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I bend down to nip at her earlobe. “You like it when I dominate you.”

Her body arches into mine, a soft whimper escaping her throat as my other hand finds her clit, my thumb rubbing circles. I thrust harder, each movement demanding, relentless. She's so wet, her body begging for release, the slickness coating my cock as I pound into her.

She's getting close. I can feel it. Each squeeze of her inner walls, each cry that falls from her lips, drives me closer to the edge. But I want to send her over first, feel her shatter around me again. My thumb presses harder, circling firmly as I continue to thrust.

Her breath comes in short, sharp pants, her body arching off the bed. “Erik, please, I'm—Ohh!”

I bite her earlobe as her body goes rigid, a cry caught in her throat. I don't stop, continuing to work her clit as my cock pounds into her. A soft keening escapes her throat, high and desperate, as she falls apart in my arms.

But she drags me right over the edge with her. I groan, my entire body tensing as I spill myself into her, thrusting once, twice more before going still.

For a moment, all I can hear is our harsh panting, our hearts pounding in sync. I press a soft kiss to her shoulder, feeling her shudder beneath me as I catch my breath.

Slowly, I withdraw, reaching for the box of wipes nearby. She flinches as I clean her, her body hypersensitive after her release. I pause, taking in the sight of her—hair wild, chest rising and falling rapidly, skin flushed with pleasure.

My cock twitches at the sight, already eager for more. I pull up my shorts, knowing I need to leave and get a grip on my desire. But damn, it's harder than hell to walk away.

I look at her, gaze raking over her beautiful, disheveled form. She's utterly spent, her body lax against the bench, eyes closed.But her chest rises and falls rapidly, her breathing not yet returned to normal.

A part of me wants to reach out, smooth the hair back from her face, and pull her close. To feel her soft curves pressed against me and listen to the sound of her heartbeat slowly returning to its natural rhythm.

But this is dangerous territory, one I have no business straying into. She's a captive, an enemy, and I'm her captor. It's a line I never should have crossed.

“Get some rest.” My voice is rough as I brush a stray lock of hair from her cheek.

She turns her face away, and something tightens in my chest. I force myself to turn and head for the door, hating the distance that's suddenly sprung up between us.

I slip out, closing the door softly behind me. The cold corridor hits me like a slap, bringing me back to reality. I need to get a grip on myself and remember what—who—she is.

Lebedev.

Enemy.

Captive.

Taking a deep breath, I force my body to relax, my cock to calm. I have a job to do here, a role to play, and I can't let my attraction to her, my need for her, cloud my judgment. My brothers are counting on me to keep her in line, and that's exactly what I'll do.

11

KATARINA

Istep into the kitchen, drawn by the scent of fresh coffee. A woman stands at the counter, her honey-blonde hair caught in the morning light. She turns at the sound of my footsteps, revealing striking green-gold eyes.

“Hello.” I keep my voice neutral, assessing this unexpected presence.

“You must be Katarina. I'm Sofia.” Her smile seems genuine, though there's a sharp intelligence behind it that puts me on guard.

“I haven't seen you around before.”

“No, you wouldn't have.” She leans against the counter. “I wanted to speak with you, actually. I feel I owe you an apology for this situation.”

My muscles tense. “An apology?”

“Yes. Nikolai had to take drastic action against your father. I know being held here isn't ideal, but there were reasons.” She runs her finger along the rim of her mug. “Important ones.”

“You're Nikolai's wife?” The pieces click into place—her expensive clothes, her presence here, the way she carries herself with such confidence in this den of wolves.

“I am.” There's no apology in her tone, just a statement of fact. “And I know this must be difficult for you. Being caught between warring families is never easy.”