Page 53 of Captured Obsession

“Tiarna and I are … acquaintances who have run in the same social circles.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “What does that mean? Did you two used to fuck?”

Her obvious jealousy shouldn’t amuse me, but it does. It shows me that no matter how much we deny what’s between us, she does care. But I know it will never reach my level of obsession for her.

“No, she’s not to my taste. I prefer forbidden, unbreakable things,” I say pointedly, though she doesn’t seem to believe me.

I continue, explaining Tiarna’s appearance. “I’d caught wind of an internal family issue that’s had The Wolf avoiding Tiarna for some time now, so I messaged her his location.

“I knew he’d make a pass at you because he loves exotic things and breaking them in. I can always depend on Tiarna making a dramatic entrance, so I used her to distract him from you.”

Her throat bobs, and my hands curl into fists in an attempt to restrain myself from reaching out and touching her. This world I live in is tainted. Otherwomen haven’t been so fortunate as to be protected from men like The Wolf.

It’s the one line I won’t cross, and I’ve killed more men than I can count for attempting to take something by force from a woman. I imagine much of that comes from Agata raising me. But that one woman I couldn’t help still haunts me.

“This should all be over soon,mishka. And once it is, you’ll be able to return to your life, and this can all be considered a nightmare. I promise you that liberation. You’re almost home.”

She chokes on a sob, and I turn my back to her, no longer wanting to crowd her space, knowing that I’m the monster in this nightmare. Selfishly, all I want is to wrap her in my arms. But I have no right to do that. And, suddenly, my ability to constrict someone to death doesn’t seem so fun.

21

SIENNA

Idon’t know what to believe anymore, and I wasn’t able to fall asleep again after the conversation I had with Nikolai. I doubt his life is truly in my hands, and I’m certain it must be some kind of mind game since that’s what he’s good at.

However, I was there when he unhesitatingly killed those men who drew a weapon on me when I tried to escape. And while he tried to act indifferent to me in front of his boss, he’d still shielded me with his body.

Not that it would’ve fucking done much if they’d decided to shoot us up. But I’m coming to learn that’s the gamble in this world. There’s a lot of bluffing and an innate understanding of who you can and can’t fuck with. I’ve also come to learn that Nikolai isn’t a complete liar—his boss is cruel.

But as my fingers feather over the snake necklace, Istruggle to take him at his word, as instinct tells me he’s lying about the explosive device. But I don’t know what to believe anymore, and I haven’t since I found myself forced into this world.

When we land, Andrei and Nikolai speak rapidly in Russian.

“Looks like we have a welcome party,” Andrei says, looking out the window.

“As expected,” Nikolai states. “Agata, you stay on the jet. If everything goes to shit, the pilots are ordered to take off immediately.” Then his icy gaze slides to me, and in English, he says, “Sienna, you come with me.” He holds out his hand. There’s no welcoming warmth in his demeanour. It feels all transactional now. But it’s when I briefly glance at his eyes that I see a slight softness in them. I don’t know which version of Nikolai I can believe.

I peer over his shoulder through the window, and see two slick, black cars and several motorcycles. Those sitting on the bikes are wearing masks. My throat locks the moment I see Luca and Dante waiting expectantly in front of the cars. Standing between them are Ara and Romi.

My stomach sinks. All along, Nikolai has been speaking the truth. They really are part of this world, and I had no idea. I was so caught up in my own shit, I never noticed when they got sucked in. Or maybe they’ve always been a part of it, and I’ve just been soself-involved that I didn’t mark the obvious changes with them.

But there’s a flutter in my chest, even if that’s all true. That they’re here—within reach. Alive. I only wish Lily were here too. Though, I shouldn’t be wishing any of my friends to be in a predicament that could go haywire at any given moment.

That’s when I know it’s not just Nikolai’s life that’s my responsibility, like he suggested. It’s all of them.

So, I harden my expression, understanding my role to play. I don’t want any of my friends getting hurt. Certainly not Agata, who despite the circumstances has treated me kindly. As for Nikolai… Deep down, I don’t want anything happening to him either. And I can’t find any logical reason for that.

I slide my hand into his. “Peacefully, right?”

The corner of his lip twitches. “Sure. Just play your part well. And if something happens, hide behind me.”

“I don’t want you hurting my friends,” I bite out.

His gaze slides over to Andrei, who’s watching us intently, and I can see the shift in Nikolai. “Then play good hostage.”

My eyebrows drop. I hate his frosty tone, but I know it’s as he said. Maybe it is a show; maybe it isn’t. Maybe I’m the fool here. But if it offers a better chance for my friends, then I’m willing to take it.

The jet door opens, and the morning sun creeps in. Nikolai steps out first, nonchalantly placing his black shades on as he maintains a firm grip on my hand. Theman has balls; only he can casually walk into an intense situation like this, acting as if it were nothing short of a warm greeting.