Page 77 of Bound By Revenge
“Kat—” I begin, unsure how to form the words to tell her I’ll protect her, to promise I’ll annihilate whoever put that look on her face.
She cuts me off before I can figure it out. “A.J. and I are still dealing with him,” she says, her voice tight. “He’s still a threat. That’s why I’m not exactly thrilled about this party. I have a feeling he’ll be there.”
So I probably know the bastard. My jaw clenches. “Tell me his name.”
“I can’t,” she replies, shaking her head. “I told you, he’s dangerous. If he finds out?—”
“Kat,” I say, my voice hardening, “you’re going to tell me everything about this man right now. And then I’m going to handle him for you.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Why the hell not?” I snap, my anger slipping its leash despite knowing it’s the wrong approach with her.
“You’re not listening,” she says sharply, her own frustration bleeding through the fear. “I’ve already told you why. It’s too dangerous.”
"Not if I handle him for you. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Nik,” she says, her tone measured, as if she’s trying to keep me calm. “I get it. You want your diamond back. I really do understand. But I’ve told you all I can for now. I have promises to keep and people to protect. You’re just going to have to respect that.” She shrugs, as if that settles the matter.
“Respect your boundaries?” The words come out as a roar before I can stop them. “You’ve lost your mind if you think I’m going to let this brain-dead plan of yours slide.
She rolls her eyes, utterly unfazed by my outburst.
“Once you calm down,” she says coolly, “we can talk more. I’m sorry about your diamond. I really am. But it is what it is.”
“Fuck the diamond,” I snap, my frustration boiling over. “Can’t you see I can keep you safe?”
She shrugs again, maddeningly calm. “Maybe. Maybe not. Besides, who’s going to keepyousafe, Nik? I don’t want something happening to you because of me.”
“Keep me safe?” The words burst out of me, a roar that echoes in the room. “Woman, do you have any idea who I am?”
She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t even acknowledge my outburst. Instead, she looks at me with that infuriating calm, like she has me all figured out. “I know you’re used to getting your way,” she says evenly, “but you’re going to have to accept that you can’t make me change my mind—no matter how loud you get.”
I close my eyes, forcing myself to breathe through the anger. Slowly, I sit on the edge of the bed, dragging a hand over my face. “Kat, I—fuck,” I mutter, my voice low and rough. “I don't mean to be an ass—especially after what happened earlier. But you have to understand—after Maxim, I just... I can’t just sit back and do nothing while someone else I care about is in danger.”
As I sit so close to her, on a bed no less, I can’t stop staring—her face, her hair, the way her posture softens just a little as our eyes meet. I lean closer, unable to help myself.
“He was my closest friend,” I say quietly. “We were the only family each other had. We grew up together.” I pause. The words weigh heavy on my tongue, but I force them out. “His parents were gone. Mine kicked me out before I could even shave. We kept each other alive. He was my brother.”
Her expression changes, something raw and tender flickering in her face. “Oh, Nik,” she whispers, then wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me close. Her warmth presses into me, comforting and grounding.
“I don’t want your pity,” I mutter, though her touch settles something deep in my chest. I let her hold me anyway.
She shakes her head. “I don’t pity you. You’ve been through hell and made it out. Most people wouldn’t have survived what you did, let alone thrived. Pity doesn’t belong anywhere near you.”
I groan, pressing my forehead against her hair. “Kat…”
This woman.
If I don’t watch myself around her, she’s going to ruin me.
“Listen,” I say, my voice rough. “I know I don’t deserve your trust yet. But if—when—you let me in, I’ll help you. I’ll handle him. I’ll make sure no one ever hurts you again. You’re under my protection. For fuck's sake, use it.”
She tightens her arms around my neck, nodding against me. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she whispers.
“Promise me,” I insist, my grip on her tightening.
“I promise,” she murmurs, and after a beat, she adds, “And I’ll go to McGuire’s party with you.”