Page 29 of Marked By the Mob

This isn’t supposed to happen. I’m an FBI agent. They’re criminals. Everything about this situation is wrong.

But lying here in the dark, watching them sleep, I can’t deny the pull I feel. The dangerous attraction that’s been building and growing out of control.

The first hint of dawn begins to creep through the windows, pale gray light that slowly pushes back the darkness. I watch it spread across the ceiling, marking the passage of another sleepless night.

My eyes burn with exhaustion, but my mind won’t shut down. Won’t stop analyzing, planning, searching for the weakness that will let me escape.

Except I’m starting to realize there might not be one.

Movement catches my attention. Rurik shifts first, his breathing changing as consciousness returns. Then Eduard stirs, rolling onto his back with a quiet sound. Artur’s eyes open, immediately alert despite having just woken.

Suddenly I’m very aware that I’m still sitting here, caught between their gazes as morning light fills the room.

13

EMMA

“Couldn’t sleep, sweetheart?” Artur’s voice is rough with sleep but edged with amusement. “Or were you too busy watching us?”

Heat floods my face. “I wasn’t watching you.”

“Liar.” He sits up slowly, running a hand through his dark hair. “You’ve been staring at us for hours.”

Eduard chuckles, the sound warm and intimate in the quiet room. “That couch can’t be comfortable.”

“It’s fine.”

“Come here,” Rurik says quietly. It’s not a command, but there’s heat underneath the words that makes my pulse quicken.

I stand from the couch, my muscles protesting the movement. “I’m fine where I am.”

“No, you’re not.” Artur swings out of the recliner and stands. He moves toward me with that confident stride that makes my breath catch. “You’re exhausted. Tense. You need to relax.”

“I don’t need anything from you.”

His hand comes up, fingers brushing along my jaw. The touch is light, almost gentle, but it sends heat spiraling through me. “I think you do. I think you need exactly what we can give you.”

My back hits the wall behind me. “And what’s that?”

“Everything.” Eduard rises from the bed, moving with that quiet grace. “Let us take care of you, Emma.”

“I don’t need taking care of.”

“Everyone needs something.” Rurik’s voice is calm, controlled, but his pale eyes burn as he watches me. “The question is whether you’re brave enough to take it.”

Artur leans in, his mouth close to my ear. “Come to bed with us. Let us show you how good this can be.”

“All three of you?” My voice comes out breathier than I intend.

“All three of us,” Eduard confirms, stopping just inches away. “Unless you’re scared.”

“I’m not scared.”

“Then prove it.” Artur’s breath is hot against my skin. “Come to bed, Emma. Let us touch you. Taste you. Make you forget everything except how we make you feel.”

My entire body reacts, going on full alert. Heat pools in my belly and my legs suddenly feel weak. God help me, I want to. I want it so badly I can barely breathe.

“This is insane,” I whisper.