Page 116 of Konstantin

“I have a meeting at my club, and I need my assistant there withme.” The sensual undertone in his words sends a shiver down my spine.

“The infamous club.” The curiosity I’ve had about it bubbles to the surface, and before I can stop myself, the question slips out. “Will you show me around?”

He arches a brow, clearly surprised at my eagerness. “I was hoping to.”

Nerves stir in my stomach, but it’s not fear. It’s something else, something thrilling. The idea of stepping into that world, seeing what he’s been hiding, intrigues me more than I care to admit.

A part of me wonders what he might make me try. And if I might actually want to.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

EMILIA

Konstantin’s SUVsilently glides on the road as we drive to the club, while I glance at my reflection in the tinted window.

A strappy red gown clings to my skin, my body accentuated by the soft, luxurious fabric. Gently, I adjust the intricate gold lace mask he gave me that sits on the bridge of my nose, the anticipation of this evening taking over. It’s one thing to have heard about a place like this, but a whole other thing to experience it.

When the car pulls to a stop, the hum of the engine dying away, I peer over at him, face concealed by a simple black mask as he types something on his cell. Surveying the industrial building in the middle of nowhere, New Jersey, I have no idea what’s waiting for me inside.

He exits first, coming around to open my door and giving me his hand as I step out. The heels on my feet don’t add enough inches to come close to his towering height, which both intimidates and excitesme.

More than a dozen cars are already parked as we approach the door, where a man in a red devil’s mask taps away at his laptop.

“Boss,” he greets Konstantin.

“Privet. This is my wife. Tessa, this is Igor.”

“Good to meet you.” The man nods, his accent thicker than Konstantin’s.

“You too.”

As we head through the glass doors, he presses a button for the elevator, and we ride up in silence. His hand slips into mine, and he brings my knuckles to his lips. I love when he does that.

The elevator opens, revealing a hallway with a coat check area before we head toward two double doors. The moment we step inside, the atmosphere shifts. Low, colorful lights bathe us in a seductive glow, the music thumping through the speakers with an erotic rhythm.

“There aren’t any guests here yet,” he says over the music. “It won’t open for another hour.”

I glance around, eyeing the people in masks and red collars. “And who are they?”

He pulls me closer, his palms tugging my hips as he stares into my eyes. “That’s my staff. This is what Mira does.” His lips brush my ear as he leans in. “What you would’ve done, if I hadn’t found it impossible to picture you with anyone but me.”

My arms slip around him, my fingers grazing his back. “Is that where your genius idea of making me your assistant came from?”

A smirk pulls at his lips, the heat in his gaze scorching me where I stand. “Yes, but my true brilliance came when I made you my wife.”

I raise a brow, my lips curling playfully. “I think you’re overestimating your brilliance.”

His laughter vibrates through me, deep and raspy. “I think you’reunderestimatingit, katyonak.”

Something flickers in his irises. A flash of something darker,more intense. But it disappears as quickly as it appeared, leaving me questioning if I even saw it.

“Come. I want to show you around.” His fingers slide into mine but he makes no attempt to move.

“Whatever you say,sir.”

He catches the seductive note in my tone, and with a low groan, his mouth takes mine, urgent and all-consuming. A deep, primal sound slips from him as he drags me flush against him, his hand fisting my hair as he kisses me with an intensity that leaves me breathless. I melt into him as his fingers tangle in my hair, the other hand gripping my jaw and tilting my face as he deepens our connection.

With the masks on, everything is heightened. Every urge, every desire.