I turned to leave.
But Kirill grabbed my wrist.
"What did you say?" His voice was low and hoarse, carrying some emotion I couldn't read. "You're leaving with him?"
"Let go of me."
"You—"
"She said let go."
Julian's voice came from behind me.
I turned. He was striding toward us, his face dark, amber eyes flashing dangerously. He reached my side and yanked me out of Kirill's grip.
"You okay?" He looked down at me, voice gentle.
I shook my head, couldn't speak.
Julian pulled me into his arms, one hand cradling the back of my head, pressing my face into his chest.
"Come on," he said. "I'll take you home."
We hadn't taken more than a few steps when Kirill's furious shout rang out.
"Get your filthy hands off her—!"
Kirill slammed a punch into Julian's gut. Julian immediately returned the favor, his fist connecting with Kirill's face.
Again.
Even after I'd run here, Kirill still thought I was his property, something he could claim through violence whenever he wanted.
Rage snapped what was left of my restraint.
I wasn't Kirill's property. Not some pet that came when he beckoned and left when he waved me away.
In the gap between their scuffle, I shoved Kirill hard, grabbed Julian's collar, stood on my toes, and pressed my lips to his.
It was a kiss fueled by revenge.
Julian clearly froze for a second, but he recovered fast. He smiled and accepted what I offered, even deliberately deepening the kiss, his tongue parting my lips, thorough and lingering. I didn't push him away. Instead, I wrapped my arms around his neck, matching his movements, even letting out a soft, sweet gasp when we broke for air.
Kirill looked like someone had ripped out his soul, standing there rigid.
The kiss didn't last long. Soon, Julian released me, lifted his head to look at Kirill, his mouth curving in a challenging smile.
"From now on," he said, voice soft but every word crystal clear, "she's mine."
Then he took my hand and walked away without looking back.
I followed, didn't turn around.
But I could feel that gaze behind me—burning, scorching, ready to consume me whole.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Kirill
