Page 141 of Doubts & Fears

All I knew was how being with her made me feel and how she accepted me for who I was. It was something I’d never felt before. I’d give her the world if I could. Watching her and Alek, both of them stubborn as hell, trying to determine precisely what to do with one another was fascinating.

“I’ve never told you what to do with any woman. Have I ever given you shit when you leave me alone at night? What about when you come in late andshower? Which, by the way, lets me know precisely what you’ve been up to?” The fire burned in her eyes as she stared at him.

“You’re so cute. You think you know. Trust me, you don’t,” he said, purposefully keeping it vague. Alek hadn’t fucked another girl since she moved in.

“Do I shove you away when you pull me close and nuzzle my neck, knowing that you’ve been with another woman? Do I deny you access to me in any way?”

“Kitten, what is it about the dining room? You seem to like to fight in here an awful lot. Tell me what it is and I’ll have it changed.”

“I don’t like being told what I can and can’t do when it comes to dancing, Reaper. It’s something I’m excellent at. I don’t tell you how to run your business. I’d appreciate the same courtesy. I was trying to be nice and ask permission, but now, old man, you’ve made me angry.”

“Have I, now? Look closely at my face. Do I look like I give a fuck?”

“I’m looking at your face, and I see a mirror reflection of exactly how I feel, even though I’m not allowed to say the word.” She glared daggers at him before turning her fiery gaze on me. “Ivan, can we go now? If I have to look at your brother one more minute, I might slip up and say something that’ll have me losing my virginity on the damned table where we all eat.”

She flipped her braid back from her shoulder. “Not to mention Jake and I have plans today,” she said, standing and throwing her napkin onto her plate to cover what she didn’t eat.

“You’re going to want to be really careful there. You remember what happened to the last guy, right?” Alek warned.

“You have so many issues. Seriously, Marcel, despite his glaring faults, can be quite good at what he does. You should really set up an appointment with him. Jake and I are teaching a class today for new moms who want to get back into shape after having babies,” she huffed.

Alek was fueling her anger. She looked like she was going to lash out some more. Right on cue, she opened her mouth, and I grabbed her, kissing her deeply.

“Let’s go. The old man is in a mood today. You can poke the bear tonight at dinner.” I pulled her away from the dining room. “So, you and Jake are teaching a class together, huh?” I teased as we walked to the car.

“That’s okay with you, right? I mean, you don’t mind. It’s not like Alek was suggesting.” She climbed into the car.

“Yes, it’s fine with me. Buckle up, please.” She grew quiet, and I studied her. She was clearly struggling with her emotions. “Want to talk about it?”

“How can someone be so loving one minute and then a complete ass the next? All I wanted to do was tell him that Mr. Dulaine arranged for me to meet with a choreographer who specializes in the same dance style my father did.”

“The reason Alek is struggling is complicated. He’s jealous and conflicted.” My lips found hers, and the soft sighs as our tongues tangled were almost too much. I unbuckled her and hauled her onto my lap. “God, you’re so beautiful,” I whispered as she threw her head back so I could kiss her neck.

“I know what you’re doing, but I’ll allow it. Distract me properly, Blade.” She moaned loudly at the feel of my hands on her body. “Marcus must think I’m certifiable,” she said in my ear, rubbing against me. I put my hands on her ass and squeezed.

“Why is that?” I continued kissing her neck.

“Because I’m forever finding myself being kissed, fondled, and coming in the back seat of his car.” Her face flushed with arousal.

“Shameful. What are we going to do with you?” I asked as she leaned into my body and put her lips on mine. We kissed all the way to the gym and only broke away when I realized Marcus had stopped the car.

“Ugh, I wish we lived farther,” she complained, causing me to laugh.

“Laugh all you want, but I’m going to be seriously unfocused all day. Will you make some time for me today?”

“I have time for you every day, and you know it. Don’t we practice your skills regularly?” I pulled her out of the car.

“Yes, we do, and I love every minute. But I was thinking more along the lines of something similar to what you’re doing with Allison?”

“You’re not ready for that,” I said, growing serious. She didn’t have a clue about what she was asking for.

“How about you tell me what it is and let me be the judge of that?”

“My little warrior. We’ve had Allison edging for the last two weeks—hard edges all day, with serious repercussions if she comes without our approval.”

Her face registered my words and then grew confused. “But I know Nik and Alek are doing stuff with her too. How does that work?”

“Do you really want to know?” I asked, gauging her.

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