Page 93 of Red Fury

“I know,” I say, between more laughter. He’s talking about me being his pretty little wife who stays home and pops out babies while he does whatever it is he does…and he’s serious.

He opens his mouth to say something else, but I cut him off.

“Stop right there,” I say, holding up a hand. “It will be a cold day in hell before I ever agree to such a thing. You kidnapped me, and now you expect me to take part in this insanity. You’re not my type at all.”

My mind immediately goes to Fury – his dark blue eyes, his smile, the way he made me feel safe even when we were fighting. I only hope he can find me. Then again, I don’t want anythinghappening to him. The thought of Roman hurting him makes my chest tighten.

“It’s a pity you feel that way,” Roman says, studying me over the rim of his glass. “You intrigue me in so many ways, and that’s not something that happens often.”

It’s clear he’s either used to getting whatever the hell he wants or he’s an idiot. I don’t think it’s the latter.

“I intrigue you, and so you had your nutjob assistant – or whatever Neilina is to you – drug me and tie me up with a sack over my head. Um…yeah…no thanks.”

“I hope you’ll reconsider spending time with me,” he says. “I would like for us to get to know each other better. I think we could come to an agreement of sorts. One that suits both of us.”

Does he really think I’m that gullible?

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite this arrogant before.

“Go fuck yourself,” I snap.

He laughs again, that rich, throaty sound. “You are mine now, whether you like it or not. Mine to do with as I please.” His expression turns cold. “If you’re not going to even think about it, I’m going to put you up for auction, Claire. The highest bidder can have you, and you won’t like where you end up.”

My stomach drops. “So, I’m going to be someone’s sex slave whether I like it or not? It’s either become your whore or someone else’s?”

“No, you have it all wrong. You won’t be used for sex.”

I frown, confusion mixing with my fear. “What, then? Why would someone want to buy me?”

He sets down his whiskey glass and closes the distance between us in three strides. I want to back away, but I force myself to stand my ground as he leans in close, that dark smile spreading across his face.

“I’m afraid that youwouldbe a slave. You’re right about that. But it wouldn’t be for sex.” His canines sharpen to long, deadly points right before my eyes.

I gasp.

“You would be used for your blood,” he whispers, sniffing at the column of my neck. “I’m sure you will taste divine.”

29

Fury

I park my vehicle across the street from Kozlov’s building. It’s twenty stories that stretch toward the Chicago skyline.

Right now, my dragon wants to rescue Shadow. He also wants to burn the place to the ground. I can’t blame him. I feel the same way, but I need to keep a cool head.

I sit in the driver’s seat for a moment, studying the fortress up ahead.

Two security guards patrol the front entrance. There’s a private entrance around the side with its own dedicated elevator – probably goes straight to the penthouse without stopping. More security there, too; at least three men I can see from this angle.

The smart play would be to plan this properly instead of charging in like some fucking berserker.

But Shadow is up there. Every minute I waste sitting here is another minute she could be suffering at that bastard’s hands.

What does he want with her? Every answer I come up with is worse than the last.

I force myself to breathe, to think tactically. Even with my superior strength and ability to shift, this isn’t going to be easy. Kozlov clearly has resources, connections, and enough security to make this a potential suicide mission.

I don’t care. I’m going in.