Page 7 of Trapped
“I don’t have a choice.”
“You’ve picked a dangerous one.”
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get out.”
He stared at me. Then he stood up, rounding the desk and leaning against the edge.
“Out of all the people in Boston you could’ve run to, why me?”
“Nobody can protect me like you.”
“Someone else could’ve found you first. They would’ve kidnapped you off the street and locked you up. Or worse, sold you to the highest bidder.”
“I know the risks.”
“You don’t. You think you’re desperate now? Some men wouldn’t have thought twice about raping you the moment you asked for help. They wouldn’t have stopped until you were broken. I could be one of them.”
My stomach clenched. “But you’re not.”
“How the hell would you know?”
“Because I’m not an idiot. I didn’t pick you randomly. I asked around. I watched you.”
“Youwatchedme?”
“I came in here a few times. I followed you to the deli once.”
His lips curled. “And what did you find out?”
I wiped my palms on my skirt. “You don’t tolerate disrespect. Nobody crosses you without paying a price.”
“You’ve got me all figured out, huh?”
“No, but I know enough.”
He grabbed my chair, caging me within his arms. Then he lowered his head, so close that his scent swirled in my nose. His proximity alone set me on fire, but I wanted to bathe in his smell.
“You know nothing,” he said, his growl settling deep in my bones. “If I wanted to, I could ruin you right now.”
“Then why don’t you?”
“Because I’m intrigued. You walked into my world, knowing exactly who I am. That takes guts.”
“I’m desperate. Is that a dealbreaker for you?”
His scowl darkened. “Being a Romanov is.”
A lump formed in my throat. “You don’t understand what they’ll do to me.”
“What makes you think I’ll be any better?”
“You don’t kill women. You play with them and let them go.”
“What if I don’t? What if I end up liking you more than you bargained for?”
“I-I guess I’ll deal with it.”
A merciless smile carved into his face as I stammered my response. He was thoroughly enjoying himself. At least he was entertained.