Page 30 of Merciless Union
He looks me over, his gaze making my body tingle. I hate that he’s so good at making me feel good. I mean, I’m glad sex with him hasn’t been terrible, but I hate that there’s no romance involved. So it’s confusing that my body aches for him in such a short amount of time.
Maxim roughly shakes his head. “Just my brother being a fucking idiot.” He sighs. “I had to bail him out of jail. Again.”
“So, it’s nothing serious, like life or death?”
“… No.” He squints at me. “What are you talking about?”
“Good.” I place my hands on my hips. “Then, if it’s nothing serious, we can discuss what you said to me before you left.”
He huffs. “What did I say to you?” He settles on the couch.
I remain standing. “You told me I’m not allowed to paint. Did you actually mean that?”
“Yes.”
I pause, taken aback by his bluntness. “That doesn’t make any sense. You told me you want me focused on wifely duties. I can do that. But I can do those duties while also painting. I promise my hobby won’t get in the way of anything. It never has before.”
He leans forward, steeples his hands together, and rests his elbows on his knees. “Arina, you’re a very talented painter. I noticed that when I proposed to you in your parents’ attic.” Proposed? More like told me we were getting married. “So, it brings me no pleasure to tell you that you aren’t allowed to do it any longer.” He pats his knees, standing up. “But that’s final.”
My mouth is gaping open. I know I won’t win with him. Maxim is clearly the type of man who won’t let anyone or anything change his mind once he’s made a decision.
But that won’t stop me from painting. I just have to play my cards right and convince him when he’s more amenable.
His eyes rake over me. “Now, we’re still on our honeymoon. Let’s put this disagreement behind us and enjoy ourselves.” He approaches me and wraps his hands around my hips.
I rest my hands on his chest. “Fine.”
“You don’t sound too happy. As my wife, Arina, I expect you to be happy. You have nothing to complain about. You’re married to the head of the Bratva. What’s better than that?”
Not being married to a controlling asshole?I think.
And yet, I’m still attracted to him. It’s all so confusing.
“Now, come,” he says. “Let me show you to your new bedroom.”
He leads the way, taking me to a bedroom almost as big as the living room. It’s just as cold and cavernous, but at least the bed looks comfy. The only colors in the room are white, silver, and gray. Even in his own home, Maxim doesn’t let himself show his true colors.
He wraps his arms around me from behind, bringing my back flush with his chest. “Let’s enjoy ourselves.” He nuzzles my neck. “Are you ready for me? I expect you to be from now on.”
Feeling his body pressed against me makes a wetness form between my legs. My body responds to him, but my heart is having trouble.
Maxim reaches his hand down and under my dress, cupping me through my underwear. His thumb rubs over my folds.
“Mmm,” he growls, kissing my neck. “Already wet for me, huh?”
I hate that I am. I want to deny him this, but it feels too good, especially when he pushes my underwear down, grinding his palm over my pussy.
“Tell me you want me, Arina.”
I lick my lips.
“Tell me.” He grinds his hand against my pussy, while rubbing his thumb over my clit. Pleasure spikes through my entire body.
I gasp when he pushes a finger inside of me. “Yes. I want you.”
“Good.”
He pulls his hand away, and I immediately feel colder without it. Maxim grabs my hips and pushes me over the bed, so my butt is in the air. I can hear him unzip his pants.
