Page 114 of Ruined Vows
“Not happening.”
“—I’ll make you come so hard you’ll forget how to lie.”
My lips tremble—just a little. And damn if he doesn’t see it.
But I smile like the predator I am. “Good luck, Petrovic. You’ve got four dates left.”
He chuckles. It’s low and deadly. “That’s four more than I need.”
The tension between us hums like a live wire.
This isn’t a game. It’s a war, only—I’m not sure who’s winning.
32
VUKAN
THE EDGE
Iwalked away last night because I would’ve ruined her if I hadn’t. I would have pinned her to that bed and made her scream every inch of my name until it soaked into the walls. But not yet.
She’s too proud and too stubborn. I want all of her, not just her body. I want her trust. Her submission. Her soul.
I pour a glass of rakija and stare over the skyline, letting the silence bite me.
She looked at me tonight like she was ready to fight. And I’d be lying if I denied that I wanted her to.
But that moment, when she couldn’t say the words, when her mouth opened and nothing came out—that was the truth I’ve been hunting. I know she wants me. I’m in her head, and I’m in her heart, even if she’s still denying it.
And it’s driving her insane. She’s going crazy over her desire for me, and the fact that I’m winning.
I want her to be unbalanced. I want her furious, lusting, and trembling, because then she’s vulnerable. And in vulnerability, that’s when she’s open to feeling love.
Bianca feels safe when she’s in control. It gives her the allure of confidence, but I know that beneath the surface is herheart, which is afraid to trust. She has a heart that wants to love, but it’s been hiding behind her indifference. And that’s where she lives because she knows best. She’s never trusted a man; she knew she should trust one who could show her it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, that there are many shades of gray, and many shades of love.
But when she met me, and well, let’s just say that I threw a wrench into her beliefs. And now, I have my hands full. Full of longing for Bianca and the desire to make my home safe for her.
Radovan keeps circling in my thoughts like a vulture. He’s watching. Always. Will he act on his words or not?
God knows what he’s up to. I rationalize that even if he doesn’t suspect what Bianca means to me, he’ll come for her.
I have to pull her deeper into me before the wolves close in. I light another cigar, eyes on the glowing horizon.
Next time, I won’t let her walk away.
Next time, shebegs.
33
BIANCA
PAPER CHAINS
Iwake up in silk sheets that smell like the ocean and money. And for the first time in years,I don’t wake up fighting.
No nightmares. No shadows curling behind my eyes. Just warmth and an odd peace.
Ironically, it unnerves me more than any bullet ever has.
