Page 74 of Cruel Russian Monster
“Hey,” I mumbled, pushing myself up to sit.
“Hey,” he said softly. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I came upstairs to read, but I guess I was more tired than I thought.”
His brows furrowed slightly. “Are you sure you don’t want to see a doctor? You might be coming down with something.”
“I promise you, I’m fine.” I smiled, then frowned. “Wait…why are you here? It’s still light out. Is something wrong with Katya? Alexi?”
I started to scramble out of bed, but his hands settled firmly on my shoulders, keeping me in place.
“Vera, they’re fine,” he said quickly. “I came home because I tried calling you, but couldn’t reach you. I was worried.”
I looked under the pillows but didn't find my phone.
“I probably left my phone in the kitchen. Sorry.”
“It’s fine.” He leaned in a little. “Katya’s been trying to call, too. She wants to know if you’d like to come over.”
“Hell yes,” I grinned.
Jaroslav chuckled. “I figured. Also…I was thinking. Maybe it’s time we sit down and figure out what you’d like to do. A foundation, a business, something to keep you busy and fulfilled.”
My eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“If that’s what you want, then yes.”
I narrowed my eyes playfully. “What’s the catch?”
“Besides seeing my wife happy?” he asked with a smirk. “None.”
I threw my arms around him and kissed him deeply. He kissed me back until we were both out of breath.
“Thank you,” I whispered, pressing another kiss to his lips.
“You’re welcome. But if you keep kissing me like that…” His voice dropped low. “You won’t be leaving this house anytime soon.”
“Maybe I like having my husband home early,” I teased, brushing another kiss against his mouth.
He growled under his breath, then kissed me hard enough for my panties to get damp before he pulled back.
“Go get ready. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
He gave me one last smirk before slipping out of the room.
Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to Lev’s place.
“Are you sure he doesn’t mind me being here?” I asked. I hadn’t spoken to Lev since the night I blew up at him.
“In case you haven’t noticed, despite Lev being a ruthless faction leader, Katya has him wrapped around her finger. She wants you here, and Lev’s fine with it.”
I nodded slowly. “Do you think the three of us can sit down and talk? I’d like to apologize.”
“I’ll make it happen.” He took my hand and kissed it, sending goosebumps up my arm. “Thank you, Vera.”
“You’re welcome,” I smiled. “But if you keep holding my hand and looking at me like that, I’m gonna need to go home and change my panties.”
“Maybe you should stop wearing panties,” he said, giving me a slow once-over, “especially with dresses like that.”
