Page 57 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

"So what? Before you showed up, I was surviving just fine!" I bit my lip. I'd never depended on anyone. "I would've found a way out... Either way, it's none of your business."

My voice was edging toward hysterical. How many times had I fallen apart because of him?

"None of my business? You're mine. At least until the arrangement ends, I'm responsible." He yanked me into his arms.

I crashed into his solid chest, dizzy.

"Matvey, the second this arrangement ends, I'm gone." I held my breath, letting him hold me. "I won't get in the way of you and your ex-wife getting back together."

He and Veronica were reconciling. Any talk of renewing our deal was off the table.

"Riley, don't do this." His voice softened.

"I'm just doing what I'm supposed to." I wriggled free from his loosened grip and turned to leave.

He didn't let me.

"It's too late. It's dangerous for you alone." Without another word, he grabbed my wrist and dragged me toward his car. "I'm taking you home."

"I don't need you! I can walk..." I struggled, even bit his arm. Nothing worked.

"Behave." He bent down and hoisted me over his shoulder.

The world spun. My stomach pressed against his hard shoulder.

"Matvey! Are you insane? Put me down!" The sudden loss of balance made me yelp.

I pounded on his rock-solid back, legs kicking wildly in the air.

"Stop squirming, Riley." His low voice rumbled against my thigh, his warm breath making me shiver.

"Let go! I can walk!" I twisted, trying to flip myself off.

"Unless you want me to strip your skirt off and spank you right here in the street, stay still." His palm landed on my ass in warning. I went up in flames.

I didn't dare move.

Fine. I relaxed slightly. If he was taking me home anyway, I could give back all those clothes he'd sent.

I didn't want to owe him anything.

Chapter Sixteen

Riley

I twisted the lock and pushed the door open with a creak.

The old chandelier, worn laminate floors, and drafty windows came into view. A paint-chipped TV hung on the wall, and the whole place smelled damp.

Honestly, I never imagined Matvey would show up here. His expensive suit and shoes looked completely out of place in this cramped, rundown rental.

My sister and I had been in New York for over a year now, living here the whole time—shabby, sure, but the rent was cheap. I was fine with it, but Matvey clearly wasn't. He'd been frowning since he walked in.

"You live in this dump?" He looked around, brow furrowed. "People actually live here?"

I took a deep breath and hung my bag on the hook behind the door.

"You had me investigated, didn't you? You should know where I live."