Page 62 of Under His Control
But I know that’s not an option, and I’m not even sure I would take it if it were.
“No,” I say slowly. “I’d rather be here. But we can’t have people playingMission Impossiblewith our security protocols.”
He gives me a warm smile. “You’re right. We start fresh. Mrs. Belova will call a meeting with Charles and all the department heads. I want every current keycard deactivated and new ones issued with two-step authentication.”
“And donuts,” I suggest. “You’re about to panic a dozen department heads. Donuts will help.”
He chuckles. “Remind me to make you chief of employee morale.”
“Oh, I already am. Self-proclaimed.”
His gaze drops to my mouth, then to my curves, to the soft stretch of cotton hugging my hips.
“Careful, Mrs. Ovechkina,” he says, stepping into my space. “I’m easily distracted by effective leadership.”
“I’ve noticed.”
His hands circle my waist.
“Come.” Anatoly’s hand slides to the small of my back, guiding me toward a sleek hallway tucked behind the high-limit slots. “Let’s get you settled in our place.”
Ourplace.
The words drop warm and heavy in my chest, stealing my breath for a second. I don’t know when it started feeling real—this marriage, this man—but something in me is leaning toward it like gravity.
We reach a discreet panel of black glass. Anatoly presses his palm against the biometric pad, a soft sapphire light scanning his fingerprint. The doors glide open, revealing the private elevator that will take us to the top.
My nerves flutter like butterflies in my stomach. I’ve seen every inch of this hotel—except the penthouses. This elevator is off-limits to everyone but ownership. I step inside like I’m crossing a velvet rope into another universe.
The doors whisper closed behind us, cutting out the casino noise. The walls gleam with mirrored panels and polished steel, cool and sleek. I catch our reflections—his towering frame, my uncertain smile—and wonder who this woman is who just moved into a billionaire’s fortress.
He turns to face me, and without a word, backs me gently against the mirror. His breath feathers the shell of my ear.
“I’ll join you later. Anything you need,” he says, brushing a kiss just beneath my jaw, “just text.”
He kisses my mouth, and before I have a chance to process what’s happening, the doors open to the foyer on floor sixty-one. I step out and look over my shoulder as the doors slide closed, catching one more glimpse of Anatoly before he heads back downstairs.
My suitcases wait neatly beside a tall, abstract statue. I drag them across the herringbone hardwood floor in the direction of where Anatoly told me the master suite is located.
I insert my key card and the doors open, taking my breath away.
The place is amazing.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame the Vegas skyline like a live postcard, neon spilling into the penthouse. The place is all marble, dark glass, and effortless luxury.
A grand piano sits in the corner. The air smells like leather, expensive whiskey, and Anatoly himself.
Above me, the ceiling vaults high enough to practically have its own weather system, soft lights above twinkling like a private galaxy. To my right, a sunken living room sprawls out—charcoal sofas, a jade-inlaid fireplace, and a full bar.
A set of double doors draws my attention, calling to me. I wander down the hall toward them, heart beating a little too fast, and push them open.
The bedroom is pure sex and sanctuary. I melt at the sight. A matte black canopy bed big enough to host an orgy sits in the middle of the room. Plush cream linens and a Persian rug so soft I want to dive onto it face-first offer a soft warmth. The city glows outside the glass walls, wrapping the room in a wash of multicolored light.
Biting my lip, I cross to the attached bathroom and swing the door open.
A massive walk-in stone-and-glass shower greets me. It’s outfitted with multiple body jets and a rain showerhead above. There’s also a large freestanding tub. The platinum faucets look like sculptures sitting atop blown-glass bowls. A crystal chandelier hangs casually over it all.
I can’t believe this is my new home.
