Page 21 of Savage Reign

My mind spins, sifting through all the information I’ve stored away over the years. “Th-there was no marriage to annul. The lawyers said it wasn’t legal, that the certificate was never submitted.”

“I’ll ask you again. Are you sure about that?”

I’m not sure of anything right now, but I refuse to accept what he’s saying. “You’re lying. Why would you marry me? I’m useless to you.”

He adjusts the cuff of his sleeve as if we’re simply having a chat. “I married you for leverage over the Syndicate. As sister-in-law to one of the most powerful men in the Russian underworld, you’re quite valuable.”

I notch my chin up. “It doesn’t matter. I was tricked into this… forced. It can’t be legal.”

He shrugs. “True, but I made it happen anyway. That’s what men like me do: force our will on others.” He trails a finger down my arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake. “And the best part is, after five long years, we finally consummated our marriage.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks at the reminder. It’s a mistake I’ll take to the grave but I can’t focus on that right now. I need to keep my wits about me because he’s obviously unhinged.

“Why do this?” I ask. “What is it you want from the Syndicate?”

Shadows cross his face, his jaw taut. “Roman and I are at an impasse over a deal. He needs a little incentive to see things my way. Taking you to live with me and making our marriage known to the Syndicate will help him come around.”

A sick feeling settles in my gut. Does he seriously believe that taking me will make a difference? Yes, Roman cares about me and would do anything for Liza, but the Syndicate’s a massive machine. I’m not the bargaining chip Nikolai thinks I am. And there’s no way in hell I’ll allow him to use me more than he already has.

I lift my chin. “I don’t care what you say. I won’t go anywhere with you willingly. My… my guards are downstairs, and if they don’t find me soon, they’ll rip apart this place looking for me.”

He gives me anice trysmile. “I think we both know that’s not true.”

I swallow hard. I could tell him my friends will start to worry, but I don’t think he’ll care. This situation has gone from bad to worse. My panic sharpens into resolve. I came out tonight to celebrate, and now my future is about to be yanked away. Well, fuck that.

I lift my foot and slam my heel down hard on his toes. The impact is followed by a hiss of pain. He swears a blue streak, and I take the opportunity to spin around and unlock the door. Before I can go anywhere, his arms wrap around me from behind, locking me in place.

“Don’t even think ab?—”

I throw my head back, my skull colliding with his nose. Pain explodes through my head, but it’s worth it. He grunts, loosening his grip enough for me to twist free.

I dart through the door, heading straight for the nearest staircase. Behind me, the bathroom door slams open, and Nikolai’s footsteps echo like gunfire, chasing after me.

Adrenaline floods my body, and I take the stairs two at a time. At the bottom, I veer into the main club, throwing myself headfirst into the chaos of the dance floor. The DJ has the crowd at its peak, the bass pounding so hard I feel it in my bones. Everyone’s drunk, making it easier to slip through the crowd.

I pray like hell Nikolai won’t spot me in this sea of people. I keep moving and don’t stop until I find a dark corner to hide in. Pressing myself against the wall, I try to steady my breathing, my heart hammering in my ears. I may have lost him for now, but I’m sure he’s relentless. A man like him probably has men swarming this place.

And then, a realization slams into me like a freight train—my clutch is gone, left behind in the bathroom. My phone, my money, everything I need is in there. Forcing down the rising panic, I focus on what to do next. Getting out of here is priority number one. Finding somewhere safe to call Roman or Samuil is priority two. Somehow, I’ll also have to let my friends know I’m okay.

At least I don’t see Nikolai or anyone who looks like his crew lurking nearby. And the club’s exit isn’t far from where I am. I can dash out of here unnoticed.

One more glance over my shoulder, and then?—

An arm snakes around my waist, yanking me flush against a hard body.

“So you fuck me and run? Is that how it’s going to be?” Nikolai’s breath warms my ear, tightening the knot of fear coiled between my ribs.

“Let me go,” I demand, my voice barely audible over the music. “I don’t deserve this.”

“Deserve? No, you don’t deserve it. But it isn’t personal.”

His grip tightens like a python coiling around its prey. One arm pins me in place while the other extends in front of me, holding up a phone. Horror fills me when I see what’s on the screen. Daria and Alex. They’re standing in the VIP section, talking. Alex glances at his watch, his face tense.

“Your friends are worried about you,” Nikolai taunts. “And they should be. But they should also worry about themselves. I’ve got a man trailing them, and if you don’t do as I say, they’ll pay the price.”

The blood drains from my face, and tears blur my vision. I stare at the screen, horrified. I’ve heard Roman talk about Nikolai—how he’s only become more dangerous—more ruthless, calculating, willing to burn the world down to get what he wants.

My knees wobble, and I curl forward. If he weren’t holding me up, I’d collapse.

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