Page 18 of His Surrender
“Was that Russian?” I asked, baffled. He’d managed to knock me off-kilter.
“Perhaps.”
“I didn’t know you spoke Russian,” I said, unable to move from my spot even though I should’ve left long ago.
“I bet you didn’t know I could also tie the stem of a cherry into a knot with my tongue,” Jay responded with a cool confidence I could never master. “But you’re leaving, so I suppose there’s a lot you’ll never know. Good night, Mr. Barnett.”
I stormed away without another word, trying to force away the image of his tongue tying cherry-knots. Fuckin’ hell. I was sure that tongue could do so many wicked things that would make me lose my head. My dick twitched at the thought, and a longing ache burrowed in my ass.
Yep. It’s definitely been too long since I’ve been good and fucked.
If only I could pick up random guys for one-night stands and actually enjoy it. I mean, I’d had a few hookups in the past, but I always felt so empty afterward. Casual sex didn’t appeal to me like it did most other guys.
I wanted a connection. Commitment.
Romance.
Which is exactly why I’ll always be alone.
With that depressing thought, I headed home.
Chapter 5
Jay
“Look at you,” Andrew said, grabbing my face and lifting it to his. “Young and so damn beautiful.” His fingers dug deeper as he squeezed. “Who have you been kissing with these lips? Lips that are mine.”
“No one.”
Tighter, still, he held my jaw, my neck creaking as he jerked my head up and kissed me. He tasted like cheap whiskey and cinnamon.
“That’s right,” he said after breaking away. “No one but me. Say it.”
“No one but you,” I repeated.
“Good.” Andrew pulled at his tie, his wedding ring catching the light. A ring that proved he belonged to someone else. I hated it. “Now get on your knees and show me what’s mine.”
I jerked awake, the sheet clinging to my sweaty chest. I hadn’t dreamed of Andrew in a long time. He was a part of my past I had tossed in a chest in the back of my mind and slammed the top shut.
What had jostled the lock on that lid, stirring up old memories?
Maybe it was Remi’s fault. He reminded me of myself in a way. Well, themebefore I’d saidscrew itand started doing whatever I wanted in regards to sex and relationships. He kept his guard up but still had some hope in his eyes. It was so damn obvious Remi had been hurt by someone before—maybe several people. He lusted after me but refused to act on that lust.
Not that I could blame him. If hehadbeen hurt in the past, I was the last person he should get involved with.
I’d taken my heartache and changed everything about myself because of it. I’d created life rules: fuck like it’s my last day on this earth, and never get attached. Because emotions were complicated, and I’d had enough complications in my life.
A paw pressed to my arm, and I looked over to see Sputnik with his front leg stretched out, his eyes barely open.
“Dobroe utro.”Good morning.He purred but stayed in place. “Fine. I’ll come to you, lazy thing.”
I snuggled into his orange fur and gave him kisses before getting out of bed. I glanced at the date on my phone and saw it was Groundhog Day.That little bastard better not see his shadow.I wanted an early spring.
One look in my refrigerator and I knew a trip to the grocery store was in my future that Sunday. The thing was bare.
“Please have coffee at least,” I muttered as I went to check the can by the coffee machine. Not even enough to make half a pot. “Dammit. Don’t give me that look,” I told Sputnik as I turned and saw him sitting by his empty bowl. “I have food for you. I’m the only one who will starve.” He gave a slow blink. Then another. “Fine.”
I grabbed a can of his food and fed him before taking a shower. I’d wanted to have a day at home, but responsibilities demanded otherwise. After checking the weather and seeing it would be low fifties and rainy, I dressed in jeans and a hoodie and left the house.
