I’m unbelievably pissed at them both, but I have no choice but to follow the plan set for the evening ahead.
Walking deeper into the ballroom, catching the eyes of what feels like every person in the room, I can’t stop my own from darting between Nikolai and Adrian.
The music shifts, a slow waltz, a deep jazz, and Nikolai instinctively guides me closer to his stature as we approach his father and Adrian’s group. It doesn’t feel like he’s controlling me, but trying to show me a silent promise: I’m here. I won’t let anyone take you.
I lean slightly into him, pretending to adjust my dress, but secretly I let the contact ground me.
I notice the subtle tightening of Nikolai’s shoulders when Adrian moves closer, positioning himself beside me, but I can’t speak yet, not with all this adrenaline and fury spinning inside me.
Tonight, I will not be a pawn. Not in anyone’s game. Not Viktor’s, not Adrian’s, not even Nikolai’s, though he might try to make me feel otherwise. Tonight, I have choices. Dangerous, terrifying choices.
Chapter 63
Nikolai
Her hands curl slightly at the cuffs, leaning into me just a fraction, ready to bolt or fight.
A surge of protectiveness washes over me, hot and suffocating, but I force it down. Not now. Not in front of everyone.
This was the plan. Everything had to appear normal, controlled. Calm. Detached. I have to act like her realization didn’t even matter. So I adjust my mask and slide it over my face.
Bringing her over to my father and brother, surrounded by Orlov men is torture; I would never bring her here if I had any other choice.
Placing her beside me, the group abruptly breaks into cheers and claps.
“Predstav’te, kak vy smotrite yey v glaza, kogda ona zadykhayetsya.”Imagine looking into those eyes as she gasps for breath.
“YA by trakhal yeye vo vsekh pozakh, poka ona ne nachnet puskat’ slyuni.”I’d fuck her in every position until she’s dripping wet.
“Derzhu pari, chto yeye kiska uzhe mokraya prosto ot togo, chto ona zdes’.”I bet her pussy’s already wet just from being here.
It takes everything in me not to pull my gun and execute all these fuckers right here. But I have a job to do, so instead I force down my vomit and play along. “Ona khorosho soset chlen, druz’ya moi.”She sucks dick well, my friends.
I give a disgusted smile and then turn to Adrian, who has placed himself beside her.
“Ne tak li, brat?”Isn’t that right, brother?
I’m signalling to make sure he will protect Aurelia tonight, but I’m glad my princess can’t understand me because I’m sure she’d stab me again for what I just had to say.
I know my brother would kill me for the control he desires, but I am not blinded to the fact that he has feelings for my girl.
“Ochen’ khorosho,” he responds.
Very good.
I look to Aurelia for the first time since getting here, and her fire is as hot as ever.
“YA sobirayus’ vzyat’ yeye yeshche na odin krug, prezhde chem prodat’.”I’m going to take it for one more spin before selling it.
I smack her ass and nod toward the exit near the closets in the back, using this as my time to take Aurelia out before her dumbass brother and boytoy arrive.
Her chest rises and falls like a subtle drum, and I feel the tug of satisfaction. She’s defiant, always—but she’s mine tonight. Every small flicker of fear, every flinch or glance my way, only confirmed it.
But just as I start walking, Adrian grabs hold of my arm.
“I’d love a dance with the girl first,” he says, eyes locked on my prisoner.
I should have put two bullets in this mother fucker’s head when I had the chance.
