Page 79 of Konstantin

He leans in, so close I can taste his breath, mint-laced and maddening.

“And when I want something, I grip it with a tight fist until it’s either mine or dead.”

“You’re such a romantic,” I whisper, even as my body begs me to stop pretending I don’t want to be his.

A flicker of amusement flashes in his gaze. “That’s what they tell me. Now be a good girl for me and go get dressed.”

I jerk back, eyes turning to slits. “I’m sorry,what?”

The trace of playfulness in his expression vanishes, replaced by something colder. Sharper. Deadly.

“I suppose I should clarify what’s about to happen.”

My spine straightens, every nerve sparking to life. “What are you talking about?”

“There’s only one way to guarantee your safety.”

“And that is?”

“You move in with me.”

I laugh, harsh and disbelieving. “Yeah, no. I’m fine right here. If you’re feeling protective, get me a bodyguard. Hell, post a sniper outside my window if it helps you sleep, but I’m not moving in with you.”

The back of his hand glides down my cheek. “It seems you’re under the impression this is a negotiation.” His tone hardens. “At no point did I offer you a choice, Ms. Monroe. Now get dressed before I decide to do it for you.”

“You’re fucking insane!”

“Yes, and?” His eyes gleam with zero remorse. “Would you rather I not care? Leave you here to die? The DeLucas have a bounty on your head. Do you think I have no conscience?”

I scoff. “Do you really want me to answer that?”

On top of everything else I’m dealing with, I now have the DeLucas to worry about? Great…

Konstantin, of course, is too calm about it all. Like dragging me out of my bed in the middle of the night is perfectly rational. I guess for him, it is.

He exhales slowly, like I’m the one being unreasonable. “In case you’ve forgotten, my men were murdered while we slept. I won’t let you be next. You saved my life, Tessa. This is how I repay you.”

I clench my jaw. “I never asked you to, so consider us even. You don’t owe me anything.”

His smile widens, slow and dark, like I’m some unruly pet refusing to heel. The arrogance radiating off him could suffocate a room.

“Go put on some clothes,” he goes on. “We’re going home.”

I bristle. “Iamhome.Youare trespassing.”

His features spiral with cold fury. “Get dressed. Now.”

I cross my arms, blood boiling, my chest tight with anger and something else I don’t want to name.

“No.” I refuse to waver. “Leave.”

For a heartbeat, silence stretches between us like a loaded gun. I can feel it—the moment the tension shifts.

What is he going to do? Grab me? Force me?

I hate him. I hate that a piece of mewantshim to do it. Wants the control, the fire, the possession that only Konstantin knows how todeliver.

But that’s the problem, isn’t it? He’s not just dangerous to the people chasing me. He’s dangerous tome.