29. Nik

Chapter 29

Nik

The following morning, the unexpected invitation catches me off guard.

In hindsight, though, I should’ve seen it coming. Kat has a knack for making a great first impression.

At first, I decide to wait for her in the kitchen, knowing my maddening houseguest tends to make a beeline there first thing in the morning. I picture her sleepy-eyed and soft-spoken, the curve of her lips as she greets me, the way her fingers might brush mine over coffee.

But as an hour drags on and the kitchen remains empty, the quiet becomes unbearable.

I retreat to my office, determined to make use of the time. I sit down, stare at the screen, fully intending to work. Yet no matter how hard I try, my thoughts refuse to settle. I reread the same paragraph four times, and each time, the words dissolve into meaningless shapes on the page.

I rub a hand over my face, exhaling harshly as I admit the truth: my distraction has a name.

Kat.

I can’t stop thinking about her. The sound of her laugh yesterday—so raw, so unguarded—plays on a loop in my head. The way her lips parted as she laughed, the way her head tilted back, exposing the delicate line of her neck. The vulnerable, secret side of her I hadn’t seen before. A side I hadn’t known I needed to see.

With a frustrated sigh, I abandon all pretense of work and leave my office.

Before I realize it, I’m standing outside her door. My hand hovers over the handle as I hesitate, the weight of what I’m about to do lingering heavy in the air.

This is the point of no return.

And then I push it open—slowly. Silently.

The gap widens, and my breath catches as I peer inside.

At first, all I see is a cloud of white blankets sprawled haphazardly across the bed. Then my eyes adjust, and I find her.

The sight stops me dead.

She’s stretched out under the covers, her head tilted slightly to the side. Her lush lips are parted just enough to make my chest tighten. Her breathing is soft and steady, her body rising and falling in a rhythm that feels hypnotic. Dark waves of hair spill over the pillows, framing her face like an inky halo.

My beautiful, dark angel.

I step inside, closing the door behind me without a sound. The room feels electric, charged with the weight of her presence.

It should feel wrong, this intrusion.

But it doesn’t.

It feels inevitable.

I move closer, my gaze drinking her in, committing every detail to memory. The way the dim light kisses her skin, the way her lips look so soft, so inviting, that it physically hurts to resist.

There’s something so fragile about her in this moment, and yet the pull she exerts is anything but delicate. She’s magnetic, irresistible, a force of nature disguised as a sleeping girl.

The tension in my stomach coils tighter, sharper, as I let my gaze linger too long on her lips. My fingers twitch at my sides, aching to touch her. To see if her skin is as soft as I remember. To feel her warmth under my fingers.

She stirs slightly, murmuring something incomprehensible, and my breath catches.

I freeze, watching as her lips move, soft and tempting, before she falls still again.

I stay rooted in place, watching her sleep, my chest tight with something that feels like possession. Like hunger.

I take the chair next to the bed, the same one I sat in a few nights ago when she woke up screaming from that nightmare.

I can’t help but feel like a bit of a creep, sitting here in the shadows, watching her sleep, blissfully unaware of my presence. But the shame of it isn’t enough to keep me away.

It takes every ounce of restraint to stay in this damned chair instead of sliding under the sheets, pulling her warm, pliant body against mine, and giving in to every impulse screaming in my head.

I lose track of time as I let my gaze trace over her. Slowly. Methodically. Taking inventory of every visible inch. The sunlight filters through the windows, catching her hair and setting it ablaze with a coppery glow that makes her look otherworldly. It’s mesmerizing. Hypnotic.

She groans softly, her eyes still closed as she stretches languidly, her body arching beneath the blankets. My breath catches as the movement sends my imagination spiraling into dangerous territory. My cock hardens painfully, and I grip the arms of the chair so hard I hear the faint creak of wood, forcing myself to stay put.

Her lashes flutter, and then her eyes blink open—big, blue, and still hazy with sleep. She sighs softly, and I have to bite back a groan of my own.

I must’ve made some kind of noise because her head snaps toward me. Her gaze locks on mine, sharp and startlingly clear.

“Do you always watch over all your enslaved women while they sleep, or am I just that special?” she asks, her voice low and raspy, still thick with sleep.

I feel properly chastised—until she flashes me a grin. Mischievous and knowing, her eyes glitter with amusement.

No one should be this beautiful. It’s almost cruel.

“I was just making sure you were still alive,” I reply dryly, making a show of checking my watch. “You’ve been out for twelve hours. I was starting to think you might never wake up.”

She rolls her eyes, but the smile lingers.

“I’d never dream of inconveniencing my demanding overlord with my sudden demise,” she says, brushing her hair over her shoulder with a movement so casual it feels deliberate. “I wouldn’t want you to go through the trouble of finding another minion to boss around.”

“I appreciate that. Truly,” I say, meeting her sarcasm with my own. “Good help is impossible to find these days.”

“And don’t you forget it.” Her voice drops an octave, playful but edged with something darker as her gaze flicks to the obvious strain in my jeans. “I expect a very big bonus once I deliver on my end of the bargain.”

“For you, I can make that happen,” I murmur, my tone matching hers, thick with unspoken promise.

Her lips curve into another smile—this one slower, more private.

“How big?” she asks, her voice low and raspy, her eyes fixed on the front of my jeans. The innuendo dances between us, the air growing thicker as she continues. “And just so you don’t accuse me of playing games again, let’s be clear—I’m not talking about money.”

“Use your imagination,” I reply evenly, my tone pointed. “Or try to remember. It hasn’t been that long.”

She nibbles her bottom lip, but the smile lingers, playful and infuriating. “Time is relative,” she says, shifting to sit up in bed. The movement draws my attention to the way her soft cotton tee stretches over her breasts, the outline of her hard nipples unmistakable through the thin fabric. "If you ask me, it’s been too long. Forever, some might say. My memory isn’t what it used to be. I think I could use a refresher.”

"You make a compelling argument,” I say, exhaling slowly as I force a facade of nonchalance, leaning back and crossing my arms as though we’re negotiating a business deal. “But here’s the thing—this dynamic we have? I've been told it’s a bit... skewed in my favor. Apparently, that’s a problem.”

I pause deliberately, letting the words hang in the air as her gaze sharpens.

“So, as much as I’d love to give you that refresher,” I continue, my voice dropping an octave, “it wouldn’t be fair... unless you were willing to do the same for me. You know, in the spirit of equality.”

She grins wide this time, her eyes glinting with mischief—bright enough to outshine the stars. “I can’t believe you just told me you’ll only show me yours if I show you mine . But fair’s fair, I guess.”

Her voice dips, playful but laced with a darker edge as her fingers hook around the elastic band of her shorts. She tugs them down slightly, revealing a sliver of smooth skin just above her hip. “Ladies first, I’m guessing?”

“Don’t let me stop you,” I murmur, my tone dropping to match hers. “Unless you’d prefer we go at the same time... on the count of three.”

Her lips quirk into another smile, slow and deliberate. My words barely settle before her t-shirt flies through the air, smacking me in the face. Her scent clings to the fabric, heady and intoxicating, and by the time I toss it aside, she’s already on her knees.

Completely naked.

The sight knocks the breath from my lungs.

She leans back slightly, propping herself up on her hands, her legs spreading just enough to drive me to the brink of madness.

A low, guttural sound escapes me, unbidden. She doesn’t flinch under my stare—no, she revels in it. Her eyes glitter with triumph, her body arching just slightly, daring me to lose control.

“Are you going to hold up your end of the deal?” she asks, her voice a sultry tease as she spreads her legs wider. My brain short-circuits. “Or do I have to come over there and make you?”

“I’m a man of my word,” I say, my voice rough, almost unrecognizable as I reach for the button of my jeans. My fingers work the zipper with deliberate slowness. “But don’t give me any ideas.”

Her smile deepens, turning downright sinful as I free my painfully hard cock from the confines of my boxers. My hand wraps around the base, stroking myself with a measured pace. My gaze locks with hers as I rasp, “Let me see you touch yourself. Show me how you make yourself come.”

Her breath hitches, but she doesn’t hesitate. Her hand glides over her stomach, fingers trailing up to cup her breast. She pinches her nipple slowly, her hips rolling against the mattress as her free hand moves lower, brushing over the soft skin between her thighs.

My breath catches as her fingers dip lower, spreading herself open, her slickness glistening in the dim light. When her fingers circle her swollen clit, I groan, my grip tightening on my cock as my strokes quicken in time with hers.

“Nik,” she pants, her voice shaky, and it’s the most erotic sound I’ve ever heard.

“Kat,” I groan, my voice thick and rough. “You’re so fucking gorgeous. Do you even know what you do to me? Look at how wet you are.”

“Because of you,” she moans, her voice ragged and broken. “Because I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Her fingers slip inside herself, tentative at first, her gaze locked on mine. A tortured sound rumbles in my chest as I watch her, my hand tightening on my cock as I struggle to match her rhythm.

“Kat,” I rasp, the word barely more than a plea.

In one smooth motion, she slides another finger in, her hips lifting off the bed as she rocks against her hand. My control frays, my strokes growing uneven as I watch her, completely enraptured.

“You’re such a good girl,” I groan, my hand moving faster as I chase release.

Her lashes flutter as her fingers work her clit, her movements growing more frantic. I’m seconds away from losing it, the sight of her tipping me closer and closer to the edge.

“Slow down,” I order, my voice rough and trembling with strained control. “You don’t come without my permission. That pussy belongs to me. You belong to me.”

But, of course, she doesn’t listen. She never does. Her moans grow louder, her hips grinding against her hand as her body chases release.

“Kat,” I warn again, but it’s pointless. My own hips jerk involuntarily, my breath ragged, and I tell myself I’ll deal with her later.

“ Kiska ,” I groan, the word dragging out of me as my breath hitches. “I'm close. Come here. Let me kiss you. I want your taste on my tongue when I come.”

She doesn’t even hesitate. The second the words leave my mouth, she’s on the move, almost crashing into me. My hands go to her waist, ready to pull her to sit on my face, but she’s quicker.

With a sharp swat to my hands, she drops to her knees between my legs before I can pull her closer.

“ Fuck, fuck, fuck ,” I gasp, my voice splintering as her hands wrap around my cock. “ Fuck me, kiska . Is that what you want? To drive me insane? You won’t stop until I’ve completely lost my mind over you, will you?”

Her eyes darken at my words, her hunger a perfect mirror of my own. “I’ll give you what you want, but only after I’ve had my fill,” she whispers, her voice low, almost dangerous. “If you want to taste me, you’ll have to let me taste you first.”

Her hand moves in a slow, deliberate glide before her finger traces the length of me, her gaze locked on mine the entire time.

Throwing my head back, I groan, gripping her hair as she takes me in her mouth. There’s nothing hesitant about the way she moves—her lips, her tongue, the way her throat grips me with every inch.

A guttural growl rips from my chest. My fingers tighten in her hair, guiding her as she works me over without mercy. My gaze traces the rest of her, and the sight nearly destroys me: her breasts bouncing, her other hand, buried between her thighs, moving frantically as she fingers herself.

She doesn’t stop. Her mouth never leaves me, sucking, licking, taking me deeper as her own fingers bring her closer to release. The wet, obscene sounds fill the room, mingling with the rough gasps and groans I can’t hold back.

My cock throbs against her tongue, desperate and demanding, and I can’t stop myself from thrusting into her mouth. Her lips tighten around me, and just as she sucks hard on the crown, my body goes taut. A raw, hoarse cry tears from my throat as I explode, a fierce, blinding orgasm ripping through me, searing every nerve as I start to spill into her mouth.

But she’s not done. In a flash, she pulls me free, and I gasp. Then her hand immediately wraps around my base, stroking me slowly, her lips parting as she sticks her tongue out against the sensitive tip, and I exhale a sigh of relief.

“FUCK.” The word tears from my throat, raw and guttural, as her tongue dances over the crown. “ Kiska… you’re killing me. You’re going to destroy me. And I’ll thank you for it.”

Her lips curve into a wicked smile. “You promised me every drop,” she whispers, her voice dripping with challenge as she raises her other hand. Her fingers glisten, slick with her own arousal, an offering I can’t refuse.

I grasp her wrist and bring her fingers to my mouth, drawing them in slowly, deliberately, until her taste floods my tongue as I suck on them deeply. The taste of her is intoxicating, turning my thoughts into static.

As I let out a tortured groan around her fingers, she leans closer, her breath hot and tantalizing against my damp skin. With one final stroke of her hand, I come all over her face and tongue, shuddering violently as wave after wave of raw pleasure tears through me. She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t falter—just takes all of me, her smile sultry, victorious, and utterly devastating. She licks her lips, savoring every drop, and in that moment, I know with bone-deep certainty: there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this maddening, beautiful creature who has me completely under her spell.

Then her eyes flicker, widening slightly as I grab her wrist and pull her up. A soft gasp escapes her as I maneuver her onto the bed, her knees straddling my waist.

“Nik—” she starts, but I cut her off, my grip firm as I guide her higher, up my chest, until she’s kneeling just above my face.

“My turn,” I rasp, my voice rough with the aftermath of her destruction and anticipation. My hands grip her thighs, spreading them wider. Her scent fills my senses, addictive, as I look up at her—stunned, panting, and utterly mine.

Her lips part and her breath hitches, her hands trembling slightly as they land on the headboard for balance. For a moment, she hesitates, her confidence from earlier faltering under the intensity of my gaze.

“You don’t have to—” she starts, almost a warning.

“ Kiska ,” I cut her off, my voice low, feral. “Don’t make me beg. Sit. Now.”

Something shifts in her expression as she slowly lowers herself. The second she’s close enough, my tongue drags along her slick lips, and her whole body jolts.

She moans, loud and unrestrained, her fingers clutching the headboard for support. I don’t waste a second, my hands anchoring her hips firmly as I pull her down fully onto my mouth. I devour her without restraint, my tongue swirling and flicking over her swollen clit.

Her hips move instinctively, grinding against my mouth as she loses herself. Her breath comes in uneven gasps, her thighs trembling around my head. I tighten my grip on her hips, holding her steady as I suck on her clit until her cries turn desperate.

“Fuck, Nik,” she pants, her head falling back as her hips begin to move. “I can’t—oh, God.”

“Yes, you can,” I rasp, my voice muffled against her. “Ride my face. Take what you need.”

She’s close—I can feel it in the way her body tenses, the way her fingers dig into the headboard as she struggles to hold herself together. I suck harder, my tongue circling relentlessly, and her cry of release tears through the air as she comes in my mouth.

Her body shakes, her thighs clenching around my head as she rides out the waves of her orgasm. I draw every last tremor from her until she collapses forward, her hands bracing weakly against the headboard to keep from crumpling completely.

I finally pull back, my lips slick with her, my chest heaving as I look up at her. She’s a mess—flushed, trembling, her hair wild around her face—but she’s never looked more beautiful. Her body glistens with the sheen of sweat, her chest rising and falling with every ragged breath, her lips parted as if she’s still trying to process what just happened.

She meets my gaze, her eyes heavy-lidded and dazed, a small, breathless laugh escaping her. “You don’t play fair,” she whispers, her voice hoarse and wrecked.

I smirk, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, tasting her even now. “You bring out the worst in me,” I reply, my voice low and unapologetic, dark with the hunger that still coils in my gut.

She shakes her head, her lips curving into a wicked, wicked smirk. “No, I think this might be your best.”

Kat steps out of the bathroom, a towel in her hands, her damp hair curling at the edges. My legs nearly give out. All I can think about is pulling her into my arms and licking the droplets of water clinging to her skin.

“So,” she says, clearing her throat and tossing me a teasing smile. “What brings you here this morning?”

I narrow my eyes, playing along. “Cute,” I say dryly. “Very cute, kiska . Don’t make me drag you back to bed—if that’s even possible for you.”

Her grin widens, but I don’t let up. “Funny you should ask, though. We’ve received an invitation.” The words taste bitter in my mouth. “To McGuire’s summer home for his birthday celebration. You must’ve made quite the impression on him.” Even to my own ears, I sound bitter. Jealous.

“A win is a win, right?” she replies, her smile faint but steady, like she’s testing the waters.

I make a noncommittal sound. “It could mean an overnight stay, so you should pack a bag.”

“This is a great opportunity for us,” she says, practically buzzing with excitement. “He’ll be comfortable on his home turf. We’ll actually be able to make some progress with him.”

My jaw tightens as anger flashes through me. The thought of Kat “making progress” with McGuire churns my stomach, but I swallow it down.

“I agree,” I say instead, keeping my tone even. “I bet he’s dying to get another look at you—and to rub it in my face while he’s at it. He hasn’t invited me to one of his parties in years. Not since Maxim and Erin’s... incident. He loves making a big production out of inviting the heads of all Seven Families—except me. As if I give a shit about his party.”

Her smile slips, her excitement draining from her face so fast it leaves me unsettled. The change is abrupt, stark enough to stop me mid-thought. “What’s wrong?” I ask, sharper than I mean to.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” she says too quickly, her voice tight. The flicker of fear in her eyes says otherwise.

“Kat,” I press, softening my tone. “What’s the matter? What did I say?”

She sighs, her shoulders slumping. “It’s nothing. Really.”

“Yeah, I’m not buying that,” I say, shaking my head. “It’s obviously something. I can see it all over your face. Don’t waste your breath denying it. Was it something I said?”

“No,” she scoffs, but the hesitation in her voice is palpable. Her lips part like she wants to say something, but then she stops herself. Finally, she speaks, her voice quiet. “It’s not you... it’s me, actually. It’s complicated. Really complicated.”

I cross my arms, frustration mounting. “I’ve got time.” My tone leaves no room for argument. Whatever’s upset her, I need to know. I will know—and then I'll fix it.

She chews her bottom lip, her eyes darting away. “Nik, I—I can’t. It’s not just my story to tell.”

This woman and her endless secrets will be the death of me. Just when I think we’re getting somewhere, she reminds me of all the parts of her world I’m still locked out of.

“I see,” I say, even though I don’t. Not at all.

Whatever she sees there makes her sigh. She opens her mouth, closes it, then tries again. After several moments, she finally speaks, her voice low and unsteady.

“Nik, I need you to understand...you and I met during a very complicated time in my life. I need you to be patient, to be understanding. There are things I have to do to keep my friends—and myself—safe. Things I can’t tell you yet.”

Her words hit me like a gut punch, but the vulnerability in her tone keeps my anger at bay.

“If you’re in danger, I need to know,” I say firmly.

“It’s not that simple?—”

“It’s nonnegotiable,” I cut her off, my voice hard.

She sighs again, shoulders slumping. “Look, like I said, I can’t tell you everything right now. It’s complicated.”

I clench my jaw, every instinct screaming to demand answers, to push harder. But I force myself to take a breath, to speak evenly. “Then tell me what you can. Give me something, Kat. Anything .”

She blinks, and for a moment, I brace for her to shut me out again. Frustration churns inside me—I must’ve said something wrong—but then she speaks.

“I guess I could tell you it’s related to the Flame of Mir,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “That’s why I took it. I had to—there was no other choice. A.J. got involved with someone dangerous, and he figured out how to use her to control me.”

Her words hit like a hammer to the chest. Whatever I thought she might say, it wasn’t that. I stare at her, processing, my mind racing to piece together the implications. Then everything screeches to a halt when I notice the look in her eyes—pure, unmasked fear.

“Kat—” I begin, unsure how to form the words to tell her I’ll protect her, to promise I’ll annihilate whoever put that look on her face.

She cuts me off before I can figure it out. “A.J. and I are still dealing with him,” she says, her voice tight. “He’s still a threat. That’s why I’m not exactly thrilled about this party. I have a feeling he’ll be there.”

So I probably know the bastard. My jaw clenches. “Tell me his name.”

“I can’t,” she replies, shaking her head. “I told you, he’s dangerous. If he finds out?—”

“Kat,” I say, my voice hardening, “you’re going to tell me everything about this man right now. And then I’m going to handle him for you.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Why the hell not?” I snap, my anger slipping its leash despite knowing it’s the wrong approach with her.

“You’re not listening,” she says sharply, her own frustration bleeding through the fear. “I’ve already told you why. It’s too dangerous.”

"Not if I handle him for you. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Nik,” she says, her tone measured, as if she’s trying to keep me calm. “I get it. You want your diamond back. I really do understand. But I’ve told you all I can for now. I have promises to keep and people to protect. You’re just going to have to respect that.” She shrugs, as if that settles the matter.

“Respect your boundaries?” The words come out as a roar before I can stop them. “You’ve lost your mind if you think I’m going to let this brain-dead plan of yours slide.

She rolls her eyes, utterly unfazed by my outburst.

“Once you calm down,” she says coolly, “we can talk more. I’m sorry about your diamond. I really am. But it is what it is.”

“Fuck the diamond,” I snap, my frustration boiling over. “Can’t you see I can keep you safe?”

She shrugs again, maddeningly calm. “Maybe. Maybe not. Besides, who’s going to keep you safe, Nik? I don’t want something happening to you because of me.”

“ Keep me safe ?” The words burst out of me, a roar that echoes in the room. “Woman, do you have any idea who I am?”

She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t even acknowledge my outburst. Instead, she looks at me with that infuriating calm, like she has me all figured out. “I know you’re used to getting your way,” she says evenly, “but you’re going to have to accept that you can’t make me change my mind—no matter how loud you get.”

I close my eyes, forcing myself to breathe through the anger. Slowly, I sit on the edge of the bed, dragging a hand over my face. “Kat, I—fuck,” I mutter, my voice low and rough. “I don't mean to be an ass—especially after what happened earlier. But you have to understand—after Maxim, I just... I can’t just sit back and do nothing while someone else I care about is in danger.”

As I sit so close to her, on a bed no less, I can’t stop staring—her face, her hair, the way her posture softens just a little as our eyes meet. I lean closer, unable to help myself.

“He was my closest friend,” I say quietly. “We were the only family each other had. We grew up together.” I pause. The words weigh heavy on my tongue, but I force them out. “His parents were gone. Mine kicked me out before I could even shave. We kept each other alive. He was my brother.”

Her expression changes, something raw and tender flickering in her face. “Oh, Nik,” she whispers, then wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me close. Her warmth presses into me, comforting and grounding.

“I don’t want your pity,” I mutter, though her touch settles something deep in my chest. I let her hold me anyway.

She shakes her head. “I don’t pity you. You’ve been through hell and made it out. Most people wouldn’t have survived what you did, let alone thrived. Pity doesn’t belong anywhere near you.”

I groan, pressing my forehead against her hair. “Kat…”

This woman.

If I don’t watch myself around her, she’s going to ruin me.

“Listen,” I say, my voice rough. “I know I don’t deserve your trust yet. But if—when—you let me in, I’ll help you. I’ll handle him. I’ll make sure no one ever hurts you again. You’re under my protection. For fuck's sake, use it.”

She tightens her arms around my neck, nodding against me. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she whispers.

“Promise me,” I insist, my grip on her tightening.

“I promise,” she murmurs, and after a beat, she adds, “And I’ll go to McGuire’s party with you.”

“You don’t have to,” I say quickly. “If you don’t want to go, we’ll figure something else out.”

She pulls back just enough to look at me, her eyes steady. “No, I need to go. I’m done letting that man control my life. And if it means helping you take down the person who took Maxim from you… I’m in.” Her voice wavers just slightly, her lips trembling before she pulls herself together.

I groan again, dragging a hand through my hair. “ Kiska ?—”

She cuts me off, shrugging, her lips quirking into a teasing smile. “Besides, I know you’ll keep me safe.”

I meet her gaze, my own softening. “With my life,” I say, the words leaving no room for doubt.