"Perhaps this time you should have," he growls, grabbing me and clamping his hand over my mouth to silence the scream I was about to let loose.
He picks me up with ease, and no matter how I kick and fight, it feels like I'm a puppy being reprimanded by a wolf.
He drags me down the dark end of the alley, toward a car.
Tugging the door open, he leans in without releasing me and grabs duct tape.
"Don't you dare!" I shout the moment he removes his hand from my lips. "I won't be able to breathe with that over my face!"
He laughs coldly and wraps it around my wrists before tossing me into the passenger seat.
Chapter 3 - Bardil
She put up a decent fight, but she's so freaking tiny I could have used one hand to subdue her. The feisty confidence doesn't match the small stature.
She's sitting next to me, her hands bound on her lap, and her lower lip jutting out.
The hotel bar is fading into the distance behind us as I drive through the city, heading out of town.
Next to me, I hear a quiet giggle.
My eyes narrow as I steal a glare in her direction. "What the fuck is so funny?"
To my surprise, she giggles again and lifts her feet onto my dashboard, sitting comfortably with her legs up as though she owns the damned car.
"Let me guess," she grins. "Bardil Popov?"
My stomach knots in surprise. I've never met Nikita in person. Not that I can recall.
"Perhaps," I snap.
"It's ok. I already know it's you. So, where are we going?" she asks, her voice a sing-song melody of cheerfulness despite the predicament she's in.
My eyes trace up and down her perfectly shaped legs. The dress is too short for her to be sitting like that, but she doesn't seem to care. Her black sneakers are unexpected. Aren't girls supposed to go out in high heels? Oddly, the sneakers seem sexier, though.
In the dim light inside the car, I can see she's beautiful. Far more beautiful up close than from afar. I've been watchingher for a while. Of course, I already know she's gorgeous, but being this close to her is… It's different.
Annoyance spikes in me. Who the fuck cares if she has great legs or bright blue eyes that could lure a man to his death? I drag my gaze off her.
"Get your feet off my dashboard," I growl.
She ignores me. "What did you think of the opening night?" she asks.
"What are you talking about?" I snap, confused and annoyed.
"The party. The one you just ruined," she laughs.
"I… I don't know. Uh… "
"The music was great. I've been dancing since I got there. It's the perfect way to blow off some steam. Hey, did you tell me where we are going?"
"No," I huff. "Why the hell would I tell you that?"
"I know your brother. Both of them actually. Marlen is really cool. When last did you speak to him?"
"That's none of your business!" What the hell is up with this girl? She's acting like we're old friends having a catch-up.
My grip tightens on the steering wheel, and I groan inwardly. I wasn't expecting this. I was expecting crying and begging.
