Page 3 of His Grip

He wasn’t wrong. Sofia sighed. “I needed some fresh air.”

“Fresh air,” he repeated, his smirk deepening. “Right. Why do I feel like there’s more to it than that?”

She shot him a glare, hoping it would shut him up. Of course, it didn’t. If anything, it seemed to encourage him.

“What are you now, my therapist?” she snapped.

He tilted his head, his smirk turning wicked. “Let’s upgrade that. How about yoursex therapist?”

“You’re crazy,” she said, rolling her eyes, but a reluctant smile tugged at her lips.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. She found herself studying him. His lashes were unfairly long, framing eyes that should’ve been too pretty for someone with his reputation. He didn’t look like a ruthless man, not when he was standing here with her, calm and collected.

“What areyoudoing out here?” she asked, needing to shift the focus.

His smirk slid off his face, and she saw the hardened features flair with annoyance, as if he too had just realized where he was and who he was with. He straightened, pushing off the railing, but instead of walking away, he stepped closer. His hand came up, cupping her face with a gentleness that caught her off guard.

His fingers were rough, and calloused, but his touch was soft. Sofia froze, her breath hitching as his thumb brushed her cheek. Logic told her to pull away, to step back—but something in his eyes held her still.

He could hurt her. That much was certain. But somehow, she knew he wouldn’t.

Did it make sense to feel at ease with that thought? Not at all. But he was the first man to stir something in her like this, so maybe her attraction could be excused

“Careful, darling,” he said, his voice softer now, almost a whisper.

His thumb brushed the corner of her mouth, and her lips parted involuntarily. If he slipped a finger inside, she wasn’t sure she’d have the strength to stop him. Her pulse thundered wildly, and she hated how easily he unraveled her.

He let his fingers linger, hovering just above her lips, but he chose not to press further. “You’re playing a game we both know you can’t win.”

Were they talking about her father’s business or about what was unfolding between them? Sofia felt a wave of confusion wash over her. Why did men have such a knack for using vague words that only added to the mystery?

“What game are you talking about?” she asked, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her.

Viktor didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached up, gently pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was fleeting, barely there, yet it sent a jolt through her, making her body tense with anticipation as she wrestled with her desire. “One where the stakes are higher than you realize. You’ll figure it out.”

And just like that, he stepped back, leaving her standing there, breathless and conflicted, caught between fear and longing.

CHAPTER 2

Sofia

Sofia wet her lips as he let go of her and turned his back. “You should head back to the party. It’s cold out here.” His voice was firm.

She nodded, waiting until he disappeared before exhaling sharply. She wasn’t tired exactly, but his absence left a sharp, hollow ache in her chest. If she inhaled deeply, she could still catch a trace of his scent lingering in the cold air. He’d touched her, but she hadn’t dared touch him back.

Coward.

The word echoed in her mind as she walked back into the club, scanning the crowd for him without even realizing it.

It didn’t take long for Konstantin to find her, Nina trailing behind him like an obedient shadow. From behind her father’s broad shoulders, Nina gave her a pointed look—a mix of warning and curiosity. Sofia pretended not to notice, summoning a bright smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Dad, I?—”

“You know how it looks when I show up with my daughter only for her to disappear?” His tone was even, but the weight of his displeasure pressed down on her.

“I’m here now,” she said lightly, hoping it would be enough to defuse him.

He stared at her for a moment, his jaw tightening, but he let it drop. For the sake of peace, no doubt. Taking her by the hand, he led her to a table surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Sofia smiled and nodded her way through introductions, but she couldn’t focus. Their names blurred together, and none of them managed to hold her interest.

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