Page 61 of Owned By the Russian

She smirked.Perfect.

Without warning, she plopped herself into his lap, arms draped around his neck. His pen stilled against the paper, and she felt the slow rise and fall of his chest as he exhaled.

“Did you have fun today?” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

She sighed dramatically, fingers toying with the buttons of his shirt. “Oh, you know. Just the usual. Champagne, expensive dresses, my best friends crying over how stunning I look.”

His lips curved against her skin, his nose grazing, breathing her in. “So, nothing new.”

“Exactly.”

He turned slightly, gripping her waist, pressing her closer to him. “Did you find the dress?”

“I did,” she said, eyes shining. “Not to brag, but you might actually die when you see me in it.”

He leaned in, brushing his nose along hers. “I die a little every time I look at you.”

She rolled her eyes, even though her cheeks warmed. “Who knew you were such a romantic?”

He smirked, kissing her cheek down to her jaw before grazing his teeth across her throat. “Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain.”

Her fingers slid into his hair, playing with the strands at his nape. “I still can’t believe this is real,” she admitted, quieter now.

His brow lifted. “That we’re getting married?”

“That you love me.”

His grip on her waist tightened, and his expression shifted?softer, yet utterly sure. “I do,” he said, voice firm. “And I plan to spend the rest of my life proving it to you.”

Her heart squeezed, and she kissed him slowly, melting into him. When she pulled back, he tapped a finger against her temple.

“Come help me with something.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Is this a trap?”

He huffed a laugh. “Business.”

She made a face and tried to escape his grip. “I’m off the clock.”

“Too bad, Baby,” he said, standing effortlessly with her still in his arms before setting her down in his chair.

She arched a brow, and a smug grin appeared on her lips. “Oh, so I run things now?”

He smirked. “You want to?”

She bit her lip and shrugged. “I mean, I’d do a better job.”

He scoffed, shaking his head as he leaned against the desk. But as he explained the logistics of a new operation, she noticed something?he wasn’t just humoring her. Hewantedher input. He valued it.

She listened intently, offering her thoughts, pointing out details he had already considered but liked hearing from her anyway. When they were done, she leaned back in the chair, watching him watch her.

“What?” she asked.

“I love that sharp little mind of yours,” he murmured, tugging her onto his lap again. His voice was low, sincere. “And I love you.”

She smiled, brushing her lips against his. Ever since he said those three words to her, he wouldn’t stop saying it. And she could never get tired of hearing it. “Then you’re going tolovebeing married to me.”

His arms tightened around her. “I already do.”

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