Page 10 of Captive

I gazed at the class I’d grown fond of, taking a deep breath when I allowed my heated look to fall on Chloe. There seemed to be no difference in her actions that I’d been able to detect. At least she appeared unharmed from the incident the night before. While I’d allowed the fuckers to live, even hoping they would report to whoever they were working for that I refused to play their game, I remained on edge.

I’d noticed a car parked a half block away from the house, the single person inside drawing my attention. I was being watched, whoever the person or entity responsible biding their time. I would be ready, handling the situation as I’d been taught.

“Kogda my zkanchivayem god…” I said in my native language, waiting to see if I’d gathered their attention, “pomni eto.” Aswe end the year, remember this.I tried to think of the perfect Russian proverb. Although Maxim had insisted on a higher education, providing needed funds, I’d never considered myself a philosopher. That wasn’t in my brutal nature. “Ktoh ni riskuyet tot ni pyot shampanskava.”

“He who doesn’t take risks doesn’t drink champagne.”

I shifted my gaze in Chloe’s direction, both surprised and stimulated by her immediate translation.

“Excellent. At least I’ve taught you something this year,” I continued, offering a smile. “Enjoy the summer.” I took a deep breath, immediately turning my attention to closing up for the year. I stared down at my bruised hand, enjoying the remaining ache. I’d been forced to realize during the sleepless night that I would always be Bratva. I would always react in the required method of violence. The miles and years hadn’t taken the savage from his lair.

I paid little attention as the students filed out of the room, the sounds of their delightful squeals at the last class of the semester meaning little to me. When I heard a lone set of footsteps, I bristled, taking several deep breaths.

“Hi,” Chloe said quietly. She stood in front of my desk, her gaze falling to my bruised hand.

She had no idea what kind of risk she was taking even talking to me. There were obviously eyes everywhere. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. There wasn’t any trouble.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Forget it happened. Go about your business.”

“Who are you?” Her question was filled with a crazy kind of wonderment, as if she really wanted to know.

“I’m your professor and nothing more.”

“I think you turned into my hero.”

A laugh jutted to the surface. I gazed at her long and hard, finally shaking my head. “It’s best you forget about me.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s necessary, Chloe.” She inched closer, her defiance forcing my cock to twitch, my balls tightening. “I need to know why.”

While the last thing that I wanted to do was terrify her, it had become obvious doing so was necessary. “Because there are some very bad people out there, Chloe, the kind that don’t take no for an answer. They don’t give a shit who you are or if you beg for mercy, they will do what’s necessary in order to continue their mission. Do you understand me?”

“Are you that kind of man? Are you a bad man?”

I thought about her question, my longing only increasing with every passing second. I grabbed my briefcase then inched closer. As her intoxicating scent rushed into my loins, filling every cell and muscle with her exotic fragrance, a part of me wanted nothing more than to drag her away. “Yes, I am. Stay away from me, Chloe. Enjoy your life.”

She kept her eyes locked onto mine, her lower lip quivering. When she didn’t budge, I moved around her, walking toward the exit. I also made a promise to myself that I’d never allow myself to fall prey to my burning hunger.

If I did, I would destroy her.

* * *

As I walked into the darkened bar, I scanned the joint, able to size up the majority of customers. Maxim had called me observant and my skill had come in handy on more than once occasion, including saving the Bratva Don’s life.

However, this was America, an entirely different environment.

I headed for the bar, immediately noticing the owner grinning at me. He was one of the only people I’d come to trust since leaving Russia. He even knew who I was, or at least who I had been all those years ago. The reason I respected him was that he didn’t give a shit.

“Been too long, my friend,” Travis huffed as he threw out his arm, grasping my hand.

“Yeah, I know. A tough year.”

“Uh-huh. Then what brings you here tonight? Hell, it’s almost closing time. Aren’t you usually nestled under the covers by now?” His tease was one that always made me chuckle.

Not tonight.