Page 70 of Ruthless Bonds

I’d examined the coin so many times that I was finally able to figure out the design. Two double-headed eagles holding a shield. On the shield, there was a snake wrapping around a sword. I’d written the phrase and showed it to Grig, who said it translated to “loyalty, honor, victory.” The outer edge of the coin had an intricate vine pattern with tiny, engraved stars. I’d tried to google it on Dove’s iPad, but nothing had come up.

I was sure if I just told him about it, Kreos would have an explanation. Maybe today I would finally get the courage.

After a few more steps, Kreos gripped my shoulders, making me stop walking.

“Open your eyes,kotic.”

I gasped as my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting.

This was worse than I could have ever imagined.

Because the monster had a heart, and he was showing it to me right now.

We were standing inside a massive photographer’s darkroom, easily four times bigger than my old apartment living room. Sleek black countertops ran along the walls, along with a wet area with stainless steel sinks and shelves filled with serums, fixers, and toners. There was even a professional print washer humming in the corner.

It was a photographer’s paradise. Tears sprang to my eyes, and I bit my bottom lip to stop them from spilling.

He watched my face intently for my reaction. A smile spread across his face. “You like it? I brought in a professional who said this would be everything you need.”

“Kreos.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. Why did he have to be so damn thoughtful? “It’s perfect. I’ve never… I never thought…”

He held up his hand, mischief sparkling in his eyes. “Wait, there’s more. They insisted you would love these.” He pulled out a series of camera cases, opening each one.

My eyes widened at the cameras. A Hasselblad, a Leica M Series, and a rare vintage camera I’d only ever dreamed of touching.

“And this.” He pointed to a panel with various buttons, pressed one. Soft music filled the room. “I remember you said music helped you focus.”

I was at a loss for words. A tear spilled down mycheek.

“What’s wrong,milaya?” The concern in his tone just made more tears fall. “Did I get it wrong? I’ll kill that fraud for making you cry.”

I giggled, wiping my tears. “No, it’s wonderful.” He lifted my chin with his thumb, so I was forced to look at him. “It’s just… this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.” I lifted on my tiptoes, placing a soft kiss on his lips. “Thank you.”

His grin turned wicked as he pulled me against his chest. “You’re welcome. You deserve this, and so much more.” His lips crashed into mine. Possessive. Greedy. When he released me, I was gasping for air, my fingers gripping his shirt in bunches.

This was dangerous. I knew if I let him kiss me again, I would probably end up on one of these tables with his head between my legs. He was insatiable. The thought had me squeezing my thighs together.

His phone pinged at that moment, breaking our spell. Which was probably for the best. I couldn’t spend all day just lying around having orgasms. I mean, technically I could, but I probably shouldn’t.

I could tell something was wrong by the way his shoulders tensed, but his expression didn’t waver. If there was one thing he was really good at, it was hiding his emotions. But there were little signs that gave him away, like the way his eyes darkened or his back straightened. He could transform right before your eyes, but if you blinked, you would miss it.

“My parents have arrived.” His jaw ticked, and he shoved his phone back into his pocket. “They’ll be staying at their penthouse in Manhattan, but we’ll be seeing them for dinner tonight.”

OK, good mood ruined.All I could think about was how crazy his mother was and how inappropriate it would be to stab your future mother-in-law.

“Nothing to worry about.” He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear.

“You keep saying that,” I muttered, then squealed when he lifted me up onto the table and stepped between my legs.

“Because it’s true.” He threaded his fingers through my hair, tugging my head back. “Understood?”

I nodded, wrapping my arms around his shoulders.

“That’s my good girl,” he whispered, his fingers digging into my thighs.

I knew I shouldn’t like it, but every single time he called me a good girl, I wanted to strip off all my clothes and crawl into his lap. Another new kink I hadn’t known about. Let’s just add it to the list right below spanking and his hand wrapping around my throat.

We both groaned a second later when his phone rang. He held it up to his ear, and I could barely make out a voice on the other end. A moment later, he hung up, pressing his forehead to mine.

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