I am going to enjoy every second of ruining you when I get my hands on you.”

CHAPTER 20

ANASTASIA

Holy shit,what the hell am I doing?

Why can’t I stop myself when it comes to winding him up? That look in his eyes, it was a warning.

An exciting one. His smouldering gaze lit me up like a damn firework.

He watches me, almost with amusement. I take a deep breath, the scent of pine filling my lungs as I kick off my heels.

With one final grin playing on my lips, I slowly retreat, the silence amplifying my every step.

“Looks like you better catch me then,” I tell him before turning my back to him and take off in a sprint.

Grabbing a fistful of my dress, I yank it up to give me more space to run. The tree line is my only hope. Once I’m there, I can disappear among the brush and lose him. I can feel him gaining on me, but I’m faster. It may be my only chance to escape.

The icy ground sends a jolt through my foot each time they land making me wince, yet the adrenaline keeps me moving.

Maybe I’ve lost him? Slowing to a stop, I rest my hand on a trunk and try to catch my breath. It’s so still. Eerily silent.

Just as I go to make a hard turn left, the world blurs as I crash, my face impacting his hard chest with a jarring thud.

His hands tighten around my waist, a possessive grip that both thrills and frightens me.

“Too easy, pretty girl,” he drawls.

I push against him, but he holds me tighter, a low chuckle rumbling in his throat.

Okay. New plan.

“Mikhail. T-there’s a guy behind you.” I put as much fear in my voice as I can.

As predicted, with a swift, practiced movement, he sweeps me behind him, the leather of his holster creaking as his gun comes free.

I take the opportunity to slide away from his back, getting out of his grip.

“Anastasia,” he growls.

Shit, that was hot. I let out a giggle. I can’t help myself. Without looking back, I run.

“You best keep running, baby. For both of our sakes,” he growls. “Don’t let me catch you again. Remember, I’m a monster.”

How am I both scared and incredibly turned on?

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