Page 121 of Konstantin

Konstantin’s hands are gentle as he helps me slip my dress back on while I try to ignore the eyes of the people passing by, their gazes drawn to us.

The fabric of my gown settles over my limbs, and he drags up the zipper, his fingers brushing my skin with tenderness.

Every touch, every small movement, is like a thread tying us together in ways I’m still trying to understand. I can’t ignore the rush of heat that pulses through me once he faces me, those eyes intense and unwavering, as though he’s searching for something deep within me.

For a moment, time seems to stand still, the world outside disappearing completely. Then, without breaking our gaze, his lips gently brush mine—soft, yet full of unspokendesire, like he’s savoring every second. His palm cradles my cheek, and the warmth of his touch sends a wave of emotions through me.

When he drags himself back, he lifts my knuckles to his lips, sending a jolt through my body before leading me into the hallway. But as we move forward, a woman suddenly rushes toward us.

She’s barely dressed, a corset around her midsection, her breasts only covered by jeweled pasties, a black, lacy thong around her hips. But it’s when I see her red collar that I know she works here. She looks briefly at me, as if uncertain about saying something in front of me, but Konstantin doesn’t give her the chance to hesitate.

“Tessa is my wife now. She knows everything.” His tone leaves no room for argument.

The woman meets his gaze, then looks at me again, her own concern evident.

“It’s Mira,” she says, and I instantly realize it’s Veronika behind that mask.

“What about Mira?” The question slips from me without thinking.

I may not know her well, but I don’t want to see her hurt.

“She’s in trouble.” Veronika’s vision flicks toward Konstantin. “It’s Billy. He hurt her.”

Who the hell is Billy?

Konstantin’s jaw clenches, and I can feel quiet rage within him, waiting for the right moment to explode.

“Where are they?” Konstantin’s hand tightens around mine.

“The guys have him in a room. She’s getting cleaned up by the girls.”

I don’t like the sound of that.

“Who’s Billy?” I ask aloud this time.

“He’s a local politician,” he tells me. “Someone who thinks he’s above the law. But tonight, he’s going to learn the hard way what happens when you hurt my business or my people.”

And I know without a doubt tonight will be a reckoning.

We move quickly toward Mira, entering the back room where she waits. The moment I see her, my heart drops.

She’s sitting on a plush chair, a robe wrapped around her body, face bruised on both cheeks, blue and bloody, her eyes swollen from crying. She’s trembling, but when she sees Konstantin, her face softens slightly, like she feels a bit safer with him here.

“Oh God, Mira.” I rush to her side, kneeling down in front of her. My heart aches as I reach out to touch her arm gently. “I’m so sorry this happened to you.”

She stares at me. “Tessa?”

Lowering my mask, I offer her a small, sad smile. “Yeah, it’s me.”

She sniffles, tears rolling down her face as she throws her arms around me.

“It’s okay, I’ve got you.” I hold her tightly, feeling Konstantin’s gaze burning into my back.

When we finally pull apart and I rise to my feet, his eyes are on me, his expression unreadable, but something in them softens as he watches me comfort Mira.

“Don’t worry,” he says, his voice laced with violent intent. “I’ll take care of him for good.”

A quiet promise of revenge and protection. And I can’t help but feel moved by his unwavering need to avenge those he cares for, even when it’s in murderous ways.