Page 45 of Dark Desires

“I don’t like that.”

“You can feel whatever way you want about it,Devotchka. But I’m going to keep you safe. If those cartel members got their hands on you…” He trails off, leaving the implication clear.

“Whatever. I’m not a child.”

“Of course. But youdohave a bit of a child’s propensity for disobeying. And don’t forget, it’s not just you that you have to think about now.”

I bite back a retort, choosing to glare out the window instead. The city blurs past, but all I can feel is the heat of Alexei sitting so damn close.

“So, where are we going, Isa?” He grins. “Don’t worry—I’ve let Mario know you’re in safe hands. We have a little time before you need to be back.”

I glance at him, trying to read the expression on his annoyingly perfect face. “I don’t know,” I admit. “Anywhere but home.”

He nods, as if that’s answer enough. “Good. Let’s keep driving, then.”

I glare out the window, arms crossed, my whole body wound tighter than a spring.

“What do you want, Alexei?”

“I can’t stop thinking about the other night.”

My stomach flips, and I hate myself for it. Of course, words like those would make my body react even though my brain is screaming at me to kick him out of the cab.

“Well, maybe you should try harder.”

“I don’t think I want to.”

Damn him. The heat in his voice is enough to melt me on the spot. I look away, staring at the passing buildings like they can save me from this trainwreck of a situation.

“Isa.” His tone is softer now, more intimate. “Come back to my place. Let me show you what’s been on my mind.”

I whip my head around, ready to tell him to screw off, but the words die on my lips. His gaze is intense, pulling me in like a tide I can’t fight.

I should say no. Ineedto say no. But when his hand rests on my leg, just above my knee, I’m toast.

“Alexei,” I whisper.

“Say yes,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing against my thigh. The simple touch sends sparks shooting through me, and I hate how easily he gets under my skin.

The driver’s eyes are firmly on the road, but Alexei reaches forward and presses a button on the partition, sliding it up until we’re in our own private bubble. He leans in, his breath warm against my ear.

“Say yes, Isa.”

I cave. “Fine.”

His lips curve into that cocky smirk of his, the one that drives me insane in all the worst—and best—ways.

Alexei reaches forward and opens the partition a bit.

“Driver, take us to The Sterling on Grand.”

His hand slides higher, his fingers brushing the inside of my thigh underneath my dress, and my breath catches in my throat.

“What are you doing?”

“Exactly what I’ve been thinking about since the last time I had you.”

I open my mouth to protest, but the words dissolve into a gasp as his fingers press exactly where I’m aching for him. My head falls back against the seat, my body arching toward his touch, my mind completely at war with my body.