Page 89 of Stolen By the Don

My lips part, but I don’t say anything—not because I don’t have thoughts, but because I do. Too many. About how easily he saysyoursand how the ground under me seems to tilt a little every time he does.

And how I feel like the ground might give way soon enough and plunge me into a place where I can’t deny what I feel any longer.

Where I’ll be forced to confront the truth that I’m falling for Roman Volkov.

Falling in love.

“For now,” he continues, lacing his fingers through mine again, “come.”

He leads me toward the yacht’s stern, his steps quiet but sure. We pass a glass-encased lounge and a sleek outdoor bar, and finally, he guides me up a short flight of steps to the upper deck. The breeze is stronger here, rolling off the ocean in soft, salt-laced gusts.

At the very edge is a cushioned seating nook built into the curve of the deck, designed to face nothing but sky and water.

Roman gestures to it. “Sit. You’ll like it.”

I lower myself onto the seat, sinking into the comfort as the wind tousles my hair. The sea stretches endlessly in front of me with shades of other colors mixed into the vibrant blue.

“How does it feel?” he asks.

I nod, lifting my gaze to his. “Good.” He continues staring, and I get the feeling that there’s something else. “Is there something you want to say?”

He shakes his head. “No. Not really. I wasn’t sure you’d like it up here, but I read somewhere that some pregnant women like the sound of the sea and find the breeze relaxing.”

“You—” My lips tug into a smile as he glances away like he’s suddenly fascinated by the view. “You were doing research for me? When? I only told you about the baby two days ago.”

Roman gives a slight shrug like it’s nothing, and I burst out laughing. His head turns, brows slightly drawn like he’s trying to decide whether I’m amused or losing my mind.

“I’m sorry.” I wave my hands. “It’s just…funny. When I found out I was pregnant, all I could think about was how the very thing I didn’t want to happen had happened. I couldn’t stop thinking about how you got exactly what you wanted—me and my baby.”

His jaw tightens slightly, but he doesn’t say anything.

“I never thought you’d be the kind of man to end up on the internet,” I add, grinning, “looking up ways to make me feel better.”

He clicks his tongue. “Anyone hearing you might think I’m the worst person you’ve ever come across.”

“That used to be true,” I say, watching him carefully. “But I’m starting to think?—”

That you love me.

The thought hits me so hard it knocks the breath from my lungs. It’s not possible, is it? I could see us becoming cordial, but love? It sounds far-fetched, but everything he’s done so far has created dots that are itching to be connected.

“Think what?” he asks.

I shake my head abruptly, dismissing the thought. “Nothing. The view is lovely,” I say. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

He nods, and silence settles between us, punctuated by the sounds of seagulls and the occasional splash in the sea.

Love,I muse.Would it be so bad if it were true?

26

ROMAN

I brush back a lock of hair from her face as she sleeps while Sergei drives, savoring the look on her face. It’s peaceful, unlike everything happening around us.

Italmostmakes me want to take her far away…from here. My chest hurts as I sigh, and I turn away, resisting the urge to press a kiss to her forehead.

My phone buzzes, and I quickly reach for it in my pocket as she stirs. However, my thumb pauses over the decline button when I see Billie’s name flash on my screen.

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