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Something shifts inside me. The perpetual power imbalance between us tilts, not completely, but enough. I place my palms against his chest, feeling the rapid thunder of his heart beneath my fingers.

“You’re letting me lead?” I ask.

His jaw tightens, but he nods once. “Yes, but hurry up, or I’ll change my mind.”

I lift myself slightly, positioning my body over him. When I sink down, taking him inside me completely, we both gasp at the sensation. The fullness, the perfect stretch of him filling me, makes my head fall back.

My hips begin to move, finding a rhythm that builds the pleasure coiling inside me. For the first time since meeting him, I’m the one setting the pace, deciding how deep, how fast. Power surges through me, intoxicating and fierce.

“Fuck,” Erik groans, his hands tightening on my hips.

He tugs at the tie of my robe, parting the silk to expose my breasts. His mouth finds my nipple, drawing it between his lips as his tongue circles the sensitive peak. The heat of his mouth sends lightning through my veins, making my movements stutter.

His kisses trail upward—across my collarbone, my throat, my jaw—each one reverent, worshipful in a way I never expected from him. When his lips finally meet mine, there’s something different in the contact. Not just lust. Something deeper that makes my chest ache.

16

ERIK

Istare at my whiskey, counting the seconds until I can return to the compound. To her. Three hours and twenty-two minutes since Nikolai showed up at my door with that look that said arguing would be pointless.

“You need to get out more,” he said. “You're becoming obsessed with guarding the Lebedev girl.”

If only he knew.

The bar is an upscale, dimly lit establishment with dark wood and leather seating. Private enough for four Ivanovs to speak freely. Loud enough that no one else can listen in.

“So, our silent warrior finally emerges from his cave,” Dmitri swirls his whiskey, perfect as always in his tailored suit. “I was beginning to think we'd need to send a rescue team.”

I grunt in response, taking another sip.

“Such eloquence,” Nikolai raises an eyebrow. “Your conversational skills have improved since joining us in civilization.”

Alexi snorts beside me, fingers tapping restlessly on the table. His eyes meet mine for a split second, and I see the knowledge there. The only brother who knows what's happening between Katarina and me. He monitored the cameras, after all.

“Leave him alone,” Alexi says, surprisingly coming to my defense. “Not everyone needs to hear themselves talk as much as you two.”

“Says the man who can't stop talking when he's coding,” Dmitri counters.

I remain quiet, listening to their familiar rhythm. My brothers. The only people I've ever trusted completely.

“Security protocols are tight at the compound,” I offer, knowing they expect some participation. “No need to worry.”

“We're not worried about security,” Nikolai leans forward, steel in his gaze. “We're worried about you.”

“I'm fine.”

“He speaks!” Alexi throws his hands up. “A full sentence!”

Dmitri signals for another round. “You've been different lately. More... intense.”

If they only knew how Katarina's touch had broken through years of carefully constructed walls.

Alexi catches my eye again, a silent question. I give him the barest shake of my head. Not now.

“Perhaps our brother is simply thorough in his duties,” Alexi suggests, knowing damn well how thoroughly I've broken protocol.

“Perhaps,” Nikolai doesn't sound convinced. “But remember, Erik, she's a means to an end. Nothing more.”