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She tugs her bottom lip between her teeth, the sight making desire stir in my blood.
Freeing her lip, she lifts her eyes to mine. Her voice is steady and sure when she says, “I’m ready. I want to consummate our marriage. It’s important.”
Nodding, I lift my other hand and brush a couple of strands away from her face. “I have a job to do. I’ll probably be gone three days at most.”
Surprise flutters over her face, but she doesn’t argue.
“Viktor wants us to get married as soon as I’m done with the job,” I explain.
This time her eyes fill with shock. “So we’re getting married in three days?”
“We’ll get married on Saturday. I’ll make all the arrangements tomorrow morning,” I say, hoping it will lessen the blow if she knows I don’t expect her to arrange everything.
“Oh wow,” she breathes. “A week.”
Leaning down to see her face better, I ask, “It will be an intimate wedding. I was thinking we can have it in the courtyard. Just my mom and aunt on my side and Misha, Aurora, and Alek and his parents on your side. Will you be okay with that?”
Tiana nods. “I’m good with whatever you want.”
I shake my head. “It’s not what I want, bella. It’s what Viktor ordered. I wish we had more time to get to know each other better.”
Her features relax, and she places her hand on my arm as if she’s trying to offer me comfort. “I understand. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help with the arrangements.”
My eyes search hers. “Are you okay with the wedding happening so soon?”
She nods again. “I am. Please don’t worry about me.”
“You’re mine to worry about.” I can’t keep the possessiveness I feel for her out of my tone.
Tiana turns to face me, her eyebrows drawing together. “I don’t want to be a burden to you, Armani. I want to make your life easier. It’s the least I can do to repay you for your kindness.”
“I don’t expect you to repay me for anything.” Resting my palm against the side of her neck, my thumb brushes over the marks that are fading. “And you’re not a burden.”
My phone beeps, drawing my attention away from Tiana. Pulling the device out of my pocket, I read the encrypted message that’s been sent from Luca.
You have a week to complete the task. Don’t fail me.
There’s a list of names and the amounts they owe to the mafia. I have to collect every last cent.
I browse the nine names and where they live, already planning where I’ll start and who’ll I’ll leave for last.
“Is everything okay?” Tiana asks.
Locking my phone, I tuck the device back into my pocket. “Yes.” I nod toward the living room. “Let’s get ready for bed.”
I lock the doors behind us and switch off the lights as we head to the bedroom.
For the past two nights, I’ve slept on the couch. Let’s just say it wasn’t fun. Tonight we’re sleeping in the same bed because I need my rest.
“You can use the bathroom first,” I say while I plug my phone into the charger next to the bed.
Tiana grabs clothes from the closet along with her toiletry bag and disappears into the bathroom.
Walking into the closet, I look at her collection of clothes to see if she needs anything. She seems to have enough, and as I turn around, my eyes catch on an old shoe box pushed into the corner of the closet.
Don’t you fucking dare invade her privacy.
I stare at it for a moment longer before grabbing a pair of sweatpants and heading to the other bathroom.
I’m done showering before Tiana, and placing my loaded gun on the bedside table, I throw the covers back and lie down.
Just as I’m about to pick up my phone, so I can check the list Luca sent me, the bathroom door opens. Tiana comes out wearing a pair of leggings and a plain black T-shirt. It sits tighter than my shirt did, and it’s clear she’s not wearing a bra.
When I say tight, I mean tight.
I can see the outline of her areola and hard nipples, and of course, my cock stands at attention in less than a second.
“Did you shower?” she asks as she places her toiletry bag back in the closet.
“Yes.” I point to the bag. “Leave your things in the bathroom.”
She does as I say, then walks around the bed to climb beneath the covers. Her eyes dart to me while she keeps a gaping distance between us.
“I don’t bite.”
She scoots closer, a smile playing around her lips.
I switch off the lamp before turning on my side to face her.
“Are you nervous?”
“No.”
A grin spreads over my face. “I’m going to hold you. Don’t panic.”
“Okay.”
While my eyes adjust to the dark, I move closer before slipping my arm beneath her head and pulling her to me. Tiana rests her cheek against my chest, and I feel her hand hover above my waist.
