Seduction's Shadow

Chapter 68: Unleashed Desire

Aari was engrossed in designing the layout for a new construction site when her phone vibrated, drawing her attention away from her work. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Nikol: "In my office. Need to discuss some details for the construction site and bring the layouts as we have a meeting with the team."

Aari rolled her eyes and typed a quick, savage reply: "Oh, now you remember I exist? Be there soon."

Determined to make a statement, she chose her outfit carefully. She slipped into a little black dress that clung to her curves in all the right places, with a hemline that stopped just above her knees and a neckline that was daringly low. The dress was entirely inappropriate for a business meeting, but she didn't care. She completed the look with YSL heels that accentuated her long legs and let her hair fall in loose waves around her shoulders.

As she walked into Nikol's mansion, her heels clicking against the marble floor, she felt a rush of defiance. Reaching the meeting room door, she took a deep breath and pushed it open. Inside, Nikol stood by the large mahogany table, dressed in a perfectly tailored dark grey suit, a crisp white shirt, and a black tie. His presence was commanding, and his piercing gaze locked onto her as she entered.

Nikol's expression shifted from surprise to fury as he took in her outfit. "Team," he said, his voice cold and controlled, "I want you all out in a second. I have to discuss a certain brief with Ms. Arison."

"But Mr. Russo, the team—" his manager began to protest.

Nikol silenced him with a dead glare. "Out. Now."

Within moments, the room was cleared. Nikol removed his blazer, tossed it aside, and began rolling up his sleeves, revealing a sleeve tattoo that snaked up his forearm. He undid the first three buttons of his shirt as he stalked toward her, his eyes burning with anger and something else she couldn't quite place.

Aari's breathing quickened as she tried to maintain her composure. "So, Ms. Arison," Nikol began, his voice dangerously low, "may I know why you're dressed like this in front of my team?"

Before she could respond, he placed a finger on her lips. "Don't utter a single word. I'm not done yet. Because of you, the meeting is canceled. Now you have to pay the price."

He moved to his desk, opened a drawer, and began laying out an assortment of weapons: guns, knives, and other tools she couldn't identify. Aari's eyes widened in fear as she watched him.

Nikol seemed to be considering his options, picking up a pistol and examining it thoughtfully. Panic surged through Aari. "Nikol!" she screamed, her voice trembling.

Ignoring her, he picked up a long-handled knife next, his expression contemplative. "Nikol!" she screamed again, more desperate this time.

Hearing her panic, Nikol turned sharply and in a swift move, pinned her against the wall. His body pressed against hers, his hand tracing her lips gently. "You know, when you scream my name that loud," he murmured in his smooth British accent, "do you know what it does to me?"

Aari shivered, her fear mingling with a strange thrill. "So shh," Nikol continued, his voice a seductive whisper. "Unless you want me to make you moan my name in different variations, and you'll be begging, 'Don't stop,' right, honey?"

His words sent a jolt of electricity through her, and she struggled to catch her breath. "Nikol, I—" she began, but he silenced her with a kiss, fierce and demanding, his fingers digging into her waist.

Breaking the kiss, he gazed into her eyes, his expression a mix of anger and desire. "You're playing a dangerous game, Aari," he whispered. "And now, it's time to learn the rules."

Aari's heart pounded as she looked up at him, realizing just how deep she was in. "I'm not afraid of you," she said, her voice defiant but trembling.

Nikol's lips curled into a dark smile. "We'll see about that."

He kissed her again, his hands roaming over her body with possessive intensity. Aari's mind raced, caught between fear and an undeniable attraction. This was a side of Nikol she had never seen, and it both terrified and exhilarated her.

As he held her against the wall, she knew that this was just the beginning. There was no turning back now. Nikol's lips curved into a dark, predatory smile as his hands roamed over Aari's body, exploring every inch of her. When he realized she wasn't wearing any panties, his breath hitched, and a primal, animalistic need surged within him. The hunger in his eyes deepened as he backed her up against the mahogany table, lifting her onto its surface with ease.

"Open my belt," he commanded, his voice low and rough.

Aari's hands shook slightly as she obeyed, her fingers fumbling with the buckle before finally freeing it. In one swift motion, Nikol seized her wrists and used the belt to bind them together, securing her hands above her head. He then reached for his tie, his eyes never leaving hers, and expertly tied it around her eyes, blindfolding her.

"Lie back," he ordered, his voice a dark whisper.

Aari complied, her heart pounding in her chest as she felt the cool surface of the table beneath her. Nikol's hands moved with a deliberate slowness, undressing her piece by piece until she was completely bare before him. The vulnerability of being blindfolded and restrained heightened every sensation, making her acutely aware of his every touch.

Nikol grabbed a bottle of wine from a nearby table, uncorking it with practiced ease. He took a long swig, savoring the rich, dark flavor before leaning over her. "Open your mouth," he instructed, his voice a seductive growl.

Aari's lips parted obediently, and he let the wine flow from his mouth into hers. The sensation was intoxicating, the taste of the wine mingling with the taste of him. She swallowed eagerly, her body trembling with anticipation.

Nikol took a piece of ice from the wine bucket, holding it between his teeth as he leaned in closer. He traced the icy path along her skin, starting at her collarbone and moving downward. The contrast of the cold ice and the heat of his mouth drove her wild, each touch sending electric shivers through her body.