Page 227 of Dance of Defiance

“I’m not angry at all.”

His big, tattooed fingers wrap around my cock, stroking me.

“We—I can’t be late to this—” I gasp.

“Too bad.You’re gonna be late.”

“You’re late.”

I tense as I feel Val bite back a chuckle, his hand covertly swatting my ass.

Stepan eyes me, his brow furrowing.

“Please… Try to be more punctual going forward.”

He turns to Val and grins, sticking out his hand to shake Val's firmly. “Always good to see you, Mr. Bancroft.”

Val nods, then turns to glance around the room.

The top five Nikitinavtoritetsare already here, and I got a text from Bane a minute ago, when Val was making me evenmorelate by making out with me in the guest bathroom down the hall, that he and his dad will be here momentarily.

“I… I can wait outside.”

My hand finds his just as Stepan shakes his head.

“No, I think it’s fine if you’re here.”

Val glances at me. I squeeze his hand. “Stay. I like having you at my side.”

He snorts. “Shit. Never thought I’d be some gangster's arm candy, but here we are.”

Stepan chuckles as I roll my eyes. “You can wait over there. Just try not to…”

“Be my usual charming, irresistible self?” Val shrugs, glancing at the group of older, gruff, stony-faced captains. “No promises.” He slaps my ass again. “Go get ‘em, wreckage.”

He winks at me and then saunters over to the captains as I sigh and turn back to Stepan. “He reallycanwait outside, you know.”

Stepan chuckles and shakes his head. “No, I find him quite amusing.”

“He…gets under your skin like that.”

He smiles and pats my shoulder. “It would appear so.”

He leans on his cane as he turns and walks with me across the room.

“The cane's a nice look, by the way.”

Stepan makes a sour face.

“I’m serious.” I glance at him, grinning. “Very distinguished. Trying to make a good impression?”

“Da,” he grunts. “I’m hoping the fresh-faced young king finds it in his heart to keep his old friend Stepan around as his number two.”

I look him in the eye. “I can only do thisifyou’re my number two.”

“Well, I am considering numerous other offers,” he says, deadpan. “I’ll keep you abreast of the situation.”

“Asshole,” I mutter, chuckling.