Page 10 of Stalk Me

A service corridor beckons. A sign indicates it is staff only, but I don’t care. The gala’s sounds fade as I push through the door, my hands trembling.

Strong fingers close around my arm, spinning me around. Nikolai crowds me against the wall, one hand planted beside my head.

“That was very rude,malishka.” His voice makes me shiver. “Running away like a frightened little girl.”

“Let me go,” I demand.

“No.” He grips my chin. “You need to learn something important. You don’t turn your back on me. Ever.”

“Or what?” I challenge, though my heart pounds.

“Or I’ll have to teach you proper manners. And trust me, Sofia...” He presses closer until every hard line of him presses against me. “My lessons can be very thorough.”

“You don’t have any control over me.”

“Not yet.” His grip tightens. “But you’ll learn. One way or another.”

His lips hover over mine, a whisper of contact that sets every nerve ending on fire. I lean forward, desperate to close that final gap—but he pulls back, a dark satisfaction in his eyes.

“Have a good evening.”

Then he’s gone, leaving me trembling against the wall. Rage and frustration war with the ache between my thighs. How dare he? The bastard played me like a violin and just walked away.

I smooth my dress with shaking hands and force myself to breathe. My reflection in a nearby mirror shows flushed cheeks and dilated pupils. God, I appear thoroughly debauched, and he barely touched me.

Back in the main hall, I make a beeline for the bar. A flash of red catches my eye as Tash appears at my side.

“Holy shit.” She grabs my arm. “What happened to you? You look like you’ve been—” Her eyes widen. “Oh my God, did you and Ivanov...?”

“No. Nothing happened.” I signal the bartender. “Vodka martini. Double.”

“Nothing?” Tash’s perfectly arched eyebrow calls bullshit. “Honey, your lipstick is smudged, and you’ve got that ‘I need to change my panties’ walk.”

“Tash!” I hiss, glancing around.

“What? I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking. The sexual tension between you two was thick enough to cut with a knife.” She leans closer. “Tell me everything. Now.”

“He’s an arrogant, controlling...” I drink down half my martini. “He thinks he can just... and then he...”

“Complete sentences would be helpful, darling.”

“He backed me into a wall and then just left!” The words burst out in a flurry.

“Left you hot and bothered, you mean.” Tash’s red lips curve into a knowing smile. “From that flush, I’d say mission accomplished.”

“You’re the worst friend ever,” I groan, but I can’t help smiling at her gleeful expression. “You abandoned me to that... that...”

“Devastatingly handsome billionaire who clearly wants to ravish you?” Tash’s eyes dance with mischief. “I know, I’m terrible. However, will you forgive me?”

“Never.” I drain my martini. “I’m still mad at you.”

“No, you’re not.” She bumps my shoulder with hers. “You love me. And honestly? That was the most excitement this stuffy gala’s seen in years.”

I press my cool glass against my still-flushed cheek. “I hate that you know me so well.”

“Listen.” Her tone shifts, genuine concern replacing the teasing. “You look like you could use an escape. Want to get out of here? We could grab real drinks at that little wine bar you love. The one with the amazing cheese plate?”

“God, yes.” Relief floods through me. “Please get me out of here before I do something stupid. Like hunt him down and...” I catch myself.

---