Page 43 of Twisted Addiction

The only son of the Morozov family, one of the four families that ruled Lake Como’s underworld.

The spoiled heir everyone whispered about.

His gaze swept over me slowly, a predator cataloguing prey. “So you’re the new manager Dmitri put in charge,” he said, voice smooth as aged whiskey. “Penelope, right?”

The way he said my name—too familiar—made my skin crawl.

“So the rumors are true. Dmitri replaced me with a pretty face.”

He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him as though he owned the place.

“I’m busy,” I said tightly, moving toward my desk. “If you have a complaint, you can file it through the main office.”

He chuckled—a soft, mocking sound. “Oh, sweetheart. I’m not here to complain.”

He took a few unhurried steps closer, his cologne wrapping around the room in a haze of cedar and danger. “I’m here to welcome you to my restaurant.”

I turned sharply. “Your restaurant? Dmitri appointed me as manager. Whatever you were before—”

He cut me off, his smile sharpening. “Before he kicked me out, you mean?” He leaned one hand on the desk, lowering his voice. “This place was mine long before Dmitri decided to hand it to his pretty little wife.”

“You don’t belong here,” he said, circling the edge of my desk. “Running a place like La Sirena takes more than charm and a smile. You’ll burn out in a week.”

I rose from my chair, keeping my voice cool. “Then it’s a good thing I’m not here to charm anyone. I’m here to work.”

His eyes flashed—lazy charm giving way to something darker, meaner, almost feral. “You really think you can handle this place?” he drawled, voice dripping with mockery. “Give it a month, and you’ll be begging to quit.” His gaze dipped, lingering where it shouldn’t, a slow, lewd smirk curving his lips. “Unless Dmitri’s keeping you... occupied in other ways.”

Heat rose to my cheeks—not from shame, but fury. I balled my fists, nails biting into my palms. “You don’t walk into my office and talk to me like that,” I said, each word clipped andshaking with restrained rage. “Leave. Now. Before I forget this place still has cameras.”

Something predatory flickered behind his grin, like he’d just found a new game to play. “Feisty,” he murmured, stepping closer until his breath grazed my cheek. “I like that.” He tilted his head, eyes glinting with amusement. “Tell me, sweetheart—do you talk back to your husband like that too, or do you save the attitude for other men?”

I met his gaze without flinching. “Only when men mistake me for decoration.”

He laughed — a mocking sound that grated on my nerves. “You’ve got claws. But claws won’t save you here. Dmitri may think he can make you queen of this little empire, but everyone in this city knows who really pulls the strings.”

“Funny,” I said. “Because from where I’m standing, you’re the one out of a job.”

That wiped the smile from his face for a heartbeat.

Then, just as quickly, it returned — meaner this time. “You’ll regret talking to me like that.” He paused, eyes glinting. “Or maybe you won’t — if you let me make it worth your while. One night, that’s all I want. Dmitri never has to know.”

Disgust twisted my stomach. “Get out of my office, Mr. Morozov. Don’t make me remind you that Dmitri isn’t the only one people are afraid of.”

He tilted his head, as if considering whether to obey. “You think you’re untouchable because of that ring? You’re not. I could ruin this place with one call. Dmitri’s empire would fold in a month if my father decided to stop pretending he’s an ally.”

I walked to the door and opened it wide. “Then maybe you should call him. And while you’re at it, tell him his golden boy has learned one thing today—no means no.”

For a long, tense moment, neither of us moved.

His gaze dragged down my body, a silent violation that made my skin crawl.

He smirked. “You’ll come around. They always do.”

“Not this one,” I said, my tone like glass.

For a heartbeat his amusement flickered, then darkened.

He turned to leave, mouth twisting into that self-satisfied little smile—then, with the casual cruelty of a man used to taking what he wants, he slapped my backside.