Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59983 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59983 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
I let his vows sink in, but it’s so much to have faith in.
“I understand why you didn’t tell me. You’re not wrong to have kept this from me.” He frowns a little. “I am annoyed that you did, but I understand why you tried to figure it out on your own.” He presses his lips to my forehead, and I smile at the feel of them curving into one too. “I look forward to learning everything about you, but I can already tell you’re independent.” He kisses my cheek. “Determined.” He kisses my other cheek. “Strong-willed.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “And the perfect woman to start the rest of my life with.” He kisses my lips, lingering long enough that I sigh against him and curl into his embrace.
We arrive at his building, and this time, when he brings me inside, it’s not only lust that’s enticing me to hurry inside and be alone with him.
A mutual respect has been forged between us.
A simple understanding and willingness to compromise.
Maybe even the start of love.
“How can you be so sure you can meet me in the middle?” I ask as we ride up in the elevator again. It’s like déjà vu, him walking me toward the wall until my back hits the hard surface. Mere hours ago, he had me right here. Intimately private and alone. We’re not devouring each other now, kissing with ravenous hunger and greedy hands. This ride up to his penthouse feels more symbolic, a mark in time of us truly being a couple. Partners. Not just two people having a quick fuck.
“Because I need you.” He kisses me reverently as the doors slide open to his home. This elegant, state-of-the-art apartment I could only have dreamed of being in. “Because I want you.” He picks me up and carries me, his smoldering gaze not straying from me for a second. “Because I look forward to all the goodness you will give me.”
I smile as he brings me to his bedroom again. “I’m giving you a child,” I whisper back.
He shakes his head slowly as he lowers me to the bed. I sit on the edge as he steps back, lowering to his knees. This man, this powerful Bratva boss, on his knees for me. I suck in a deep breath as he rests his hands on my thighs, then slides his arms around behind me so he’s wrapped loosely around my hips.
“You’re giving me a chance to be happy, to have something other than work to live for.”
I smooth my hand over his face, adoring how he can truly lower his guard like this.
“You’re giving me a source of hope, to count on you making me want to be a better man, a stronger father.”
Dipping in close, I kiss him.
“You aren’t waiting and expecting anything to be handed to you. You are a giver, not a taker. It’s a rarity in my life, and you are not someone I can ever bear losing.”
I smile at that, knowing that’s the most important difference between him and Roman.
At the thought of Roman, I almost wince, sinking into the dread that this will mean seeing more of him. If I surrender to letting Anton into my life, to letting him have a role with this baby, it means so much more. Like the mess of navigating a life with Elena and Roman in the background.
“I love you, Liliana.” He frames my face and kisses me, yanking me out of all the negative thoughts. Hearing that promise soothes me. And I can’t help but feel the same. I can finally give in and label this warmth in my heart that excites me when I think of him.
“I love you, too,” I whisper, letting myself be exposed and vulnerable to him.
He leans in, kissing me as he slides his hands over my back. The dress is cut so low that his big, warm hands are a teasing caress on my bare skin. And it’s all I need to remember that he neglected to get a bra or any lingerie for me with this gown.
A gown that I’m suddenly desperate to get out of.
I pull back from kissing him, already breathing hard and fast with arousal. As I move to stand, he backs up, staying on his knees. His stare doesn’t stray from me, as I get to my feet and unclasp the single clip that’s holding the top of the dress together. Silver petals of fabric fall forward, and the freedom of my breasts bared to him sends shivers over my skin. I put my hands at my hips and push, letting the rest of the gossamer dress slip down and puddle at my feet.
I frame his face, standing before him without anything to hide behind. As he gazes up at me, I imagine how beautiful it would be if this could really be my life.