Chapter 13
Evie
The next couple of days pass by in a perfect blur of amazing sex, laughter, and zero worries about anything.
I feel like I’m on the first vacation I’ve ever been allowed to have, and it’s so perfect that I constantly feel like I need to pinch myself.
When I wake up in the morning, my first thought is no longer on my dad and what my chances are of avoiding his fists before work.
I don’t fall asleep wishing for a different life, because I’m already living the one I want.
When I step into the kitchen and see a bouquet of pink roses and white calla lilies waiting for me on the counter, I smile and bury my face in them, drinking in the scent and the feel of the velvety petals against my skin.
Still grinning like an idiot, I pull back and pick up the note that’s folded beside the vase.
Morning, sweetheart,
I had to run out to do a couple of things, but I’ll be back soon.
I love you, baby.
Valeri
P. S. There’s a box of those godawful frozen pancakes you like so much in the freezer.
I laugh and dig the box of blueberry pancakes out, tossing a package into the microwave.
He’s nuts. These things are delicious. When they’re done, I add enough syrup so they’re practically floating on my plate and dig in.
I’m just finishing my last bite when I hear the soft ding of the elevator doors.
Putting my plate in the sink, I run over to him, laughing when he scoops me up and kisses me.
It’s slow and sweet and over way too soon.
He smiles against my lips. “You taste like you just drank a bottle of syrup for breakfast. I may have gotten type 2 diabetes just from that kiss.”
“Oh please, it’s not that bad,” I say, but even I can feel the sugar rush I’m still riding.
He laughs and kisses me again.
“Thanks for my flowers, Valeri. They’re so beautiful.”
“They reminded me of you. I’m glad you like them.”
“You don’t need to keep buying me things.”
“I will never stop, so you might as well save your breath.”
I smile but stop arguing. We’d gone shopping the other day, and the amount of clothes I now have hanging in the closet is more than I’ve ever had in my entire life combined.
I finally had to just grab his hand and pull him out of the store.
I’m grateful for the things, but it still makes me feel a bit uneasy to have all this.
“What are you thinking?” he asks, studying my face, smiling when I push my glasses up.
“Nothing. I was just thinking about my new clothes and everything you’ve done for me.”
“And that makes you frown?” He lifts a brow at me. “Clearly, I’m doing something wrong if that’s the case.”
“No, you’re perfect,” I tell him, smiling so he knows I’m not upset. “I just don’t ever want you to think that I’m greedy or using you for your money or whatever.”
His deep laugh surprises me. “Yeah, you’re definitely not a gold digger, baby.
I knew that pretty much right after we met.
I would never think that about you, and I love getting you things, so please don’t feel bad about it.
I’ve never had anyone to spoil, and it’s way more fun than I ever thought it would be. ”
He carries me into the bedroom and sets me down by the closet. “Hurry up and get dressed. I want to show you something before tonight.”
Supper with his family is later, and I’m equal parts excited and nervous.
I haven’t seen Nina and Maddie since the night at Inferno, and the last time I’d seen his brothers, I’d been standing in an alley right after Valeri had killed a man.
It’ll be weird to just experience an ordinary, domestic evening with them, especially seeing them around their kids as normal dads and husbands.
I wonder how they’re able to compartmentalize so damn well.
Valeri leans against the doorframe, looking effortlessly sexy in jeans and a white T-shirt, one hand tucked slightly into his pocket as he watches me.
I recognize the predatory glint in his green eyes.
He always looks at me like he owns me, and instead of feeling offended, I just feel damn lucky, because there’s also so much love in that look.
Every time I see it, I feel safe and loved and worshipped.
I force my eyes away so I can grab some jeans and one of my new shirts. “Too casual?” I ask, holding up the black-and-white striped tee.
“It’s perfect, baby.”
He watches me change, running his eyes over me and letting out a soft groan when I bend over to pull my jeans on.
“You make everything look so damn sexy,” he says, and then raises a dark brow at me when I start laughing. “I’m being serious.”
“I know you are,” I say, patting his chest as I walk by. “That’s what makes it so sweet.”
He follows me into the bathroom, watching as I wrangle in a pair of contacts. I’m getting much better at it so it doesn’t take long. I run a quick brush through my hair and put on some moisturizer and then a little bit of makeup.
I turn back to face him. “Okay, I’m ready.”
He steps closer, running a finger along my cheek. “Have I told you how much I love that it takes you minutes to get ready instead of hours?”
“I should probably spend hours,” I admit, “but I’m not all that great with makeup, and I’m kind of lazy. Plus, I no longer have to spend extra time trying to cover bruises.”
He leans closer and kisses my forehead. “You’re naturally beautiful,” he corrects, “and you’re definitely not lazy, and you will never have to spend time trying to cover bruises ever again.”
The sharp smack on my ass pulls a small yelp from me that makes that predatory glint in his eyes shine even brighter. “All the marks I leave on you will always be hidden and will always be the result of extreme amounts of pleasure.”
I fist his shirt and pull him down to me. “I like those marks.” I run my tongue over his bottom lip and slowly suck it, letting my teeth graze over him before biting him hard enough to get his attention and to let him know that he’s not the only one who likes marking what’s his.
“Behave,” he whispers. “I need to show you something, lapochka.”
“Oh yeah?” I run my hand down his flat stomach and keep going until my palm is pressed tightly against his hard cock.
“Such a fucking temptress.” With a groan, he stands back up to his full height and grabs my hand. “Be a good girl and you’ll get your reward later.”
I follow him out of the bathroom, but that doesn’t stop me from reaching over to squeeze his ass. He laughs and pulls me tighter against him.
“I think you’re obsessed with my ass, sweetheart.”
“I am,” I say, not even bothering to deny it. It’s the most perfectly sculpted thing I’ve ever seen.
The Aston Martin is parked in its usual spot, and I still can’t believe Mac was able to fix the damage. He’d called yesterday to say it was ready, and Valeri hadn’t wasted any time in getting it.
“If I didn’t know how much you love me, I’d get jealous of the way you look at this car,” I tell him when he stops to open the door for me.
Even though I’m just kidding, Valeri still presses me up against the car and pins my arms behind my back with one of his hands.
His body molds to mine, leaving zero space between us.
Ghosting his nose along my cheek, he stops at my ear and whispers, “Nothing is more important to me than you.” His fingers dig into my wrists while his cock presses hard against my stomach and his lips graze the shell of my ear.
Hot breath hits my skin, sending shivers down my spine.
“Say it, sweetheart,” he murmurs, dragging my earlobe between his teeth.
“Nothing is more important to you than me,” I whisper, my voice shaky and strained.
“Good girl.” He nips the skin beneath my ear before letting my hands go and stepping back. His eyes run over my flushed face and the way my chest is rising and falling with my fast breaths. “Get in, baby, before I fuck you in the parking garage.”
When I hesitate, he laughs and gives me a wink.
I decide I’d rather not risk someone walking in on us so I get in and try to behave.
He won’t tell me where he’s taking me, so I stare out the window and try to guess.
When he turns onto the road that leads out of downtown, I ask, “Are we going to the beach?”
He smiles and shifts gears, refusing to answer my question.
I look back out the window. “Are we going to Vasily’s house early?
” After a few more minutes, he turns onto a side road that leads into a wooded area.
The tall trees loom around us, shading the road and making it seem like we’re way further from the city than we actually are.
“You going to show me where you dump the bodies?” I tease.
“That’s not funny, sweetheart,” he says, but I can see the smile playing at his lips.
When he turns into a long, paved driveway, I get really confused.
He drives around a bend, revealing the cutest craftsman-style house I’ve ever seen.
The trees aren’t as dense here, but there’s enough to still provide a bunch of shade and make it look like something out of a fairytale, especially with all the wildflowers and bird feeders.
“Who lives here? This place is amazing.”
He turns off the car and looks at me, studying my reaction. “I’m very glad you think so,” is all he says before getting out and walking around to open my door.
Once I’m out, I start walking towards the house, wanting to see it better. It’s like the thing is calling to me. Valeri keeps watching me as he follows a few steps behind.
“Seriously, who lives here?” I ask him again, walking up the steps to the dark blue front door.
“Do you want to see inside?” he asks, still not answering my questions.
“Can we?”