Page 35 of Mafia Handbook

Separating the distance between them, Bash reached out, placing his hands on her hips, leaning over and placing his lips at Milena’s ear. “Not as beautiful as you.”

Closing her eyes, Milena allowed herself to melt into Bash, a smile curling her lips as his warmth blanked her body. While she couldn't recall the last time a man spoke such words to her, she’d no doubt remember everything about the way Bash spoke them today.

Bash wanted to stay rooted like this forever, wrapped protectively around the woman who’d managed the impossible in claiming his heart. Squeezing Milena’s hips, “Come on, babe. If you love this, wait until you see the rest of the place.”

Milena vowed to return to this room as often as possible as she laced her fingers with Bash’s. She could picture the cliffs covered in snow, the waterfall still flowing despite winter’s chilling grip. Milena welcomed the sense of home, a peace she’d lacked since her father tossed her into the streets. Living off the grid may be extreme, but living in a secluded place such as this could be within reach. “How did you find this place?”

Bringing her hand up to his lips, Bash kept his gaze locked with Milena’s. “I wish I could take credit, but I didn’t find it. The original owner was an individual who used tricks from his childhood, building this hideaway to store items he’d procured.”

“And by procured, you mean stolen?” Milena added as Bash stopped outside a set of double doors.

“The Cliffs have a history, Milena. One I promise to share with you once I honor the one I made back in the barn.” Dropping Milena’s hand, Bash reached over, pushed on the handle of the door and swung it open.

Milena felt as if she was stepping back in time as she crossed the threshold. A massive bed sat in the center of the room, its carvings and heavy drapes reminding her of the beds she saw in the historical films depicting England’s royalty.

“The bathroom is to your right.” Bash crossed the room in a hurry, trying hard not to think of Melina naked in the shower. “Einstein assured me there were plenty of soaps and things in there.”

“Einstein?” Milena questioned as she set her backpack against the edge of the bed.

“He’s one of my teammates.” Rubbing the back of his neck, “Listen, you and I have a lot to discuss, and we will, after a hot shower and a change of clothes.”

Milena couldn't argue, her skin felt dry and she couldn't imagine what her hair looked like.

“The kitchen is the last room on the right,” pointing toward the hall. “I’ll meet you there in an hour.”

“Sounds great.”

Bash closed the doors behind him, leaning his forehead against the wood. What he wouldn't give to join her, feeling her wet skin against his as he took his time enjoying her. They had plenty of time, he silently reminded himself as he pushed off the door and headed across the hall to his room.

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