Page 14 of Shadows of Obsession

It grates on my nerves that Luna’s still calling me 'Mr. Borisov,' while her friend's already dropped the formalities. I catch Roxy's game - she's fishing to see if I'm here for pleasure rather than business.

Before answering, I let my eyes linger on the woman I wish was my dinner companion tonight. She's frozen in place, except for those nervous sips of margarita, doing everything she can to avoid meeting my gaze. When her friend's question registers, she nearly chokes on her drink.

"Roxy! Why don't you ask for his social security number while you're at it?" Luna hisses, mortified.

Christ, she's gorgeous when she's flustered. Those freckles stand out against her pink cheeks, her lips glistening from the margarita. I have to clear my throat, force my mind away from thoughts of those soft lips and where I'd like to feel them.

"I'm so sorry about my friend, Mr. Borisov."

Her blush deepens, and something primal stirs in me.

My phone buzzes - definitely Niko, probably ready to explode behind the restaurant. I knock back the shot the waiter just brought and push away from the table, throwing Roxy a smile before answering.

"I'm getting a call now; I should go attend to my date."

And I don't miss the surprise in Luna's eyes.Was she expecting me to be alone?

"Dinner’s on me. Enjoy the rest of your evening," I tell them. With that, I start to leave when her velvet voice rings out.

"Good evening, Mr. Borisov!" I could swear her tone now carries a slight note of sarcasm meant precisely to irritate me.

I turn my head and respond.

"Roman, call me Roman." I try to stay calm.

She shouldn't see how much her resistance affects me. Does she sense what kind of predator she's dealing with?

"I'd prefer to keep things formal, Mr. Borisov. Thank you for your intervention tonight."

Something's eating at her, but I don't have time to unravel that mystery - not with Niko waiting. So I switch to my boardroom voice, the one that reminds people exactly who they're dealing with.

"I prefer Roman. And since I'm signing your paychecks now, I suggest you remember that."

I head toward the back of the restaurant where, undoubtedly, my brother will demand an explanation, but Luna's reaction has awakened the beast inside me, and tonight I really feel the need to let it loose.

I'm barely past their table when I catch her whisper, my predator's ears picking up every word.

"Ugh, I hope you choke on that date."

A smile appears on my face, but I shake my head as if trying to shake off her presence.

"His Majesty finally graces us with his presence," Niko says the moment he sees me exit the restaurant.

"Don't start," is all I offer while looking at Alfonso, who has tied up the animal who dared put his hands on her.

"I’ll cover the tab for the girls' table where the problem started, Alfonso."

He knows not to ask questions, just nods and says, "If that's what you want, Roman," and gestures toward the unconscious man. "What do you want us to do with him?" he asks, and I think about what I want to do with him.

I feel my beast scratching at the inside of my mind, wanting to be let loose to wreak havoc, and although a bit of violence would relax me, I can't indulge it. The earlier outburst was already too much. In public, this side of me shouldn't come out, especially not twice in one hour.

"Rough him up a bit before letting him go and make him understand he's not welcome here anymore."

Alfonso drags him back into the restaurant, where he'll probably wake up with some unpleasant memories and broken ribs.

When I look at Niko, I see him studying me, and I know he wants to start his interrogation, so before he has the chance to speak, I answer with a sigh, "I don't know why I did it, okay?"

It's the truth.

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