Page 80 of Dark Desires

I let out a shaky laugh. “But seriously, no more sneaking out for me? What am I supposed to do for fun?”

“You could try staying put for once,” he teases, his hand slipping to rest over my belly. “You’ve got other priorities now.”

The way he looks at me—soft, serious—makes my throat tighten. Before I can say anything, he leans down and presses a kiss to my belly, his lips lingering for just a moment. The gesture is so tender it nearly undoes me.

“Get some sleep,Devotchka. We have much to discuss. But we can do all of that in the morning.”

Part of me wants to argue, to tell him that we need to figure this outnow.

“It’s just…”

Before I can say another word, he wraps his arm around me, pulling me close against his body. I rest my head on his chest, savoring his warmth, listening to the sound of him breathing.

Suddenly, arguing doesn’t sound all that appealing.

I find myself drifting off. His hand moves up and down my back, his touch hypnotic. My eyelids get heavy, and the world fades away.

CHAPTER 26

ISABELLA

The kitchen table is straight out of a Pinterest board: rustic wood, soft lighting, and a vase of sunflowers right in the center.

Alexei sits across from me, casually sipping his coffee like he’s just another suburban dad. Except he’s not.

He’s Alexei Plushenko, trained Bratva killer, and the whole scene is surreal.

“So, how’s business?” he asks, reaching for his steaming cup of coffee.

“It’s doing pretty well.”

He laughs, setting down his mug and leaning forward.

“Well?Come on, baby—you’ve been killing it lately.

I smile. “Clients are pouring in, my website traffic is off the charts, and I’m booked solid for the next six months.”

Alexei smiles—a real, warm smile that makes my stomach flip. “You know, I’m so proud of you, Isa. You’re incredible.” Hedrums on the table for a moment as he thinks something over. “I think we need to celebrate. Isa’s Interiors has been open for nearly a year, and you deserve a little time off.”

“I’m not sure I can afford to take the time off.”

“Of course you can. You have good staff that can handle business for a short break. How about this—I tell the family that we’re going to be out of town for a week or so. Maybe see if they can look after the kids while we’re gone.”

I smile as he leans across the table and cups my cheek, his thumb brushing against my skin. “I love you,Devotchka. And I want to show you how much.” Then he kisses me.

My heart melts on the spot.

Laughter echoes from another room—high-pitched, playful, unmistakably children’s laughter.

“Ah, the little devils are up,” Alexei says with a broad smile.

And suddenly, so am I.

My heart’s pounding, my body covered in a light sheen of sweat. It takes a second to realize I’m in Alexei’s bed, not the quaint domestic scene of my dream. I glance over, and he’s still asleep, his chest rising and falling.

That little kitchen, those flowers, the laughter of the kids… it was all soreal. I force myself to get out of bed, to put my feet on the floor and make my way to the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

I sip it, my eyes on the city lights just outside of the apartment.