Konstantin opens the door and turns on a light which flickers before illuminating the dank space and the small figure sitting on a rotten old chair in the center.
Standing in the doorway, I watch her from the cover of the shadows, as her eyes flicker open and shut instantly again at the intensity of the light hitting her irises.
My golden ticket, and what a treasure she is.
The first thing I notice is how utterly breathtaking she is. Unlike any woman I’ve ever seen before in my life, and it hits me like a ton of bricks falling from a height. Her golden hair is in curls and splays down the front of her black evening gown, finishing just above her waist.
My breath stalls for a moment and my entire world shifts on its axis as her eyes flutter open again, this time remaining that way. They’re the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen and when they fix on me, I realize that my mouth has fallen open a little.
Snapping it shut, I gather myself and stride into the room, ignoring the racing of my heart in my chest, galloping faster than a prize horse at the end of a race.
“Who are you, and what do you want?” She stutters, her chin trembling with fear as she tries to remain confident and in control of her emotions, even though she’s terrified and teetering on the edge of a breakdown.
I don’t answer right away, walking over to a steel table in the corner and pursuing the implements atop it, finding an odd twisting in my gut at the thought of harming the creature behind me. She’s too beautiful. Too perfect to mar with knives or whips. Instead, I want to worship every inch of her body until she’s crying for release.
Focus Valery.
Anya Lebdev serves one purpose and one purpose only. She’s the key to Moscow. My way in the door and my chance to steal the throne once and for all.
I pick up a small knife, mainly as an intimidation tactic, as right now, the thought of harming her is unappealing. When I turn around, some of that bravado is gone as her stunning eyes dilate with fear the moment she clocks the knife in my hand.
“W-what do you want?” She lifts her chin high, trying to maintain that air of confidence that’s quickly crumbling before me like a dilapidated building.
Again, I don’t answer. A part of me wants to see how she handles this situation. Instead, I walk toward her, clenching my jaw as the closer I get, the more difficult it is to ignore how flawless she is. The world beautiful doesn’t do her justice.
She opens her mouth to say something, but then slams it shut and stares at me with steely determination.
Smart.
Anya has correctly determined that I’ve no intention of answering her questions, and therefore it’s best to say nothing.
I circle her chair. The knife feels unnatural in my hands as, for once, I don’t intend to use it, merely intimidate.
Despite her awkward pose tied to an uncomfortable wooden chair, it’s easy to see her curvy, perfect figure, and it only heightens my ever growing desire for my prisoner.
“Are you scared?” I ask, as I come around full circle and look her in the eyes.
There’s a war blazing in her eyes as she tries to decide how best to play this. “No.”
A simple one-word answer, but a lie. “I don’t believe you.”
Her nostrils flare. “Then why ask me if you think you know the answer?”
It’s a valid question, but again, I don’t intend to answer any that she asks. She’ll learn soon enough that I do all the talking in this situation. Moving closer to her, I hold her alluring gaze and reach out to grab her chin, tilting her face up to get a better look at her angelic features.
“There’s no need to be scared, as long as you do what you are told.” I dig my fingers into her skin harder as a warning before releasing her face. My fingertips are tingling where I touched her soft skin. I take a step back, desire zapping through me as I try to ignore the fact that I’m drawn to my prisoner in the most illicit way. “Do you understand?”
Her fear is delectable as her eyes dilate and she nods in response, lip trembling a little, which betrays the truth she’s trying to hide. Anya Lebedev fears me and I sense that it makes her feel something else too, excitement, which equally scares her.
If nothing else, toying with her will be fun.
3
ANYA
“Leave us,” the man in charge says to another man leaning against the bare stone wall by the door.
“Of course, sir.” He bows his head, proving that this other guy is in charge.