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He carries so much. Ivy. Black Tide. His family. The endless responsibility that seems to follow him everywhere he goes. And now he's carrying me too, whether I want him to or not. Part of me hates that because I've spent my whole life taking care of myself. Another part finds comfort in it because I know one thing with absolute certainty. Alexei won’t stop until he finds whoever is threatening us.

That knowledge eases a little of the worry twisting through me. Before I can reconsider, I reach out and brush my fingertips along the dark stubble covering his jaw. The reaction is instant. His eyes open at once, pale blue and completely alert despite the hour.

“Maggie?” he asks, his voice rough with sleep as he pushes himself onto one elbow. His hand comes to rest against my hip beneath the sheets. “What's wrong?”

I offer him a small smile and trail my fingers across his chest. “Nothin’. Go back to sleep.”

He takes one look at me and seems to understand. “You couldn't sleep.”

I give a tired little laugh. “Guess my brain missed the memo.”

“The fire,” he says.

It isn't a question, so I don't pretend otherwise. I nod once, focusing on the intricate tattoos disappearing beneath the sheet across his chest.

Alexei slides his hand upward, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “We'll find who did it.”

I cover his hand with mine and squeeze gently. “Honestly, that's part of what keeps me awake.”

One dark eyebrow lifts. “Explain.”

I scoot closer, resting my chin against his chest while I look up at him. “Because I know you. You're gonna tear apart the entire East Coast if that's what it takes, and while part of me appreciates that, another part worries about you.”

Some of the tension leaves his face. “You’re worried about me?”

“Well, somebody has to be.” I give him a small smile. “You're certainly not gonna do it.”

He huffs out what passes for a rough laugh. “Kotyónok, they threatened you. They threatened Ivy. This ends when I say it ends.”

The certainty in his voice sends warmth through me, even though the fear hasn't completely let go yet. I lean forward, cup his face between my hands, and kiss him slowly.

He slides his hand into my hair, kissing me back just as slowly. His thumb brushes across my cheek while he deepens the kiss. His tongue sweeps into my mouth, claiming me, and I melt into him, a soft sigh escaping my throat. For a little while, the fire, the threats, and everything waiting for us outside this room fade away.

I pull back just enough to breathe, resting my forehead against his. My heart pounds so hard I'm certain he can feel it.

“Alexei,” I whisper, my fingers sliding into his hair, “I need you.”

He makes a low sound against my mouth, and before I know it, he's rolling us, guiding me gently onto my back. The movement is effortless, all strength and confidence, and my pulse stutters.

His hand slides beneath the hem of my oversized T-shirt, warm fingers brushing my skin. He pulls the shirt over my head before pulling me beneath him again, surrounding me with heat and his scent that already feels like home. The cool air brushes against my skin, making my nipples harden before he's kissing me again, until all I can think about is him.

He doesn't rush, trailing his lips down my jaw. He nips at the delicate curve of my neck, sending shivers down my spine, then moves lower. His mouth is hot and wet against my collarbone, then the swell of my breasts. My breasts already ache for his touch, and when his tongue sweeps over one, I gasp, my back arching off the mattress.

He continues his descent, kissing a path down the center of my ribs, his tongue tracing circles around my navel, teasing me. When he finally lowers himself between my thighs, his breath ghosts over my pussy, and I whimper. He spreads my legs wider, his grip firm on my inner thighs.

“Look at you, kiska,” he murmurs, his voice rough with desire. “So fucking wet for me.”

He’s right. I can feel the slickness coating my thighs, the evidence of my need pooling at my entrance. I reach down, unable to resist the urge to touch myself while he watches.

My fingers slide through my folds, gathering the wetness, and I shudder at the contact. I slip one finger inside myself, then a second, the sensation of fullness only a fraction of what I really crave. I pump them in and out, my hips moving in a slow rocking motion, my eyes locked on his.

Alexei sits back on his heels, his eyes dark and fixed on my hand. He reaches down, stripping off his boxers, and his cock springs free, thick and hard, curving up toward his stomach. He wraps his hand around the shaft, stroking himself slowly as he watches me fuck myself. The sight of him, this powerful, dangerous man touching himself while looking at me like that, is nearly enough to push me over the edge right then.

“That's it, krasivaya,” he rasps, his hand moving faster on his cock. “Let me see you.”

I bite my lip, my fingers angling inside my pussy, searching for that spot that steals my breath. The pressure builds low in my belly, a tight coil ready to come undone. I’m so close. My eyes flutter shut, my head falling back against the pillows.

Suddenly, my hand is pulled away. My eyes fly open, and I see Alexei moving over me, pressing a possessive kiss against my mouth before thrusting a thick finger deep into my hole. My eyes squeeze shut.