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Stephanie
“Do you know what happens to beautiful women who flaunt their sexuality?”
“Don’t listen to him,” Gregory hissed as he jerked me away, both of us glaring at the prisoner as the guards tried to control him. Near pandemonium had broken out in the courtroom, the jury all clamoring to get away from the evil man.
The bastard lunged across the table, managing to wrap his hand around my hair before he was dragged away. The look in his eyes was the same as it had been for the grueling trial.
In his mind he’d undressed and shackled me, enjoying every minute of planning all the vile things he would do once he captured me.
“Get him the fuck out of here!” Gregory yelled.
“Stephanie…”
I jerked awake, taking gasping breaths, the ugliness of the dream remaining fresh and horrible. I pressed my hand over my mouth to keep from crying out. After a few seconds, I was able to breathe easier.
“Stephanie.” A warm hand brushed across my face, pulling me all the way into the present, the visions slowly fading.
The realization he’d returned created an entirely different wave of desire. I couldn’t help but smile, shifting on the hammock as he moved closer. When I finally opened my eyes, I was surprised to see he’d changed a portion of his clothes and was carefully placing the wine and a plain brown bag on top of his dress shirt.
“You were asleep,” he said with no emotion.
“I… I guess I was.” I jerked up, rubbing my eyes.
“Are you alright?” Alexei instantly bristled, his chest heaving.
“I’m fine. I just had a bad dream.” I rubbed my eyes and glanced toward the clumps of trees, certain the horrible criminal was standing in the shadows just like the man I’d seen earlier.
He seemed to study me for a full minute before his tension eased. “You shouldn’t have come outside.”
“I’m fine, Alexei. Safe. How long were you gone?” His breathing remained labored, his body vibrating from anger.
“Not long. Less than a half an hour.” Seconds later, he crouched down, still looking at me as if knowing I wasn’t telling him everything. Then I noticed he’d scanned the beach not once but twice.
“Are you expecting someone?”
He chuckled darkly then rolled two fingers down the length of my arm. “I’m finished with business,l’vitsa.”
“That’s not what I meant. Some hot girl?”
At least that brought a smile to his face.
I couldn’t help but laugh seeing him in a tee shirt with graphic art splashed across his chest. Along with the food purchases, he’d snagged a souvenir tee shirt. My mouth watered at the sight of him, his carved muscles accentuated by the tightness of the material. Then I rubbed my eyes, loathing the fact I’d allowed a case from the past to invade my dreams all over again.
“What?” he asked as he opened the bottle of wine, pouring two clear plastic glasses full of the deep red liquid.
“I’m… surprised. You look almost relaxed.” I sat up, allowing my feet to dangle near the sand. When he slowly stood, allowing me to drink in the sight of him, another swooning moment came over me.
“Relaxation is difficult in my world.”
“From what little you’ve told me, I don’t think I’d like your world.” I meant every word. The fact he was forced to carry a gun with him no matter where he went sounded deplorable. Who was I kidding? I’d been carrying my Beretta with me for years, well trained in how to use it. Threats were a usual part of my business, most of which didn’t need to be taken seriously, but the added protection was one good thing Gregory had insisted on.
Only twice in many years had I left home without it.
My glorious wedding day.
And this.
As soon as he handed me the glass of wine, I shivered all over again from the electrifying connection. He seemed to sense my current state of arousal, the moonlight clearly highlighting the bulge between his legs. I forced myself to look away, tensing as he sat down. There was no reason for me to react so strongly except I wasn’t certain how to carry on a real conversation with the man. Maybe I was assuming he’d talk to me. As I took a sip of wine, I allowed the rich Margaux to soothe my throat.
