Page 33 of Secrets & Lies

“Damn, I’d love to spank that ass,” Nikolai breathed.

Fucker, I knew it.

She sauntered over to us, her face set in sheer determination.

“What the hell are you wearing?” I asked, grabbing her arm. She looked down at my hand and raised her eyebrow.

“It’s called a dress. You said sexy, did you not?” She flicked her eyes around the club, taking in the girls on stage.

“You’re practically fucking naked,” I growled.

She threw her hair over her shoulder and laughed. She fuckinglaughed. I wanted to rip my T-shirt off and throw it over her body. This was an entirely new emotion for me.

“You’re joking, right?” She shook her head, and that sweet scent of honeysuckle hit me. My eye twitched, and I ground my back molars together.

“Do I look like I’m joking? Every man in here can damn near see your nipples.”

Jesus, get a grip.I couldn’t believe the words flying out of my mouth.

“Well, seeing as my nipples are properly covered thanks to my pasties, that’d be a lie. And every man—Aleksandr, that’s a bit of a stretch. I mean, look. That man isn’t looking at me.” She indicated Marcus, who was grinning from ear to ear, listening closely.

“That’s because he works for me—”

“Now, that one over there, you’re right. He can’t seem to keep his eyes off me. If I had more time, I’d ask him to dance. But seeing as that’s not what I’m here for, maybe you could direct me to my friend.”

“Your friend?” I asked, feeling bewildered. Maybe I shouldn’t have had that second drink.

“Yes, Sarah. Remember? You called, demanded I come and get her, or you’d call the cops on her? Or did you lie to get me here?” Her voice rose in anger, and a bright-red blush dotted her cheeks.

“Office. Now,” I ordered, worried she was gaining the upper hand.

“You have no manners at all, do you?” She put one hand on her hip, which only made my dick harder as the movement accentuated her sexy body.

Nikolai stepped around me and moved toward her, taking her hand.

“Malyshka, ty razbudila vo mne chto-to davno zabytoye,” Nikolai cooed in Russian.Baby girl, you have awoken something long forgotten inside of me. He brought her hand up to his lips.

Did he really just say that to her?

I glowered at him as Marcus shook his head in amusement. The fuckers were getting a good laugh at my expense tonight. Her beautiful eyes grew wide, and the slightest hint of understanding registered before she covered it. I watched her closely. If she understood Nik, then she knew her new nickname was kitten, which was so fitting.

Taking a deep breath, I said, “Nikolai, Kinsley. Kinsley, my brother.”

She blinked several times, her mouth hanging open. Her gaze traveled down his face to his forearm, and her expression fell. The crow etched in black ink on his arm told her all she needed to know. The body of the crow was a skull.Yes, he’s dangerous too, kitten.His clean-cut looks often fooled people.I smirked at her, raised my glass, and finished my drink.

“Where’s Sarah?” she demanded once more.

“Follow me,” I commanded. I put the glass on the bar and turned back toward her.

“To where? I don’t trust you. Where the hell is my friend?” She glared, flipping her hair back and exposing her neck. I stepped closer and grabbed the whip, pulling her toward me.

The music pumping in the background dimmed in my ears, and a rush of her sweet scent enveloped me. I closed my eyes, savoring her. She gripped my forearms, and her hands on my bare flesh felt like an electrical current running through my body.

What kind of power did this woman have?

Nikolai cleared his throat. More for my sake than hers. Fuck, the amount of shit he was going to give me later.

“This way, baby girl.” He took her hand, pulling her toward him. “Your friend is in the office with Ivan,” he added with a boyish smile.

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