Page 68 of Ruthless Reign
After a minute of death glares, she deliberately turns away. Despite her focus on the stage, I feel her energy directed at me like a silent storm across the divide.
I nearly laugh to myself. She’s fucking adorable when she’s angry. But she has no need to be, and I’ll set the record straight at the first opportunity.
Beside me, Katerina releases a little giggle as her hand creeps over my thigh, settling over my crotch. Her manicured talons run gently over the fabric of my pants in an attempt to get me hard. Like I could even get a semi for her.
I sweep her hand away and shoot her a warning look. “Like I said before, not happening.”
She pouts—a move that’s probably worked with many before me. I find it obnoxious as fuck.
“We can find a back room somewhere.” Her breath coasts over my ear, her sickeningly strong perfume invading my nose. “Or I can blow you right here. We’re high up enough so no one can see.”
She’s saying that just for my benefit. Katerina wants people to see us. It’s all about making sure everyone knows she’s the one on my arm tonight.
“Pass.” I hiss out a breath of annoyance.
She can’t take a hint. This was never a date; I came to her with a business proposal, nothing more. Being seen together tonight was part of her terms—she wants the world to think she’s bagged a high-ranking member of the Belov Syndicate. It’s far from the truth, but I have to hold up my side of the bargain.
I look up just as Anatoly whispers something in Liza's ear, then stands and leaves their balcony. Once Liza is alone, her gaze drifts back towards me. She scowls, and I smile. Others might not take her hostility as an invitation, but I guess that’s what makes me different.
“I have a business matter to attend to,” I tell Katerina, then stand and button my suit jacket.
She frowns. “It can’t wait until intermission?”
“It can, but I don’t want it to.”
Her friendly mask drops, and the real Katerina shines through. The one that’s famously petty and bitchy. “Whatever. I don’t care about this shit anymore. I’m going to find my friends at the bar.” She stalks off, teetering in heels and her designer crimson dress swishing dramatically with each step she takes.
I don’t know who told her she looks good in red, but they must have been colorblind.
Liza doesn’t hear me enter her balcony. She doesn’t notice when I close the curtain and take a few steps closer, the sound of my approach drowned out by the orchestra's crescendo.
But she does notice when my hand reaches around and covers her mouth. Her body stiffens and she attempts to turn around, but I don’t let her.
“Shh,” I coax into her ear as I crouch down behind her seat.
With a hand wrapped in her hair, I force her to remain in place, taking this opportunity to breathe her in. Her subtle scent is like a breath of fresh air.
She squeals in displeasure.
I chuckle. “I know, milaya, you’re pissed at me. I have to say I’m flattered by your reaction. You made it pretty clear you weren’t interested, but I dunno… You might want to rethink your choice if I inspire that much emotion.”
She attempts a response but it comes out as a muffled noise of discontent instead.
Her anger only fuels my hunger. Maybe I won’t clear up my involvement with Katerina but use it to my advantage. There’s a thin line between love and hate.
“This is what’s going to happen,” I tell her. “You’re going to be a good fucking girl, sit back, and watch the show while I make you come all over my fingers. Are we clear?”
This wasn’t my intention when I walked in here, but knowing she despises me as much as she wants me has inspired a new approach.
She shakes her head and attempts a scream, but it’s useless with my hand still covering her mouth. With my other hand, I fist her hair and twist her face around so she can see how serious I am.
“If you disobey or make noise, everyone will look up and see my hand up your dress. Is that what you want?”
She freezes, her eyes locking onto me with a murderous glare.
“I didn’t think so. Anatoly is off smoking cigars with his buddies and being an obnoxious ass, so don’t worry about him.” I lick a long, hot trail up her neck, from the base of her collarbone to just under her ear, before I wrap my lips around her earlobe and suck it into my mouth, savoring the contact.
Fuck, I’ve been obsessed with tasting her again and she’s just as delicious as I remember.