Chapter 25
Nina
After I’m done giving Simi dinner and bathing her, I get her settled in bed and read her a story.
The past several days have been nothing short of heavenly. The food Georgi’s mom brings is always mouthwateringly good. He told me she’s a world-class chef and that he’ll take us to her restaurant sometime.
Everything was going so well.
Simi and I have closets full of gorgeous clothes.
Much more than we’ll ever need. I actually had to pack all of Simi’s things in another room.
After all the furniture arrived that Georgi ordered for her, transforming her bedroom into an enchanted kingdom, Simi announced that she wants to sleep in her own bed.
Then the visit to the hospital happened. It was nerve-wracking, and when we left, Georgi looked very angry.
It’s been hours since he went to visit Raya, and my anxiety has only increased.
I don’t know what caused Georgi’s anger, I just know from bitter experience that when men like him get upset, women like me pay.
Noticing Simi has fallen asleep, her arms on either side of her with her fingers relaxed and not clenched into fists, there’s a burst of happiness in my heart.
It’s been a dream come true spending so much time with her and getting to be her mother.
All because of Georgi.
Worry quickly dims my happiness, and carefully getting up, I adjust the pink and silver covers around my daughter before walking to the door.
I pause for a moment, taking in the whimsical merry-go-round lamp with prancing horses.
The light reflects stars onto the ceiling, so the room isn’t too dark.
“I love you, milo moe,” I whisper before I pull the door shut.
I glance down at the powder blue silk camisole and matching shorts I changed into after I showered, the sheer nightgown drifting around my body, and I wonder if I should go downstairs and wait for Georgi or go to bed.
I’d rather be downstairs if he comes home and takes his anger out on me than in my bedroom, where Simi might hear.
My bare feet pat over the dark tiles as I walk to the stairs, and taking them down, I grip my nightgown, pulling it tighter around my body.
At the bottom, I pause and glance down at the pajamas that seem a little too…provocative.
I’ve always kept myself covered at Boris’ house and tried my best not to draw the men’s attention.
My heart speeds up a little as I glance at the foyer.
Georgi has made it clear in many ways that he won’t try anything until I’m ready.
The reminder eases the tension surrounding my outfit, and I walk to the sunken living room, taking a seat on one of the couches. I lean forward and cross my arms before resting them on my thighs.
Staring at the elevator, I’m wound tight while I wait.
What if he doesn’t come home tonight?
Just as I think the thought, the doors slide open and Georgi walks into the large foyer.
I dart to my feet and fist my hands at my sides, my eyes locked on him.
He tucks his phone into his pocket and lifts his head, looking in the direction of the staircase, then his head snaps to me, and he stops dead in his tracks.
His lips part, and his features tighten with what I think is appreciation. Clearing his throat, he comes closer, his voice a little hoarse as he says, “This is one hell of a sight to come home to.”
What does that mean?
Stopping in front of me, he lifts his hand but then seems to change his mind and lowers it again.
“You look beautiful, Nina.”
I search his eyes, but there are no traces of the anger I saw earlier. The knot in my chest vanishes, and his compliment makes warmth take its place.
“I’m glad you like the pajamas. You paid for everything.”
“Don’t do that.” He shakes his head hard. “The clothes belong to you, Nina. Accept it.”
He’s right. I’ve been constantly aware of everything he bought us and haven’t thought of it as mine.
“I’m sorry. I’ll work on that.”
Nodding, he moves past me and drops down on the couch.
I turn around to look at him, and worried that he hasn’t eaten, I ask, “Have you had dinner?”
A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth as he pats the cushion beside him. “I had a burger and fries.”
I perch on the edge and let my eyes drift over his face. Most of the dark bruises have faded, and soon they will be all gone.
When my gaze locks with Georgi’s hazel one, my stomach flutters like it’s done every single day in this man’s presence.
I don’t think I’ll ever get used to how attractive he is.
“Simi’s asleep,” I mention just to make conversation. “She wanted to wait up for you, but I bribed her with a bedtime story.”
A warm smile forms on his face while he lets out a deep chuckle.
I tilt my head and stare at him, getting lost in how amazing he is.
Georgi doesn’t break eye contact, his breathing steady, and it feels as if something magical weaves through the air between us.
I have no idea how much time passes before he whispers, “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”
Keeping my tone soft as well, I reply, “Just thinking about what an extraordinary person you are.”
“Yeah?”
He scoots a little down, half into a lying position, and kicks off his loafers before crossing his legs at the ankles and resting his feet on the coffee table.
I shift up and lean my shoulder against the back of the couch, so I’m facing Georgi, then pull my legs up and fold them beneath me.
When my knees lightly brush against the side of his thigh, tingles rush over my skin.
“It’s hard to believe how much my life has changed,” I admit.
Georgi pinches my nightgown between his index finger and thumb, and just like Simi, he rubs the fabric. “Are you starting to feel better?”
I don’t hesitate and nod. “Much better.”
We’re still whispering as we talk, and it begins to feel very intimate.
“I found out your birthday is on the fifth of February,” he informs me. “It’s still months away, but what is the one thing you would like to do most in the world?”
I suck in a deep breath as I try to think of something, then answer, “I don’t know.”
“Okay. I’ll make it a surprise.”
“When is your birthday?” I ask, so I don’t miss it. This man deserves to be celebrated.
“December twenty-eight.”
The question unleashes many more. “How old are you?”
“Thirty-five.”
The corner of his mouth lifts, and somehow, we’ve drifted closer to each other, our foreheads almost touching.
“What’s your favorite thing to do?” I ask.
“Spending time with my family. We get together a lot, so you need to brace for that.”
Apprehension trickles through my chest. “Do you think they’ll be okay with me being at these gatherings?”
“Yes. Everyone just needs time.” Georgi lifts his hand and intimately pulls his fingers through my hair. “What’s your favorite thing to do?”
“Spending time with Simi.”
“I love her.” His smile widens. “You have the most amazing daughter, angelche moe.”
I can see he means every word, and it feels as if something unfurls from the ashes of my past. It’s an emotion I never thought I’d feel again.
As I stare at Georgi, I realize I’ve had a crush on him since I saw him sitting at the table in the bar, and it’s developing into so much more. It’s shooting down roots in my heart, making hopes and dreams blossom, every petal fragile.
My gaze drifts over every inch of his face before stopping on his mouth.
The last time I kissed someone because I wanted to, I was seventeen and crushing hard on Daniel. He was the smartest in our class. Even though we kissed, we didn’t have a relationship because he left to go study in England while I…
No. No thinking of that time. Not now.
I focus on Georgi again, wondering what it would be like to kiss him.
Everything around me fades away until there’s him, and the way he’s looking at me. The magical trance spins tighter around me, and without knowing what I’m doing, I lean closer…and closer.
“Wait.”
The bubble pops so loud, my cheeks instantly flame up and I jerk away.
Georgi’s hand shoots up, and he grips me behind my neck before I can get up, then I’m hauled back until our faces are close together again.
“I want to tell you something.” His tone is still soft and seductive, and it sets me at ease. “I’ve never kissed a woman.”
My eyebrows fly up, and I blink at him, because…what?
“You’re lying.” The words are out before I can stop them.
Georgi smiles again, then explains, “It’s something that’s very special to me.
I vowed I would only kiss a woman if I love her, and I’ve never felt that way about anyone until you.
” The expression on his face turns half cocky and very, very hot.
“I wanted you to know that, so if I suck at kissing, you won’t laugh at me. ”
“So what did you do when you were…busy with a woman?”
“I was always direct about what would happen. No kissing. Everything else was on the table.”
Again, we stare at each other as I process what I’ve just learned about Georgi.
Knowing he’s inexperienced, and it will give me control, I ask, “Is that something you want? For us to kiss?”
He nods, his thumb brushing over the skin beneath my ear. “I want everything from you, Nina. When you’re ready.”
I think I can handle kissing.
My gaze drops to his mouth, and I stare at his full lips surrounded by dark bristles.
When my pulse skyrockets, I close the distance between us before I lose my nerve. The instant our mouths touch, a shock moves through me. It’s so unexpected that my hands fly up and I grip fistfuls of his shirt.
Georgi’s lips are warm and hesitant beneath mine, and the inexperience I feel coming from him makes my chest tighten.
I brush my mouth over his again, slower this time, lingering to let him grow accustomed to how it feels, then I gently nip his lower lip before pulling back.
A smirk spreads over his face, making him look boyish and wicked all at once, and the sight sends heat rushing through my abdomen.
Unable to resist, I lean in again. “Open for me.” My whisper is filled with desire.
When he does as I say, I press my mouth to his, and the moment my tongue brushes over his, a tremor moves through me, making me gasp. I feel the same shudder ripple through Georgi, and his breath is sharp as he tilts his head.
Moving onto my knees, I lean against his chest as I deepen the kiss, showing him without words what to do.
He follows the pace I set, then he lifts his hand to my face and cups my cheek.
There’s another powerful shift between us, and it has Georgi taking control of the kiss.
The strokes of his tongue are firm and his lips taste mine with so much passion, it steals my breath. Another shiver ripples through us, and he takes my mouth as if he’s just found something he’s been searching for his entire life.
“Christ,” he groans against my lips while he wraps his other arm around my waist, holding me tightly to his chest. “You taste incredible.” Between groans and whispered words, his mouth nips and his teeth tug until I feel warm and tingly all over.
Georgi slows the kiss down before pulling back an inch. By the time our eyes open and they meet, I’m standing on the edge of falling in love.
“I’m so fucking glad I waited for you.”
His words push me over, and I fall at the speed of light.
“Nina?” Worry flashes over his face, and when I cover my mouth with a trembling hand to smother the first sob, he sits up and frames my cheeks. “Was it too much?”
I shake my head quickly and squeeze the words out, tears escaping my eyes.
“It was perfect.” I place my palm against the rough bristles covering his jaw and brush my thumb over his bottom lip.
“You…I…” I swallow hard as overpowering emotions twirl and skip around in my chest, just like Simi did in the toy store. “I’m in love with you.”
The worry vanishes from his face, and surprise fills his eyes. “And how do you feel about that?”
“Good.” A smile breaks through my happy tears, and I throw my arms around his neck as I press my mouth to his again. “So good,” I whisper, then our tongues touch again, and I lose myself in one of the most profound moments of my life.