Because I’d never stopped being a man with wants and needs. Wanting her had never been an issue. Needing her was something entirely different. The intensity of my longing had changed, becoming more focused now that I knew she was alive.
Maybe I was angry with her for moving on, yet she hadn’t forgotten me.
“Ya tozhe tebya ne zabyla, moya malen’kaya tselitel’nitsa. My snova budem vmeste. Ochen’ skoro.”
I didn’t forget you either, my little healer. We will be together again. Very soon.
For about a thousand reasons, a laugh bubbled to the surface, but not one of eager anticipation and sensuality. Instead, it was one of determination, lust, and something even more powerful.
The need to possess.
I was raw with an almost vulnerable need, my chest heaving from the ugly ragged breaths as I raked my fingers down her pillow, bringing the satin-covered down to my face, inhaling. How I’d longed for one last touch, one deep whiff.
Now I would have it all.
With another deep breath, I returned the pillow to its place, lightly tracing a circle on the center. She would be my lure, theprize for finishing the wretched game begun over three years before. And my winnings would be the ultimate celebration for a job well done.
Being in her home provided a sense of the woman she’d become, yet I had no knowledge of whether she could be trusted.
What being inside her private space did do was fuel the same hunger as before.
The man inside could barely contain his desire, a longing that had festered during the darkest hours of my existence. A part of me wanted to punish her, but the reasons were more selfish than based on solid information that she’d had anything to do with my imprisonment.
It was time to leave, but I would remain watching. If anyone other than Kirill knew I was alive, she could also be in danger. Maybe that was my excuse for loitering.
No, the correct term was stalking.
A lazy smile crossed my face. This was the most fun I’d had in years. Maybe I was finally slipping back into the skin I’d been born with. A man who accepted no one’s shit or lies.
And certainly, one who captured and kept everything he desired.
Maybe my possessive needs required a perfectly caged bird after all.
My throbbing cock was a reminder of just how hot I’d been for the girl. Maybe, just maybe I’d indulge once more.
With my joints aching and my cock pressing against my trousers, I was forced to reposition my dick. That’s the effect the girl had on me.
Toying with her, spying on her private actions would be such a pleasure.
Then I’d make my decision on how best to handle her future.
At least for now.
I tossed the plum pit into her garbage, dragging the tips of my fingers along her kitchen table before heading to the front door.
Before leaving, I took one last look as well as a deep breath.
In those seconds, I was forced to face the fact years before she’d crawled under my skin.
And I had no intention of letting her go.
CHAPTER 18
Kazimir
There was indeed something quite unique about being dead.
Not only did I not need to look over my shoulder nearly as much as when I was the Pakhan’s firstborn son, but since I’d changed in the three brutal years, I’d yet to be recognized.
