I clicked off the phone and glanced toward the ceiling, contemplating Michael’s words. Was Leo resentful of the fact that I’d been in a romantic relationship with Michael several years ago? Hell, we were in our forties. If either of us hadn’t been in previous relationships, that would be hella weird.
Or maybe it was because it was Michael. As he’d said on the phone, he and Leo did have a complicated relationship. They were two sides of the same coin. Both loyal and steadfast with a deeply-embedded sense of morals. One just worked on the wrong side of the law. Or, perhaps both of them did if you looked at it from a broader perspective.
Sitting back, I remembered the night Michael and I began our romantic relationship. I’d been doing his books for a few years, and he’d taken me out to dinner to celebrate getting my degree. When we walked into my apartment, he’d kissed me on the forehead, as he often did, and turned to leave...
Feeling bold and extremely grateful, my hand snaked around Michael’s wrist to halt him. I’d only dated two other men since coming to America, and both had ended up being duds. I’d been drawn to them because they were boring and safe. Trusting men was extremely difficult for me, and I found myself wondering what it would be like to be with someone who was handsome, and powerful, and who I trusted inherently.
I tugged him closer, and he exhaled a deep breath.
“Katia,” he said, cupping my jaw. “You’re extremely beautiful, and any man would be lucky to be with you...”
“Any man but you?” I asked, grinning.
“I...” He shook his head. “It’s complicated. I have a plan, and if it eventually comes to fruition, there’s someone waiting for me on the other side.”
Recognition washed over me. “You’re in love with someone,” I almost whispered.
His dark eyes trailed between mine. “Yes.”
Pursing my lips, I pondered. “And she’s not available?”
He shook his head.
My fingers tightened around his wrist. “Honestly, that makes this easier for me. I’m not asking to marry you, Michael, and I’m not looking for love.”
“You deserve it...”
“But it’s not where I’m at right now,” I said, covering his lips with my fingers. “I just want to be comforted by someone I trust, and I trust you more than anyone.”
“I’m honored,” he whispered against my fingers.
Tugging him toward the bedroom, I felt his resistance wane. “We both need comfort, Michael. Let’s share it with each other.”
We entered a simple, caring relationship where we never asked for more than we could give. Michael would ask me to accompany him to functions like weddings and christenings, and during one of those functions, I caught him gazing at Bianca Rossi. The yearning that stretched across his face was evident, and I instinctively knew she was the woman he carried a torch for.
I eventually told him I knew his secret, vowing not to tell another soul. After two and a half years together, as Michael was getting closer to destroying Victor’s empire, I ended ourromantic relationship. He’d accepted it gracefully and finally married Bianca last year.
I hadn’t been with anyone since Michael. The thought of sleeping with another man after being with someone I trusted so deeply was daunting. But with Leo...
Swallowing thickly, I acknowledged that I felt an intense desire for Leo that I’d never felt for Michael.
Michael was about comfort.
I had a feeling Leo could be about so much more, especially with his intensity and all that brooding masculinity.
Was I ready for someone like Leo? Someone who might actually cause me to try and experience intense connection...and possiblylove?
A text appeared from Leo that he’d arrive in five minutes, effectively pulling me back to reality. I closed the laptop and checked my reflection one last time in the foyer mirror. Ready to face the emotional visit, I headed out the door.
Leo
I picked up Katia at ten o’clock sharp. Putting on my blinkers, I hopped out of the car and ran to her side to open the door for her. Her resulting smile sent a little shock through my heart, and I thanked the lord my dad had ingrained chivalry in me as a kid.
I slid back behind the wheel, her scent invading my nostrils immediately. Clenching my hands on the wheel, I struggled to breathe as it surrounded me. God, this woman smelled like fuckingheaven.
“There’s a flower shop about a mile from here if you don’t mind stopping,” she said. “They have the most gorgeous bouquets.”
“Of course.”
