Page 86 of The Pakhan's Kidnapped Bride
“Always,” she replies, wiggling upwards to press her lips against mine, setting my body on fire all over again as I pull her on top of me and she wraps her legs around my waist.
Epilogue - Anya
It’s been three months since Kris and Emmanuil formed an alliance, and while most people are happy with this arrangement, my father has made it abundantly clear that he’s not going to let either of them get away with it.
Up till this point, though, he hasn’t done anything.
While it is still worrying, I know I’m safe in San Diego, and my father isn’t stupid enough to try and take Kristopher on.
But today isn’t the day for worrying, although I’m worried anyway. But about other things.
“Em?” I call out, hurrying through the house in search of him.
“In here,” he shouts from the kitchen.
I bolt into the kitchen. “They’ll be here any minute,” I squeal, stressed beyond belief.
Emmanuil laughs calmly and grabs my arm, tugging me against his broad chest. “Stop worrying, kitten. What has you in such a panic?”
“It’s the first time I’ve ever hosted your family. I want it to be perfect. And my brother and Georgie will also be here, and I want everyone to feel welcome and happy and—“ He presses his lips over mine, his mouth cutting off my words. He often silences my panic with a kiss, and it works every time. My body melts against his broad chest, and my heartbeat slows.
When he can feel the tension has left me, he pulls away and looks at me, tucking a loose curl behind my ear. “My family has been here a hundred times. And Kris and Georgie already met them when we went to the restaurant together. There is nothing to worry about. It’ll be perfect,” he reassures me.
He looks me up and down. “I love this color on you,” he says, tugging at my chunky pale blue sweater.
“I know,” I sass, “that’s why I chose to wear it.”
“And what color are you wearing underneath this?” he whispers against my ear, rocking his hips against me. I giggle and push him away. “Stop that, you can’t distract me with your gorgeousness. I have to be the perfect host.“
“You already are a kitten. Everyone adores you.”
The front door opens, and I hear Kira shout my name.
“Girl, where are you? It’s time for cocktails,” she shouts.
I giggle, smiling at Emmanuil. “You’re right. I’m worrying for nothing.” I sigh, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him again. “Thank you for always keeping me calm.”
“Get a room,” Katya groans, walking into the kitchen.
“They have a room. They have a whole house of rooms,” Kira argues.
“Detach yourselves,” Katya commands. “Kira and I have so many stories to tell you about our travels.” They just returned from the trip Emmanuil sent them on for Katya’s birthday. I can’t believe so much time has passed. It feels like just yesterday that I was at her pool party, stressed over whether or not the man of my dreams could ever love me.
Emmanuil playfully slaps my ass and steps away from me. “She’s all yours,for now,” he says to his cousins.
The girls drag me to the living room, where we have a fire going. It’s winter, and at night the air gets sharp with cold. But inside it’s cozy and warm, and I’ve arranged for the chef to make a rich lamb stew for a perfect winter-themed dinner.
Katya walks straight to the bar and starts making drinks. “Next time we travel, you one hundred percent have to come with us. Even if it means Emmanuil comes, too, and we have to put up with him. It’ll be worth it to have you there.” She grins, pouring too much vodka into each glass.
Kira flops down onto the sofa. “We have to show you all our photos. It was the best time ever.”
I hear Emmanuil and Ardalion laughing. Belle comes through to join the girls, shortly after, followed by Georgie. I leap up and run to hug her, crashing into my friend with force.
“Yay, you made it. How was your exam? I already know you aced it, but tell me all about it,” I say, grabbing her hand and pulling her to the bar, where Katya has already made her drink.
“I aced it,” Georgie grins at me. Every one of the girls screams in excitement and lifts their glass.
“Thank goodness, we’ll have a proper shrink in the family,” Katya laughs. “Someone has to sort out all of us crazies.”
