Page 81 of Shatter Me

"What happened?" I keep my voice neutral, though I can guess. Erik's obsession with Katarina has been evident from the start.

He turns away, shoulders tight. "I couldn't... stay away from her." His voice drops to a whisper. "She was afraid at first. But now..."

The implication hangs heavy in the air. Erik has never been good at restraining himself. The fact that he's speaking of it tells me how deeply Katarina has gotten under his skin.

"Does she submit willingly now?" I need to know what we're dealing with and what complications might arise if we use her as a bargaining chip.

Erik's hands clench. "Sometimes she fights. Sometimes she doesn't." His jaw works. "I don't always give her the choice."

Alexi curses under his breath, but I silence him with a look. We're all monsters here—I'm in no position to judge Erik's methods of claiming what he wants. My relationship with Natasha may have started consensually, but I've been just as possessive, just as controlling.

"And if we return her to Lebedev?" I press. "Will she tell them what happened?"

Erik's eyes meet mine, and I see the predator lurking there. "She won't." His voice carries an edge that makes even me uncomfortable. "But I don't want to let her go."

His tone of possession mirrors my own feelings about Natasha. But right now, her safety has to come first, even if it means forcing Erik to give up his obsession.

32

TASH

Cold concrete bites into my knees as the men shove me onto the floor. My wrists burn from the zip ties, and my heart pounds against my ribs. The room smells of mildew and something metallic—blood, my mind supplies unhelpfully.

A tall figure steps from the shadows. His expensive suit starkly contrasts the grimy surroundings. Igor Lebedev. I’ve seen his photo in news articles, always next to words like “oligarch” and “suspected ties.” But those sterile images didn’t capture the predatory gleam in his steel-gray eyes or how his presence fills the space like a toxic gas.

“Ms. Blackwood.” His accent wraps around my name like barbed wire. “Welcome to my humble establishment.”

I force myself to meet his gaze, though every instinct screams to look away. His perfectly manicured hands rest casually in his pockets, but there’s nothing casual about how he studies me—like a scientist examining a specimen under glass.

“I must admit, I was curious to meet the woman who has Dmitri Ivanov so... distracted.” He circles me slowly, his leather shoes clicking against the concrete. “Though I fail to see the appeal that would make him lower his guard so foolishly.”

My throat constricts, but I manage to keep my voice steady. “If you’re trying to intimidate me?—”

“Intimidate?” He laughs, the sound echoing off the bare walls. “My dear, if I wanted to intimidate you, we would have a very different conversation.” He stops directly in front of me, close enough that I can smell his expensive cologne. “No, this is merely... a business transaction. You are leverage, nothing more.”

The zip ties dig deeper as one of Igor’s men yanks me to my feet by my hair. I bite back a cry, refusing to give them the satisfaction.

“Pretty little thing.” The guard’s breath reeks of cigarettes as he leers at me. “Boss, maybe we could have some fun with her first?”

Igor’s cold laugh makes my skin crawl. “Patience. We need her presentable for now. Dmitri should see exactly what his weakness has cost him.”

I force myself to stand straight, channeling every ounce of old-money poise my mother drilled into me. “I’m not his weakness.”

“No?” Igor’s hand shoots out, gripping my jaw. “Then explain why his security was so... lacking. The great Dmitri Ivanov, leaving his precious curator with only two guards.” His fingers dig into my skin. “Amateur mistake. One he’ll pay dearly for.”

Another guard shoves me roughly against the wall. “Not so high and mighty now, are you, princess?”

I taste blood where I’ve bitten my cheek, but I meet Igor’s gaze. “If you’re trying to break me, you’ll have to do better than this schoolyard bullying.”

The backhand comes fast, snapping my head to the side. Stars explode behind my eyes.

“Such spirit.” Igor straightens his cuff links. “We’ll see how long that lasts. Perhaps we’ll send Dmitri a little video, show him how his... investment is performing.”

Bile rises in my throat at his tone, but I swallow it down. I won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me crack. Won’t let him use my fear against Dmitri.

“You know what’s pathetic?” I say, letting ice coat my words. “How desperately you need this leverage. What does that say about your position?”

Igor’s facade cracks momentarily, and a flash of rage confirms I’ve hit a nerve. “Get her cleaned up. And do try not to damage her... too much. Yet.”

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