Page 125 of Wrapped in Perfection

"I'm sure if I said no, you still would, but thanks for asking," I tease.

His lips twitch. He leans to mine and pecks me on the lips. "I don't deserve you, kotik."

"You know I don't like it when you say that," I reprimand.

"I'm a man who knows the importance of the woman he is with. It's not something I am going to forget." He kisses me again.

I groan. "You're impossible."

"Yeah, but you love me."

"That's right. I do. Don't forget it." I glance at my watch. "I need to shower. I sadly see you already did at the gym."

His eyes twinkle. "If I didn't need to speak to my brother, I would take another."

I rise and put my arms around his shoulders then give him a final kiss.

He squeezes my ass then pats it. "We will discuss things after my call with Boris."

"Okay. Keep in mind I like Nora and already have ideas floating in my head. It would be super fun to design her restaurant."

He chuckles. "Noted."

I shower and get ready.

When I come out, Dmitri eyes me up and whistles. "It's a good thing you're only going to meet with a woman. I might be worried all day."

"Ha, ha. You know I only have eyes for you, lover boy. Do I get the clear to go?"

"Yes. Viktor will go with you."

I smirk. "Like everywhere else I go?"

"Point taken. Is it bothering you?"

I shake my head. "Not really. Viktor's grown to adore me. He hasn't admitted it yet, but one of these days he's going to."

Amusement crosses Dmitri's face. "I'm also sending Peter."

My pulse increases. "Why do I need two bodyguards?"

"It's only precautionary. I would send Boris, but he needs to be in our meeting today."

"No offense, but I'm ready to wear my big girl panties and be Ivanov-free to close this project."

Pride sweeps his expression. "I'm sure you will, kotik. Tell you what. Why don't we go celebrate your win tonight?"

"She hasn't hired me yet."

He pulls me into his arms. "Pretty sure you'll have a signed contract in your hands. Should I plan something?"

"Sure."

He kisses me. "Viktor is waiting by the elevator."

I steal his lips one last time then leave. Viktor escorts me to the car. He sits in the back with me, since Peter is in the passenger seat. It takes ten minutes to arrive at Nora's.

Her restaurant is a stereotypical Irish pub with thick wood, mirrored Guinness signs, and four-leaf clovers. Tape covers ripped spots on the green vinyl booths. It's faded and worn in many places. A mix of stale beer, fried food, cabbage, and potatoes floods my nostrils.

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