Chapter 32

London, England

The loud thumping bass obliterated Sophia’s thoughts, and she relished the void. Her body moved as she drank deeply of the champagne Irina had ordered. She’d smiled for the cameras. Now she planned to drink as much as she liked and fake it until it felt real. She rallied for her friends’ sakes more than her own.

Her silky black dress flirted with the tops of her thighs as she swayed to the music. Riot and Irina were in far wilder outfits. Riot’s looked more like black bandages than a dress, and Irina had been taped into the gold backless dress she wore. Sophia was more than happy for her simple sheath that only hinted at her curves when she moved.

She drank her champagne as she fought back memories of another club.

Riot eyed her closely as she topped off Sophia’s glass. “Are you okay? We can leave if this is too much.”

Sophia gave her an overly bright smile, knowing her friends were at a loss as to how to make this better. “I really am fine.” She would rather be out for a while where the noise could drown out her thoughts.

Before she could embark on her mission of getting too drunk to care about anything, she felt eyes on her. The niggling at her neck made her turn. She searched the crowd only to find… him.

Viktor was stalking through the club, looking right at her. People moved instinctually out of his way. He was a dangerous man, and even if the people around him didn’t know who he was, they would feel it.

Her pulse raced at the intent look in his eyes. He was heading straight for her.

Jen turned a questioning gaze in her direction. Did she want to talk to him?

She gave her guard a tight nod.

Irina and Riot, having also caught sight of her Russian, moved to her side, but all Sophia could focus on was the look in his eyes. He had the same look he’d had in Paris. That same electricity zinged between them. He was dark and dangerous and far too sexy for her own good. And she’d missed him so much, her cracked heart gave a hopeful thump.

The guards stepped aside, allowing him into the VIP section, but he didn’t stop until he was in front of her.

He gave her no chance to speak. He leaned in and pulled her into his arms for a demanding kiss. It wasn’t a ruthless, punishing kiss like the last one they’d shared. This one was filled with emotion. He was seducing her at the edge of a packed club, and she felt the world fading away as she melted for him.

She could blame the champagne, but it would be a lie. Just one kiss. One more taste. Because this could be it.

When he broke the kiss, she stared up into his eyes. “Nothing’s changed, Viktor.”

Only he could have heard her words, but the flashing in her peripheral vision said the world was seeing the entire exchange. Cameras flashed, and she didn’t care.

“One thing has changed,” he practically growled. His thumb slid over her jaw as his eyes searched hers.

“What?” she whispered.

It seemed to pain him to ground out the words. “My rules.”

She felt her heart thumping in her chest as his gaze seared hers, and she swore it wasn’t just lust; it was tenderness.

“I am now a part of this with you.” His eyes told her how serious he was.

He leaned in again. “That is my stipulation, Sophia.”

She’d gone speechless. His thumb caressed her jaw possessively as his other hand massaged her hip. He was willing to be a part of her group.

“You won’t be the one calling the shots, Viktor. Can you do that?” she warned, still hesitant to hope this could work, that she could have it all, or that he truly loved her, as his expression said.

A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I want full knowledge. I will bend, but you will be safe with me at your side at every step.”

She just stared at him, everything in her warming as her heart mended and expanded. What he was offering was a commitment bigger than a marriage proposal. She was sure he wouldn’t be easy to deal with, but… she wanted to try.

“Why?” she whispered, leaning her cheek into his caress because she couldn’t help herself. The heat and tenderness in his gaze only made her breathing hitch.

“You know why, Sophia. Do you need the words, Котёнок?” He practically hummed the words at her. He was playing with her. His features had eased, and his sexy lips tilted in a half smile.

“I think I do.” Her own lips twitched. “I think I need you to say you love me too.”

The reaction to her words was swift and primal. He pulled her in for a kiss that left her mindless before releasing her to whisper in her ear, “You rule me, Котёнок. What I feel is more than love.”

She moaned. He ruled her as well. “I guess we’ve both lost our minds, then.” She smiled up at him.

It was several moments before she remembered her friends were still there, likely watching their every move. Sophia turned to her friends, with Viktor’s arm still on her back. They were staring wide-eyed at her and Viktor.

“Well, damn,” Irina muttered.

Sophia laughed. “Viktor, this is Riot Cross and Irina Leskova.”

The introductions went quickly. They exchanged polite teasing conversation for a few moments as he casually continued to caress her hip and her back. Their display was likely all over the media, and a part of her wondered if publically claiming her had been part of his plan. As possessive as he was, she didn’t doubt it and couldn’t bring herself to be angry.

He ordered more champagne and drinks as he settled with her on a couch, his arm comfortably settled around her shoulders as he lounged back. He seemed content to stay there as long as she wished. This was not his scene, and she felt his heat against her, was aware he wanted her in his bed as much as she wanted to join him there, but he hadn’t attempted to whisk her away. He’d settled in to charm her friends instead, which pleased her more than anything he could have ever done.

They had a lot to work out, and she had no doubt he would be a handful to work with, but she wanted him with her. She wanted everything with him.

She smiled, happier than she’d ever been.

Her gaze went to Jen. Her friend and guard had opted to watch over her rather than join the party. Sophia couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped when she noted Ivan had positioned himself at Jen’s side. Her friend was likely regretting her decision to be on duty tonight. The tension radiating between the two was palpable enough to make Sophia’s grin kick up several notches.

She truly hoped that meant another happy ending was brewing.