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Nikolai laughs, and we stare at each other, both determined to win. But I’m at a disadvantage because his facial expression is unreadable. For all I know, he could be just as aroused as me.
It’s his turn to make a move. But instead of taking my bait, he straightens.
“See you tomorrow, Katarina.”
And without another word, he’s gone.
I’m alone again.
But not for long.
He’ll be back.
NINETEEN
NIKOLAI
I’m counting down the hours until I go home and have dinner with Katarina. It’ll be our first meal together since she asked me to come back. I’m hoping that some time alone made her think things through.
Yes, it was fun to taunt her and play with her head. With the way her cheeks heat and her body language changes, I know she’s hot for me. I expect that her rage will simmer down even more. The next time I visit, even though she’ll still want to throttle me, I’m sure she’ll keep herself in check.
My thoughts are focused on her all the time. It’s so distracting that I don’t even sense the man lurking in the parking garage until it’s too late.
My head jerks backward as something cold and sharp is pressed against my throat. Reflexively, I raise my hands above my head and try to figure out what’s happening. Who would be stupid enough to ambush me in my own building of all places?
“Whoever you are, and whatever you think you’re doing, you’re making a grave mistake,” I coldly warn the attacker. “I’m the last person you want to mess with.”
The man tightens his grip on my neck. I can feel his nervous energy. The ragged breathing belongs to someone young, unsure of himself. There’s a lot of anger in it.
“Drop the knife and walk away,” I say calmly. “It’s the only way you’ll leave alive.”
Before I can say anything else, the assailant presses the knife harder against the vulnerable skin of my throat.
Blood seeps out, traveling down my neck. The slight discomfort is the first alarm bell in my head. He might be uncertain of what he’s doing, but in this position, I am way too exposed and weak. The pain only heightens, and I begin to regret ever giving the attacker this moment to think about it. Now that he’s had a chance to anticipate his possible triumph, there’s no turning back.
It’s when he speaks that he makes a mistake. My hatred reignites, giving me the strength and determination needed to get out of this encounter unscathed.
“Where is she?” Igor hisses in my ear. The anger in his voice is strong enough that I can almost smell it. The alcohol on his breath burns my nostrils. That should make things easier.
“Who are you talking about?” I question, buying myself some time.
“Katarina!” Igor shrieks, spewing saliva all over me.
“Why should I tell you?” I demand.
My small movement doesn’t scare him away. His body vibrates with fury, and I can’t tell if it’s due to him drinking too much or if he wants to get revenge against me that badly.
“You won’t hurt me,” I say, regaining my confidence. “Her life is connected to mine. If I die, she dies.”
“Don’t play smart with me,” Igor screeches again, his drunken insanity evident. “Kata isn’t in the game. You have no right totouch her.”
Fast as lightning, I whip my hand upward and grab his wrist in a powerful grip, twisting the knife away from his hold. The alcohol in his veins dulls his reflexes, significantly slowing down his movements.
A loud gasp escapes his throat as he recoils back. I lower my stance, gathering more strength. Once I see him lift his empty hand, I rush forward, punching him across the jaw. I connect with more power than I ever have before, not thinking about the damage I could cause.
One strike, and he falls to the ground. Blood runs over his chin, dripping to the ground. It should put an end to my violent surge, but it does quite the opposite. Now that I’ve started, I’m too pumped with adrenaline to stop.
I kick his back, pushing him flat onto his belly. Then I lean down and lift his head by grabbing his hair. His drunken condition works in my favor.
