Aris’s jaw bulged.
Finally, my insult had made a direct hit on the intimidating Bratva bastard.
“As for the cooking, maybe I’ll bring you a doggy bag next time,” I said to Yasmin with such saccharine sweetness she couldn’t miss the dig for what it was.
Bitch.
That earned a snort from Konstantin and an almost approving glance from the woman who finally dragged her hand off Aris.
“That’s enough, Roya,” Aris muttered. “And don’t you two have work to do?”
“Yes, boss.” Yasmin departed with a mocking salute, Konstantin following.
Aris poured a drink but didn’t offer me one. Hmm. Perhaps he was still upset over the thug comment. It served him right.
I helped myself to a very nice single malt whiskey, already feeling a little buzzed from the wine earlier.
I met his stare as I sipped. “You intend for me to sit up here all night, I gather.”
My stomach sank at the possibility.
After perusing me thoroughly while my pulse began to race, he said, “Why don’t you dance here and give me a private show?”
I straightened my shoulders. “Contrary to what you believe, my world doesn’t revolve around you. I’d never dance for you.”
A lazy grin crossed his sculpted lips. “That’s odd because I got the distinct impression all those other nights you were performing just for me.”
The egotistical man was correct, but he wouldn’t hear it from me. Not ever.
I continued to sip my drink, seething inside, giving him my haughtiest glare.
In return, he lit a cigarette and regarded me coolly through rings of smoke.
Eventually, he stabbed out the butt and raked his fingers through his hair. “Fine. I’ve reinforced the security in the club enough that you’ll be safe.”
I was stunned that he’d relented so easily.
“Go on then. Before I change my mind.” He waved me toward the door.
Before I could get there, he snagged me to him.
“If you even think of wandering off, I’ll be on you so fast you won’t know what hit you.” His threat became even more cruel. “And if you think that the spanking I gave you last night hurt, I’ll wallop you so hard your ass will be cherry red for a week.”
Wallop my ass?
The evil thug.
When he let me go, I stumbled for a second in my stilettoes. Then I sashayed away, enraged beyond any restraint.
The door popped open in front of me and closed behind me, and I navigated the stairs. Miraculously, the door opened at the bottom too. He must’ve alerted the guard there.
I had no intentions of running off. Where could I go now? There was no possible way I could explain my absence to Father. I was essentially stuck with no escape.
But I could still dance. At least for now.
Fresh fury over the futility of my situation rippled through me along with the rhythm of the blaring music, the flashes of pulsing light. Making my way to the center of the crowd in my figure-hugging dress, I quickly gathered a ring of admirers. I chose the best looking from among the bunch, beckoning him to me as my hips circled lewdly.
A hungry smile worked its way across the man’s lips, and he started matching my sensual swaying.
Oh, I knew Aris was watching and I wanted him absolutely eaten up with jealousy. Even from afar and behind that long window, I felt his tightly banked anger washing over me. As I danced with some man just to wind Aris up, I rolled my hips and leaned back from my waist. I dragged my fingertips down the center of my partner’s chest.
It took less than a minute before Aris stormed out onto the floor.
I felt him before I saw him, the male energy pouring off of him, and then he was there, separated from me by the writhing crowd. Aris’s burning gaze never wavered, clearly furious as he stalked ever closer. I knew without a doubt that beneath the tails of his immaculate suit jacket his cock was hard, charging the way.