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As the weight of my comment settled upon her, her anxiety increased. She clutched her hands, and her voice quivered slightly as she spoke, “I ... I understand. I didn't mean to overstep. I just ... I'm desperate, Nikolai.”
I stood up, grinned as I walked closer to her. It was deliciously fun to see how flustered and shy she looked, like a deer caught in headlights. I couldn't help but enjoy her unease.
Her breathing quickened, her chest heaved, and drew my eyes to it. This time I didn’t try to hide my admiration. Her eyes followed mine and she let out a soft, agitated gasp.
She was so fucking adorable. I wanted to test her, to see how far she was willing to go for her cause and couldn't resist teasing her a bit.
“Why should I help Jonathan?” I asked, my voice dripping with disdain. “He's been nothing but a buzzing mosquito in my ear for years. I can't say I'm particularly fond of him.”
I paused, taking a moment to let the words sink in. Then I continued with a subtle simper, keeping my tone low, “To be frank, Ashley, your father is what we in the Bratva like to call, Payn'ka.” I sniggered at the confusion on her face. “Jonathan is a 'Goody Two Shoes.' He lacks the boldness needed to succeed in the business world. If only he had more guzpa, he would achieve so much more, you know?”
My smile grew menacing. “In better words, malyshka, your father is spineless. And not worth my time.”
Several emotions darted across her face as she stared at me, a sense of helplessness eventually winning out. Then, after a deep inhale, she sneered through gritted teeth and pointed her finger at me.
“Your business would only be worth half as much if my father wasn’t so honest and upright. You would have been caught ten times over if he hadn’t provided a legal way for you to do your shady business. I guess I was wrong, I thought you were a man of honor, despite your ruthless world. I’m sorry I've wasted your time and mine, Nikolai!” After she finished her rant, she let out a loud huff and her cheeks were crimson.
Wow, she had guzpa, her old man could learn a thing or two from her.
“Is that so? I don’t owe your father anything.” I snarled back.
With each step I took, the temptation grew, my eyes raging with intensity as I watched her try to scramble away from me.
“You're in enemy's territory now, dear Ashley,” I whispered. “You should have been more cautious, more guarded.”
Little Miss Brooke was now caught between a rock and a hard place. I loved that I had put her in such a tight spot. I loved that I could nearly taste the power imbalance hanging in the air. My heart raced with desire, as I observed her inner struggle, finally seeing her pride crumble.
I took another long stride until her back finally hit the wall. I cornered her against the wall, my tall frame towering over hers. A sly smile played on my lips as I placed my arms beside her, boxing her in.
“I realize, it was a mistake coming here. You have nothing but intimidation to offer me.” She snarked.
“I haven’t even started yet, malyshka.” I rumble.
I leaned in closer, and she shivered as my breath brushed against her ear.
“What if I indeed was the one who shot Jonathan?”
A wicked mirth washed over me, and I basked in the feeling of control. Toying with her, and watching her reactions, brought me a twisted pleasure. The fire in her eyes could incinerate me, and a restless intensity grew between us. I was relishing every minute of it.
Chapter 5 - Ashley
“I know you have nothing to gain from my father’s death,” I tried to stay calm.
“What if I do?” Nikolai snickered.
“You don’t,” I replied firmly, as his tall body hovered over me.
The air around us felt suffocatingly hot, as he kept me caged in between his arms. My heart raced, pounding against my ribcage as if trying to escape the tumultuous storm swirling inside me.
“You sure about that?” he simpered.
God, can his tenor get any lower?
His warm breath sent a tingle down my spine, and I instinctively splayed my hands against his solid chest, as I squirmed against the unyielding wall. I couldn’t let myself be distracted. But I struggled to withstand his intense gaze and felt exposed beneath his polarizing green irises.
“I ... I was only asking for your help, but if you don’t want to …,” I stammered and ignored his annoying attempt to infuriate me.
I needed his help, nothing more.
