Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 22269 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22269 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
“Did you mean it when you said you would be proud to have a daughter like me?” I ask lamely. Afraid to question him about what I overheard.
“Absolutely. I meant what I said about wanting to make this thing between us work. I think the two of us could be spectacular together, Izzy.”
“You make me want to believe you, Sam, and I think that is kind of insane. We don’t know each other.”
“We will. I’m not going to rush you. We’ll go as fast or as slow as you want.”
“What if I want you to kiss me but nothing else right now?” I ask, hypnotized by his beautiful eyes with golden flakes in them.
“I would kiss the hell out of you. Fuck, Izzy, I want to so bad right now that it’s hard to breathe.”
I reach up to slide my hand against his neck, rubbing softly against his pulse point. “Kiss me, Sam. Make me forget all the bullshit and just feel like a normal woman kissing a man she really wants in her life.”
“Thank fuck,” he growls quietly, his lips crashing down on mine. I open my mouth immediately, granting him access. I lose myself in the feel of being close to him and the way he conquers my mouth.
When we pull apart, his eyes are darker somehow and filled with lust. “Maybe marriage to you won’t be so bad,” I whisper. His full lips spread into a smile. He kisses me again while his hand slides under my pajama top. I stiffen slightly. Although, I don’t want to stop kissing Samuel, he pulls back.
“I’m sorry. We’ll just kiss. Whatever you need, Izzy. I’ll give it to you. You’ve asked for time. I promise you, sweetheart, you can have all of it you want.” He kisses me again and I forget about everything but letting myself feel the pleasure he gives me.
This man is making me believe that I could have a future with him.
16
natalia
One Month Later
“Now how did I know I’d find you here?” Samuel asks. I give him a soft smile as he sits down on the sofa beside me. He pulls my legs up and puts them back down, so they lay across his lap. I angle my body so I can face him. He leans over and kisses my forehead.
“Because you know I love to sit here and look at the Christmas tree?”
“You okay, sweetheart? You’ve been quiet since we left my uncles’ home.”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I can’t believe Ivan is using that thing we bought him,” I giggle. “I thought he might use it for target practice or something.”
“He loves it. I’m not sure Mikhail and Sebastian feel the same, however,” Samuel chuckles.
“Yeah, that much was perfectly clear. It was nice of them to invite Daniel over.”
“He’s family now, Izzy. You are my life. I hope you see that. I never want you doubting that you’re important to me. You’re my wife. I’ve never been happier, Izzy. I’m addicted to you—all the forms of you.”
“All the forms of me?” I question, cocking my eyebrow up in challenge.
“The sleepy-grumpy-but-I-had-to-get-up-early Izzy is adorable and sexy as fuck. The woman-in-charge Izzy is sexy as fuck. The devious but cute Izzy is sexy as fuck. The—”
“I think I’m getting the picture,” I laugh. “You may need therapy.”
“Nope, all I need is my wife.”
“We’ve only been trying this couple thing for a month, Sam. How can you be so sure?”
“I’ve never been more positive about anything in my life. Are you saying this past month hasn’t been good for you?” he asks.
“How could it not be? You spoil me,” I answer honestly, my fingers going to the emerald pendant I’m wearing. Samuel bought it for me for Christmas. It’s an emerald heart that is surrounded by diamonds.
Samuel’s gaze drops to take in the way I’m basically petting the necklace. His entire face relaxes. I think I even see pride shining in his eyes. “You like it.”
“I love it,” I answer truthfully.
“It reminded me of your eyes. I couldn’t resist.”
“I guess I should give you my Christmas present now.”
Immediately, he looks surprised. “Izzy, I told you I didn’t want anything.”
“I think you’ll want this—or at least I’m hoping you do,” I counter, more nervous than I thought I’d be.
I know this is a big step, but it’s not like I’m a virgin. Our marriage might not be conventional, but this past month has been wonderful. I could make a huge mistake. A month isn’t a lot of time. Still, Samuel and I have spent every night together. We’ve moved up from just kissing to heavy make out sessions. When I went back to work, he started working at night so he could sleep with me throughout the day. We fit together. There’s no other way to say it. When I’m worn out from work, Samuel meets me at the door, takes me in his arms and takes care of me. I somehow make him relax when he’s stressed, make him eat when he forgets, and we always find time to unwind together. I even like his crazy family. He comes to the hospital to pick me up often. Watching him walk to me always makes me smile. A few days ago, he came in when Natalie was volunteering. When she walked up to him and tried to kiss him, I lost it. I grabbed her by her hair and pulled her away, telling her to keep her hands off my husband. I thought Samuel would be upset. He wasn’t. He crashed his mouth down on mine and kissed me until I almost begged him to take me right then and there. I didn’t care who was watching. That’s when I knew what I wanted. So, I asked my brother to help me. However, at this moment, I am really nervous.