“Are you seriously about to force yourself on me?” I blurt out, the words escaping before I can stop them.
That isn't what I wanted to say.
Maxim stills. Then a slow smile curves his lips. He shakes his head, eyes never leaving mine.
“I’m many things, Calina… but I’m not that. I would never force myself on a woman.”
His voice drops even lower, sensual and rough. “With a snap of my fingers, I could have five women in this bed right now who are more than willing. So why would I ever need to force anyone?”
The words hit me like a slap. An ugly burst of jealousy flares in my chest at the thought of him with other women.
Willing, eager women touching him, kissing him, taking him. What type of women does he like? Am I even his type? It pisses me off that I even care.
“What a misogynistic thing to say,” I snap, pushing at his chest.
He doesn’t budge at first, still hovering over me, eyes burning. “I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just making it clear, I don’t need to force any woman. There are plenty who want me.”
I shove harder. This time he lets me push him off. I scramble out of his grip, cheeks burning with anger and embarrassment.
“Well, then go snap your fingers and call one of them,” I hiss. “I’m sure they’d be thrilled to take care of your little morning problem.”
I storm toward the door, and slam it shut behind me with way more force than necessary. The loud bang echoes down the hallway.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Calina
I head straight to my own room, lock the door, and go directly into the shower. The moment the cool water hits my skin, I let out a shaky breath.
My mind keeps replaying what just happened, the heavy weight of his body on top of mine, the thick, hard press of his morning erection against my stomach.
The way his breath fanned across my lips. I wanted him to kiss me. God, Iwantedit so badly my whole body still trembles with the thought.
I squeeze my eyes shut and try to push the memory away, but it only makes it worse. My hand drifts down my stomach before I catch myself and snatch it back.
Then his words echo again.
“With a snap of my fingers, I could have five women in this bed right now who are more than willing.”
Jealousy flares in my chest. I hate it. It makes me want to scratch that imaginary woman’s eyes out.
I’m not even a violent person, yet the image of Maxim touching another woman makes my blood boil. This isn’t a marriage of love. I shouldn’t care. But I do. And that pisses me off more than anything.
I finish showering quickly, trying to scrub the confusing feelings away along with the sweat.
Just as I’m drying off, my phone pings on the nightstand. It’s a message from Milana:
Milana:Heading over soon so we can start wedding planning! Kira doesn’t feel well and Irina needs to stay with Oleg, so they can't make it. It's just me.
A real smile breaks across my face for the first time today. I’m going to see my sister. I’m going to spend the day with her. That’s what I need right now.
I get dressed and head downstairs for breakfast, hoping to avoid Maxim.
No such luck.
He’s already at the dining table, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, looking every inch the powerful, controlled Pakhan. When he sees me, the corner of his mouth lifts in a small, knowing smile.
I sit down without a word, refusing to acknowledge him.
