Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
Viktor
H er breathing is slowing down. I’ve exhausted her. I’ve been teasing her to the edge for weeks without claiming her. Even though I've wanted to since the first night. The more time I spent with her, the more I wanted her. I tried to break her with my little games, but a man can only take so much.
When I planned tonight, I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve never wined and dined a woman before, but she makes me want to. She rotates her body to me, and fits perfectly in my arms. She’s on her side with her eyes closed, but her hands are on my chest. It’s a sweet, perfect moment. She’s different from all the other women I’ve been with, but I’m not the man she deserves. Under her tough exterior, there’s a sweet, pure woman whose heart I’m destined to break. My life is filled with nothing good, and she deserves better.
Claiming her is more than I expected. Her inexperience, if I’m not careful, will be my demise. She’s perfect for me. The way her body responds to my every touch. There’s a fire in Ava she’s yet to discover. I want to bring her into my darkest desires and show her true pleasure. But she’s a virgin in so many ways.
“Viktor, what’s going to happen now?” Her gentle voice breaks into my reverie.
“What do you mean?” I look at her.
“This wasn’t exactly part of the arrangement.” I stay quiet as I figure out how to answer. “I’m not asking because I’m looking for something more. I just want to know where we stand.” Her fingers trace circles on my chest.
“Nothing’s changed. The arrangement stands. We’re two consenting adults enjoying each other’s company.” I’m not sure why I say it. But it has to be our truth. We can never be more than what we are now.
“I understand.” Her voice is barely audible. She moves to turn away from me, but I stop her.
“Ava, I need to know you understand. This is temporary. When this arrangement ends, you will return to your life.” There’s a long silence. “Ava?—”
“I understand. I just want to be on the same page.” She tries to leave my side again. I know I’ve hurt her, but emotions can’t be a part of this. I want to avoid emotions, they’re messy, and I don’t do messy.
“I’m not the man you fall in love with. This will come to an end.” I add.
She moves from me, but I grab her and pull her on top of me.
“Viktor—” my lips crush hers, interrupting her.
“Shhh, enjoy the moment,” I soothe, breaking the kiss.
Ava is mine. I’ve claimed her, and much as I shouldn’t think this, I don’t want any other man to ever have her. If I were a better man, I wouldn’t do this to her. I’m confusing her. I constantly remind her this is temporary, but maybe I also need to remind myself.
“Wake up.” I whisper to Ava.
“Hmm.”
“Breakfast will be here in twenty minutes. There are clean clothes for you to wear in the closet.” She opens her eyes, smiling.
“I want to sleep more. I’m tired.”
“I have a meeting I can’t miss.”
“Fine. But it’s your fault I’m tired,” she says petulantly, getting out of bed.
“Twenty minutes,” I repeat.
I walk over to the patio where the paper and coffee are waiting. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this rested. It felt great to live in the moment with Ava. I meant it when I told her this is temporary, even if I won’t give her up. I’m a man who takes. It brings me pleasure. Lust is easy for me. It’s love that’s dangerous. I’m determined to let her go home at the end of our arrangement. I have to for her sake and mine.
My responsibilities are above everything. Of late, I’m constantly at a crossroads because of her. I don’t do complications, and that is exactly what Ava is. A complication. There can’t be love between Ava and me. I loved Fiona, and look at where that got me. I almost died because of that love. After what happened, I decided love would never play a part in my life again. But Ava has done something to me. She has me questioning if a man like me can have more—deserves more. Even when I’m angry with her, I want her with me. She’s become an integral part of me.
“Thank you for last night.” She interrupts my thoughts.
“You're welcome. Sit. Breakfast should be here soon.” She does so without question. Why can’t she be like this all the time? It would be much easier for me to deal with everything else if she did. I go back to reading the paper.
“Can I ask you something without you getting upset?”
I look up. “Go ahead.”
“Things have been good between us, and I don’t want to rock the boat. But do you think I can have a little more say in where I go? I don’t want to ask permission.” Her eyes beseech me.
“After last time, that’s a hard no.”
“You’re constantly telling me I’m not a prisoner, but you treat me like one. I just want some free will back.”
“We have an arrangement. I expect you to honor it. You can do as you please at the end of our arrangement, but not a minute before.”
She’s going to say something more, but there is a knock at the door.
“Room service.”
“Come in,” I call. The server sets everything on the table, and Ava’s attention never leaves the ocean waves. I wait until the server leaves before I speak. “Ava.” She doesn’t look at me. “Ava, look at me.” I slam my fist on the table, making everything rattle.
“What?” Her eyes snap back at me, and I take a deep breath.
“You can go out with Tina. I expect you to tell me in advance when and where. Marco must be with you at all times. It’s non-negotiable.”
“Thank you,” she says, smiling.
“Now eat.” All it takes for me to concede is a smile from her.
Fuck, what is she doing to me?