Page 30 of Velvet Chains
But fuck! I don’t know why I’m feeling this way.
Just as I’m about to escape, a strong hand grabs my elbow, spinning me around. I find myself face to face with Victor, his eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he growls, his grip tightening on my arm.
I yank myself free, glaring up at him. “I need a break from this circus. From watching you flirt with anything in a skirt.”
He scoffs, stepping closer until we’re nose to nose. “Jealous, wife? How unexpected.”
“Hardly,” I scoff back, ignoring the way my heart is pounding. “I just don’t appreciate being made a fool of in front of everyone.”
His eyes flash with something dark and dangerous, a primal hunger that makes my breath catch. In one swift movement, he grabs me by the waist and yanks me against his hard, muscular chest. I gasp at the sudden contact, my hands flying up to brace against him.
“You’ll be a good girl now, kiska,” he growls, his voice a low, sinful rumble that vibrates through me. He leans in until his lips are a hair’s breadth from mine, so close I can feel the heat of his breath. For one wild, dizzying moment, I think he’s going to kiss me, to claim my mouth right here in front of everyone.
But instead, he angles his head to whisper in my ear, his words dripping with dark promise. “Keep behaving like this, and I’ll bend you over my knee and spank that horny little cunt of yours until you beg for mercy.”
I suck in a sharp, shuddering breath, my body responding with a shameful throb of desire even as my mind rebels. Tears of humiliation prick at the corners of my eyes, my chest heaving with the effort to control my reactions.
With a burst of desperate strength, I shove against his chest, pushing him away.
“Fuck off,” I choke out, my voice cracking under the weight of my emotions.
For a heartbeat, he stares down at me, his expression unreadable. Then, just as quickly as he grabbed me, he releases his hold, stepping back with a mocking bow.
What have I gotten myself into?
Just then, I’m saved from having to respond by the sound of a champagne glass clinking, another toast demanding Victor’s attention. He turns away without a second glance, leaving me reeling and raw, my skin still tingling from his touch.
I press a shaking hand to my chest, feeling the wild thunder of my heartbeat beneath my palm. I’m torn between the urge to run, to hide, to lick my wounds in private—and the dark, traitorous desire to chase after him, to let him make good on his filthy threats.
Ah, Laur, don’t fall for his crap. Seriously, don’t.
I’ve just managed to slip into the bathroom when I hear the click of a door closing behind me. I spin around to find myselfface-to-face with an unfamiliar woman.
She’s stunning, all curves, and red lips and knowing eyes.
“So, you’re Victor’s new bride,” she purrs, looking me up and down appraisingly.“I have to say, I was expecting someone a little more… impressive.”
I bristle at her tone, crossing my arms defensively.“I’m sorry. Who are you?”
“Someone who knows Victor far better than you ever will,” she smirks, stalking closer.“He and I, we have a history. The things I could tell you…”
She trails off suggestively, and I feel a flare of something hot and angry in my chest.
“I’m not interested in your games,” I snap, moving to push past her.
But she sidesteps smoothly, blocking my path. “Oh, but you should be. Because if you think Victor married you for love or even loyalty, you’re more naive than I thought.”
My hands ball into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms.
“Listen, I don’t know who the hell you think you are, but let’s get one thing straight. I’m not here to play your little mind games. Victor is my husband, for better or worse. Whatever history you have with him, that’s your business. But don’t think for a second you can intimidate me or make me feel small. I’ve faced far worse than a bitter ex with an axe to grind.”
Her eyes narrow, red lips twisting into a sneer.
“Brave words from a little gold-digger who just hit the jackpot. Enjoy it while it lasts, sweetheart. Girls like you are a dime a dozen in this world. Victor will get bored with you soon enough, just like all the rest.”
“Go to hell,” I snap, shouldering past her and out the door.
