Page 76 of Dark Desires

“Deal.” I wink before striding over to the private elevator.

The ride up is smooth, but my heart is racing. When the doors open, soft piano music floats through the air, catching me off guard. I step into Alexei’s apartment, and there he is, seated at his piano, his fingers gliding over the keys. There’s a glass of whiskey close at hand.

I lean against the wall, watching him play, and for a moment, I’m transfixed. He’s in his element, his face relaxed. It’s disarming.

When the last note fades, I clap softly. His head snaps up, and his blue eyes lock onto mine. There’s a flicker of surprise, then something else—something darker, more heated.

“I’ll have to talk to the front desk about their security.”

“Are you mad?” I tilt my head with mock innocence.

His lips curve into a sexy little smirk. “Maybe a little. But I have other feelings taking precedence.”

“Oh? And what feelings are those?”

“You don’t want to know,” he says, his voice low and rough. The air between us crackles, and I swear my knees almost give out.

“So,” I say, trying to sound casual, “hidden talent?”

“Not hidden,” he replies. “You just didn’t ask.”

He reaches for his whiskey, taking a slow sip, his eyes on mine as he does. The way he looks at me over the rim of the glass sets my insides on fire.

He swallows, setting the glass down, letting silence hang in the air.

Finally, he speaks.

“You shouldn’t be here.

“I know.”

He starts toward me, shaking his head.

“No, you don’t know, Isa. You’re acting like this is some kind of game. A war is about to break out, and you’re slipping out of the one place you’re safe.”

I sweep my hand toward the apartment. “You mean I’m not safe here?”

A frustrated sigh. “You’re safe here. But you also become my responsibility. I’ve already got the Bratva to worry about, and now I’ve got a curfew-breaking mafia princess to watch out for.”

I put my hands on my hips. “A curfew-breaking mafia princess who’s carrying your baby.”

He comes over to me, placing his hands on my shoulders.

“You are. You’re right. But that’s all the more reason you need to be at home. Your mansion’s a fortress, and your father keeps a close eye on you.” He sighs. “Though, seemingly not close enough.”

I look away, letting his hands rest on my shoulders.

“I know. But I just can’t stay way.”

He places his hand on my chin, gently turning my face to his.

“And I feel the same way,Devotchka. So, how do you think it is for me when you’re showing up at my apartment looking like this?”

He squeezes my hips, and my pussy clenches at his touch, a sigh escaping me. God, it feels so good to have his hands on me like that.

“Now,” he says, “tell me why you came? I’m sure it wasn’t to listen to my amateur piano playing.”

I take in a slow, deep breath, and he pulls me against him. I can feel his hardness pulsing to life underneath his jeans.