Page 39 of Deceitful Bond

“I like the way you move.”

“Excuse me?”

He squares his shoulders. “I like the way you move.” He repeats himself as his gaze travels downward. “And I’m betting you’re a screamer.”

Oh my God, ew.I hold out my hand. “I’m not interested.”

“I may not be as big as Andrei Vasilyevich, but I’m sure I’m as good as Dmitri.”

“I just danced with him.”

“Did he turn you down? I won’t.”

“He’s just a friend,” I say before I can stop myself. What the hell is wrong with me? Dmitri is not my friend. His purpose is to guard me, not be my friend.

The man laughs at that. “You lie. You look like you want a good hard fuck. But can’t get one.” He leans too close. “I’m a great fuck.”

“I said I’m not interested!” I try to back away, but there’s nowhere to go. “Andrei won’t like this.”

“He won’t care.” The man laughs darkly. “It’s all pretend.” He grabs his bulge. “Well, not everything.” He takes his hand and places it on my chest. “You like to play?” he says. “You like it when men treat you rough? Treat you like the horny bitch that you are?”

I move back as quickly as I can, but the fucking dress trips me up. Instead, I end up sprawled on the floor. My legs fly open as I struggle to pull the hem down on my dress.

“Help!” I shriek.

His eyes are hungry as he looks up my skirt. I close my legs, but he descends onto the floor atop of me. Strong hands push my ankles apart and I scream louder. My legs kick uselessly against the air as I feel his meaty hand close around my mouth.

Chapter 24

Paige

The door bursts open, and Andrei bounds in like a bull that’s been taunted one time too many. He lifts the man off me, slamming him face-first into the tiled wall. But that isn’t enough for Andrei. He keeps slamming the man’s face into the hard surface until blood splatters.

Natasha helps me off the floor, and I cling to her as we watch Andrei savagely beat the man. The commotion attracts attention, and Dmitri appears with a few other guards. They do nothing to stop the beating as the man slides against the wall to the ground. His mouth is covered in blood as he spits out a tooth.

Panting, Andrei hunches over to catch his breath, and then he kicks the man in the gut. The man curls into a tight ball, spitting blood as he groans in pain.

Andrei glares at Dmitri with an expression on his face that I hope he never aims at me. “Take him away. We’ll deal with him later.”

The man is lifted off the floor by two huge men and dragged out the door without another word.

Andrei looks over and I freeze in place. But I’m not scared. I’ve become a hot mess of emotions: gratitude, pride, and something more primal. If we were alone, I’d ride him hard. There’s no doubt in my mind that he will protect me, nor is there any doubt in my mind the lengths he will go to do that.

“Take her to the bridal suite,” he growls.

“Yes, Andrei Vasilyevich,” Natasha replies, averting her gaze to the floor.

Her acknowledgment of his power seems to calm him down somewhat. And as Natasha guides me back into the hallway, she shoots a warning glance at a group of daring spectators. They quickly stumble over themselves to return to the hall before Andrei emerges from the bathroom.

I stagger along the hallway, watching them march off in the opposite direction. Natasha and I step onto the elevator, but I continue to watch Andrei with Dmitri until the doors close. Natasha presses the button.

“He will take care of it, Paige Geraldovna.” She pats my arm gently and shushes me. “That man will never bother you again.”

I stare at her. I think it’s the first time she’s said my name without mocking me.

“This isn’t fake anymore, is it?” I ask quietly.

Natasha shakes her head. “It would be wise not to ask him silly questions tonight, lucky girl.”

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