Page 97 of Alexei

He lowered his head again and pressed his mouth on the sensitive part of my neck, right below my ear.

“Don’t turn your head away from me,” his mouth moved over my skin. “Ivan is on the balcony, on our right. This is our last test.”

My heart tripped, then sped up at a dangerous speed. I had to fight the urge to glance that way, instead I focused on Alexei’s mouth on my neck and his hands on me. The soft sound of the zipper filled the air and my dress slid down to my feet. Stepping out of it, cold air sent goosebumps through my body.

Chest to chest, he stood a whole head taller than me and I nervously chewed on my bottom lip. I was so out of my element here. Willow would know exactly what to do in my place. She’d confidently lower herself down onto her knees and get to work, looking like a damn goddess while at it. Yet all I managed to do was stand and stare.

I swallowed hard, while my heart hammered against my chest. Alexei came around me and his hands reached around my throat to take my ridiculously long pearl necklace off.

Before I could even ponder why, he rasped a command. “Your wrists.”

My head whipped around to look at him over my shoulder. “Why?”

“It’s the only way.”

His explanation made no sense to me, but obediently, I put my hands behind me and he tied them together behind my back. With my pearls. Probably the best use for pearls I had ever seen, but disappointment tasted slightly bitter. He didn’t want me to touch him.

He came around and sat himself down on the throne chair, his legs spread wide.

“Come closer, kroshka.” God, his accent was thicker than I’d ever heard. There was erotic darkness lurking in his gaze, pulling me in.

I stepped between his legs, the two of us staring at each other, a clear command in his eyes.

Without delay, I kicked off my heels and slid down to kneel between his thighs.

ChapterThirty-One

ALEXEI

Aurora kicked off her heels, then lowered onto her knees, wearing nothing but black panties and a matching lacy bra. Her dark eyes watched me with hunger, her lips slightly parted. It took all my restraint not to bend her over the throne and fuck her senseless.

“Why can’t I touch you?” she whispered, disappointment coloring her voice and her expression sad.

I brushed my fingers across her cheek, her skin soft under my knuckles. It pained me, actually fucking pained me, that I couldn’t give her everything she needed. But she’d never look at me the same again if I let her touch me. If she felt the scars. I’d rather have her hate than pity.

Kneeling between my thighs, she gave me an expectant look. I had to shove all my feelings aside and focus on now. Keep her safe. Get her out of this alive.

“No touching, kroshka.”

A sad sigh left her and my chest squeezed, then she smiled.

“Then give me your cock,” she murmured, rolling her eyes, and it made me want to spank her. Then rub her round ass and kiss it all better. Nobody had ever made me feel this way, and I suspected nobody ever would again.

My heart gave a dull thump, and something in my chest hurt, but I squashed it deep down.

I unzipped the fly of my pants and my cock sprang free, reaching for her. Her dark eyes hazed over then she licked her lips. I was rock-hard and pre-cum glistened at the top of my cock.

She leaned forward, her pearl bound wrists behind her, and took my cock into her pretty mouth. My cock pulsed as she sucked me, her small moans vibrating through me. Every muscle in my body tensed, and I had to fight the urge to thrust deep into her throat. I wanted to let her explore, enjoy this as much as I was enjoying it.

Fuck, if I died this way, it would be a glorious way to die.

She laved my cock with her tongue like it was a fucking lollipop, making small breathy noises of approval. Just hearing those noises could make me spill, but I wasn’t ready yet. Her eyes lifted to me, and the look on her face stole my breath away.

My hand fucking trembled as I smoothed her unruly strands off her face.

My hips thrust deeper down her throat. She blinked and I stilled. I didn’t want to hurt her.

Though the little noise of protest she gave me, almost made me smile. I wanted her more than I’ve wanted anything else in my life. To be perfect for her. Yet, it was so glaringly obvious how fucking broken I was. I couldn’t even allow her the touch that she needed. Or kiss.