Page 48 of Paved in Venom

Vitaly looks back at me and shakes his head with an exaggerated groan. “You make a guy call you a sex god one time, and they never get over it.”

I laugh and say, “I heard about that.”

“Your man is just a sore loser,” Vitaly says with another laugh, and I can’t help but smile at Danil being called my man.

“I’m not a sore loser,” Danil corrects. “I’m just tired of you reminding me of your sex god status on a daily basis.”

“A daily basis? That’s absurd, and we both know it. It’s weekly at best.”

“All right, no more competition for the sex god title,” Lev says as we get closer. “We’re almost to the valet.”

“Of course he has a valet,” Vitaly says. “I guess it would kill these bastards to park their own cars and walk a hundred feet to the fucking door.” He turns to look back at us. “Okay, showtime you two. Don’t forget to show off those lap dancing skills, Simona.”

“We’re not doing that,” Danil quickly says.

Vitaly laughs. “Well at least try to look the part. You two look way too fucking happy.”

“He’s right,” Danil says. Before we get to the valet, he cups my face and gives me a soft kiss. It’s not like the one in the closet, but it still makes my toes want to curl. “It’s just for show, baby,” he whispers against my lips.

“I know. It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

His thumb caresses my cheek one last time before the SUV stops and everything changes. Like clockwork, the three men around me shift into the roles they need to play. No more joking around and easy smiles. They’re all hard edges and grim faces. We get out, and even though Danil holds his hand out for me and gives it a soft squeeze, his eyes are hard, and when he pulls me up against him, he keeps his body rigid beside mine instead of leaning down to kiss my cheek like he normally would.

Lev hands the keys over before we all walk to the front door. I can hear the low thrum of music, and when the doors open, there’s a man in a tux with a slimy grin on his face. He eyes me in a way that reminds me of what we’re walking into. This pervert is the reminder I needed. My eyes drop as I take on the submissive attitude that’s expected of me.

“Name?” the man asks.

“I’m Danil Melnikov, and these are my brothers Lev and Vitaly.”

“And your pet?” the man asks.

“Is mine.”

Danil’s hard tone makes the man give a surprised laugh. “I guess I’m not surprised you’re so possessive. I heard how much you paid for her.”

“And you are?” Danil asks.

“The butler,” the man says with another laugh. “Mr. Jacobson gives me special privileges for being so loyal and discreet.”

I see his expensive black shoes step back as he adds, “Please, come in. Is this your first after-auction party?”

“It is,” Danil says.

“There aren’t many rules, but the ones we have must be followed. As we all know, a woman with a black viper ouroboros tattoo can’t be touched by anyone other than her owner, but there are exceptions at parties like these.”

Danil’s fingers tighten on my hip at the man’s words. “What do you mean?”

“If you want,” the man continues, “you can have her wear a silver bracelet. It means you’re willing to share her, but only if they ask and you agree.”

I dart my eyes up to see the silver bracelet he’s offering Danil. My blood runs cold at the sight of it.

“I will not be sharing her,” Danil says, and his tone is hard enough to make the guy swallow and quickly put the bracelet back in his pocket.

“Very well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.” He points to the hallway behind him. “The others are at the back of the house. Mr. Jacobson asks that everyone stay in that area instead of wandering around. Enjoy your evening.”

We walk down the marble floor, and when I look over at the grand entryway and see the large oil painting of Tom hanging front and center, I can’t help myself. I reach out, giving the sleeve of Vitaly’s suit a quick tug. When he looks at me, I nod my head towards the huge painting. His whiskey-colored eyes light up before he elbows Lev and says something in Russian.

“That’s why I didn’t make the bet,” Danil says low enough for just me to hear. When I look up at him, he gives me a quick wink before his face goes hard again.

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