THE GATEKEEPER

I blink my eyes open.

Gospodi, it's too bright in here.

My head splinters with pain.

I let out a whimper.

"That was unwise, little warrior. What were you thinking?"

Only then do I realize Maykl is here with me, working quickly to cut me free. My arms burst into an explosion of pain as they are released from their position behind my back.

Maykl holds my face and turns it, examining me with his brows down. "Look at me, Kira," he murmurs in Russian.

I meet his gaze. He studies my eyes, no doubt looking for pupils that are different sizes. Signs of a concussion. I did take a pretty hard knock to the head. I must've been out for more than a few seconds if he had time to get up here although he does seem slightly out of breath like he ran up the stairs rather than wait for the elevator.

I groan.

"Very unwise. You hit your head on the desk and then again on the floor."

Realizing my hands are free and he's focused on my injuries, I trail my fingers along the waistband of his jeans, searching for the pistol.

It's not there.

He catches my wrist, brings my hand to his mouth, and bites the meaty part of my thumb.

My pussy clenches, and I squeak, more in surprise than in pain although it does hurt. What kind of man bites his captive as punishment? The same kind who spanks her instead of cutting her thumbs off, I suppose. I try to ignore the flutters this man ignites in me.

I don't need to get distracted by the physical attraction between us. By the gentle way he handles me as he frees my ankles and lifts me off the chair.

My brain tells me to fight, that this is my moment, my hands and legs are free. I should do as much damage as I can and get myself out of here.

But, for some reason, I hesitate. Maybe it's the fact that my arms are still on fire with pins and needles. Or because I haven't found what I came here for, yet.

It can't be because this man is affecting me. That I enjoy the way he's running his hands over my body, checking for other injuries with a flare of concern. That I don't want to harm him because he hasn't harmed me.

And it's true that considering our size and weight differences, I'd have to aim to hurt him badly if I wanted to escape. He's a beast of a man and built of solid muscle. Taking him down would have to involve a major trauma to the head or deadly force. Even if I managed to get his gun, I suspect he could disarm me.

I've never shot a man. I'm trained, yes, and I've drawn a weapon before, but I've never been the one to pull the trigger.

"I need to use the bathroom," I announce.

"Go." He jerks his head toward the bedroom.

I'm surprised he's willing to let me go on my own. I'd be stupid not to use the time to my advantage. I move on wobbly legs, my head throbbing where I hit it. I use the toilet and wash up, then scan the room for weapons. I choose the easiest one-the toilet tank lid. It's heavy and ceramic. If I use it to smash Maykl's head, it will give me a chance to get away.

But it's too late. The bathroom door swings open.

I haul the toilet cover back to swing, but he knocks it out of my hands before I get the change. He's fast for such a big man.

He spins me around, securing me in a chokehold against his body.

"Still fighting, little warrior?" His voice is a purr in my ear. A rich, amused rumble, like he finds it adorable that I want to fight him. That I'm trying to free myself. "You're earning yourself one hell of a punishment." That makes the flesh between my legs contract and squeeze. My belly flutters.

I have to face the fact that my hesitation-my reluctance to fight my way out of here is what cost me the few precious seconds I lacked to launch my attack. I may be as ambivalent about Maykl as he is about me.

He bites my ear, hard enough to make me squirm. Heat floods my nether region. My nipples harden against his thin t-shirt. He eases his forearm away from my windpipe and allows his hand to settle over my breast, squeezing roughly. Another bite to my shoulder.

This guy likes to use his teeth. I shouldn't find that sexy.

It's not sexy at all.

It's...

Damn. Okay, it is hot. I never thought such a thing would turn me on, but it does.

He keeps one arm wrapped tightly around my waist but uses his other hand to whip the t-shirt off me. "You lost your clothing privileges," he growls.

My heart patters against my chest. For some reason, I can't come up with a single response. No words. No fight. My brain stalls completely.

"I'll get cold," I complain. It's a weak argument against his dictate.

"I'll turn up the heat."

He folds my hands up behind my neck, which has the effect of lifting and separating my breasts.

"I...you..."

Seriously-why can't I think of anything to say at all? I don't usually turn into the deer in the headlights. Maykl rotates me slowly to face him. His gaze is dark, lids at half-mast as he takes in my naked form.

"I am thinking of many terrible things to do to you." The low, growly threat makes it sound far more like he's planning pleasure than pain.

Pleasure for himself, perhaps.

Arousal soaks my sex, as if preparing me for that sort of assault.

He turns me toward the door and walks me out. "Lie face down on the bed." He releases me.

I bolt for the door. I'm completely naked and without any weapon, but if he thinks I'm going to go put myself in position for his punishment, he's nuts.