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"But I—" I started, but his thumb pressed against my lips, silencing me.

"Shh," he murmured, his voice dropping to a husky growl. His green eyes burned with something dark and hungry. "Don't overthink it, Cassie."

Then he kissed me.

No warning, no hesitation—just his lips crashing into mine, claiming me with a fierce, possessive hunger. It was like his texts had come to life, all that raw, commanding energy pouring into me. My brain screamed to push him away—this was a mistake, a disaster—but my body wasn't listening. A week of pent-up desire exploded, and I was kissing him back, my hands gripping his chest, feeling the hard muscle beneath his suit.

He groaned against my lips, low and rough. "Fuck, you're sweeter than I imagined."

His hands moved, one sliding down my spine, the other grazing my thigh, tugging my skirt higher. I was shaking, not from fear, but from the overwhelming need coursing through me.

"Not here," I gasped, even as I pressed closer, my body betraying every word.

"Why not?" His lips trailed to my neck, leaving a burning path of kisses. "I've waited too long for this."

His fingers found the edge of my panties, teasing the sensitive skin of my inner thigh. Then they brushed against me—there—and I was done for. My body arched, a soft moan escaping before I could stop it.

"You're soaked," he whispered in my ear, voice thick with desire. "For me."

I couldn't speak, couldn't think. I was clinging to him, letting his touch set me on fire. This was insane—in the school hallway—but I couldn't stop.

"I want you," he growled. "Right now."

Those words shattered what was left of my self-control. My blood was roaring, my heart was about to burst. I had never wanted anyone this badly, never felt this out of control.

"Yes," I breathed, but then, because I was still me, I added, "But not because you're telling me to—"

Footsteps echoed down the hall. "Mr. Sokolov? Where are you?" Mr. Willson's voice.

Gennady pulled back, but not before pressing one last, lingering kiss to my lips. "Tonight. Eight o'clock. The Regis Grand, top-floor restaurant. We need to talk."

His tone left no room for argument, and I was too dazed to try.

"Don't make me wait, ??? ???????," he said, brushing my cheek one last time before stepping back, smoothing his suit like nothing had happened. "I don't like waiting."

"Here, Mr. Willson," he called out, calm as ever, as the principal rounded the corner.

I was still against the wall, trying to catch my breath, my legs barely holding me up. Mr. Willson didn't seem to notice anything off. "We're moving to the next area," he said, relieved.

"Of course," Gennady replied, then glanced at me. "Miss Monroe, join us. I'd like to hear more about Anya."

It wasn't a request. It was an order. I nodded, falling into step behind the group, but I could feel his eyes on me, feel the electric tension still crackling in the air.

This wasn't over.

The game had just gotten started.

And I was already in too deep.

Chapter 6

Cassie

The cold apartment door had pressed hard against my spine, the only thing keeping my shaky legs from giving out completely. I had slid down, boneless, collapsing onto the icy floor. My heart had pounded like a caged animal, slamming against my ribs, desperate to break free.

Stop, Cassie Monroe. Get a grip. My brain screamed, alarms blaring. He's dangerous. He's Gennady Sokolov—Anya's dad, a fucking titan who could ruin your life with a snap of his fingers. A man like that doesn't just play games; he owns the board, the pieces, the whole damn table.

But my body? It was a traitor. Just thinking about him pinning me against that school hallway wall—his hot hands branding my waist, those calloused fingers grazing my trembling skin, sparking electric shocks that lit me up like a live wire—had sent a flood of heat rushing through me. It was like a dam had broken, drowning every shred of self-control I had left.