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CHAPTER14
Candy
A princess.
I’d never felt like a princess in my life, other than dressing up as one when I was kid. As I stood in front of the mirror, I was shocked how entirely different I felt in a gorgeous designer dress and heels instead of my usual sneakers and cheap skirt. It had been a long time since I’d walked in heels. On this cloudless night, I’d never felt so shaky in my life.
Kirill had surprised me once again, not only with the exquisite purchases he’d made, including lingerie, but also by stopping by my apartment and innately knowing what I’d need or want. Everything in the small suitcase had been packed with care, neatly folded, and placed just so. Why had he bothered? Why not dump things into a trash bag, pouring the items on the bed?
Nothing about the man made any sense.
Swallowing, I placed my hand against my throat, swishing one way then the next in order to catch a better glimpse of myself in the mirror. I’d selected the insanely beautiful red velvet dress, the soft material hugging every curve, the red heels the exact same hue. I’d checked under the bathroom light.
I had no idea where we were going, but wherever it was obviously had a dress code. I stood back, taking one final look before reaching for the matching clutch. The man had thought of everything, including a crimson lace thong, which was the only item possible to wear under the dress. Giving one final nod, I left the room, hesitating only a few seconds before switching off the light.
There was no reason to be nervous, but the anxiety rolled through me like a tidal wave. Whatever this was, I couldn’t imagine it was an actual date. As I moved through the corridor, careful where I was walking, I held my breath. Going out in style meant he was attempting to flush out whoever was behind the trouble involving the Kozlov family and my abduction. Could it be my extended family? I wish I felt confident in the answer.
I rounded the corner, catching a glimpse of him already waiting in the foyer, his back turned to me. A dark suit. How could I have guessed? I resisted smiling as I walked onto the marble floor, the slight tapping of my heels drawing his attention. When he swung around, I half expected him to have the same stone-faced expression, but what I observed was indescribable. His look went way beyond lust into something darker, more possessive than before. With a simple flick of his gaze, he’d already undressed me, feasting on every inch, the heat between us building to an explosive level. I was hot and wet, my nipples aching and my panties already damp. I felt the pulse in my neck skipping and I pressed my hand against it, holding my head high. He’d done this to me. Him. My beautiful villain.
With. One. Single. Look.
Kirill remained where he was, his eyes narrowing as he slowly lowered his gaze. He looked at me with hunger in his eyes before, but his reaction was all about primal need. When he finally locked eyes with mine, I was only inches away, finding it difficult to breathe.
He said nothing as he closed the distance, lifting my hand into his then slowly curling my fingers, pulling my knuckles against his lips. As he rolled them back and forth, a series of explosive tingles shifted into every muscle, every cell. I was on fire, rapidly losing all sense of reality, the passion we’d shared before almost all I could concentrate on.
His silence was different than before, a quiet reverence instead of anger, but it was just as unnerving. He had that effect on me and I suspected he always would. When he let go of my hand, I shuddered audibly, the rush of warmth building across my neck and chin giving away my pang of anxiety.
“You look incredible,” he stated, his tone dominating, proud, infused with raging desire.
“The dress is gorgeous.”
“Not the dress, although it suits your personality. I was talking about the woman. Absolute perfection. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes.”
As he guided me inside the elevator, dozens of if not more questions entered my mind, but for the first time while around him, I couldn’t find my voice. When the elevator doors opened, Kirill led me outside and the sight of the stretch limousine was another surprise. I wanted to act like I’d ridden in one several times, but the truth was I hadn’t. Even the jerk who’d taken me to the prom had arrived in his beat-up Dodge Ram thinking I wouldn’t mind.
“I thought this would be appropriate.” His husky voice soothed my nerves but the heated breath skipping along the back of my neck kept the fire ignited. He helped me inside, leaning over. “I’ll be right there.”
After he closed the door, I watched as four men approached, one the obvious driver. All were carrying weapons. Kirill was giving instructions, the men used as protection. I slunk back in the seat, pressing my hands down my dress, another wave of anxiety rushing in. Was this what it was like every time he went out like a normal person? Normal. I wasn’t certain I even knew what that meant any longer.
He turned his head toward the limo, his eyes somehow glowing in the ugly fluorescent light of the underground facility. Just being around him was surreal.
When he finally climbed inside, he waited until the driver and another man moved into the seats up front, the engine starting and the window between us closing before he said anything.
“I assure you that we are safe.”
His words weren’t as comforting as he believed them to be. “Are you trying to convince yourself, Kirill, or me?”
He laughed, the throaty sound another reminder of how much he aroused me.
“Maybe a little bit of both. I don’t normally go anywhere without driving myself.”
“Then why are we?”
“Because tonight is… special.”
We were barely out of the garage when he opened a bottle of expensive champagne. While I couldn’t see the label, it wasn’t necessary. The taste was incredible, the bubbles tickling my nose.
