Page 34 of The Pakhan’s Accidental Bride

"I'm fine here."

His jaw tightens slightly, but the smirk doesn't fade. "Here's how it's going to go," he says, his tone shifting into something more commanding. "You'll immediately be moved to my estate, where you can be better guarded. We'll be married in a month."

I nearly choke on my coffee. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." He leans back in his chair, looking completely at ease in my kitchen while my world tilts on its axis. "You're not safe here."

"I still haven't made up my mind," I say, setting my mug down with more force than necessary. "I want to marry for love, not money."

The smirk widens. "I thought sex was your main concern."

Luca chuckles, then pretends to cough as he brings a pitcher of orange juice to the table. My face flames so hot, I'm surprised I don't spontaneously combust, but I refuse to back down.

"That's one of the top priorities on my list," I say through gritted teeth. "Not all of them."

Emil's eyes darken with something that looks like approval mixed with desire. "And I didn't satisfy that priority?"

The memory of last night floods through me. The way he touched me, kissed me, made me come so hard I passed out. The way his body felt against mine, inside mine, the stretch and burn and perfect friction.

"That's not the point," I manage to say, though my voice comes out breathier than I'd like.

"Then what is the point?" He stands, and suddenly the kitchen feels much smaller. He's so tall and broad, and the way he moves reminds me of a predator stalking prey. "You want love? Love takes time, Kiera. But I can keep you safe. I can give you pleasure like you've never experienced before." His voice drops lower. "And I think we both know I've already proven that."

My hands clench into fists at my sides. He's not wrong, but I'm not about to admit it. "You're an arrogant ass."

"And you're stubborn as hell." He takes a step closer. "But you're mine now. The sooner you accept that, the easier this will be."

"I'm not yours," I snap, even though my body is screaming the opposite. Even though I can still feel him between my thighs and still taste him on my lips.

His smile is slow and dangerous. "Your body says otherwise."

I grab my car keys from where I left them on the counter last night and head for the door. I need to get out of here before I do something stupid like let him bend me over the kitchen table.

But before I can even reach for the handle, Emil is in front of the door, blocking my path. I didn't even see him move. One second, he was across the kitchen and the next, he's right there, his large body filling the doorway.

"Move," I say, trying to sound firm.

"No."

"Emil, I'm serious. I need to go to work."

His expression hardens, and for the first time since I woke up, I see the dangerous man beneath the satisfied lover. "Someone shot at you, Kiera. Until we know who and get the guy, you have to be protected. You're not going anywhere."

"The hell I'm not." I try to push past him, but it's like trying to move a brick wall. His hand catches my wrist, gentle but unyielding.

"Don't be stupid about this."

"Don't be controlling about this," I fire back. "I'm going to work whether you like it or not. I have a job, Emil. I have a life. I'm not going to hide away just because some asshole took a shot at me."

We stare at each other, neither willing to back down. I can see the war in his eyes, the desire to lock me away somewhere safe battling with something else. Respect, maybe. Or at least an understanding that if he pushes too hard, he'll lose me completely.

Finally, he steps aside. "Fine. But you're taking guards with you."

"Emil—"

"That's not negotiable." His voice is hard, leaving no room for argument. "You go to work, but my men go with you. They'll stay outside, keep watch. You won't even know they're there."

It's not ideal, but it's better than being locked up like some kind of prisoner in my own apartment. "Fine."