Page 25 of The Payment

With her heels clicking a rhythm of authority on the marble floor, Tatiana strode out of the boardroom as if she was commanding armies.She swept past the offices and workstations with regal indifference, as though being passionately kissed in full view of her employees was perfectly normal business protocol.

“Let them talk,” she said sotto voce.“I am Tatiana Polov-Farrel.”She’d be damned if she would let a public display of affection, no matter how heated, diminish her authority.Still, the tips of her ears burned as whispers erupted in her wake.

Chapter Ten

Tatiana

The Irish Star, Jarek’sexclusive BDSM club, Nashua Street, on the banks of the Charles River, Boston...

The sleek elevator doors opened to the underground level of The Irish Star.Tatiana stepped into an entrance hall that took her breath away.Gleaming black marble floors reflected the warm glow from crystal chandeliers.Gold-leafed crown molding traced the high ceiling, while deep crimson silk panels adorned the walls between black-lacquered doors.

“Another piece of information you omitted to tell me,” she said, listening to her voice echoing in the opulent space.“Owning a sex club.”

Jarek cast a disapproving look at her.“An exclusive BDSM club, my dear.There’s a difference.”He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her further into the hall.“You know as well as I do that sex isn’t a prerequisite for joining a club such as this.Here, power exchange is an art form.We maintain strict protocols about consent and safety.What it most definitely is not is an orgy palace.”

His words sparked memories of their time together—how he had always maintained control, how he had orchestrated every aspect of their relationship from their first meeting.The realization hit her with renewed force.

“No need to be defensive.It’s a statement of fact that I actually know little to nothing about you.”Her mouth twisted into a bitter smile.“That in itself was a massive red flag I shouldn’t have ignored.”

Self-castigation raged through her as she remembered the warning signs she had dolefully ignored.

“We always do things differently in retrospect.”

Something in his tone made her look at him.The hardness in his expression had softened, replaced by a distant look she had never seen before.His eyes darkened with what appeared to be regret, though not directed at her.The moment was fleeting but unmistakable, and she couldn’t help but wonder if he regretted using her the way he did.

“I know what I would’ve done differently, but somehow, I don’t think you would have.Your hatred for my grandfather goes beyond rhyme or reason.”When fury flashed in his eyes, she held up her hand.“Simmer down, Jarek.I’m not diminishing the tragedy of what happened to your family, but it’s been twenty years.You could’ve taken action much sooner.So, the question remains.Why?Why wait twenty years before taking your revenge?”

His face turned to stone.“Revenge has no time limits, my dear wife.Neither does the pain or the memory of watching my family bleed out on a tarred pavement.To the contrary, it’s a vision that has never become blurred over time.”His words hung in the air between them, heavy with decades of carefully nurtured hatred.

The magnificence of the club’s entrance hall paled in comparison to Tatiana’s simmering frustration.She smoothed down the red leather and lace corset dress, a garment that had arrived that afternoon with a note from Jarek, stating he knew she was busy and might not have time to go shopping.That it fit perfectly was annoying, but she couldn’t fault his taste.

The structured bodice hugged her curves while lace panels extended from her ribs to her thighs, with the hemline falling to mid-thigh.Paired with black stilettos, the outfit made her feel both powerful and vulnerable.It was a contradiction she was starting to associate with everything involving Jarek.

“You’re skirting my question, which I assume means you’re not going to tell me.”Her fingers curled into fists, causing her to wince as the diamond of her wedding ring cut into her palm.Each evasion only deepened her need to understand his motives.

“Then tell me this.You have more than enough power to completely debilitate Gregor Polov, even have him killed, and no one in your underground world would raise an eyebrow.Instead, you’re deliberately prolonging his torture by marrying me.Why?And don’t give me that crap about his heart breaking knowing his prized granddaughter is fucking his worst enemy.”

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