Ruthless Creatures

Nat and Kage drink whiskey before she stitches Kage’s bullet wound. Cotton thread can get infected, so she uses unflavored dental floss. As she stitches him, she sits on his lap. They discuss other times he was shot and media portrayals of killers. Kage says that the police sketch of him is gone, and he promises to take care of Chris. He wonders if Nat should move to live closer to him, but Nat rejects the idea. Kage reminds Nat that his life still belongs to the Bratva.

There’s snow on Christmas. Kage gives Nat a Russian love knot—three interlocking rings that represent the three traits of love: softness, hardness, and rarity. Kage can’t get her an engagement ring because only Max can decide whom Kage marries. Max won’t allow Kage to have a relationship any time soon since he wants Kage alone and focused. Nat cries. Kage wants Nat to say she loves him; Nat wants to smash his toes with a hammer.

To punish Kage and vent her frustration, Nat spanks him with her wooden hairbrush. He becomes aroused, and she manually stimulates him while also feeling aroused. After 10 spanks, Kage wants to spank Nat.