Chapter 10 - Pippa
The morning sun filters through my curtains, casting a warm glow on the bedroom floor. I groggily stretch and feel my lips, reminding myself what it felt like to feel Lev’s on mine. Thoughts of him cascade through my mind, but I force myself to stop and jump out of bed. It was just a kiss, nothing more.
I prepare myself for another day of classes. I get dressed, grab a piece of fruit, and walk out the front door, expecting to see Dmitri waiting for me in his usual spot by the car. Instead, I’m surprised to find Lev leaning against the car.
This morning, he’s got on soft brown trousers and a half-sleeved, off-white linen button-down shirt that fits his lanky, tall frame slightly tight, highlighting the muscles beneath. His arm tattoos are on full display; a dragon carving down his forearm, emitting fire, trailing over to his wrist. His hair is tied up in this man-bun sort of thing that makes him look incredibly hot.
I feel the sweat beading down my neck, and it’s definitely not because of the heat. It’s just that I thought the kiss last night had to have been a mistake. There’s no way a man like Lev Zolotov could actually have wanted to kiss me, is there?
I initiated it with how I whispered his name, my gaze on his lips. Maybe he was just being nice, not wanting to turn me down after angering me.
"Where's Dmitri?" I ask, trying to sound nonchalant, though my heart races at the thought of all the reasons he might have kissed me, each of which constantly tells me it was a mistake from his end.
"Decided to take the day off," Lev smirks. "I figured I'd give him a break and accompany you to your classes today. You know, since I'm so bored around the house."
"Great, just what I need," I retort, rolling my eyes. Secretly, I am confused by the prospect of spending the day with him. Secretly, I wonder if he’ll say something about our kiss. I decide I won’t be the one to broach the topic, given how it might not have meant anything to him.
On campus, Lev walks beside me, showing an unexpected interest in my academic pursuits. "So, what fascinating subjects are we delving into today?" he teases.
"First up, we have Art History," I reply, trying to match his wit. "Followed by the oh-so-exciting world of Statistics, and to end it up, we’ve got marketing."
"Ah yes, because nothing screams fun like analyzing data," he chuckles, letting his hair open for a moment to run his hands through it before retying the man-bun at a slightly higher point above his neck.
"Hey, it's important!" I protest, though all I can do is think about how masculine his hands are. For a second, I wonder what it would feel like to be held by them.
I’m brought out of my daydream, thank god, when he asks what my major is. “Business operations,” I tell him.
“So, why the Art History?”
“I like to feed my soul, too, once in a while,” I shrug.
“Ah, yes,” he nods, seriously. “And here I thought feeding my soul with some scotch and a little animal planet was enough to do the job. Just so you know, my soul hates me now after the perks you give yours.”
I can't help but laugh at his unexpected response, the way he effortlessly turns a simple conversation into something amusing. Despite his reckless attitude, there's a sharp intelligence in his eyes that catches me off guard.
As we walk, I notice several girls eyeing Lev appreciatively. His height, his chiseled face, the preppy man look, and his blue-gray eyes seem to captivate anyone who crosses his path.
"Looks like you've got some admirers," I say, nodding toward the gawking students.
"Can you blame them?" Lev smirks with an exaggerated shrug. "But they should know that I only have eyes for one curvy, brown-eyed beauty."
“Who?” I ask innocently, looking around the campus with a thundering heart. When he says nothing, I turn to find him staring at me with an amused expression.
Suddenly, I feel like a fool. Oh. Oh. He means me.
He just chuckles at how shocked I look, and shakes his head. “Let’s get you to class, before you melt from sheer disbelief.”
“Yeah, right,” I manage to squeak out, but my heart soars. For the first time today, I entertain the idea that perhaps he truly had meant to kiss me. It wasn’t a mistake!
By the time we settle into our seats in my marketing class, I've grown accustomed to Lev's presence. The room buzzes with excitement at the sight of him, but he seems disinterested in the attention.
"Alright, everyone," Professor Jenkins begins. "Today, we're discussing the impact of social media on branding. What strategies can businesses use to leverage social media to their advantage?"
Several students raise their hands, offering ideas like influencer collaborations and customer engagement through comments and likes. To my surprise, Lev chimes in with an insight that leaves me impressed.
"Businesses should focus on generating user-generated content," he suggests. "Encouraging customers to share their experiences with the brand can have a huge impact on credibility and reach."
"Interesting point, Mr…?" Professor Jenkins prompts, unsure of Lev's name since he isn't officially enrolled in the class.
"Zolotov," Lev supplies, smirking as if he's aware of the stir he's causing.
"Ah, yes. Thank you, Mr. Zolotov," the professor acknowledges before turning back to the class. "Any thoughts on that idea?"
I raise my hand, eager to engage in this intellectual dance playing out between Lev and me. "While user-generated content is valuable, it's important to maintain control over the narrative. Brands need to ensure that their messaging remains consistent across all platforms."
"Very true, Ms. Anderson," Professor Jenkins agrees. "It's essential to strike a balance between authenticity and consistency."
As the discussion continues, I find myself more and more captivated by Lev's intellect. He counters my points with well-constructed arguments, and I do my best to match his wit. It becomes increasingly difficult to deny the intellectual connection we share. He becomes my sparring partner, and I am having the time of my life with it. At last, he’s a man who can hold his ground against me, who has much more to offer in a conversation than I initially thought he could.
And I must admit, I’m smitten by the revelation because there’s nothing worse than being stuck with a man who can bore you to death.
***
Lev starts accompanying me to my classes most days of the week, and though I try to focus on my studies, I can't help but be distracted by his presence. When he's not participating in the lectures, he spends his time doodling in a notebook or staring out the window, lost in thought.
My eyes are constantly drawn to him, taking in the way his eyes narrow when he's deep in concentration or how his lips curl into a smirk when he catches me looking. I'll quickly avert my gaze, cheeks flushing with embarrassment, but the magnetic pull only intensifies with each stolen glance.
"Focus, Pippa," I chastise myself internally, attempting to concentrate on what’s happening in my class. But even as I do, I know that Lev Zolotov has taken up residence in my thoughts, and it's becoming increasingly harder to evict him.
***
The following Monday, I decide to get a kickstart on studying for a couple of upcoming tests. The library is a sanctuary of silence and solitude, the perfect place to escape Lev's relentless presence and focus on my studies. However, as I hunch over a table laden with textbooks, I quickly realize that my plan has failed. Lev leans against a shelf opposite me, his eyes glinting with mischief as he watches me struggle to concentrate.
"Lev," I hiss through gritted teeth. "Can you please go somewhere else? I really need to study."
"Aw, come on, Pippa," he drawls, smirking at my frustration. "Don't you enjoy my company?"
"Right now? Not particularly."
"Fine," he sighs dramatically, pushing himself away from the shelf with his foot. "I'll leave you alone… but only if you tell me what I can do around here to entertain myself."
“Fine,” I say, shaking my head. “Go find me a copy of Great Expectations for my literature paper. It has to be hardcover.”
“Has to be?” he raises his eyebrow.
“I hate reading paperback fiction. It’s far too common,” I flick my hair back over my shoulder.
“Consider it done, my Queen,” he gives me a dramatic bow. Around us, a few girls begin to giggle. I blush and shoo him away.
No more than five minutes pass before a familiar figure approaches my table. It's Tim, a guy from my marketing class who has never shown any interest in me before. He flashes a charming smile and leans in close, making me uncomfortable.
"Hey, Pippa," he says smoothly. "I was wondering about that guy who’s been following you around.”
“What about him?” I ask with a straight face.
“Is he your boyfriend?”
“No,” I say, stone-faced.
“Well, in that case…” His face lights up. “I was thinking we should go out sometime. How about this Friday?"
"Um, thanks for the offer, Tim, but I'm not really interested," I respond, trying to sound polite yet firm.
"Come on, Pippa," he persists, leaning even closer. "Just one date. You never know—we might hit it off."
“I’m just not interested, Tim. So sorry.”
“What? Why?” he asks, looking shocked that I said no. “We don’t have to go out and all if you don’t want to. We can hang out at my place, too.”
My heart starts to pound as anxiety creeps in. "Really, Tim, I appreciate it, but I'm not—"
"Didn’t you hear her say no?" Lev's voice cuts through the air, and I've never been so relieved to see him. He saunters over, a triumphant look on his face as he puts down a copy of Great Expectations on the table before me.
"Thanks, Lev," I say hurriedly, snatching the book from the table. "Tim was just leaving."
"Really?" Lev's eyes narrow as he glares at Tim. "Because it sounded like he wasn't taking no for an answer."
"Lev—" I start, but he holds up a hand to silence me.
"Tim," he says icily. "I suggest you walk away before I lose my patience."
“Oh yeah? And who the hell do you think you are?” Tim antagonizes him, looking Lev up and down. “Her sugar daddy or something?”
I gasp at the insinuation, and time slows still as I see Lev’s face redden with rage. Lev leaps forward, and grabs Tim’s collars, slamming him against the wall. Lev leans forward, and grabs his hand.
The moment Lev grabs Tim's wrist and twists it, I can see the pain contorting Tim's face. He drops to his knees, gasping for breath as Lev towers over him with a chilling glare.
"Lev," I protest, my voice shaking. "That's enough!"
"Listen closely, Tim," Lev growls, ignoring my plea. "If you so much as look at Pippa again, I'll break every single one of your fingers. Understood?"
"Lev!" I exclaim, grabbing his arm in an attempt to pull him away. "You're going too far!"
"Fine," he snaps, releasing Tim's hand with a shove that sends him sprawling onto the library floor. As Tim scrambles up and scurries away, I wrap my hand around Lev's wrist, leading him toward a secluded area of the library.
"Lev," I begin, struggling to keep my voice steady. "Why did you do that? That was beyond unnecessary."
"Maybe," he replies, his tone unapologetic. "But I don't like seeing guys harass you, and that guy was interested in you for all the wrong reasons, Pippa."
"Still, that doesn't give you the right to assault someone," I argue, though a part of me appreciates his protectiveness.
Once we reach the secluded area, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The hushed whispers of students and the soft rustling of pages are muffled by the towering bookshelves surrounding us. The dim light filtering through the small windows casts a warm glow on the dusty volumes while the scent of old paper fills the air.
"Look, Pippa," Lev says softly, his eyes locking onto mine. "I know I went too far, but I just… I couldn't stand there and let that guy bother you."
I sigh, feeling my anger ebb away. "I understand that. But you need to learn how to control your temper."
"Maybe," he admits, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "But I'm not going to apologize for protecting you," he leans forward and gently tucks back a strand of hair behind my ear.
Because of that one small gesture, I realize just how close Lev is standing, and my heart races—close enough for me to feel the heat radiating from his body and study the stormy depths of his eyes. The air feels thick with unspoken emotions, memories rushing back from the previous night when he held me close and claimed me with his lips, and I swallow hard, suddenly aware of every point of contact between us.
"Lev…" I whisper, my hands still wrapped around his wrist. He looks down at our entwined fingers, then back up to meet my gaze, a question in his eyes. Our faces are inches apart, and it takes all my willpower not to lean in and close that gap. His thumb strokes my wrist in a gentle caress, sending shivers down my spine.
"Tell me what you want, Pippa," he murmurs, his voice low and rough, filled with barely restrained desire.
I swallow hard, torn between my growing need for him and the confusion swirling inside me. What he’s asking me to do is something I’ve never done before with a man. I wonder if I should bite back, say nothing, and turn around.
But then I think back to all the good things that have happened in my life. None of them came from holding back or not taking risks.
"I… I want you," I admit softly, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. Before he can say a word, I get on my toes and place my hands behind his neck, pulling him in toward me. I hear him gasp as I take his lips against mine. A slow, sure fever burns through me, and I feel things in my body I’ve never felt before.
His lips are soft against mine, his kiss tender yet full of restrained passion. I groan and inch closer to him, gripping his shirt and pulling him closer. He pulls back, breathless.
“You sure?” he asks, giving me one last chance to back out. His voice, however, is husky with need. It tells me he wants this just as bad as I do.
"Yes," I breathe, my heart pounding in my chest.
The next thing I know, his eyes darken, and he slams me against the bookshelf hungrily, his lips meeting mine in a searing kiss full of passion and raw need. As his tongue dances with mine, I lose myself in the moment. With skilled hands, he slowly pulls up the ankle-length hem of my loose cotton dress, clutching it in his fingers as he raises it above my thighs, leaving a trail of fire wherever his fingers graze my newly exposed skin.
He pulls away from the kiss and takes his mouth down to my collarbone, nipping at my neck.
“Oh, Lev,” I moan, crutching my hands through his hair.
“Shh,” he whispers, reminding me we’re in the library.
Gently, he reaches for my panties and twists his finger through the strap. A fresh burst of nervousness comes over me. No one has ever touched me there before. My ribcage hurts from how hard my heart pounds, and I wonder if I should say something, but the truth is, I want to take this further. My body needs him the way my lungs need air.
He slowly trails his fingertip down my inner thigh, sending shivers through me. I place my arms around his neck and hold him tighter to myself. Next thing I know, he peels off my panties, letting them rest halfway down my thighs. He then proceeds to lift up one of my legs and rests it on a lower-rung shelf where there are a few books.
“Pippa,” he says, his voice low and filled with longing. "I need to know if you trust me."
I take a deep breath and meet his gaze, feeling a surge of warm desire coursing through me. Now, now is when I should tell him I’m a virgin. But I’m afraid he’ll back off. So, instead, I tell him the next best truth.
"Yes," I whisper, my heart racing. "I trust you."
He leans in and kisses me again, slowly tracing circles back up my thigh. My skin electrifies where his fingers leave a trail. “God,” he murmurs, now placing his lips to my ear, whispering into it. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
I bask at his reverence, tears almost springing to my eyes. I’ve never been loved this hard. I close my eyes, taking in the moment, and gasp when I finally feel his fingers on the folds of my pussy. His fingers rub against my folds, making me whimper in pleasure. "Feels like you're burning me."
"It's not me," he says, looking up at me with those intense, smoldering eyes. "It's you."
With that, he slides one finger gently into me, just a little, and I let out a loud moan and wince.
God, it feels like my whole world is about to end. It feels so damn good, and yet it is tinged with this sweet pain bordering on pleasure, a kind I never thought could exist.
“Lev,” I whisper, noticing he hasn’t moved forward. “More,” I beg.
He inches in a little more, and my body shudders. Then, to my surprise, he pulls away and looks at me with concern." Are you okay? You’re tighter than you should be."
"Yes," I say, still trying to catch my breath. "It's just… new."
Lev's brows furrow. "New? Pippa, have you never—"
"No," I interrupt, trembling still from the intensity of what just happened. "Never. I've never felt this before."
His eyes soften as he pulls out his finger, a dawn of realization coming over his face. “No, Lev,” I beg, desperation coursing through me. This is exactly what I was afraid of—that he’d stop. “I swear—”
But he stops me with a finger to my lips. “Shh,” he whispers as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “There’s so much more you need to experience.”
The way he says it, devilishly wicked, makes me melt into water. I watch as he gets down on his knees and disappears under my dress.
“What are you—?” I whisper, and then, my entire body jerks with pure ecstasy as his tongue flicks against my pussy. I blush, feeling nervous, terrified of how this all must feel for him.
I’m tense, but he holds my thighs in place and begins to lap at me. His tongue swirls around my clit, making me moan in pleasure in such a way that I’ve never experienced before. I grip the edge of the shelf, my knuckles turning white.
He begins to dab in and out of me, his tongue flicking like the speed of light. I feel myself clenching my pussy involuntarily, so afraid of what’s happening. I feel like I’m about to burst, like I must reign it in. He grips my thighs tighter under my dress, moaning as he digs into my skin, pushing himself further into me.
“Lev,” I groan, my eyes tightly shut.
“Tell me if this is too much for you,” he pulls away to ask.
“No,” I say hoarsely. “Carry on, please…”
I can literally hear him grin as he gets back to work. I can’t help but let out a muffled cry as his teeth lightly graze the entrance of my pussy. This new sensation sends a ripple of desire through me, and I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks.
Even as I whimper with pleasure, he doesn't slow down. Instead, he increases the speed of his lapping. It's as if he's provoked a wildfire in me, one that no amount of water can douse. I can't help but feel my body tremble helplessly against his tongue.
"Lev…" I moan, my voice breathy as I struggle to steady my nerves. "Please…"
I don't know what to say or what I'm begging for, but I know it's too intense for me to handle. Suddenly, whatever was left of my self-restraint dissipates, and I find myself parting my legs, giving him more space.
Suddenly, I feel his tongue in me, and his finger taps against my clit in circular motions, jolting my body to buck. I begin to understand what he meant by "so much more." My heart pounds like never before, my breaths come shallow and ragged and I feel my body reaching the precipice of something I have not experienced.
“Lev,” I moan. “Oh my god, Lev.”
In this instant, he presses his finger harder against my clit and curves his tongue. I feel my wetness dripping down my legs, and this one spot deep inside my pussy begins to thrum like a dam prepared to overflow.
“Lev, I—”
Before I can even finish, he picks up the pace. It’s so unexpected, so final, and so damn delicious that it pushes me over the edge. I feel the orgasm hit me like a tidal wave, my entire body convulsing as waves of pleasure crash over me. I can’t help but scream, and slam my hand shut over my mouth so no one can hear me. Lev holds my thighs tight, his grip firm and reassuring as I convulse over him. Slowly, my body relaxes, and I realize that I’m still panting heavily, my heart still racing.
He pulls out from under my dress and looks up at me reverently as he rises to his feet. “Are you okay?” he asks, concern etched on his face.
I nod, smiling slightly. “I’ve never been better,” I admit, still breathless.
“Good,” he tells me, leaning forward and kissing me on the forehead. He then leans down again and gently slides on my panties for me while I still lean back against the shelf. The whole time, all I can think is: What the hell just happened?
One minute, Lev’s punching a guy who asked me out, and the next? He’s under my dress…