Page 14 of Nikolai Petrov

My stomach does a little flip flop as he opens the velvet lid and reveals a silver chain. “Oh, Nikolai, you didn’t—”

“Hush. I wanted to.” He lifts it from the box to show a small charm weighting the loop. “A bird cage to remind you of what you escaped from.” The gold amulet has a purple gem in the center that gives a sparkling gleam in the low light. It’s hard to focus on it when it swings directly in front of his defined abs and slipping towel.

The tips of my long hair are damp from the bath, but I sweep them over my shoulder in a bunch as he clasps it around my neck. His fingers work their way to replace mine as he tugs my head back so he can nibble on my lips.

“It sits where I wish my lips could live.” He drops to kiss where it sits at the top of my cleavage. “Tomorrow I’ll take you to meet Celeste. She was briefly married to my oldest son and owes me a very large favor. She’s also outside of the sight of the heavy hitters, so you should be able to stay under the radar so-to-speak.”

“Laying low is a good idea. How about you show me what you’re hiding?” I can feel the smile tug at my lips as I pull his loose towel from his hips.

He flashes me a grin as he rips mine away. “Seems someone is being naughty. Time for a spanking, little girl.”

The world looks so different when I’m not drugged to near unconsciousness. I can’t remember the last time I was out in public and not completely wasted on the pills Svetlana forced down my throat.

Nikolai has done much more than just find me a job. He’s also given me a debit card that I don’t dare ask the balance on and a phone.

I’m not sure how sneaking into his car became the best decision I’ve ever made.

“Celeste is a bitch, but she will take care of you. She owes me a great debt after the bullshit she put my son through.” Nikolai’s broad hand covers my thigh as he navigates the highway leading south out of Chicago. The designs of his tattoos blend with the lines and patterns of my leggings like they belong together.

“What did she do?” I focus my gaze on his lips, trying to memorize every feature of him. Anxiety is gripping my stomach at the thought of this new change and watching him calms me.

“That is Mikhail’s story to tell, not mine.” The soft brown of his eyes turn to me and small crinkles form on the corners as he smiles. “Don’t worry, she will take care of you.” A gentle squeeze of my thigh sends a warm shiver through me before he shifts the car into park. “We’re here.” The Lincoln rocks as his door shuts. I’ve barely unsnapped my seat belt when he pulls mine open and holds his hand out for me.

I feel like a movie star as I straighten next to him and take in the sleek dark glass of the steakhouse. His suit has to be expensive, it hugs his chiseled physique in tailored perfection. It’s like we’re a power couple going in to eat.

Except, this still feels like a masquerade. I worry he’s pretending to care. That one day he will grow bored and send me away.

It scares me how much I can feel, well, anything. Like a veil has been lifted and my goals in life have become clear with laser precision.

I want him so badly it hurts. There’s a longing in me to do anything to make him happy, to have him claim me and keep me.

He isn’t mine. Neither is his money. Which is why I’ll soon be begging for an entry level job.

But, in a strange way, it makes me feel a little better knowing I’m moving towards taking care of myself. Independence has been the forbidden fruit for the last few years and the lure is irresistible.

The cool air conditioning is a nice reprieve from the oppressive Illinois humidity.

“Good afternoon. Table for two?” A lean maitre d gathers menus before Nikolai interrupts him.

“We are here to talk to Celeste. Tell her Nikolai is here.” His calm confidence seeps into my fingers where they rest in his palm.

“Very good, sir.” The man’s dark eyes sweep over us, lingering on our hands, as he turns and disappears into the back of the cavernous building.

It isn’t long before he returns, visibly paler and with shaking hands. “Please, Mr. Petrov, follow me.”

Nikolai gives a small smirk and leads me through the myriad of heavy tables to a curtained off area in the farthest corner. “You should be safe here, my dear.” His words are low, intended only for me. “It seems my reputation will give you a level of protection. Feel free to threaten him with my temper if he tries anything with you.” His hand tightens over mine before guiding me into the leather bound seat opposite of him in the clandestine booth.

“Thank you, daddy.” I can’t resist tossing him a wink.

A deep rumble emanates from his chest. “You call me that here, I’ll bend you over this table for everyone to see.”

The thrill of the threat sends a shiver of heat deep into my belly.

It shifts with the presence of a tall thin brunette that appears at the edge of the table. Her pinched blue eyes are boring into me, even as she smiles at Nikolai with the flat affect of someone who looks used to pretending.

“Nikolai. I was so happy to get your call regarding my new employee.” Her sarcasm is palpable.

This doesn’t bode well.

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