Page 55 of Made In America

“I said I was.” She said but leaned against the wall.

“You overdid it.”

“No, I have to dry my hair. I just got dizzy from bending over. I’m fine.”

“Hey, how did I do?” Roman asked coming down the hallway.

“It was too much Roman. I kept the tags on so you can return them.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “No way. You look great in that.”

She adjusted her top, and tried unsuccessfully to pull it a little higher. “It’s a little low.” She said.

“Well the bra is supposed to show a bit, it’s like one of those fancy silk pieces. At least that’s what the woman there told me.”

“Oh, well it didn’t fit.” She said to him.

“Too big or too small?” Roman asked smiling.

“Enough Roman.” Ivan said firmly and Roman winked then walked away.

“Let me help you.” Ivan said.

“No. I’ll be fine if I lean against the counter.”

He mumbled under his breath and then walked over to the counter and plugged in the dryer.

“I’ll stand next to you so you don’t fall.” She gave him a sideways glance.

“It’s that or your head stays wet and that isn’t smart either.”

She had no choice and she went closer, took the dryer from him and he remained nearby, watching her in the mirror. Every time she bent slightly the deep cleavage of her breasts emerged. She would pull up the top and then turn sideways so she wouldn’t bend over, but then she hit the bump and gasped. Finally she had enough as she brushed through her hair and avoided where the lump was.

Ivan was right behind her as he slid his fingers through her hair and gently over the swelling there. He slid his other hand along her waist, under the long sleeve top and against her belly as he stared at her in the mirror.

He stroked her skin, and bent closer to her neck. “You make a pair of jeans and a shirt look so good and so sexy.” He inhaled against her neck, his lips brushed against her skin and she shivered.

“Mr. Sokolov, there’s no need for the games.” She whispered to him. His dark eyes narrowed and his lips touched her skin.

“Games?” he asked.

“Like in the office at the club. You tricked me into thinking you were feeling what I had felt in order to get me primed and ready to face Maloney, and for you to pretend there was something between us. No one is here to fool, or impress, except your guards, your cousins and whomever else you feel like showing me off to. The game is over.” She pressed onto his arm around her waist and he held her snugger. He nudged up against her back. Her stomach rumbled loudly.

“When was the last time you ate?” She felt her cheeks warm and she lowered her eyes.

“Annabella, when?”

“I was very busy at Gables, and I was going to grab something on the way home, but things happened.”

She felt his hand slide higher and cup her breast. He brushed his thumb along her nipple over the material of her bra.

“I’m starting to think you seriously need looking after.” She swallowed softly.

“On the contrary, Mr. Sokolov, I think I’ve proven that I can take care of myself pretty damn well when it matters.”

He gently pinched her nipple and she gasped.

“Ivan.” He said, and turned her in his arms and kissed her.

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