Page 15

CHARLOTTE

I want to say yes.

I imagine his lips on mine, and fuck, I want that.

A man this insanely gorgeous, who sat and chatted about everything and anything with me. Who helped me drug a guy.

If I was single and free, I wouldn’t even question it.

Here? I can’t trust anyone. Certainly not Misha.

The risk isn’t worth it.

My bubble has burst, and the weight of my life crashes over me.

“I’m sorry. I can’t,” I whisper, looking down at the marble beneath my heels.

“Don’t apologize. I’ve clearly got more work to do to get my kiss, ay?”

He pulls back and his face is soft with a smile.

Which throws me.

Quickly before I retreat, I press my hands on his chest and place a soft peck on his cheek.

“Goodnight,” I whisper.

I turn away to the opening elevator before I change my mind.

As the elevator closes, I let out a breath, still tasting the sweet chocolate on my tongue.

I wish things were different.

But I have a job to do.

Maybe, one day, once I’m out of this mess, I’ll try to find him.

Or someone who makes me feel this good.

I couldn’t sleep. All I could picture was Jimmy. So I went to the only place I know I can clear my head.

The place I can unleash the monster festering inside of me.

But with every punch and kick to the bag, I imagine Vlad is there.

For every time he’s pinned me down.

For shooting my mom.

For taking me away from my family.

For making me a goddamn murdering monster.

And now, for stopping me from kissing Jimmy.

Letting out a scream that feels like my ancestor’s pain is also being released, I swing my leg around and beat it into the bag.

Resting my hands on my knees, pain rockets up my shin. Taking deep breaths, my lungs heave.

I wish they had a target here I could throw some knives at.

All this pent-up aggression can’t be good for me. No matter how many guys I kill, it’s never enough because it’s not him.

My monster.

And I see no actual way out.

But what I know is that the only escape I can see so far his death.

And I’ve contemplated it many times. Those nights where I just lie there and he takes what he wants from me.

The only thing that keeps me alive is Drago’s promise.

He witnessed the after effects of what my husband does to me behind closed doors.

He knows who they are.

That’s how he became my handler. But how long can I survive in this nightmare?

Fuck. Vlad.

Fuck. This.

I will find a way out, even if I have to burn the estate to the ground and take those sick bastards out. This is how I survive. Fueled on the thought of revenge.

The world’s a better place without them.

Slow, loud claps from behind me make me jump. Clenching my fists, I spin to face whoever it may be.

I know exactly who it is, just by the aftershave.

And the way my heart is beating.

As our eyes lock, that smirk appears on his beautiful face.

“She could give you a run for your money, brother.”

I don’t even notice the tatted beast behind him. The one with him last night.

Pulling out my hair from the ponytail, I shake it out, sizing up the guy.

Yeah, it would be a challenge. He has that dangerous look in his eyes. Unhinged.

“Careful of your dick, though. She likes to aim for that first.”

He winks at me and the guy’s face screws up. But then amusement grows on his face as he looks between us.

I sidestep, feeling the ground shift beneath my feet as I move out of the way.

“All yours. I got shit to do, and I don’t fancy embarrassing you again, Jimmy.”

I wink at him as I scoot past him.

His fingers close around my wrist, a jolt shooting up my arm, and I gasp, stopping abruptly.

Oddly, his touch doesn’t make me angry. It kind of feels safe. The grunts of Jimmy's brother beating the shit out of the bag fills the room, and Jimmy leans in. Shivers run down my spine as I slowly turn to face him.

Those damn eyes steal the sense from my brain again.

“If you want to fight me, all you gotta do is ask. I won’t aim for your dick this time.”

His deep chuckle makes my pussy clench. I’ve been taught never to submit.

But the way he looks at me, it isn’t just at me, it’s through me. His lips graze my jaw and my eyes flutter closed.

“The kind of fighting I want to do with you very much involves my dick,” he whispers.

His fingers trail down my arm. The delicate touch of a man is alien to me. But this sensation I crave more of.

“Are you flirting with me? There are hundreds of beautiful women staying here. Why not one of them? Why me? The one you can’t have…”

He chuckles and interlinks our fingers, and electricity jolts up my arm. I squeeze his hand, not wanting to let go. Almost forgetting who I am when I’m near him.

“Of course I’m flirting, heartbreaker. I made it clear I want you. And you know exactly why. Why would I go after a Porsche when I could have a Bugatti?”

I chew the inside of my lip.

“Because a Porsche is more easily available, a Bugatti you have to work very hard for.”

He runs his hand through his dark hair.

“You get it. And imagine how much better the driving experience would be. It’s worth the hard work for the ultimate reward.”

My cheeks heat. In fact, my whole damn body is on fire.

“Well, I hope one day you get your dream car, sir.”

I tap my hand on his cheek, and he holds it there, dragging it to his lips and placing a delicate kiss on my skin—his eyes burning into mine with desire.

Just picturing him looking up at me from between my legs and...

Fuck. I need to find my escape, out of Italy. I don’t think I can resist him otherwise.

“I always go after what I want, heartbreaker.” He drops my hand and steps back.

“And what I want is you.”

His words hit me straight in the chest.

“I-I ca?—”

“Jimmy! Hurry up, I need a sparring partner.”

My lips curve into a mischievous grin, while his expression morphs into a deep frown.

“Time to go.” I pout at him.

“Are you going to tell me your real name yet, heartbreaker?”

I shake my head. I was surprised he didn’t press at dinner. I guess we were so distracted in conversation, it was so natural.

“Brittany. Like I told you.”

I give him a small wave and back away.

“I’ll see you around, heartbreaker.” He winks at me before heading off to the mats.

Holy fuck.