Page 79 of The Bratva King

“You embarrassed me.”

“Because you thought I didn’t want you.”

I open my mouth, but he keeps going.

“You were wrong.”

His shoulders loosen a fraction. Like he’s been waiting all day for me to understand him.

“I want to kiss you, Gabby.”

Dammit. My name on his lips again. My guard drops, and my anger fades.

I don’t even have time to register the shift before his hand is on my jaw, tilting my face up, and his mouth is on mine.

It’s nothing like the kiss in his office. That one was tentative.

His mouth devours mine, rough for one second before he catches himself. He pulls me off the stool. I stumble against him. His arms are around me, pulling me close to his body. I can't catch my breath.

When he pulls back this time, he keeps his hand in my hair and lowers his forehead to mine while we catch our breath.

“It wasn’t payment,” I murmur.

“I know. Come to bed with me.”

I hesitate. I want him. But… it scares me.

“Nikolai, I’m scared.”

He stiffens. “Of me?”

“Yes. No. I should be. I’m not afraid of you, but I am afraid of sex.”

He leans back and tips my chin up. “You’re afraid of sex?”

I’m so embarrassed, but I’m tingling. My body is alive and humming. No man has ever made me feel like this, and I want to know what it’s like. I want real sex.

“I want to have an orgasm!”

What is wrong with you, Gabby?

He arches one thick brow. His lips twitch. “I can provide.”

“I mean… I’ve never.”

His brow drops, then furrows. “Is Luke your biological son?”

“Yes. I’ve had sex. But never an orgasm. Not with a man, anyway.”

He still looks confused. “You can’t?”

“I can. Maybe. I don’t know. Luke’s father was… unkind.”

“What do you mean unkind?”

I’m hoping he doesn’t make me say the words. “Rough. He was older and not gentle. His goal was a child. He didn’t care about pleasuring me.”

His expression shifts with understanding. His hand comes up and cups my cheek. “Do you trust me?”