Page 100 of Savage Reign

He allows them a moment, before he speaks again. “I want to introduce you to my wife,” he says. Nikolai clears his throat, and the room falls dead silent. “This is Sofiya. From this moment on, her life is as valuable as mine. You will protect her, obey her, and, if necessary, die for her.”

This isn't what I expected. Nikolai's hand tightens on my waist. “Any man who fails in this duty answers to me. You will treat her with the respect and care due to the wife of a pakhan, understood?”

A chorus of “Yes, boss” fills the air. They bow their heads, as they did for Nikolai a moment ago.

“Thank you,” I say, trying not to fidget with the end of my shawl. These men barely know me, yet they’ve vowed to protect me like I matter. It’s touching, but that kind of loyalty has its risks. If the Syndicate refuses to negotiate, if Nikolai and Roman can’t reach an agreement, it could cost them their lives.

It’s one more reason why I need to come clean with Niko tonight about my contact with Liza. I don’t want anyone hurt because of me.

“Happy birthday.” I direct that comment to Stanislav. “Quite a turn-out you have.”

It's true. The party is in full swing, and it's nice to be out in the world, talking and drinking. A small dance floor is off to the side with a few people enjoying themselves.

Stanislav gives me a broad smile. “Thank you for attending. It’s truly a pleasure to meet you. No man is more deserving of a beautiful woman by his side than our pakhan.” Apparently, everyone else agrees, with heads nodding and men stepping forward to shake Nikolai’s hand.

Nikolai wraps an arm around me. “I agree. My wife is very beautiful.”

I flush with pleasure but have no time to respond because Tatiana and Galina are waving to me from the dance floor.

“Enjoy yourself,” Niko whispers in my ear. “We still have some business to discuss.”

“Oh, you men and your important mafia business,” I tease, but I don’t mind taking the opening he provided. It’s been so long since I let loose.

Galina throws her arms around me as soon as I step onto the dance floor. I get the feeling she made quick work of that bottle of champagne.

“I love this song,” she announces loudly in my ear. It is a good song—a massive pop hit from last year over a techno beat. “Take off that stupid wrap and dance with us.”

Wrap? Right, the shawl hiding the super sexy dress I have on underneath. The one that seemed like a good idea earlier, but with a roomful of his men, I get the feeling it won’t be appreciated.

“No, that’s okay. I find it a little breezy in here.”

Tatiana laughs. “Breezy? Are you kidding, I’m dying.” She lifts her thick mane of hair off her neck.

“I’m good, honestly.” Both women shrug and continue to dance. It feels so good to let loose and move, to just enjoy myself like any other woman my age. I sway my hips to the beat, spinning slowly, letting the rhythm take over.

I glance at Nikolai, deep in conversation with Stanislav, but his eyes remain locked on me. His lips curve into a familiar smirk, and his raised brows remind me of the night we met at the club. Judging by the heat in his stare, he remembers, too.

“I’ve never seen the pakhan look at a woman the way he looks at you,” Tatiana half-yells in my ear to be heard over the thumping music. I flush. I doubt that’s true, but it still makes me feel good.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a flash of blonde hair and a supermodel-like figure—Eva. She looks stunning, as always, her skin-tight black pants and halter top drawing attention with every step. She walks up to Nikolai and leans in, kissing him on both cheeks.

I know there’s nothing between them anymore—Niko told me as much—but I can’t help the prick of jealousy that creeps in. I liked being the one to hold his attention, the one he couldn’t look away from.

I realize I’ve stopped dancing when Tatiana touches my shoulder. “Everything okay? You need a drink or something?”

“I’m fine,” I assure her. My voice is tight, but I force myself to smile. “But yeah, maybe a drink’s a good idea.”

“No! You can’t leave yet. This is the best song.” Galina throws her head back and her arms in the air as the music shifts to a more sensual, hypnotic beat.

I glance at Nikolai, who’s still smiling at whatever Eva just whispered in his ear. A spark of defiance ignites in me. If he’s going to let himself get distracted, then I’ll just have to remind him exactly where his attention belongs.

“You know… it is a little warm in here,” I say, my tone light. With a flick of my wrist, I toss the shawl over a nearby chair.

Cool air glides over my skin, and I feel a rush of boldness. I sway to the music, rolling my hips in time with the beat.

Galina gives a low whistle. “Damn, you’ve been hiding that body all night. If I had a figure like yours, I’d live in that dress.”

Tatiana spins me, and I stumble into her, laughing as I catch my balance. The heat of the room and the pulse of the music crackle like electricity under my skin.

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