Read with BonusRead with Bonus

Bratty

Sophia’s POV

It's been two days since my conversation with Ivan. He hasn’t come to see me though, I’ve been moved to a well-furnished bedroom and I’m being fed with proper meals at least twice daily, which is a lot better than my former state of living.

I still haven’t been given a change of clothes and I plan to tell Ivan I’ll need new clothes, I know he may oppose to that, I’m not delusional, I know they don’t care about my well-being here and I was more than a little surprised when Ivan asked them to move me into the main house and give me better food. But there’s no harm in trying, right? Maybe if I could just seduce him…

Can I actually seduce a man like Ivan Kozlov? And let's be fucking for real, I know nothing about the “art of seduction” but I'd have to try. I desperately need to get out of these smelly clothes.

The door to my new bedroom burst open, snapping me back to reality.

Ivan.

I know it's him because he smells really nice like woodsy… with a mixture of citrus and spice.

Don’t ask me how or why I memorized his scent.

Sitting up, I turned to look at him, “How nice of you to grace me with your presence, sire,” I said, before I could stop myself. The look on his face tells me he's astonished by my audacity and to be honest, I'm shocked too considering the fact that he's actually scary. It would have been hilarious if I wasn’t in this situation.

I dunno, he brings out the brat in me.

He said nothing, as he folds his arms across his impressive broad chest staring blankly at me, something I’ve noticed he does a lot.

“Why are you here?” I eyed him warily.

“This is my house, I can do whatever I want and whenever I please, malen'kiy tsvetok. You are my prisoner.” He said coldly, his eyes so cruel, it made me shiver.

“Do not call me ‘little flower’! And are you finally going to let me know why I am here and when I get to leave?” I snapped, especially because of the ridiculous nickname he gave me.

The smile plastered on his face is cold, one that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “And what makes you think I’ll tell you that ?”

“I am sure my father has people looking all over for me by now, what makes you think he wouldn’t find me here?” I said with a scoff.

“Of course, he has and they have been looking. But be rest assured, no one will ever find you here unless I want them to,” he said smugly, his eyes lit with amusement.

I stared at him in disbelief, who does he think he is? I am one second away from losing my shit and punching the wanker in the face. I won't do that though, I'm smart enough to know that being constantly angry and stubborn will only make things difficult for me.

“Aren't you worried you'll be the prime suspect behind my kidnapping? No matter how rich and powerful you are Mr. Kozlov, you're certainly not above the law, you could get arrested.”

No reaction, just a cold, dark stare.

“I mean, you're the last person I met with, my best friend Daisy knows this too, I also met with you at a restaurant with lots of witnesses.”

This time he walked towards me, touching my cheek so gently with his right hand, sending shivers down my spine and a warm feeling in my stomach. I can't help the way my body reacted to that very gentle touch.

Fuck, what is wrong with me. This man literally kidnapped me and he's dangerous. I don't think my body understands that though.

“You underestimate me, Solnyshko [sunshine]. I am Ivan Kozlov.” He looked unbothered and calm while still gently stroking my cheek which does things to my insides.

“Apart from having connections, I have a strong alibi, we met in a public place and most witnesses saw me leave about an hour before you left. And why do you think I was away for two weeks?”

Shit, this arsehole had this carefully planned out. I guess I had underestimated him.

Seems like no one would be coming to rescue me then. I let out a defeated sigh, “I know you're not doing this for a ransom, so what did my father do to really piss you off?”

No reply.

I swear to God this bastard. Why am I surprised? Captors don’t usually give answers to their captive’s questions, do they? Yet, l could feel myself fuming with rage but then I remembered my plan. I couldn’t show my anger. I couldn’t throw temper tantrums, I had to be good. I have to somehow penetrate this big bad Russian.

“I ju–.”

“You stink,” he said softly.

No shit, Sherlock Holmes. I internally rolled my eyes.

“Of course, Mr. Kozlov. I've been wearing the same clothes for nearly three weeks without washing them.”

He let his gaze fall to my clothes, staring blankly like he was thinking.

And a stupid idea popped into my head. Maybe I should try seducing him, he's a man after all.

A small part of me screamed to be careful with this man, that a straightforward attempt at seduction and manipulation wouldn’t go down well. I had to keep in mind that this man, despite his attractiveness and hot body, was still a mafia boss… but here goes nothing.

Placing my hand on top of his hand still stroking my cheeks, I look into his dark blue eyes, stroking his hand gently with my thumb. “I am quite uncomfortable in these, can you please get me new clothes? I know I am a captive and not a guest. I am in no place to make demands but please?” I said as sweetly as possible, batting my lashes at him.

No reaction.

“I'll be good, I swear, I'll be cooperative. Please.” I said, trying to hint intentionally at the innuendo in my statement. I wet my lips with the tip of my tongue.

I notice his eyes follow the movement of my tongue. Good. I can't help but feel slightly victorious. This is a dangerous game, but fuck it.

He stopped caressing my cheek and stepped away. His eyes were narrowed at me, they were filled with rage? Lust?

Before I could understand what the look he gave me meant, he schooled his features quickly, stepping back from me.

“I'm not attracted to teenagers, malen'kiy tsvetok.” He pronounced the last word in a very condescending tone. An amused and smug look on his face.

This bloody wanker! To hell with trying to stay calm.

“Excuse me, what the hell? I'll have you know I'm a twenty-four-year-old graduate!” I can feel my neck and cheeks heat up, I'm too pissed to care about the seduction plan at the moment.

He smiles so broadly his eyes lit up, it's the first time I've seen him smile this way and it's… captivating.

Oh, fuck that.

“Is that so Princess? Could have fooled me, you look like a sixteen-year-old,” he said.

I see red. I've been overlooked, looked down on, and humiliated because of my younger facial features for most of my adult years.

Next thing, I'm on my feet, throwing a punch at his ridiculously handsome face. I tried to stop myself, realizing that I overreacted and I was making a mistake but it was too late, I’d done the damage. A big hand catches my wrist and shoves me against the door. Another big and heavy hand came down to my throat, squeezing really hard, I could barely breathe.

“Don't you ever! You do not want to mess with me, kitten. I think I've been too lenient with you. You don't want to know what I can do to you,” he barks, I can feel him shaking with rage. I'm writhing against his grip, tears rolling down my cheeks.

“Do you hear me?” he snarls.

I messed up really bad, why didn’t I just let it go?

“Answer me when I'm speaking to you!” He growls.

“Y-yes, I-l am s-sorry.”

“This shouldn’t repeat itself, you hear me?”

“Yes, I-I am so sorry.”

He pushes me to the bed and storms out. I lay in my bed crying, I’d never hit someone before and I’d never been so angry. And I regret it now.

Way to go Sophia.

Previous Chapter
Next Chapter