Page 316 of Eternal
It’s only a few seconds of happiness in a glass. Borrowed calm.
He didn’t push, he just brushed a hand along the back of my neck and kissed the side of my head like he wasn’t asking permission.
“You sure?”
“No,” I reply. Too honest.
But he nods, and kisses my temple. “Alright. Let’s get this dinner over with… then I’ll take you home.”
“And what, tuck me in?”
“Mmh. Exactly. Sing you a lullaby too.”
“Tempting.”
He kisses me again, softer this time. “Come on, let’s go.”
His large hand grabs mine without warning, that way he had of acting like it’s nothing, like this constant physical contact should be natural.
Meanwhile, I feel like it’s burning a little.
We climb the stairs. With him never letting go. Not for a second.
At the top, two men to the left, two to the right. Posted, straight, locked down.Maximum security. I give my name. One of the guys nods.
Through the glass, Zanae sees me. Right away.
She smiles, gives me a little wave, and approaches.
Still as beautiful. Maybe even more so tonight.
Her red, backless dress fits her perfectly. And on her back, I see a tattoo as she moves ahead of us, guiding us inside the room.
A dahlia, stars,scars.
A quote in Russian, fine and deeply rooted on her skin.
I don’t understand immediately. But Damir does, and he smiles, barely visible.
“Why are you smiling?” I ask, quieter than I expected.
He leans in, right against my ear. “Volkov is very possessive.”
And then I get it. He’s the one who tattooed her. Her man.
I furrow my brow a little. “And that makes you laugh?”
He shrugs calmly. “I’d do the same. I’d mark you as‘Viper’s Partner.’”
I laugh. “No. I don’t think so.”
And his hand slides, slowly. Too low to be innocent. Too possessive to be wise. His fingers brush my lower stomach through the fabric, enough to short-circuit my voice. “Yes. Right there. No one will dare look… exceptme.”
I stare at him, his gaze is calm, almost gentle, then he smiles. “You’re blushing.”
I chuckle a little, a bit confused. “It’s the vodka.”
He doesn’t get to answer. We’re already in front of Nikolai, Elijah, and Ben.
