Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 78264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
The corner of my mouth lifts in a grin because the taboo moment I stole was so worth it.
Chapter 30
Abbie
Jesus.
I have zero brain activity.
Holy shit.
Nikolai in a suit is…ahhh…still zero brain activity.
I stand in the closet, blinking like an idiot, while drool threatens to drip down my chin.
HOT.
Taking a deep breath, I try to calm my excited heart while I drop the towel. Digging through my luggage, I grab underwear and put my bra and panties on.
I’ve gotten used to wearing baggy clothes, but as I reach for a t-shirt, I pause to think.
It’s only Nikolai here, and he won’t do anything to hurt me.
I take out a tight pair of pants and rub the fabric between my fingers.
Do I want to feel sexy?
Am I ready for that?
Before I can overthink things, I pull the pants on and pair them with a silk blouse that shows ample cleavage. I slip on my high heels and turn to look at my reflection in the mirror.
A sexy bombshell stares back at me.
Hi, Abbie.
I’ve missed you.
My eyes tear up, and I suck in deep breaths to keep from crying.
I don’t want to be this ghost anymore. I’m going to fight for you.
I want to be flirtatious again with Nikolai. I want to drive him insane with my sass and watch as he unravels.
Walking to the window, I sift through my emotions, wanting to make sure I’m ready for the next step.
I feel so safe with Nikolai, and the attraction is there. Hell, it’s grown over the past month.
My emotions calm, and for the first time since the vile act, I feel a sense of power trickle into my heart.
I want to be normal again and see where things can go with Nikolai.
Walking back to the bathroom, I free my hair from the ponytail it’s been stuck in twenty-four-seven and pull a brush through the strands.
I also swipe on some mascara and lipstick, and before I can change my mind and take it all off, I rush out of the bedroom.
I slow my pace as I near the kitchen, where I can hear Nikolai moving around.
Feeling nervous, I take a couple of quick breaths, lift my chin, and enter the kitchen. I see Nikolai seasoning steaks.
“Damn, Mr. Vetrov,” I purr.
His head snaps in my direction, his hands freezing in place. There’s surprise on his face as he stares at me.
I let my eyes drift over his body, once again thinking I’m definitely a girl who appreciates a man in a suit.
“You keep looking that hot, and I might misbehave.”
Emotion washes over Nikolai’s face as if I’d just told him I found the solution to world peace.
He tilts his head, his eyes locked on me.
Slowly I saunter closer until I’m able to place my hand on his chest. I slip my palm beneath the silky fabric of his shirt. “I really like this look on you.”
A frown forms on his forehead. “You’re looking for trouble, little girl.”
A smile splits over my face as we share this moment of me being the flirty girl who dared to hit on her instructor.
Nikolai’s eyes soften. “You look beautiful, Malyshka.”
My hand moves up until my palm rests against his jaw. “You make me feel beautiful.”
Nikolai presses a kiss to my forehead, then pulls away. “Could you open the wine and pour us some?”
“I’ve never opened one before. I scrunch my nose. “I can try, though.”
He lets out a chuckle. “I’ll teach you.”
Nikolai pulls the bottle of wine closer to him, then crooks a finger at me. “Come closer.”
My stomach flutters as I step into the small space between him and the counter. He wraps his strong arms around me, his chest pressing against my back.
My abdomen clenches so hard I go a little weak in the knees.
Oh, Jesus. I think it’s safe to say I’m not entirely broken.
The realization makes me lightheaded with happiness.
Just maybe, Nikolai has the power to heal me.
I focus on the feel of his solid chest behind me. The safety of his arms as he pulls the bottle and corkscrew closer.
His breath skims the sensitive skin beneath my ear. “Are you watching?”
“Uh-huh.” I’m freaking breathless, and all he’s doing is standing close to me.
The image of his naked body in the shower, the water pouring down his tanned skin, his impressive manhood – they bombard me until my heart is beating faster than a hummingbird’s wings.
I watch his strong hands twist the corkscrew into the cork and how easily he pulls it out.
The tension between us is palpable, my body humming with need.
Feeling nervous, I ask the most random question I can think of, “Why are you wearing a suit? Not that I’m complaining.”
“I like suits. I’m not a jeans and sweater kind of guy.” He presses a kiss to the side of my neck, then murmurs, “The jacket covers my gun.”