I bit my lip, wanting so badly to ask him to stay, but I had the feeling he’d say no. Today had been intense, and I realized we both needed time to digest it.
“Thank you for today. And not just for the sex, although that was amazing.” My smile deepened. “But thank you for being there for me and for helping me investigate. I’m honored that you want to help me, and I don’t take it for granted.”
“I know you don’t,” he whispered, placing a soft kiss on my lips. “And I love protecting you and helping you. I’ve always wanted to be the man who does that for you, Katia.”
Tears stung my eyes at his heartfelt words. “I’ve never needed a man to protect me—”
He opened his mouth to argue, and I covered his lips with my fingers.
“I’ve never needed one, but maybe it’s time I stop trying to do everything alone,” I continued softly. Inhaling a deep breath, I allowed myself to be vulnerable. “I really like you, Leo. I know you might not understand how big of a deal that is for me, but it’s fucking huge.”
“I think I’m starting to realize,” he said, trailing his thumb over my cheek. “I’ll do my best not to fuck it up.”
Laughing, I ran my fingers through his hair, reveling in his resulting look of pleasure at my nails against his scalp. “You did a good job today. Keep it up.”
His eyes darted between mine, lingering a few seconds more before he rose and slowly dressed. Afterward, he leaned down and kissed me one last time.
“Sleep well and lock the door behind me.”
“Yes, sir,” I replied, my tone teasing.
He walked to the entrance of the living room and turned to face me. Those azure eyes stared at me for a moment, and he looked incredibly handsome under the doorframe. Then, he slowly pivoted and exited the room.
The front door clicked behind him, and I relaxed into the couch, inhaling a deep breath as I replayed the day in my head. Who knew all that raw sexual energy was hidden beneath Leo’s gruff exterior and buttoned-up clothing? Now that I’d tasted what it was like to be with him, I wanted so much more. Lord, we hadn’t even made it to a bed yet, but I couldn’t wait for that to happen.
“Geez, Katia, you’ve got it bad,” I muttered, allowing myself one last moment of relaxation before I pushed into a sitting position. After gathering my clothes, I locked the front door and set the alarm. Heading upstairs, I took a quick shower before sliding into bed.
I usually slept in a t-shirt and underwear, but tonight, I glided between the sheets naked, allowing my still-buzzing skin to feel the coolness and wishing it was Leo’s hands.
“Soon enough,” I said, yawning as I turned off the light. Sonya hopped onto the bed, settling near my feet as I closed my eyes. Resting my cheek on the pillow, anticipation coursed through me as I envisioned the next time Leo would say my name in that growly voice as he buried himself deep inside me...
Chapter 12
Leo
Islept better than I had in ages on Saturday night, probably because I’d finally made love to the woman who took up a considerable amount of room in my busy brain. When I woke up on Sunday morning, I stretched, acknowledging that my muscles were sore as hell. That’s what happened when you fucked the woman of your dreams against the wall as if you might never touch her again.
And holy hell, it had been worth it.
I relaxed from my stretch, closing my eyes and inhaling a deep breath. Katia’s scent was somehow embedded in my skin, and I never wanted to shower again. Unfortunately, I’d promised my dad I’d go to church with him this morning, so duty called.
After showering and getting dressed, I checked my phone to see if Katia had texted. There were no notifications, so I decided to break the ice.
Leo: Hey. Just making sure you’re okay this morning. Every muscle in my body is sore, and I’m absolutely okay with that.
Katia: LOL. I’m a bit sore too, but in a great way. I haven’t had that much exercise since I decided to try pilates. Spoiler alert: being with you was WAY better.
A stupid grin spread across my face as my fingers roved over my phone screen.
Leo: I hope so. I’m happy to be your workout of choice anytime.
She texted me a smiley face and I heard my dad pull up in my driveway.
Leo: Can I call you later? I’m old school and want to talk to you instead of texting. Is that lame? Dima would say I’m a lame old man, right?
Katia: Probably, but us old-timers could teach him a thing or two. Call me anytime today. I’ll just be doing some reconciliation for Michael’s car washes and laundromats. Thrilling stuff.
Leo: I’ll call you this afternoon.
