Page 31 of The Bratva Contract
“Like I want to spend time with them,” she says, disdain curling her lip. “Did you ever think I might want to show off my handsome husband?” I know she’s flirting, but I can’t stop the heat that rushes through my blood.
“You never said you thought I was handsome,” I point out archly. She shrugs.
“You know what you look like,” she says dismissively. “Good enough to eat.”
Karina locks onto my eyes, then drops her gaze to the fist clenched on my knee. My jaw tightens. Private room or not, I’m not sure I can behave in public right now. Need coils, hot and tight. She reaches over, fingers curling around my wrist. Our eyes meet; she understands instantly. A quirk of her lips gives her away. She slides closer on the sofa and bends to whisper in my ear.
Her breath is molten on my ear, lips brushing the shell. “We could step away for a moment,” she murmurs. “I might need to wash my hands.” The offer knocks the breath from my lungs.
“It would be unseemly,” I manage, keeping my voice cool. “I’ll wait until we’re home. Just don’t order dessert,” I warn.
“Why not?” she teases, her thumb brushing the inside of my wrist. “Come with me. I want you in a good mood for dinner. If you’re on edge all night, it won’t be as nice.”
“Some things are worth waiting for,” I tell her sternly. “We will have a nice dinner, go home, and finish the evening together.”
“If that’s what you want,” she says, pouting a little.
“Did you sleep well?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “No.Not without you. I know you don’t usually sleep in my room, except that once, but I’ve gotten used to?—”
“Saying good night?” I tease, and she smiles in spite of herself.
“Yes, saying good night. You wear me out, and I sleep better. Without you, my mind races and keeps me awake, like last night.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t just worry about the security breach at my company?”
“I’m sure. I know exactly what I needed.”
“Why didn’t you come tell me so?” I challenge.
“I didn’t know I was invited to your bedroom.”
“Invited? You’re my wife, you’re welcome anywhere I am. I mean it, Karinka. Don’t suffer alone. Come find me, and I’ll make it up to you.”
“You called me Karinka,” she says, smiling.
“You don’t like to be called that?”
“I don’t mind it. I didn’t expect it from you. It’s affectionate.”
“I’m confused, you think a nickname is more affectionate than what your husband already does? Two days ago I woke you by eating out your pussy. That doesn’t qualify?”
“Affection isn’t the word I think of for that particular morning,” she says almost primly. It makes me grin.
“Then what do you think of?”
“That it might have been my last morning waking up beside you, my only one,” she says, and the catch in her voice blindsides me.
CHAPTER 20
KARINA
Dima had called me Karinka, said I was welcome in his room, in his bed. He’s tunneling straight into my heart, and there’s nothing I can do to stop him. The realization infuriates me, yet it also stings my eyes with tears I refuse to shed. His face is unexpectedly compassionate, and I recoil; maybe what I see there is pity. He must know I have feelings for him, and perhaps that knowledge moves him to mercy. I force myself to look away and clear my throat.
“Why would it be the last?”
He asks gently, and I can’t handle either his kindness or what feels like pity. I snatch the small box off the table and thrust it at him.
