The soft hum of the television fills the den as I sit on the couch, eyes glued to the screen while Konstantin is in a meeting.


    But my mind is elsewhere. Like on the party we’re supposed to host in two days, and that nagging feeling that I’m nowhere near finding anything to help Nate.


    I tried to snoop around the house earlier, but Konstantin’s men are everywhere and it felt like an impossible task. At this point, I won’t find shit for Riley to hack.


    Anxiety tightens through my muscles, each breath growing harder to take.


    I can’t fail. I won’t let Nate rot inside, but with every passing day, that’s exactly what I’m doing. Failing. The weight of it presses down on me, a crushing force in my chest.


    I take long breaths, hoping the chaos will quiet before I spiral into panic. Instead, I think ofst night. Falling asleep in Konstantin’s arms, somehow feeling at peace. Funny how the mind can make you feel safe even when you’re in the arms of your enemy.


    A set of footsteps echoes, and I sit up straighter and run a hand down my face, wondering if it’s Konstantin.


    Before I can wonder long, he steps in with a man covered in tattoos on every visible part of his skin, his face framed by the metal ring in his nose.


    Who is he, and what is he doing here?


    Konstantin says something to him in Russian as they both look over at me, and it gives me this eerie feeling I can’t put my finger on.


    A maid enters, carrying a chair before cing it in the middle of the room.


    “Come, Tessa. Sit.” Konstantin pats the leather upholstery.


    Another spike of unease rolls through me. “Why? What’s going on?”


    “Sit, Tessa.” His features harden, and I know arguing won’t help.


    Reluctantly, I stand and sink into the chair, hoping this isn’t where I get executed. The man with the tattoos steps forward, his eyes scanning me briefly.


    “This is Boris,” Konstantin exins. “He is here to give you a tattoo.”


    My heart skips, my eyes widening. “A what?”


    Konstantin doesn’t even flinch at my shock.


    “A tattoo,” he repeats, as though it’s no big deal. “A small, ck circle with a red club in the center, right here…” His fingertips glide up the back of my neck as he peers at me with that cold, unflinching stare. “It’s for your protection. This way, my enemies will know you are mine as soon as you show them that mark.”


    I swear this man does everything with the guise of protection. If it wasn’t so annoying, it might actually be romantic.


    “No.” The word bursts out of me. “I don’t want it.”


    Thest thing I need is to have a piece of him etched on my skin forever. Or until I can pay to get it removed, which I really shouldn’t have to do.


    But Konstantin doesn’t give me a choice. He steps closer, his fingers brushing my hair from the back of my neck.


    “It’s necessary.” His voice softens, almost gentle, but the finality in it is unmistakable. “Trust me.”


    “I don’t trust you at all.”


    Heughs, a cold, grated sound. “It doesn’t matter, malyshka.” His hard knuckles draw down the side of my face, making my skin crawl with both desire and apprehension. “I get what I want.”


    I don’t have time to argue further as the artist moves behind me, preparing his tools.


    Konstantin’s fingers intertwine with mine, his grip firm as the needle starts its work, piercing my skin. The sting is sharp, but the pressure of Konstantin’s hand in mine is strangelyforting.


    It’s funny, really. Or maybe not that funny. But the feeling of the needle going in, sharp and relentless, the small punctures to my skin, reminds me of something familiar.


    Every time I used to cut, that moment of pain, that second when the de would sink into my skin, was a relief. And this? It feels simr. That same burning sensation, but this time I’m not in control, and I hate it.


    Every time the needle hits, I want to scream, but I don’t. Instead, I stare at Konstantin, my eyes filled with anger and something else too. Something I hate to admit.


    “It’s almost done,” Konstantin says. “I’m sorry if this is causing you any pain.”


    How sweet is that? He’s sorry when he’s the one forcing me to do this.


    Time drags on as the artist works, the ink settling on my skin, marking me to the man I swore I’d hate. But now that hatred has somehow morphed into more of a strong dislike.


    They do say marriage takes work, right?


    When the man finishes, Konstantin’s gaze shifts to the tattoo, his expression tightening briefly before he leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “It’s perfect.”


    The artist shows it to me through a mirror, and thankfully, it’s small. The man covers it up and steps back while Konstantin takes my hand, helping me to my feet. My skin is tender, but I can handle the difort.


    Once we’re alone, Konstantin’s eyes rake over me, the ferocity of his stare lingering as it glides over my skin. “If you’re feeling up to it, I’d like to take you shopping.”


    I frown. “Shopping for what?”


    “The party. It’s time to get you a wardrobe worthy of my wife.”


    A sigh escapes me. “That’s not necessary. Keep your money. I’m happy with my own clothes.”


    He gives a slight chuckle. “That’s thoughtful of you to worry about my finances, but I assure you, I have plenty to spare.” A smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. “And you, katyonak, need to look the part. Otherwise, people will start talking.”


    I roll my eyes, but it doesn’t stop him from leading me out of the house and toward the back of the SUV. One of his men sits at the wheel, another in the passenger seat. The engine whirrs to life as we pull away from the estate, his powerful hand cupping my knee, and I find an oddfort every time he touches me.


    When we finally arrive, it’s at a ce that feels like it was made for people like Konstantin. Expensive, high-end, every corner of it designed to scream wealth and power.


    “Mr. Marinov, I’m so happy to see you,” the woman at the front desk practically purrs, her eyes lighting up when she spots him.


    Her greeting isced with too much enthusiasm, and my irritation spikes immediately. The thought of grabbing the nearest stiletto and stabbing it through her eye is strangely tempting right now.


    But Konstantin doesn’t even spare her a nce. His features remain tight, authoritative, as he strides past her without breaking his pace.


    “Do you have everything I asked for?”


    “Of course, sir! We have all the pieces for your…uh, wife…in the back.” Her eyes flick briefly toward me before quickly returning to him, sending him a gaze drenched in lust.


    The woman’s stupidity is almost unbearable. Does she have a death wish?


    Tension builds in my chest, but Konstantin’s fingers tightening around my hand draw my focus back to him.


    “She’s nothing,” he says, loud enough for her to hear, the words cutting through the air like a de.


    The woman goes pale, her face reddening.


    “I-I swear I wasn’t—” she stammers, but he cuts her off before she can dig herself deeper.


    “You don’t speak unless you’re spoken to.”


    Her eyes pop wide at the lethal tone of his voice, and a small smile tugs at my lips.


    The woman clears her throat and steps back, visibly shaken, her hands sped in front of her white zer.


    Konstantin’s arm slides around my back, tugging me close. His front presses against mine, the heat of his body making me warm all over.


    “I must say…” His voice drops low and gravelly, his mouth grazing my lips. “I’m relieved to find you so jealous, Mrs. Marinova. I was starting to think this marriage wasn’t going to work.”


    I throw my arms over his shoulders, a grin tilting. “Tell my husband not to be so full of himself. I wasn’t all that jealous.”


    Heughs, a low, satisfied sound that sends a jolt through me. Before I can respond, his lips are on mine, gentle, yet urgent. A soft kiss that sparks something deeper.


    A groan slips from him as he shifts back, his eyes darkening. “Come with me.”


    Before I can react, he grips my arm, pulling me toward the back of the store and yanking me into an empty changing room. My chest rises rapidly as he watches me, his gaze turning predatory, the air crackling between us with something unspoken. Then, without warning, his lips crash to mine, urgent and possessive.


    I’m barely able to catch my breath, our mouths colliding with such force that it’s like we’re fighting for dominance. He groans into the kiss, his fingers threading through my hair, gripping the back of my head with an intensity that makes my pulse hammer. This kiss…it’s wild, almost violent, like we’re both on the edge of something we can’t control.


    Every second he pulls me deeper into his spell, my body responds, aching, desperate for him. His hands are everywhere, ripping at my clothes, each touch pushing me closer to the brink.


    My fingers work quickly to undo his belt, dragging his pants down with urgency until his cock springs free. And in one swift motion, he lifts me in the air, my back t against the wall, the heat between us burning hotter with every second.


    With a growl, he grips a handful of my hair, his eyes on mine as he thrusts into me with punishing force.


    “Oh God, yes,” I gasp, my voice breaking on the edge of a moan.


    I try to stay quiet, try to be good, but he drives into me harder until silence is no longer an option.


    “Louder, Tessa,” he roars against my ear. “Let her hear you. Let the whole damn world know I’m yours and you’re mine.”


    His fingers slip between my thighs, stroking my clit with merciless precision. Pleasure builds like fire licking up my spine, twisting until I’m on the edge of something I can’t contain.


    Each thrust sends me spiraling faster, deeper, until I’m wing at the wall for bnce.


    My orgasm tears through me like a storm, wild and consuming. “Yes! Konstantin, oh God!”


    “I’m the only God you’re ever going to need.”


    His hand closes around my throat, my pleasure enhancing the tighter he squeezes. My cry echoes through the room, body trembling, nerves on fire. Every part of me his.


    With a guttural grunt, he explodes inside me, driving into me with a vicious, relentless force, giving me every inch of himself. It’s raw, feral, and I can’t get enough.


    As the storm inside us slowly fades, his breathing is heavy and erratic as he lowers me just enough, his forehead pressing into mine. “S toboy ya zabyvayu, kto ya takoy.”


    The sound of his tortured words hangs in the air between us, making my heart stutter with curiosity and a strange ache.


    “What does that mean?” I ask in a barely there whisper.


    He pauses, his hands tightening around my hips like he’s afraid I’ll slip away. “That with you, I forget who I am, Tessa. And I’ve never been one to forget.”


    His words hit harder than I expected. My stomach flips, a wave of vulnerability crashing through me.


    In this moment, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’m in deeper than I ever thought possible. And there’s no turning back from whatever we’ve be.<hr>


    Hourster, I’m finally done shopping and that sales associate who had goo-goo eyes for my husband suddenly can’t even look at me.


    Might have been the five orgasms she had to listen to before we finally made our appearance. Poor thing.


    My lips wind up as I grin at her. “Thanks for all your help…” I nce down at her name tag. “Gwen.”


    “Of course.” She can barely get the words out. “Have a good day, Mrs. Marinova. Mr. Marinov.”


    “We will.” I grab his hand as we exit the store together, his men carrying our bags for us.


    He stops midstride, turning to me. His gaze lingers, and for a moment, I forget how wrong we are, because nothing about this feels wrong at all.


    “You’re beautiful and ferocious, moya l’vitsa.” His palm cups my cheek, thumb rolling over my skin until myshes flutter.


    “Does that mean lioness?”


    “Yes. It’s what you are, especially when you have those sharp ws out the way you did in the store. I like it.” His lips fall to the corner of my mouth, and my hand instinctively wraps around the back of his neck.


    “That’s sweet,” I tell him as he backs away, staring into my eyes.


    “You know…” he says, tugging my chin in his tight grasp. “If my enemies ever heard me being described as sweet, they’dugh.”


    “Oh, trust me…” I rise up on my toes to kiss him. “Ipletely understand.”


    He groans, kissing me hard, and I surrender to this mind-bending passion between us that only gets stronger with each day. By the time wee up for air and head into the car, I don’t even know what time it is.


    As we drive back to the estate, I ask to stop at a convenience store, needing something to drink.


    “Take this. It has no limit.” He hands me a credit card.


    “Aren’t youing with me?”


    “Of course I am. But this is yours. I’ve been meaning to give you your own card.”


    “Oh. That’s generous.”


    I could refuse, but I know he’ll just insist, so I reluctantly take the ck card from him.


    “We’re married, remember? What’s mine is yours.” His mouth curls in that insanely sexy way that has me getting all goo-goo-eyed for my husband too.


    When his phone starts ringing, he stares down at the screen, his face hardening.


    “If you have to take it, go. I’ll be fine in the store alone.”


    He hesitates, but whoever it is on the other line calls again. “Alright. One of my guys will stand by the door.”


    “Okay.”


    I step out of the SUV and head inside, getting lost in the aisles as I pick up drinks for him and me when someone approaches from behind. My fight-or-flight instinct rises when I nce back to find a tall, thin man who was definitely just staring at my ass.


    I head for a different aisle, but he follows me, and all my thoughts zero in on either killing him or running out before I do.


    “Hey there,” he says, leaning into me from behind.


    Instinctively, I step out of his way, but the man isn’t deterred.


    “You look good enough to eat.”


    Ew.


    His hand reaches for my waist, brushing against it, and I flinch, my mind instantly taken back to my days as a child and the men my mother brought home.


    I flip around and step into him. “Get the fuck away from me, asshole, before I kill you.”


    Instead of retreating, though, heughs, which is pretty much how every one of her boyfriends treated me. A helpless little girl they could do whatever they wanted with.


    When he touches my hip, I’m suddenly not in a convenience store anymore. I’m back in my mother’s house, with men I didn’t want trying to touch me in ways they shouldn’t.


    Before I can stop myself, I grab his throat and flip him over, mming him into the shelves while everything falls to the floor. My heart pounds, my exhales quick and ragged, but I don’t let go. My arm stays wrapped around his throat, cinching until his airways are cut. His arms il in panic, trying to break free, but I’m stronger.


    Not talking now, are you, bitch?


    “It’s okay, malyshka,” someone says.


    I don’t realize it’s Konstantin, not at first. Not until he says it again, his gentle hand on my arm, coaxing me to rx.


    “It’s okay, malyshka. I’m right here.”


    Gradually, my mind begins to clear and my breathing eases, a little less frantic.


    “Good girl.” His voice is soft and soothing. “I’ve got you now.”


    When I release the man, he stumbles to his feet, inhaling with quick spurts. “You-you-you fucking psycho bitch!”


    But before I can react, Konstantin is on him, grabbing him by the throat.


    “Where the hell do you think you’re going?” He lifts him off the ground. “Do you know who this woman is?”


    He doesn’t even raise his tone. He doesn’t need to. This calmer version is more terrifying.


    “She’s my wife, and you touched her.”


    The man stammers, “L-l-look, man, I’m sorry. I-I was being stupid. I l-learned my lesson.”


    “No, you did not. But you will, I promise you that.” Konstantin grins, cold and predatory. “You see, you broke a very sacred rule of mine. Do you know what that is?”


    He shakes his head, panic rising.


    “You touched what belongs to me. And for that, you deserve to be punished, don’t you think?”


    When Konstantin drops him to the ground, the man tries to back away, but Konstantin’s two men are right behind him.


    “Fuck. I-I just thought she was pretty, that’s all. I didn’t know she was married, I swear.”


    “Next time, don’t think. Clearly, your mind is your worst enemy.” Konstantin shifts his attention to me, his gaze hardening. “Which hand did he use to touch you?”


    “His right.” My teeth grit, my chin rising.


    Whatever happens to this asshole is his fault.


    Konstantin pulls out his gun from the holster at his waist in one smooth motion. “Hold out your right hand.”


    The man hesitates, his body trembling like a leaf.


    Konstantin’s gaze locks on to him, cold and unyielding. “Do it. Now. Or I will take your entire arm. It’s your choice.”


    “Fuuuck, man! Come on,” he pleads, but a secondter, he obeys, holding out his hand.


    Without hesitation, Konstantin fires, the low sound of a gunshot ripping through the man’s palm. Blood spills from the wound as his scream cuts through the silence.


    “You should be grateful.” Konstantin’s mouth winds. “Normally, I’d have a chainsaw in my trunk. I forgot it today. I won’t forget next time.” He grabs the cor of the man’s shirt as blood continues to drip to the ground. “Say a word about this to anyone, and I’ll cut off both your arms and your legs. Understand?”


    “Mm.” The man nods.


    “Good. Now go get that looked at. You wouldn’t want to bleed out, would you? That would be a real shame.”


    As we start to head for the exit, Konstantin turns back around, points his gun at the man, and pulls the trigger. One clean shot straight through the head.


    Holy. Shit.


    I didn’t see thating.


    “You didn’t think I’d let him live, did you?” He takes my hand and kisses the top of it, his demeanor rxed, as if he didn’t just murder a man. His gaze softens, a tenderness that always catches me off guard no matter how many times I see that side of him. “Are you okay?”


    A lump rises in my throat.


    “I don’t know.” I give him the most truthful answer I can.


    His fingers tighten around mine. “I will never leave you alone again.”


    “I’m not helpless, Konstantin.”


    My hand reaches up, fingers brushing against his cheek. I need to touch him, to make him realize how much I appreciate the way he stood up for me. His eyes close, his fingers reaching for my wrist and gripping tight, like he wants to keep me there for as long as possible.


    “I know you’re not.” His words are thick with emotion, each one heavier than thest. “But I’m your husband, and I’ll always protect you. It’s my job.”


    With a sigh, I lower my face against his front, and he wraps his arms around me, pulling me in tight, like he’ll never let go.


    “Let’s go home, malyshka.” He presses a kiss to the top of my head.


    We make our way to the counter, and he ces a thick wad of bills down.


    “This is for any damage. My men will handle the cleanup.”


    The cashier nods, his face instantly shifting into a mask of respect, though I have a feeling he’s the owner.


    “It’s no problem at all, Mr. Marinov. You have a good day.”


    I nce at the cameras above us, knowing full well they’re not recording.


    As we head back to the car, I wrap my arms around his bicep. The quiet between us stretches, thick with unspoken words, and I can’t deny it anymore.


    I’m falling for him. Hard. Fast.


    The realization ws at me, terrifying me. Because I know I’m already too far gone, too tangled in him, to protect whatever’s left of my heart.