Page 82 of Masked Seduction
Nico, you reckless prick.
Instinct takes over, a sharp urgency twisting in my gut. I tighten my grip on Jenna’s hand and pull her close, speaking low and direct. "You need to hide. Now."
Her eyes widen, confusion flashing behind their emerald depths. "What? Abram, no?—"
I shake my head once, cutting her off before her protest can take shape. "Don’t argue. Not this time."
I quickly lead her toward the side hall, eyes scanning for the safest place to tuck her away. My gaze lands on the restroom signs, and I move decisively, pulling her to the men’s room.
"Wait," Jenna whispers, digging her heels in slightly, confusion furrowing her brow. "Why the men’s?"
"They might not think to check there," I explain. She hesitates again, but I press a palm gently to her cheek. "Get into a stall and crouch on the toilet. Stay absolutely silent no matter what you hear, understand?"
Her eyes flicker, understanding sinking in alongside fear. My gut twists. I never wanted her to see this part of my world. The darkness. The violence. She opens her mouth to protest again, but before a sound can escape?—
"ABRAM VASILIEV!"
The roar splits the tense silence, and Jenna freezes at my side, her eyes darting over my shoulder. I turn slowly, already aware of who’s calling my name, dread coiling inside me like a serpent.
Nico saunters in, gun held loosely, arrogantly at his side. His dark eyes glitter with malice beneath perfectly groomed dark hair, his expensive suit precisely tailored, flashy. The heir apparent of the Agosti empire, acting like he’s already the donwhen he’s little more than a spoiled boy playing dress-up. He sees Jenna immediately, and a slow, predatory grin spreads across his smug face. His gaze drips over Jenna’s curves, pausing in a way that makes my blood seethe with barely restrained violence.
"Is this the flavor of the month?" Nico drawls. He flicks his eyes up and down her body in sleazy way. "Can’t say I blame you."
Rage boils beneath my skin, every muscle tensing. I fight the urge to snap his neck, maintaining control. I smirk instead, letting sarcasm sharpen my tone. “I don’t think daddy would be very happy with baby boy’s decision here."
The taunt lands exactly as intended. Nico’s confidence falters, the carefully constructed bravado giving way to anger. The spoiled, insecure little boy lurking beneath the surface emerges for an instant, his eyes narrowing in childish fury. He lifts the gun abruptly, aiming it straight at Jenna.
In one fluid movement, I step directly in front of her, shielding her completely from Nico’s line of sight. She stiffens behind me, her breaths coming quicker in fear and anxiety. I despise myself for bringing her here, for allowing my world to spill into hers.
It’s too late. Nico sees everything, the smug satisfaction in his expression intensifying into a twisted smile of triumph.
He’s figured it out. He knows she matters to me, that she’s not just any woman. I can practically hear the calculations churning behind those cruel eyes.
The room is quiet now, eerily so, emptied of patrons and staff. Nico’s men watch us carefully, awaiting their orders, but Nico seems content to savor his advantage, to drink in my discomfort.
He finally lowers the gun, still smiling coldly. "Well this is an interesting discovery," he quips, taking a leisurely step toward us. "I never imagined you as the one-woman type, Abram."
I glare at him evenly, fist clenched at my side, the other hand gripping my Glock. "Careful, Nico. This is a dangerous game you’re playing."
He chuckles dryly, raising a brow. "Dangerous? For me or for her?"
His tone sends ice rushing through my veins, but I hold steady, refusing to show weakness. "If anything happens to her," I say, “I promise you, it will be the end of you and your entire family.”
He stares at me, weighing the threat, trying to gauge how far he can push. Nico might be reckless, but he’s not entirely stupid. He knows I mean every word.
He shrugs dismissively, holstering his pistol with deliberate ease. "Relax, Abram. No need for theatrics." His eyes flicker toward Jenna once more, then back to me.
He leans in. “Now. Let’s talk.”
CHAPTER 30
JENNA
“Do you actually have feelings for this one?”Nico asks. The insult slides under my skin, hot and sharp.
Abram stiffens beside me. I can practically feel his blood pressure spiking.
I keep my voice low. “Don’t let him get to you,” I mutter, though it’s hard to keep a tough girl façade when a 9mm is waving in your direction.
