Page 11 of The Pakhan's Arranged Bride
I stare at her, her beautiful profile, the way her hair has fallen loose during the night and long strands are hanging over her shoulders.
Her skin is caramel, tanned by her days living next to the ocean. She is beautiful. And it’s bothering me.
I force myself to pull my gaze away from her.
City lights flash past the window in the late night darkness. Las Vegas never sleeps. There is always something going on—a lot, actually.
I own several casinos in the area, the perfect money laundering business. People pay cash. It works out well for us.
So, I was right about my suspicions regarding her approach to this marriage. It is purely business. There was no magic between us over the video call like I thought. It’s a marriage of convenience, and that is all.
I sigh, tapping my hand against my leg.
She might be annoyed to find that I didn’t set her up in a guest room. But she promised to be the perfect wife, and my perfect wife shares my bed. Even if there isn’t going to be intimacy.
Chapter 4 - Ulyana
The first week living with Benedikt has had its challenges. Okay, mostly only one challenge.
I have to keep reminding myself that his charm is not something I should fall for. His reputation as a playboy is well known and all of this magnetic, fun flirtation—despite it making me feel like he thinks I’m the most beautiful girl in the world—is just the way he is. He does it with all the girls.
I’m not special to him in any way. Just another woman to conquer.
Sitting across from him at dinner, his dark blue-gray eyes keep drifting over me. The suggestive undertones of his stare have my skin tingling and my heart racing a little faster than it should be.
“You look lovely this evening,” Benedikt says, picking up his knife and fork.
He always compliments me. No matter what I’m wearing, even when I’ve just woken up and I look like a mess, he still has the sweetest things to say to me.
“How was work?” I ask, trying to distract myself with a different direction of conversation.
“It’s going well. I’m looking at buying another casino.”
“Oh, that’s exciting.”
He smiles and nods briefly. “Just business, I’d rather hear about how you’re doing. How are you settling in?”
“I went into town today and walked around. It’s so much louder here than San Francisco. It takes some getting used to.I’ve been here for weekend parties, but living here has a different energy. I like it, though. I have nothing to complain about.”
He studies my face, his eyes narrowing.
“And at home? Are you keeping busy or is there anything I can get you?” he asks.
“I found the library, and the gym, I’ve been making use of those.”
“Anything you need, Ulyana, just ask.”
I smile, he can be really sweet. My heart flutters and I shove it back down. “Thanks.”
We’ve been sleeping in the same room at night. At first, I thought it would be okay—just part of playing the role as his wife—but the moment I climbed into bed next to him, I could feel the sexual tension. His scent haunts me, a strong, masculine energy that makes me want to melt in his arms.
Like pine trees after a rainstorm. Fresh and enigmatic.
I spend most of the night right on the edge of my side of the bed to try and keep as much distance as possible between us.
Last night, though, I woke up curled against him, and I was utterly horrified by how good it felt.
I’m so relieved he was asleep and didn’t notice.
