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The way she yielded without breaking.

Her inherent submission fascinated me—how she followed instructions while maintaining that defiant spark. Stretching those pink lips around me, her entire body trembling. I craved more, wanted to discover every expression her face could form: anguish, ecstasy, and that exquisite threshold where they merged.

Her pleas still resonated in my memory.

I needed her addiction to match my own growing obsession.

I was giving her the remainder of the night.

Not by choice.

If it had been entirely up to me, I’d be between her thighs, sinking my cock deep inside her tight pussy as she struggled against the binds I’d use to tie her to her own bed.

Unfortunately, running defense against Gregor and Artem’s fury when they found out the real reason I was at the offices a couple of hours ago was more important…but only barely.

The men surrounding me assumed I was awaiting information on her whereabouts, but I already knew her true address—not the fake one she'd given management.

I’d already sent two of my men to watch the place.

Unlike Yelena or Samara, Alina lacked resources to run far. She didn't possess Viktoria's determination or Marina's understanding of our reach.

Let her cling to a false sense of security for what remained of the night.

I'd let her have that momentary comfort.

It would make reclaiming her infinitely sweeter.

My brothers and cousins hunted their women for ownership or control.

That wasn't my motivation, though I fully intended to enjoy my prize.

For me, the pursuit itself was what held the appeal.

The challenge.

The game.

I craved finding her, chasing her, capturing her.

The others wouldn't comprehend.

I'd deliberately let her escape.

Where was the satisfaction if she simply surrendered?

By the time I'd won the next round, forcing Gregor to choke down an entire shot of bargain-shelf vodka as punishment, the atmosphere had shifted.

Artem tapped his fingers against his cards, dark eyes narrowing. "Enough bullshit. What happened before the girl swallowed your common sense along with your cock? Why were you at the building tonight, and why was the place emptied?"

I braced myself.

Here we go…

"Solovyov is handled," I replied in a deceptively casual tone.

The room fell silent.

Until Gregor and Artem simultaneously slammed their fists on the table, competing for dominance even in their anger.