Bound by lies Trapped by Desire novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

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Elena’s POV:

I hissed involuntarily as Nikolai’s grip tightened a little too hard on my wrist. His fingers immediately loosened.

“Sorry,” he muttered under his breath, the tension in his body still practically radiating heat.

His apology was quiet. I gave him a small shake of my head in reply. “It’s alright,” I murmured, though truthfully, I was still startled. I could feel my pulse fluttering like a trapped bird against his fingers.

Malakai was still standing beside us, all cheekbones and charm, one brow arched as though the world was a joke he hadn’t stopped laughing at since birth

As much as I would’ve loved to have that dance–just a fun, casual twirl with someone new, someone exciting–I knew better. Friendly or not, it wouldn’t sit right with me. I wouldn’t like it if some random woman approached Nikolai and asked him for a dance either. So how could I say yes?

Before I could even open my mouth to politely decline, Nikolai’s voice sliced clean through the atmosphere.

“My apologies,” he said, voice as cold and clipped as glass. “I’d like to dance with my wife first. I’m sure you’ll find many other beautiful, single ladies who would love the chance.”

His tone wasn’t overtly rude, but it was laced with steel. Possession. The finality of it made Malakai chuckle softly and raise his hands in mock surrender.

“Of course,” he said smoothly. “My loss.”

Then Nikolai’s hand slipped into mine again and without a word, he guided me toward the dance floor. His palm rested on the small of my back, gently as he led us through the thinning crowd of guests.

“Uh… Nikolai?” I asked as we reached the center of the ballroom.

He didn’t answer right away, just adjusted his stance, pulling me close and settling one hand low on my waist while the other lifted my wrist to his lips. His mouth brushed the delicate skin there.

“cu’re my wife, Malishka. No one touches you but me.” His eyes locked onto mine, his lips cold against my skin causing a shiver to run down my spine. Oh god. This man. What was he doing to me?

“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you earlier?” he asked, speaking softer this time. His voice gentler.

I shook my head, my voice small “No. It’s alright”

“But” i added, leaning in with a sheepish whisper, “I don’t really know how to dance…”

tista”s upe fitted into a smile. “That’s alright,” he murmured. “You’re not supposed to actually do the waltz. Look around.”

glarmed him the corner of my eye, and sure enough, couples were mostly just swaying, laughing, spinning lazily. Two women in silver gowns were wiring each other sound playfully their laughter blending with the soft, whimsical music echoing through the grand ballroom.

That eased Beer tights in my shoulders i cehaled.

Stanlega atong heavy instrumental that felt the something straight out of a fantasy mute. it built slowly, with violins weaving **ch. 20 like threads is a loom. The au bazed with warth, gting off champagne glasses and crystals.

woordenated at that, and I outlet intle as he spun me

confident us and guided me as he began leading the show, steady rhythm of the dance. Our stops were

the caught the whortlessly, his palm Meady as my last back. “See?” ved Wing

13:18 Fri, 25 Jul G G

Chapter 71

25 Jul G

1 laughed, more out of nervous energy than amusement. “This night is insane.”

His eyes searched mine. “Good insane?”

I nodded. “Very good. Honestly, this might be the best night of my entire life.”

That made his eyes soften, the corners crinkling faintly. But the smile didn’t quite reach all the way. I watched him closely.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, my brows drawing together. “You seem… distracted.”

He shook his head, brushing it off too quickly. “It’s nothing.”

I didn’t believe him for a second.

“Is it work?” I probed. “Or… is it the accident? Are you still worried something might happen to us tonight? Because if you are, we can leave. We really don’t have to stay.”

He paused. Then a sigh left him as he leaned down, his lips brushing my forehead.

“I was worried,” he admitted. “I just didn’t think it was worth the risk. But…” His thumb rubbed circles into the back of my hand. “After seeing you smile like this? I think it is worth it.”

My chest warmed, eyes stinging slightly from the weight behind those words.

“Still,” I began, “I don’t want to be a burden, you kn-”

A voice cut through the music.

“Evelina?”

It was a loud voice. Deep and obviously male.

The name froze in my chest. My eyes jerked toward the voice.

There, just past the edge of the crowd, stood a man. Middle–aged, with striking features–sharp cheekbones. His dirty blond hair was swept back elegantly, and his eyes-

Green. Piercing.

He was handsome. Familiar. But not in a comforting way. Something in me recoiled.

Before I could move or even speak, Nikolai yanked me behind him.

“Nikolai?” I gasped, startled.

“We’re leaving,” he said, voice clipped, already walking us toward the exit.

“What? Why? What’s wrong?” He didn’t answer any of my questions as he kept walking.

His grip was like iron around my wrist.

“Hey-”

Stop right there!” the man called again, his voice sharp like a blade.

We kept walking. Until a sound cracked through the room like thunder.

BANG

13:19 Fri, 25 Jul G G

Chapter 71

A gunshot.

My heart leaped into my throat.

The music stopped.

Every head turned. People gasped. Screams began to echo.

* 57%

Nikolai froze. Slowly, he turned, keeping me tucked behind him as guards in suits converged on the fringes of the room, weapons out and eyes scanning

The man who had called out was walking toward us now, the gun in his hand not yet raised, but visible. His face was twisted in fury, and his steps were

sure.

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