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I slip out of Anton’s bed, the sheets clinging to my body as I reluctantly disentangle myself from his embrace. This conversation is moving too close to things I don’t want to discuss. Or can’t.
“Going so soon?” he murmurs, rolling onto his back and eyeing me, one arm crooked upward as he slides his hand behind his head. I give a tight smile, trying not to seem self-conscious as I search for my clothes.
“Someone will be expecting his breakfast shortly,” I tell him, wriggling into my panties.
“Ah. Niko.” He nods. I nod back.
“I’d better…um…head to the kitchen.” I feel my skin tingle as his eyes rove over the bare curves of my breasts. I’m not even surprised anymore when my nipples pucker of their own accord.
Finding the ruined remains of my pajamas, I glance around until I find a shirt hanging over the back of a chair. I slide my arms into the sleeves, inhaling the rich scent of him on the fabric. If he objects to me taking his clothes, he says nothing. Instead, he watches every move with a hunger that almost has me clambering back into bed with him.
“I’ll see you later,” I say firmly as I turn toward the door. He’s still lounging back against the pillows, his chest bare, muscles taut and sinewy beneath golden skin.
Fuck, he’s beautiful.
“Scarlett,” he calls out just as my hand grasps the doorknob. I pause, glancing back at him, waiting for his words. “That was…good,” he says. I swallow hard, not sure how to respond. ‘I’m having your baby,’ seems completely inappropriate right now.
“Yes,” I manage eventually, before slipping out the door. I close it, then stop, pressing my back against the cool wood as I get my breath back.
Holy shit!
“Miss Scarlett?”
I give a startled yelp as I spin around to see Nikolai standing nearby. He’s still in his jammies, his dark hair tousled.
“Hey, kiddo.” I force a smile. “I was just about to ask if you want breakfast. You hungry?”
He frowns at the door behind me. “Yes,” he says tentatively, then adds, “Were you in Papa’s room?”
Great.
“Nah.” I wave a hand dismissively. “Just thought I heard a noise. But it was probably my tummy rumbling!” He grins at me, and I reach for his hand.
“Isn’t that Papa’s shirt?” he asks. Can’t get anything past this kid. I look down. The crisp blue cotton reaches my knees.
“This?” I say. “Probably just looks the same. Did you sleep well?” I change the subject as we head away down the hall. There are sounds coming from behind Anton’s bedroom door and I know he’s probably up, prowling about in all of his spectacular naked glory. My cheeks burn.
“Yes, I had a good sleep,” Nikolai is saying, though I’m barely aware of it. We head downstairs where I make Nikolai pancakes and set about making coffee. My mind is whirling, emotions tumbling over each other. Guilt. Excitement. Fear. Lust.
I have to tell Anton about the baby.
I owe him that much.
But how the hell do I even bring it up?
Nikolai chatters away, oblivious, as he drowns his pancakes in syrup. I respond on autopilot, my thoughts consumed by my predicament. By the time Nikolai has finished eating, I’ve come to a decision. I have to be honest with Anton, no matter how awkward or difficult the conversation will be.
Just not right now.
I glance up as Anton strides into the kitchen, freshly showered. He looks good enough to eat, while I’m painfully aware that I still carry his scent on my skin. Our eyes meet for a moment and I feel a flush of heat low in my belly. He looks away first, clearing his throat.
“I have some work to do in my study today,” he says gruffly. “I’ll need privacy.”
“Of course.” I nod, noticing the tension in his shoulders and the way he avoids looking directly at me. I guess I’m not the only one feeling awkward after last night.
Nikolai slides off his chair and hurries over to Anton. “Will you come to paint with me later?” He peers up at his father hopefully.
Anton shakes his head. “Not today, Niko. I have important business and it will likely take most of the day.” He ruffles Nikolai’s hair affectionately. “Be good for Miss Scarlett.”
