Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
A nervous squeak escapes her, the sound fucking cute, then her gaze lands on my face for a second before she stares down at our hands. “I don’t know how to respond to that.”
“You don’t have to.” Lifting my arm, I cup the back of her head and pull her closer so I can press a kiss to her forehead. “But try to relax a little. I want you to enjoy your first date.” To distract her, I ask, “What did you do in your workshop after I left?”
“Oh.” She lifts her face, a sparkle entering her eyes. “I moved a couple of things around and couldn’t resist getting started. Remember the dress I wore when we met?”
“How could I forget? It was fucking sexy.”
The shy smile returns to her face, and I fucking eat it up.
“I know the pattern off my heart because I really love it,” she says. “I started making one today. I think the white silk with pink roses will look pretty.”
I don’t think she realizes that she’s relaxing while talking about her passion.
“Anything you make will be a masterpiece.” I pull my fingers through her soft blond strands, loving the feel as they slide over my skin. “Just let Miss Zoya know if you need anything else.”
“Uh…” She gives me a cautious look before asking, “Would it be possible for me… to maybe, if it’s okay with you…” Panic creeps into her eyes, and I hate how difficult it is for her to ask me something.
Locking eyes with her, I keep my tone soft. “You can ask me anything, krasivaya.”
Her thumb begins to move, touching each of her fingertips, telling me she’s struggling. With a quivering voice, she whispers, “I really loved digging through fabrics and other supplies. It was like a treasure hunt to find hidden gems. I used to do it on Mondays, because that was my only day off from work.”
Catching on, I ask, “Would you like to do the shopping yourself?”
She nods, cautiously lifting her head so she can meet my eyes. “If you don’t mind.” I notice her thumb moving faster, then she says, “I just need to get a card for my bank account.” Her teeth tug at her bottom lip as worry creases her forehead. “Ugh, I don’t have my ID card, so–”
“You do,” I interrupt her. “My men salvaged a security safe from Yelena’s country house. All your documents were in it. I should’ve mentioned it to you already.”
“Really?” she gasps. “Was there a bank card as well?”
“I’m not sure. We’ll check when we get home.” Placing my hand against her cheek, I say, “But to answer your question, yes, you can go shopping. You’re free to do whatever you want. All I ask is that you notify me so I can make sure the guards are ready to accompany you.” I drink in her stunning features as she stares up at me. “I’m not your jailer, krasivaya.” Taking hold of her hand, I press her palm to my chest, and I keep my voice low so only she will hear what I’m about to say. “I want what we had the night we met. We clicked so well when we were just Rodian and Anastasia. Do you remember?” She nods, her attention completely focused on me. “All I want is for you to be comfortable around me again.”
When I lean closer, pressing my forehead to hers, she doesn’t pull away, and I take it as a win. “Tonight we’re going to enjoy good food and talk the hours away until the crack of dawn.”
“Okay,” she whispers.
I stare deep into her eyes, and needing to ease my worry, I ask, “Are you still attracted to me?”
A blush spreads up her neck, and I lose her gaze as she glances down at where she’s still touching me. “Yes, but that doesn’t ensure a marriage will be successful.”
“We’re not talking about marriage right now. Don’t worry about the future. Just stay in the now with me.”
Her tongue swipes over her lips, making them glisten, and the urge to devour her almost overpowers me.
Pulling back, I notice we’re close to our destination. I look at Anastasia again. “I hope you’re hungry. I’ve arranged a feast.”
Anastasia
When we climb out of the car, I glance over all the boats, wondering which one belongs to Rodian.
He adjusts his jacket before taking hold of my hand in a firm grip, leading me toward a massive black yacht.
The mansion, Rolls-Royce, tailored suits, and now the yacht make me think he’s obscenely wealthy. Not that it matters.
I take hold of my skirt to lift it a little when we board the vessel, and while the guards keep a watchful eye on our surroundings, Rodian leads me to where a round table has been set for two beside the windows.