Page 11 of Brazen King

“I suggest you behave unless you want me to strangle you right here and now,” I warn, letting my voice dip into a deadly register.

The assassin nods, and I ease up on his neck just enough to let him suck in a ragged breath.

“Now, let’s take off that mask and reveal who’s behind Old Man Sokolov’s unshakeable reign?”

My taunting question triggers a fresh wave of defiance, but I have the youth so thoroughly pinned down now, there’s nothing he can do.

Gripping the top of his mask, I give it a firm jerk, pulling the stretchy nylon up over his head in one swift motion.

And my jaw nearly hits the floor.

“As I live and breathe.” I stare down at myfemalecaptive, my thoughts racing. “Natasha Sokolov?” I murmur.

“I’d rather hoped you wouldn’t be by now,” she retorts scathingly.

Deep, genuine laughter rumbles up from my chest, reminding me of how close we are to one another. And suddenly, I’m distinctly aware of the subtle curves beneath her bodysuit.

But Boris Sokolov’s younger daughter looks far from amused. In fact, Natasha glares up at me with such intense hatred, I’m surprised I haven’t burst into flames.

She’s the masked assassin? His secret weapon that’s taken out his potential rivals before they could become a real threat?

My mind reels as I try to make those puzzle pieces fit together.

Never in a million years would I have thought that the shy, demure little princess could be so lethal.

Hell, she almost bested me, and I’m nearly twice her size in muscle alone. But where I might be strong and powerful, I’ve never seen anyone as quick and flexible as Natasha. And her confidence in her skill with a blade is unparalleled—for good reason.

This stunning beauty had me completely fooled. She plays such a poised young woman in public. So soft and gentle and petite. And during the few conversations we’ve shared in passing, I’ve always found her wildly attractive if not a bit timid.

I never dreamed the elegant, almost fragile-looking brunette could be so fiery and fierce. She might look like a ballerina, but she’s a force to be reckoned with.

And as she breathes heavily now, fluttering loose strands of her neatly French braided hair fall into her face, I suddenly find her intoxicatingly appealing.

Thisis a woman who could give me a run for my money.

I can feel her vitality thrumming beneath my body. And that makes me want her all the more. The sexual tension is palpable, and though she’s looking at me with murderous fury, I suspect that if I kissed her, she wouldn’t try to stop me.

“Tell me, love,” I murmur playfully. “Now that I’ve got you at my mercy, what should I do with you?”

5

NATASHA

Heart hammering in my throat, I war between fear and fury. The audacity of this cocky Irishman is beyond fathom. And the suggestion in his voice combined with the heat of his light-green gaze steals my breath away—as does the weight of his bare, muscular chest and thick forearm pressing against my throat.

I can’t help but notice the powerful veins that run from the back of his hand up his thick wrist and over his bulging bicep. Each carrying his life force beneath his heavily tattooed skin. I don’t see an inch that hasn’t been covered by some masterful design.

Everything about this man screams masculine strength.

And I could feel it the second he turned the tables on me.

It only took a moment’s hesitation for me to lose the upper hand. He was waiting for it. Ready to crush me. My throat is raw from just how close he came to succeeding. I swallow forcefully as I refuse to drop my gaze.

I might be trapped, but I’m not backing down.

And I suppose that means we’ll find out just what kind of beast he is tonight.

“Considering you did sneak in with the intention of killing me,” Killian purrs, his lilting voice dangerously appealing for someone so threatening. “It seems only fair that I should take your life.”

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