God Of Crimson : A Mafia Deal Sealed in Sin

Heated Games and Surprising Stakes

Nikita Volkov
Nikita barely had time to catch her breath before the smirk she'd been holding back finally broke free. Tonight had been wild, intense, and the way Nikolai defended her... it was a kind of thrill she wasn't ready to let go of.

As they stepped into Nikolai's car, she leaned back in her seat, watching him out of the corner of her eye. "So, are all your 'business deals' this exciting?"

He gave her a sideways glance, an amused glint in his eyes. "You enjoyed that?"

She shrugged, playing it cool. "I've seen better."

"Oh, really?" Nikolai arched an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. "Want me to arrange something... more exciting?"

Nikita laughed, her voice rich with sarcasm. "Oh, please. Let's not pretend you're doing this for me."

Nikolai's hand shifted, resting casually on her thigh, his gaze never leaving the road. "You'd be surprised how much I enjoy watching you handle yourself in a fight, Volkov."

Her heart skipped a beat at the casual touch, but she kept her composure. "Don't get used to it, Russo. I might steal your entire operation if you keep letting me tag along."

He let out a dark laugh, leaning a bit closer. "If you wanted it, you'd have to earn it."

They both knew it was a game—a push and pull of control and defiance, each daring the other to step over the line. But that was the thrill of it.

Back at the Mansion – Midnight Wagers

When they got back to the mansion, Nikita decided to push Nikolai's buttons a little more. She headed straight for the bar in the massive lounge, pouring herself a glass of whiskey. Nikolai watched her, a knowing look on his face as she settled onto the couch, draping one leg over the other.

"So," she said, taking a slow sip. "What's a guy like you doing, stuck in this 'marriage' thing? Don't tell me it's all about power."

Nikolai walked over, grabbing the bottle to pour himself a glass. He smirked, the dim light casting shadows over his tattooed arms. "Power is one part. But I think you're forgetting one thing, Nikita."

She tilted her head, genuinely curious. "And what's that?"

He leaned down, just close enough that she could smell his cologne, his gaze intense. "I love the thrill of a good challenge."

Nikita rolled her eyes, but the smirk playing on her lips betrayed her. "A challenge? As if you're not used to getting everything you want handed to you."

"Not everything," he shot back, his voice low.

She shrugged nonchalantly, even though his stare was making her pulse race. "Well, maybe you should be careful what you wish for, Russo."

"Oh, trust me," he leaned back, stretching an arm over the couch, "I'm very careful. Why don't we make things interesting?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Interesting?"

"A wager," he said, his voice laced with challenge. "Since you think I'm so predictable."

She laughed, meeting his intense gaze. "Fine. What's your game?"

Nikolai smirked. "First one to back down from a kiss has to do whatever the winner says. No limits."

Her heart raced, but she kept her expression cool, smirking back. "You think that scares me?"

He leaned in, his voice barely a whisper. "Show me, then."

Their lips met, and it was like every fight, every bit of tension, had led to this. They clashed with the same intensity as when they were holding guns, both refusing to be the one to break first. The kiss was slow, teasing, both of them testing each other's resolve.

Finally, it was Nikita who pulled away, just a fraction, but enough.

"Looks like I win," Nikolai murmured, his smirk victorious.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. What's your demand, then?"

He leaned back, taking his time, like he was savoring his victory. "Next time Sofia shows up... you let her know exactly who you are without holding back."

Nikita's eyes flashed with amusement and something darker. "Trust me, that's a win-win."

The Next Morning – An Unexpected Arrival

As if fate had heard their bet, Sofia showed up the very next morning. Nikita was lounging in the kitchen, sipping her coffee when the doorbell rang. She exchanged a glance with Nikolai, and he raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying this turn of events.

Nikita set down her coffee, straightened her shirt, and smirked. "Let me handle this."

When she opened the door, Sofia stood there, perfectly dressed, her smug expression already in place. "Oh, Nikita. Didn't realize you'd be... up this early."

Nikita smirked, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Why, Sofia? Afraid you'd miss something?"

Sofia's smile tightened, her eyes narrowing. "Just thought I'd come by. You know, check in on Nikolai. He and I have... history."

Nikita feigned interest. "Oh, you mean the history where you think you're relevant to him?"

Sofia's face turned a shade darker, but she quickly covered it with a sweet smile. "I wouldn't expect you to understand, but Nikolai and I, we're... close."

Nikita stepped closer, her voice a low, dangerous whisper. "You're right. I wouldn't understand, because I don't make it a habit to cling to things that aren't mine anymore."

Sofia looked genuinely taken aback, and Nikita almost laughed at the look of shock on her face. Just then, Nikolai walked up behind Nikita, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"Something wrong, ladies?" he asked, barely containing his amusement.

Sofia forced a smile, clearly rattled. "No, just... catching up."

Nikita leaned into him, smirking. "Well, you've caught up enough, Sofia. I'm sure you can find the door."

Nikolai's eyes sparkled with pride, and Sofia, with one last glare, turned on her heel and stormed out.

Later that Evening

As they sat together that night, Nikolai couldn't help but bring it up, a grin still on his face. "That was brutal."

Nikita shrugged, a satisfied look in her eyes. "You told me to handle it."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Remind me never to get on your bad side, Volkov."

She smirked, leaning in close. "You might already be there, Russo."

But despite the playful banter, there was something more brewing between them. A tension that went beyond rivalry or even the attraction they'd tried to resist. It was a dangerous game, one that neither of them had planned on, but as their hands intertwined, both of them knew there was no going back.