Again.
I was mortified at my earlier behavior. Oh, God, I’d been so stupid.
“No,” I said without thinking. Without weighing the consequences.
Aleksei took another deep breath, holding it while he walked around the desk and dangerously close to me. “What did you say?”
His voice was so authoritative, booming even in its husky yet level tone.
“You heard me,” I half whispered, taking a steep away, ready to bolt to the door. There was still a chance that I could make it to my car. My brother would keep me safe.
The Russian was far too quick, grabbing and yanking my arm. He lowered his head until I finally got the full effect of his hot breath. “I suggest you rethink your boldness. In my world, your word is your honor. I would hate to think I couldn’t trust you.”
My reaction was swift, much like his. I spit across his face, laughing at his incensed reaction. “You are a madman.”
Blinking, he narrowed his eyes as he wiped the wetness off his face. “You will pay for that dearly, my sweet. Of all the things you might have heard about me, let’s make one thing perfectly clear. You have no recourse unless you’d like to see your brother facing my soldiers. He won’t return.”
“You don’t like to get your hands dirty, Aleksei? You can’t handle the stain of blood soaking into your expensive suits and crisp shirts?” I’d struck another chord. I’d known men like him all my life, those preferring to look the other way when the real work needed to be done.
His bristle was par for the course. “No, sweet cherie. This time, it will be very personal, and I will make certain you have a front row seat.”
My brother and I didn’t always agree. I knew his reputation in business, the things people said behind his back. He was almost as ruthless as Aleksei and his father, but Peter was the only family I had, and I’d vowed to protect him and his business at all costs. “I will not betray him.”
“Then he will die.”
The words were simple, the meaning clear.
I had no choice.
As if sealing the deal, he captured my mouth, wrapping his hand around the back of my neck and holding me in place.
I moaned, ready to slam the glass against the side of his neck but he thought of that maneuver as well, snagging my wrist. The weight of his body was intense, the heat emanating from every pore overwhelming. And just as with the kiss we’d shared before, my body responded instantly, my back arching and my legs quivering. The taste of him was incredible, the hint of scotch more powerful than I’d care to admit.
Even visions of our naked bodies entwined together surfaced, my nipples reacting by hardening even more. Aching.
Longing to be plucked and twisted.
No. Fuck, no.
I loathed myself, humiliated that Aleksei knew how much I was attracted to him. As he thrust his tongue inside, commanding mine, demanding me to succumb, I allowed myself to float away. I’d always been able to pretend. This was no different. Everything about the man reeked of passion as well as danger and I’d been caught in his web. The only thing I could do was play along, accepting my role in some conniving scheme.
Then I would strike.
Yet he consumed me with his mouth, relentless in his growing hunger. The passion became unbridled in every move, demanding in a way I couldn’t ignore. As his tongue easily gained control, I could tell he anticipated I’d succumb, yet I refused, pushing hard against his chest. His hold was far too powerful, every move he made nothing more than a reminder of his dominance over me. As he ground his hips against mine, I moaned into the kiss, cognizant of just how hard his cock had become.
I hated the man, loathed him.
I also couldn’t stand myself, furious that every part of me continued to tingle even as the electricity soared.
His touch became almost gentle as he eased back, his breathing ragged. He brushed his hand through my hair before sliding his fingers to cup my cheek and chin, running his thumb across my lips in a brutal manner. Back and forth, over and over again. “I think I’m clear now. You have no other choice but to surrender. I daresay your desire betrays you.”
Exasperated, I shook my head. He was absolutely right. My body had betrayed me, but my mind was clear. If I was forced to play his game I would, but only until I gained a greater advantage.
And I would.
“Fine, Aleksei. You win the prize. Just watch out. You might not be happy with who and what I am.” I took a decided step away, my fingers aching as I yanked the shirt over my head, my eyes never leaving his.
He was enthralled, his eyes glowing. His expression was that of a man finally receiving the special toy he’d been promised. A true barbarian in nature, feigning sophistication on the outside. I planned on unraveling every one of those dark secrets buried deep in his psyche, exposing both him and his father for the beasts they’d become. I was far more cunning than he was.
I found myself turning slightly as I unfastened my jeans, unzipping before fighting to remove my boots. Perhaps that’s when reality set in, a paralyzing sickness of what was about to occur. Once he marked me, I feared there would be no return.
I’d been taught to remain strong, understanding that enemies came in various packages. I’d just never expected to fall prey to true predator.
You can do this. You will do this.
If only to find a way to protect my family and our business.
When I was fully naked, the strangling suffocation wrapped around my neck had nothing to do with any fingerprints or damage he’d left. I could barely stand myself.
“Let me see you. Hold your arms over your head,” he instructed.
I did as I was told, grasping my fingers together as I moved directly in front of him.
Using his index finger, he twirled the long digit, expecting me to follow.
Once again, I responded, turning in a full circle.
“So beautiful, my lovely cherie. What I’m going to do to your gorgeous body.” Then his tone changed, transferring into the level of darkness I’d anticipated. “Over the desk. Hands gripping the sides. You will not move. You will not cry out. If you do, your punishment will be much worse. I hope that you understand?”