Page 2 of The Russian's Kidnapped Bride

Then I see her, and my gaze halts.

Standing near the bar, a young woman smiles softly at something her friend says. While holding a drink, her posture seems a bit unsure, almost like she isn’t fully comfortable.

Rather than wearing copious amounts of body glitter, a plunging neckline, or anything else to gain attention, her black dress is simple, if not a bit modest, compared to everyone else.

But it’s the fit that gets me. It hugs her hips perfectly, accentuating every curve that has me nearly salivating.

Before I know it, I’m taking in every detail of her. From the clean cut of her short black hair to the way her eyeliner complements her dark eyes, and even the start of a tattoo peeking beneath her neckline.

Everything about her has me completely entranced and forgetting about the others.

Except for the guy with her.

The absolute joke of a man.

From a single glance, I already know he’s too soft. Weak.

Despite being in a club, he’s dressed like he should be at home studying for his next midterm. He’s talking too much with his hands, seemingly trying to make some sort of point he’s overly enthusiastic about.

Even so, she nods along, humoring him.

Regardless of how polite she’s being, he’s embarrassing himself, and by proxy, he’s embarrassing her.

Just watching them stirs something dark in my gut, and I don’t care to shove it down. It’s not jealousy…no.

Possession.

I don’t know her—hell, I’ve never even seen her before. But I know that tool doesn’t belong beside her. She should be somewhere better. Somewhere with me.

Despite myself, I watch a moment longer until he excuses himself—my opening.

Not missing a beat, I put my glass down and get off the couch, heading over with calculated steps. Everyone moveswhen they see me, momentarily distracted before returning to their business.

She checks her phone as I reach her, the screen causing her soft features to glow.

“Tell me you’re not with him.”

She startles and lifts her gaze to meet mine. From up close, I can see the depth in those deep brown eyes, taking in the warmth of them.

I didn’t think it was possible to feel addicted to such a sight so quickly, but here I am, and I don’t want to look away.

“Pardon me?” She blinks at me, shifting somewhat uncomfortably under my attention.

Lazily, I gesture towards the other side of the bar where her friend waits. “The nerd in the button-down sweater combo.”

Hesitantly, she glances towards him, then back to me. Defensive tension settles in her shoulders. “He’s nice.”

“He’s boring.”

She frowns, moving her body away from me slightly, which only gives me a better view of her contours. “And you are?”

I grin and hold my hand out to her. “Mikhail.”

Her eyes track down to my offering hesitantly, but she shakes my hand ever so briefly. “Lily.”

I force down a shiver from the feeling of her warm skin against mine, regardless of it ending just as quickly as it started. I can’t fight how I start gravitating closer. “Well, Lily, you look like you need better company.”

“I’m not so sure you’re qualified enough to judge my current company.”