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68
EMMA
So many things have changed since the night Ruslan showed up at my door.
For starters, this is the first time I’ve ever initiated a meeting at the penthouse. Ruslan seemed confused earlier when I called him to ask if it was possible. He was quiet for a while. Hesitating? Considering refusing? I’m not sure. But in the end, he’d sent Boris to collect me from the apartment.
I don’t quite know why, but I’m nervous as hell when I step through those shiny silver doors. Probably because we’re moving into uncharted territory here. A few months ago—hell, a fewweeksago—I’d never have expected Ruslan to show up outside my door, determined to be a part of my life despite the fact that I couldn’t give him what he wanted.
Something’s shifting between us. It’s not just sex anymore. It’s sexand feelings.
And all the messiness that comes with it.
The penthouse living room is empty, so I try the bedroom instead. He’s lying on the bed in his boxers, looking incredibly comfortable.
And incredibly sexy…
Focus, Emma.
“Hey.”
He sits up and gestures for me to come over. I slide into the bed beside him and take a deep breath. “I wanted to say something to you.”
He raises his eyebrows. “I’m listening.”
“I wanted to say…thank you. For taking care of me like you did. For staying with me. For looking after the kids. And most importantly, for choosing to stick around. Even now.”
He exhales a soft, raspy rumble. “Where would I go?”
There’s an anxious trembling in my heart. I’m on the edge of happiness; I’m just terrified to fall.
I glance over to the chair by the window. His Armani suit is draped over it and it reminds me of what’s happening tonight.
August thirteenth.
“Oh,shit! You have a big event at Alcazar tonight, don’t you? That’s why you were hesitant on the phone—shit—I’m so sorry—” I jerk upright, ready to get off the bed.
But he grabs my arm and pulls me back down. “Emma. Calm down. It’s okay.”
“I should haveremembered. I haven’t been to work in three days and I’ve already forgotten everything.”
His chuckle soothes me. He coaxes me closer to him and runs his fingers down my face. “The bruise looks better.”
I nod. “The cut is healing nicely, too. Had my stitches checked this morning.” I glance at the suit again, shining a moody navy in the evening sunlight. “I’ll get out of your way—
Ruslan doesn’t loosen his hold on me. “I’ve got some time. And you’ve come all this way…”
He gives me a smile that makes me blush right down to my toes. “Are you sure?”
He squeezes my ass as he hauls me into his lap and grinds his erection against my heat. “What do you think? Do I feel unsure?”
I cup the side of his face and kiss him. I go in hot and heavy, my tongue pushing into his mouth, desperate to have him claim me the way he likes, the way I love.His hands slide up and down my back but it’s more of a caress than aI’m-gonna-rip-your-clothes-offpawing.
Tenderly, he pushes me backwards onto the bed and rains soft little kisses along my face and down my neck.
Strange.He’s neverthisgentle.
I arch my hips up until I can feel his hardness. I rub myself against him, desperate for some friction. While he plays with my earlobe, I reach down and wrap my hand around his cock.
