Page 47 of Captured Obsession

“They tried to damage the package,” Nikolai replies coldly, also in Russian. “I’m sure the boss would disapprove of them stepping out of line.”

I look back up at him as he holsters his gun and walks over to me. I step back, and his gaze narrows. “Now is not the time to test my patience. I told you there are consequences when you disobey me.”

“They were going to hurt me,” I bite back, yanking out of his grasp when he goes to pull me by the elbow. “They all hate me here. The moment you were gone, they spoke about—” I suck in a sharp breath as his gaze narrows.

Fuck.

I’ve just inadvertently admitted that I can understand Russian.

“Seems like I underestimated you,mishka,” he says in Russian, so quietly that only I can hear. “I won’t make that mistake twice.”

19

SIENNA

“You need to keep up the ruse that you don’t understand Russian,” Nikolai says as he pulls up outside a nightclub.

“Do you really think I'm stupid enough to reveal my only hidden card?” But it's perplexing that he would go so far to ensure my safety, when I feel anything but safe. I feel like a package being passed around. And I thought Nikolai was the biggest, baddest man I would be dealing with, but I've been reminded he's not.

We haven’t spoken since last night. After Agata packed my bags, Nikolai led me from the manor, and on the way out, I saw more body bags being removed. Nikolai didn’t say a word or bat an eye, but I know he had something to do with it. His men appeared more rigid around him when they escorted us to the privatejet. No one but Nikolai, Agata, Andrei, and I were permitted to board.

Agata helped me clean up my scratches and small wounds from the night before. She didn’t say anything, but I saw pity in her gaze every time she looked at me.

When I catch a glimpse of his phone screen, I see he’s been messaging someone named Tiarna, though I can’t make out any of the actual messages. Great, now that we’re back in his home city, he’s already messaging his regular fuck buddy.

“Do as I say,” Nikolai commands, sounding as cold as the day I met him. If not worse.

I fold my arms over my chest. How had I ever started feeling something other than disdain for this man?

He turns off the car, and before he can get out, I blurt, “I had no choice. They were going to hurt me.”

He pauses, and just when I think he’s going to say something, he steps out and closes the door behind him. I watch him as he rounds the hood. Why did I feel the need to say that? He’s not my savior. Hell, he’s not even my friend. He’s only here because he was ordered to be, and I need to remind myself I’m only a job to him.

He opens the passenger door and offers his hand that I would ordinarily refuse. But I know it’s different here. I feel eyes on us, and I know without a doubt, that if I step out of line here, it really could be the end for me.

Be an obedient little doll.

I slide my hand into his rough, callused palm, hating the way my heart jumps as electricity passes between us.

Nikolai might be willing to kill one of his own men under the pretense of my safety, but I very much doubt he's willing to protect me against his boss.

I wonder if there’s a chance someone might recognize me here. I should be elated at the thought. But if anything, I'm terrified as to who else it might involve in this situation.

Nikolai gives me a onceover, starting at my yellow heels with bow ties on the back, then sweeping up to my matching yellow dress. I’m certain I see a spark of that wildfire I’ve seen in his eyes before, but it’s quickly blinked away.

His gaze snags briefly on the diamond snake necklace before moving on to the matching earrings he purchased for me. He might be my kidnapper, but I have to give credit to a man when he has good taste in both clothes and jewelry.

He leans in, brushing his lips against my ear, and says, “Don't leave my side.”

I offer a timid smile, aware of the security guard watching us from the club’s entrance. If I’ve learned one thing being raised in the circles that I have, it’s how to mask my emotions and play the role expected of me.

However, it doesn’t mean that I fucking like it.

“I remember how to put on a show,” I tell him. Then I place my hand on his chest. “You know, it would make me think that you care a lot more if you gave me a weapon,” I purr as I gently shove him back. His presence is insufferable, his citrusy, woodsy cologne flaring my nostrils, and I can’t fucking think straight.

He places his finger under my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. “I still don't trust you to not turn a weapon against me,mishka,” he says, though I hear approval in his tone. “But at the very least, I’ve permitted you to wear stilettos today, which you've proven can be used as good as any weapon.”

“Surely, you're not scared of this little teddy bear?” I tease, batting my eyelashes.