Page 81 of Prince Charming

“So this is your little club.” Marianna remarked.

“Yeah, what do you think?”

Tag had never wanted a woman to like anything as much as he wanted her to approve of the club. Arm around her waist, he caught the VP looking over. His ever-faithful sidekick, the Frenchie, sitting like a royal mutt on Hawk’s lap.

“It is cozy.” She said finally and Tag chuckled. Now that was a first. But he’d take it.

Holding her hand, he introduced her around, finding her fascinating as she tried to hide her shyness. Even more fucking adorable. She tilted into him for support and the sick pup he was, got off on it. He kept hold of her when he talked with Rider about the prospect. Rider told him, “do what you think is right.” Which meant Tag could give the kid his walking papers if he thought there was no other way to get Dix’s head on right.

“I donotwant to celebrate Christmas,” she insisted when Tag helped Marianna into his heated truck. The crosser she looked, the dirtier he wanted to make her until she was mewling on his tongue.

“Tough,” he answered.

“Tag.”

“Marianna.” He counted in her same tone. Reaching over he brought her hand to his jean clad thigh, heading out of the three club gates and onto the main road. He had a plan for days now, and no moody Russian beauty was going to spoil it.

If any woman needed Christmas, it was his woman.

“I know you feel guilty, darlin’.”

“Then why are you insisting on this when you know I do not want to take part in anything festive?”

“Because you need it. Something that’s just for you. Not all decisions are the right ones, but you tried and you’re still trying for your family.” He stressed.

Christmas Eve came around fast.

Deep in training for his next fight, but it didn’t mean he’d taken his eyes off her. He’d noticed ever since she rushed into his office, wanting his mouth on her sweet little pussy, how withdrawn she’d become.

If he could have one Christmas wish, it would be to get her kids to her.

All wasn’t lost, but he wasn’t about to get her hopes up.

Grinder had contacts in every part of law enforcement and his guy - off the record - said if she were to go through normal channels, applying for citizenship, claiming asylum through false imprisonment, they’d want to know every little detail of theBratva’sorganization. And without proof, there was no guarantee she wouldn’t be prosecuted.

“You’re allowed to have something good, darlin’. Let me give the good, you don’t have to do anything but enjoy yourself.”

If he hadn’t looked over, he would have missed her silent tear tracking down her cheek.

“Fuck,” he cursed, pulling the truck over to the side of the road. He unclipped her and dragged her into his lap. “Don’t cry, Anna.”

She all but fell into his chest, clinging tightly, finally letting him see her emotions. “I miss them so much, Luke. My hearthurtsall the time.”

Oh, baby. He stroked the back of her head, lowered his voice. “Be strong for a bit longer, Anna. You can do it, you’re the strongest woman I ever met. You’ll be with your kids again.”

If it were the last thing he did, he’d make it right for her.

He knew it might jeopardize their relationship if she went back to Russia. She had spoken little about it. She was a vault surrounded in walls; he gleaned from the few things she’d let spill that it wasn’t safe for her back there. He didn’t even know yet if a father of her kids was in the picture.

A crying Marianna put shards in his chest.

Before he could stop himself, he tipped up her chin and crushed her lips under his. Swallowing her gasp, she softened in seconds. Her mouth was sweet, lush, and so damn hot. She slipped her tongue between his lips, nothing shy in her flirtation as she sought solace in their kiss. It was a bold, insistent demand, and Tag was all too happy to provide.

“You’re too good at that,” she sighed dreamily.

“Yeah? I thought I was being a dirty pig taking advantage.” He joked to make her laugh, which she did. He skimmed his lips along her soft cheek. “Will you give me these next few days, darlin’?”

Give him two days to shower his girl in Christmas.