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I stood there studying every beautiful line of her captivating face. Seeing her that way made it almost hard to believe she was capable of so many smart remarks and witty comebacks. Perhaps her sharp tongue and contentious behavior were defense mechanisms, which she relied on when uncomfortable. If that were truly the case, I would need to take corrective actions to remedy that problem. I had to calm her, or else I’d never get through the weeks ahead.

Weeks?

Since when do I think long-term about these things?

The idea was novel for me, and I was stunned to discover I liked the idea of her being here more regularly. In my space. With me. It was a distressing sort of feeling.

This can all go to shit at a moment’s notice. Take it one step at a time.

A change of tactics was needed, for Krystina’s sake as well as my own. My normal methods of operation would have to be thrown out the window. Attempting to take control by laying down the law would only backfire, so I began to construct a new plan—one that would make Krystina feel more at ease. Once she was relaxed, I would start to work on her trust by giving her what she’d been asking for.

Full disclosure.

Krystina would have no doubts about what I wanted from her after tonight. She would know exactly who and what I was. She would either run, or she would stay. If she stayed, then that’s when the true test would come into play—tonight, I would discover if Krystina could put away that independent mind of hers long enough to pass her first lesson in submission.

Finally feeling like I had somewhat of a solution to Krystina’s argumentative nature, I turned my attention back to the wine selection. Smiling to myself, I settled on a bottle of Joh. Jos. Prüm Riesling.

Sweet. Like her.

I grabbed two crystal wine goblets and went back to the dining room, focused on the mission ahead. I could only hope Krystina would keep herself open to what I had in mind.

Chapter Sixteen

Krystina

My head was still reeling from our kiss in the elevator. Alexander, however, acted like nothing was amiss and went about his business in the kitchen. Even though the kiss had only lasted a few moments, it was long enough to cause an electric charge to shoot straight to my tightened nipples. I’d been left panting and yearning for more when he’d pulled away. Even at that moment, I suffered from a tremble of sexual desire, and my lips still felt swollen from his assault.

Now, finally having more than five feet of space between us, I was able to focus on settling my wild hormones. It was quite obvious two years without sex was working against me. I inhaled a few deep breaths, closed my eyes, and counted to ten.

When I opened them, I felt considerably calmer and much less like a horny teenager in anticipation of the after-prom party.

Having a clearer head, I took a moment to get a better look at the penthouse. The impressive space was wide open, and I was able to see most of the living areas from my seat at the table. The kitchen layout was catalog perfect, with its black marble counters and appliances any top chef would drool over. I watched Alexander as he gracefully moved around the resplendent kitchen, collecting items from the refrigerator and rummaging through the drawers of the sleek maple cabinetry.

From the kitchen, the living room flowed almost seamlessly, opening up to a vast space outfitted with black leather furniture, elegant cream-colored area rugs, and hammered bronze metal artwork for the walls. Each piece looked as if it were custom-made for the room. The whole place screamed luxury with its expansive wall-to-wall windows, revealing remarkable views of the Hudson.

The dining set was made of polished tigerwood with an intricately designed wrought-iron pedestal. I ran my hand over the tabletop, appreciating its beauty.

This piece alone must have cost a small fortune.

To say the penthouse was grand would be a complete understatement. But despite its apparent luxuries, it seemed to lack something. It was cold almost, and just a little too perfect.

Alexander came back to the table, a large tray in one hand and a bottle of white wine in the other.

“What’s all of this? I thought you said no frills, Alex.”

“It’s wine and a cheese platter I picked up earlier today. I’d hardly call this anything fancy,” Alexander said dryly, placing the tray on the table.

“You bought it? Don’t you have a maid or someone to do that for you?” I hoped the question didn’t come off as rude or assuming, but I couldn’t help it. I felt intimidated and small in the imposing surroundings.

“I do, but it’s her day off. I’m not much of a cook, so if you want more than this, we’ll have to order takeout. It’s just you and me tonight, baby,” he said with a wink.

My stomach tightened upon hearing we were completely and utterly alone. As absurd as it might sound, I had assumed someone as rich as Alexander would have had a twenty-four-hour staff at his fingertips.

“We’re the only ones here?” I asked, unable to hide the nervousness in my voice.

“Don’t be afraid, Krystina. I won’t bite—at least not tonight,” he joked.

I looked up at him in surprise. I wasn’t sure if he was just yanking my chain.