When we’re both clean, I wrap a towel around her first, then dry myself with the same one. We move to the closet, dress in comfortable clothes, and return to the bedroom.
She brings out an ointment from her nightstand and carefully applies it to my swollen knuckles. “This will help with the swelling.”
I watch her, my chest tight with emotion. “You need to get back in bed.” I don't think I can get any sleep tonight, or even the nights to come.
She smiles softly and climbs under the covers. “Will you join me?”
I slide in beside her, pulling her into my arms. She rests her head on my chest, her hand over my heart, her damp hair cool against my skin. I slide my fingers through it slowly, savoring the softness, the way she fits perfectly in my arms.
“I’m so glad you’re safe,” I murmur against her temple. “When I saw you at the orphanage that night… I thought I was going to lose you.”
We haven’t had time to talk since we got back. I’ve been busy interrogating Dmitri and trying to undo whatever damage he and Adrian caused.
She lifts her head, eyes soft but serious. “I'm sorry, but I couldn’t just stay back when I knew you were going up against Dmitri and Adrian by yourself. The thought of losing you made me almost go crazy. I’m sorry I called my brothers.”
I shake my head, pulling her closer. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. You actually helped. I’m proud of you. But you have to promise me you’ll never put yourself in danger like that again.”
She hesitates, then sighs softly. “I can’t promise that. Especially if you’re in danger. I can’t just sit still and do nothing.”
I tilt her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze.
“No. You’re never putting yourself in danger like that again. Do you understand me?”
My thumb brushes her cheek.
“Promise me, Calina.”
She searches my face for a long moment before nodding. “I promise.”
“Good girl,” I whisper, kissing her deeply.
“And you’re going to make me a promise too. Don’t ever do that to me again. I begged you not to leave, and then you snuck out the second I zonked out.”
I pull back slightly, guilt twisting in my chest. “I’m sorry I had to drug you to leave.”
Her eyes widen. “You drugged me?”
I realize my mistake too late. I could have kept that to myself. But I can’t keep secrets from her. I love her too much.
“Yes,” I admit. “That’s why you fell asleep so quickly. I’m sorry. It was the only way I could leave without you trying to stop me.” A small smile tugs at my lips. “Though, if I’d known you were going to assemble an entire army and come after me, maybe I wouldn’t have bothered.”
She stares at me for a second, then a small, amused smile tugs at her lips. “That was bad, Maxim.”
“I know,” I say, kissing her neck, trailing my lips down her skin. “I'll make it up to you.”
She shivers under my touch. “You have to.”
I smile against her skin. “Let me show you just how sorry I am.”
I help her out of her nightgown and kiss my way down her body, slow, deliberate kisses across her collarbone, her breasts, her stomach, savoring every inch of warm skin, every soft gasp she makes. She arches into me, fingers threading through my hair.
I can’t get enough of her.
When I settle between her thighs, I spread her open with my hands and just look for a moment, her pretty pink pussy glistening, already dripping for me. The sight makes my mouth water.
“Fuck, look at you, baby,” I groan, voice rough. “So wet and ready for my tongue. My perfect little wife.”
I lean in and drag my tongue slowly up her seam, tasting her sweetness from entrance to clit. She jerks, a broken moan escaping her lips.
