Page 15 of Vendetta Vows

I place my hand on the cool glass and feel it vibrate with the bass from below. The soundproofing is impressive. Through the glass, I can see the writhing mass of bodies beneath us, and wonder: will they be able to see us too?

If the soundproofing is any indication, there's a good chance the glass is also one-way.

I've never been more invisible.

I've never felt morefree.

"Everything okay,zarechka?" Ruslan's voice comes from right behind me, close enough that I can feel his breath on my neck.

In a flash, I picture Ruslan pressing me against the glass, my back arched as he takes me from behind. His large tattooed hands peeling away my clothes with every thrust.

I can scream as loud as I want, and nobody will hear me.

I can beme.

And nobody will find me.

Heat rushes through me like wildfire. I jerk my hand away from the glass.

"Fine," I manage, my voice betraying me with a slight tremor. "Just... taking it all in."

He chuckles, a deep rumble that I feel more than hear. "Quite the view, isn't it?"

I'm not sure if he's talking about the club or me, and I'm not brave enough to ask. Instead, I move toward one of the leather couches, needing to put some distance between myself and both the window and this man who makes me think things I shouldn't.

"This place is..." I trail off, searching for the right word.

"Excessive?" Ruslan offers, following me but maintaining a respectful distance.

"I was going to say impressive, but excessive works too."

He smiles, that same knowing smile from earlier that makes my insides twist with anticipation. "Would you like a drink?"

I nod, suddenly desperate for something to occupy my hands and cool the heat that seems to radiate from within me. "Whiskey please."

As he moves to the private bar, I take a deep breath. What am I doing here? With him? In this place that screams money and power and everything I've been avoiding for seven years?

And why, despite all my better judgment, do I want to stay?

He pours two glasses and hands one to me. When I accept it, our fingers touch again and a familiar electrical heat passes between us.

"So." Ruslan takes a sip. "Help me solve the enigma that is Aurora Castellanos."

I look away, watching the dancers below as I mull over his words. Then, I take a breath. "It's complicated."

"Complicated is good," he says, his voice wrapping around me like velvet. "Straightforward is boring."

"Spoken like someone who's never had to deal with anything truly complicated in his life." The words slip out before I can stop them.

He raises an eyebrow, amusement playing at his lips. "You think my life isn't complicated,zarechka?"

"I think anyone who has a private section in a club like this has the kind of money that simplifies a lot of problems."

"Money creates just as many problems as it solves." He moves closer, and I catch his scent again. "But we're not talking about my complications. We're talking about yours."

I take a long sip of my drink, feeling bold. "Do you bring all the girls here? Wow them with the opulence and wealth up here in your sanctuary above the masses, and then slowly pick apart their secrets?"

His laugh is rich, filling the space between us.

---