Chapter 19 – Lev
The scent of vodka and the faint thread of smoke from my Cuban cigar wafted through the air as I sat back in my chair, unable to focus on work.
My mind was flooded with thoughts of Ravyn and our time together last night. How could one woman make me feel so alive and fulfilled? The best part was that she hadn't been with another man since she left years ago.
She could have been lying so that I wouldn't think ill of her. But I could swear that she wasn't. Five years was a long time for a woman her age to keep herself. She was a young and gorgeous woman, hard-working and intelligent. Surely, men of all kinds must have approached her. Yet, she didn't fall for temptation.
I was impressed, very impressed, in fact, and also filled with pride. Despite how much she feared and hated me at the same time, she still valued me deep down. In her subconscious, she understood that her body was mine and mine alone. However, if she wanted to fool around with other men, she would have done so. But she didn't.
Regardless of how much she claimed to despise me, all of that was a lie to mask her true feelings. Why else would she give both her kids Russian names if, indeed, she loathed me?
Images of her face, contorted in pleasure, kept flashing in my head, occupying my mind. I could hear the sound of her moans, could feel her touch against my skin, and just like that, my cock swelled up in my pants.
I rubbed my eyes, letting out a deep sigh, recalling the scent of her arousal and the way she tasted so good. I'd had more than a few women in my life but none of them had triggered me like she did.
It was almost as if I was starting to get attached to her, which was strange, alarming, and intriguing at the same time. Attachment to anyone or anything other than the Bratva course was alien to me, yet it felt right with her.
Last night, Ravyn and I didn't just have sex like two horny adults; well, it may have begun in that direction. But as our passion blossomed, the affection between us transcended to something more sensual.
Each touch, each deep kiss, ignited a flame within us that fueled our passion. I hadn't enjoyed sex in this manner before, and that seemed to be the reason I couldn't stop thinking about it. Everything about Ravyn was pleasing to me. Every inch of her body seemed to call out to me, hinting at her longing for me.
I combed my fingers through my hair, a sexual heat overwhelming me where I sat, wishing she was around. The taste of her cum still lingered on my tongue, and the more I tried to push these illicit thoughts to the back of my mind, the more they kept tugging at me.
Why couldn't I resist her? Why couldn't I stay angry at her for so long? She’d pushed me to the wall, outsmarted me, ran away with my kids, and deprived me of knowing them. Yet, it was like my heart still beat for her.
She stirred up feelings within me that I didn't think I had, feelings I couldn't quite understand. Ravyn's stubbornness, guts, spunk, and defiance had a way of pulling me in like a moth to a flame.
Her presence awakened emotions that I'd suppressed my entire life, igniting a flame of passion that burned so bright. Ravyn was unlike any woman I'd ever known: strong, resilient, and a goal-getter.
She had raised my kids on her own for four years and somehow managed to balance motherhood and her work life. As much as I tried to mask it, I was impressed by her ability to effortlessly multitask.
Perhaps she was right about being capable of being both a mother and an entrepreneur at the same time. Her only request since she returned with me was that I let her continue with her business here in the city. It was an opportunity for her to expand, and with my money and resources, she'd be climbing up the ladder of success a lot quicker than she could imagine.
Ravyn might not know this yet, but she had my respect. Yes, she got on my nerves at times, especially when proving stubborn. But regardless of how annoying she could be, I admired her, maybe even adored her.
Her type was rare, and I'd be a fool if I let her slip through my fingers again.
I wouldn't be the man to stand in the way of her success. No. She worked so hard to build her life without my help or her parents’; it would be unfair to make her give it all up. She was a woman with dreams, goals, and ambition, and if I wouldn't support her, I would at least not be the obstacle in her way.
Moving her boutique to the city was a great idea; it would put a smile on her face, and I'd like that. Seeing her happy had suddenly become my priority.
The sound of my phone buzzing on the mahogany table interrupted my thoughts, my eyes darting to the lit screen. It was an incoming call from Andrey.
I picked up the phone and answered, the device clasped to my ear.
“Boss.” Andrey's deep voice came through the speakers. “We're almost there, just a few blocks away.”
“Good,” I replied, reclining into my chair. “Keep me updated on everything.”
“Got it,” he replied.
“Andrey,” I called before he hung up the phone. “Protect them with your life,” I added, my voice stern and solemn.
“Yes, Boss.” He hung up the phone.
Ravyn and I had discussed her reunion with her parents and came to the conclusion that she should meet with them today. I could tell that she was nervous about meeting them, considering how time had passed and the circumstances behind her leaving.
I should have been the one driving her and the kids to her parents’ place, but I had an important meeting to attend. Honestly, it was up to me, I'd have said she should wait and we'd go together tomorrow. But she seemed eager to get it over and done with, and I had to trust and respect her decision.
Exerting my authority as a man was what the old me would have done, but this version of myself was learning to be more open-minded. She'd given me more than enough reason to trust her—for one, she'd survived without me for five years.
Ravyn could take care of herself. No arguments there. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. Perhaps I was only being paranoid since my family was out there without me to protect them.
Whatever the case, they'd be fine—Andrey was with them. With or without being told, he'd keep them safe at all costs.