2.

Zori stamped her feet, trying to push out all her frustrations into the movement. The music was loud enough that when the cry of anguish and helplessness broke free from her, it blurred into all the other sounds.

This was what Zori had needed for months—the physical release of not feeling like the patient, the dead girl in waiting, the burden child of a man who wasnt interested in being a parent but had taken on the task anyway.

She was still panting heavily when a tingle spread down her spine and a hand closed on her hip.

Are you okay? a deep voice asked in Russian by her ear. You look like you were getting crushed in this crowd.

Im fine, she replied in English. She swore and repeated herself in Russian. She turned slowly, still moving with the beat, and let out a startled squeak. Damn, youre tall.

The mans face was sharp in the flickering lights. Straight black hair fell to his shoulders, and blue gray eyes shone in amusement. He was exactly what she needed, thank all the saints.

Thank you. Are you sure you are okay? He was frowning in concern, and she really couldnt figure out why.

Zori took the chance. I could use a drink. Can I buy you one…

Vladik, he replied, his bulk already parting the crowd to lead her off the dance floor. And Ill have a vodka.

Of course, she said, lips twitching into a grin. Im Zori.

She headed for the closest bar. With a light touch of his fingers on her back, Vladik made sure he didnt lose her in the throng.

Zoris heart fluttered with adrenaline every time he grazed her bare skin. It had been over a year since her last one-night stand in New York, and the physical contact was jarring her in all the best ways.

Zori squeezed her way in at the end of the bar and gave the guy behind it a little wave.

What can I get you, beautiful? he asked, tugging on his lip ring as he stared at her tits.

Two vodkas on ice, she called over the noise, passing him the cash. The bar tenders smile lost some of its shine when Vladik moved to take one of the vodkas. They moved out of the crush of the bar to one of the shadowy alcoves.

Na Zdorovie, Zori said, tapping her glass against his before they both took a drink.

What accent am I hearing in amongst your Russian? Vladik asked in English. Zoris panties melted a little at his own deep accent.

All sorts. Ive lived in a lot of places. Ive only just come back to Moscow from three years in America, she replied and let out a small laugh. Its the first night out Ive had in the city actually.

First night and all alone? Vladik smiled, making his stern features soften. Its just my luck I found you.

Or mine, Zori said, looking him over from his lace-up leather boots, black jeans, and shirt. He had enough stubble that it would burn deliciously against her skin.

Vladik was staring back at her just as intently. I like these little straps. He looped one of his fingers under her leather harness, stroking down it and lightly grazing the top of her breast.

Zoris breath stuttered. You do?

Vladiks eyes darkened, and he gave the strap a tug. This harness makes me want to clip a lead to you and make you my little puppy.

Zoris pussy clenched, and she quickly had another mouthful of vodka. You havent even kissed me yet. I need to assess whether I want you clipping a lead to me.

Vladik tugged on the harness, bringing her closer. If you wanted to be kissed, puppy, you only needed to ask. He tilted her head up and pressed his full lips to hers. It was a soft, tasting caress that had her rising up on tiptoes to meet it. She opened her mouth for him, and a deep growl vibrated through his chest.

Zori was suddenly pressed up against the wall, his leg between hers and his tongue sweeping into her mouth. Zoris hands dug into his shirt, and she kissed him harder, her teeth nipping against his lip. She was on fire, her heart pounding in her ears. He smelled crisp like a winter forest with a spice that she didnt know the name of.

Fuck, puppy, you are delicious, he said, voice husky as he kissed along her jaw line. I want to kiss you everywhere. His lips sucked against her ear lobe, and she ground herself against his leg. He chuckled softly. Sensitive ears? Good to know.

His hands dropped to her hips and pulled her up against him as he kissed down her neck. Zori whimpered, her senses overwhelmed and pussy aching. She shouldnt have been this turned on by some making out and light grinding, but damn, she wanted more.

Vladiks hands slid up her corset. Can I touch your pretty breasts, puppy?

Touch me anywhere, Zori stammered, her own hands tightening on his shirt. No one could see them in their shadowy nook unless they were really looking. She was fast becoming too horny to care.

Vladik lifted her up as if she weighed nothing. God, she loved strong men. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her hands moving over his chest. He had some thick muscles under his black T-shirt that she would love to get to know better.

Vladiks mouth took hers again, and Zori gasped as he cupped one breast, his thumb brushing over her nipple. He pulled back from her with a wide grin.

Your nipples are pierced? he asked and tugged at the small hoop through her top.

Zori let out an involuntary moan, her legs clenching around him. Y-Yes. Fuck, that feels good.

I have to taste them, puppy. Please let me, he said, and the hand still on her ass gripped her tighter.

Yes, do it, Zori panted, her hands going around his neck and into his silken hair. He lifted her higher with one hand, the other one tugging down the side of her top and bra.

His mouth fixed over her nipple, and the soft, wet heat of it made Zori cry out. Fuck, it felt too damn good.

Her fingers tightened in his hair as he toyed with the piercing, sucking and tugging in a way that sent little shock waves straight to her clit. She was going to come with her pussy untouched if he kept it up. She needed to get him into a bathroom stall and get his dick inside of her before she ran out of time.

Vladiks fingers snagged on a chain, and her mothers necklace came free. He stared at the pendant, curiosity and confusion on his face. Whats this?

Nothing. Just a good luck charm from my mother, Zori said, taking the necklace from him and shoving it into the pocket of her pants.

Vladik cupped her cheek, his eyes searching her face. You are not what you seem, my puppy.

Im exactly what I seem, and thats a woman who really needs to be fucked, so if you want to continue this in the bathroom, Im?—

Zoria, it is time to go home, a deep voice said behind Vladik. Zori jumped and quickly made sure she was covered. Sir, please put her down before I make you.

Vladik lowered Zori to her feet but didnt let her go. He moved to reveal Anton, Maxims head of security.

Vladiks lip curled. Shes not going anywhere that she doesnt want to.

Zoria, you had your fun. Its time to go home. Dr. Bogrov is expecting your call, Anton said firmly.

Vladik went to move, but she grabbed his arm. Dont. Its fine, Vladik.

Zori gave his hand a squeeze before moving around him and going to Anton. He somehow already had her coat and put it around her shoulders.

Zori swallowed hard and looked back at Vladik. His eyes were troubled, but his face was stone cold. It was nice to… Nice to meet you.

She turned away, her heart clenching, and let Anton lead her out of the club. There was no point in fighting. Shed learned that long ago.

Outside, the snow was falling heavily. Anton opened the back door of an SUV, and she got in. Vladik came out of the club entrance, and she gave him a small wave, helplessness crashing over her. She just wanted one night of freedom.

You could have taken longer to find me, Anton. Let me have some fun for once, she said, hating how sad she sounded. In the past, hed given her at least three hours.

Im sorry, Zoria, but Moscow is a dangerous place, and I couldnt risk it, Anton replied. Dr. Bogrov has enemies in this city, and he would never forgive himself if he lost you.

Zori doubted Maxim would notice she was gone, but instead of saying it, she leaned her head against the glass and said nothing.