Page 42 of Savage Obsession

“Keep that up, and soon no one would want to talk to me.”

“That is the plan, my little princess.”

She laughs softly, taking another sip of her drink. “You’re impossible.”

I lean down, my lips brushing the shell of her ear. “And yet, you keep testing me,agápi mou.”

Her breath catches, and I revel in the power I have over her.

The evening progresses, and the underlying tension of power remains thick in the air. Deals are discussed in hushed tones, alliances reaffirmed over clinking glasses. But even as I move through the room, engaging in conversations, I keep Yelena’s hand tucked in mine.

Alex, one of my enforcers, walks to us and clears his throat slightly. “Kýrios,can I borrow your wife for—”

“I’m sure you just want to borrow her for just a minute.” My voice is smooth but edged with warning. “But no. My wife and I need a moment.”

Yelena tenses beside me, but Alex merely inclines his head, retreating with a knowing smile.

“That was so rude of you,” she whispers, her voice laced with irritation as we walk away.

“There is nothing rude about wanting to be alone with my wife.” I take a slow sip of champagne before adding, “Besides, he hasn’t been able to keep his eyes off you. I may get to shoot him later.”

She stops abruptly, eyes flashing. “Aithan, don’t be ridiculous. You’re not shooting anyone.”

I smirk, watching the way she scowls up at me. God, she’s stunning when she’s angry.

Before she can lecture me further, she hands me her drink and steps back. “I’m going to the bathroom.”

I raise a brow. “Is that an invitation?”

She rolls her eyes, swatting my arm lightly. “No. Behave yourself. I’ll be back in a minute.”

I watch her go, admiring the sway of her hips, the confidence in her stride. Even in a room full of predators, she walks like she owns the place.

Yelena

I take my time swaying my hips as I walk away from Aithan, fully aware of the effect it has on him. His pewter-gold eyes have been burning through me all night, his whispers laced with promises of what he plans to do to me once we’re alone. The heat in my body coils tighter at the thought, a silent anticipation threading through my veins. I don’t need to turn around to confirm he’s watching—I can feel it in the way my skin tingles like it always does under his gaze.

I step into the brightly lit bathroom, my heels clicking softly against the polished marble floors. The party outside is still in full swing, the muffled sound of music and conversation filtering in through the door. I take a deep breath, steadying myself as I head toward the sink.

The reflection that greets me in the mirror is one of controlled poise, but I know the truth lurking beneath my composed facade. My body is already humming in anticipation, themoisture between my legs a traitorous sign of how much I crave Aithan. I bring out a disposable silk handkerchief from my clutch, dampen it, and gently dab at my cheeks, thankful that my makeup is waterproof.

I bend my head to wet the cloth again, momentarily lowering my gaze, and everything goes to hell in that moment.

A gloved hand clamps over my mouth, and before I can react, an arm snakes around my throat, locking me in a chokehold.

A scream claws its way up my throat, but his gloved hand smothers it before it can break free. His weight crashes into me, forcing me against the cold countertop. The sharp edge digs into my lower back, but pain is the least of my concerns.

I thrash, kicking at his shins, clawing at his wrist, but he’s strong—unyielding. His grip tightens over my mouth, the fabric of his glove soaking up my muffled cries. Panic explodes inside me, but I refuse to let it drown me.

I slam my knee up, aiming for his groin, but my dress reduces the impact of my knee colliding with his ball. He grunts and jerks back just enough for me to wrench my head sideways. My teeth sink into the coarse fabric of his glove, biting down hard.

A low curse hisses through his mask. His hand recoils, but his glove is caught between my teeth.

I don’t hesitate.

I twist, reaching for anything—anything. My fingers close around the glass soap dispenser. I swing.

The impact shatters against his temple.