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God, he’s right. The attention is heavy and hot against my skin. “But why?”
“Because.”
“What did I say about details, Pyotr?”
He dips down slightly, his lips ghosting along my ear. “Because you’re beautiful.”
My heart skips a beat, the breath knocking from my lungs. It should be illegal for him to sound this sexy. I’m weak to the deep notes of his voice, the warmth of his breath brushing against my cheek sending heat straight to my core.
“In all the years I’ve attended this gala, I’ve never brought a guest with me. They’re probably interested in knowing who you are.”
“Never?” I echo.
“Never.”
“Well, I feel special.”
The song eventually comes to an end and—much to my disappointment—so does the dance. Pyotr continues to hold onto me regardless, staring at my lips with the same intense fervor I’ve come to know so well. He’s so close he could kiss me, or I could kisshim. What’s stopping me? Why can’t I find the courage to do it?
“Pyotr?”
“Yes, Alina?”
“I, um…” My legs are jelly, my heart a hammering drum. “Where are the bathrooms?” I ask, folding so hard I might as well be a house of cards.
Pyotr releases me, tossing his chin in the direction of the doors. “Should be down that hall there. I’ll have Ben accompany you.”
“N-no, that’s okay. I’ll be quick.”
He gives me a suspicious squint. “Are you trying to run away again?”
I shake my head. “No. No, I promise.”
After a moment, Pyotr nods. “Alright then.”
Chapter 14
Alina
Ican’t get my heart to slow. At this rate, I may very well pass out right here on the bathroom floor. It’s blessedly empty in here, which means I can have my mini-panic attack in peace.
I don’t know what’s happening to me. It’s all happening so fast, too fast. Where once I couldn’t look Pyotr in the eye without feeling intense hatred and fear, now I’m feeling…different. This reallyisuncharted territory.
Only a few days ago, I thought I was marrying my enemy. Now I’m not so sure. Could it be that I’m starting to like my own husband?
I turn on the sink, splashing cold water on my face.
The ghost sensation of his hand on my back, the warm solidity of his body pressed against mine… It’s enough to make me swoon if I were the swooning sort. I can’t remember the last time I was this flustered. Pyotr didn’t evendoanything, yet I’m on the brink of melting into a puddle. It’s definitely his eyes, so deep and dark and alluring. Combined with his undivided attention and gentle touch? How’s a girl supposed to keep her composure?
I take a deep breath and study my reflection in the mirror.
Not us. You.
Because you’re beautiful.
I dare say that one compliment from Pyotr feels like it’s worth a thousand from any other man. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t talk very much that every word out of his mouth is worth its weight in gold—precious and rare, to be appreciated and not taken for granted.
Smoothing my hands over the front of my dress, I think about the way he held me in front of my own mirror back home. I still can’t believe it. My core throbs with the memory of him squeezingmy breast, a shiver racing down my spine when I recall the feel of his lips against my skin. The hunger in his eyes was unlike anything I’d ever seen before.
