A soft groan escaped my lips as I woke up to the sound of chirping birds outside. My eyelids fluttered for a moment before opening, my vision still a bit hazy as I blinked. My hand shielded my face from the rising sun.

Its rays filtered in through the floor-to-ceiling window, casting a warm glow over my skin. I squinted, rolling over to the opposite side as I drew a deep breath, Alexei’s and my scent filling my nostrils.

I was alone, naked on the bed, and I squeezed the sheets beneath me with an uncontrollable smile etched on my face. I tried to keep a blank expression, but I couldn't; the adventures of the night before wouldn't stop playing and replaying in my head.

This morning, the only thing that occupied my mind was the way Alexei had possessed every inch of my body last night. I could still feel his skin brushing against mine, and the thought of his cock sliding inside me sent tremors down to my core.

I bit my lower lip, my hands fondling my breasts, fingers tuning my hard nipples. I didn't realize how good sex was until last night. Alexei sure knew how to pleasure a woman. He'd taken his time to explore my body; his hands had traced my contours, possessing every curve.

He’d made love to me with the knowledge that he owned me—spirit, soul, and body. I belonged to him, to a man I liked to call the devil. But this devil was really good with his tongue, his whole mouth, his fingers, and his shaft. What a horny devil.

I felt a flutter in my chest and a tingling sensation between my legs at the mere thought of what he did to me last night. His touch had ignited a flame in me that I hadn’t known could burn with such intensity. I'd never wanted anyone so badly—never been so turned on the way I was last night.

My longing for him was a little embarrassing, considering how much I loathed him. How could someone whom I despised so much stir up something magical within me?

It was infuriating, really—the man I hated most in the world was also the one who made me feel things I'd never felt before. The cruel irony was a bitter pill to swallow, and I couldn't fathom how someone who ignited my deepest hatred had also awakened my greatest pleasure.

I despised him—yes! But the man was the only one who had pushed me to completely surrender, lost in a sea of passion. He was the one who made a woman out of me, leaving me both infuriated and intrigued.

But despite my reservations, I couldn't deny what a good lover he was. The man turned my first time into an unforgettable experience that exceeded my expectations.

He'd given me a gift I'd hold onto forever—a memory of unbridled passion and unrelenting pleasure.

He must be super proud of himself for making me scream all night with misted eyes from all that sweetness coursing through me. I couldn't hide my desire and craving for his cock, even if I wanted to.

We’d gone multiple rounds after the first time, and with each round, it just got better and better. I'd never been more shameless, but that was clearly because I was horny.

Even now, my body shuddered at the thought of him inside me.

I got a grip of myself, finally in control of my mind. It was a brand new day, day two of being Alexei Tarasov's wife. So far, it had been a bittersweet experience, and with the way he made me feel last night, things just got even more complicated.

Now what? Where did we go from here?

The water was running; my husband was taking a shower, and I needed to get out of bed. I had no idea what today had in store for me—good or bad, there was only way to find out.

I stretched, yawning as I sat up, placing my feet on the fluffy rug at the base of the bed. With the back of my hand, I rubbed the remnants of sleep from my eyes and attempted to stand.

However, my legs failed me, and I dropped to the floor, groaning. It was now that I felt the effect of last night's marathon. My body was aching, still a little sore down my legs—it was like I had been run over by a truck.

I tried to get back up, but my legs were too weak to carry my weight.

What the hell? I wondered, squinting at my inability to stand. Obviously, I'd lost more strength than I thought.

Was this normal? Or was it because I'd had way too much cock for a first-timer?

The bathroom door creaked open, and my eyes widened in embarrassment. “No, no, no, no,” I whispered in a frantic rush. “Really, you wanna humiliate me like this?” I added with the same tone, referring to my legs.

I'd die of shame if Alexei found me on the floor, helpless. He wasn't born yesterday; he'd figure out the reason I'd fallen. I hated it because he'd tease me for being weak, not to mention his lips would curl into that sly smirk of his.

“Dang it!” I exclaimed through gritted teeth as I dropped back to the floor seconds after struggling to stand.

He stepped out of the shower, a white towel wrapped precariously around his waist. My eyes darted to his masculine build, and my heart paused for a second. I tried to tear my gaze off him, but his chiseled physique had me glued in place.

The steam from the hot shower swirled around him, casting a misty aura that only accentuated his rugged allure. Water droplets dotted his amazing torso, glistening like tiny diamonds on his skin. A single drop trickled down his rippled abs, tracing a tantalizing path that left me breathless.

I swallowed, my gaze roaming his impressive build—broad shoulders and rock-hard, powerful biceps that seemed to be sculpted from granite. Alexei's imposing frame exuded raw masculinity and made my heart skip a beat.

I'd completely forgotten that I was still lying with my breasts on the cold marble floor until his lips curled into that sly smirk I so much despised.

A faint scowl flashed across my face as I tore my gaze off him and tried to get back on my feet. That smirk was mockery enough, and I wouldn't give him the chance to express his thoughts with words; it would only crush my soul.

Without a word, he approached me with silent footsteps and bent over, whisking me into the air. I felt weightless in his strong arms, which picked me up so effortlessly. A wry smile of mock gratitude twisted my lips as he carried me, his smirk still firmly in place.

I felt a pang of annoyance at being swept off my feet—literally. I didn't need saving, nor did I need him to pick me up. I could walk on my own two feet. Besides, his action was likely driven by practicality rather than chivalry because it wouldn't do for his wife to be left sprawled on the floor.

With my arms around his neck for support, my gaze held on to him, and he carried me to the bathroom, his steps graceful and cautious.

Alexei walked into the bathroom, his eyes never leaving mine until he set me down gently beside the tub. My eyes darted across the room, legs pulled up in front of me as if to hide my nakedness.

His brows shot up as he stared at me, disbelief flickering in his gaze. “There's no need to be shy around me,” he said, his husky voice dripping with amusement.

“I'm…I'm not shy,” I objected, shifting my gaze back to him in a silent fight to mask my embarrassment.

He let out a scoff and turned on the warm water, filling the room with a soothing sound. He dipped his hand in the water to check the temperature, his eyes returning to me. “I see you're still feeling it.”

My cheeks flushed, and a flutter swelled in my chest as his enticing lips curled into a smile. But I wouldn't let this feeling show, so I shot him a withering look. “Still feeling what?” My brows arched as though I had no idea he was referring to what happened last night.

“Feigning ignorance, I see.” He fixed his gaze upon me, drawing nearer to close the distance between us.

My heart raced with anticipation as he drew closer to my face, his breath warm against my skin. I steeled myself, clenching my jaw as he trailed the back of his fingers down my arm. His touch ignited the same flame that had consumed me last night, and now, I was struggling to remain composed.

I couldn't let him know how much his touch was affecting me—no, he'd only use that against me.

“I see right through you, Lorena,” he said, his voice almost a whisper, eyes roaming my body, even though my thighs were pressed against my chest, concealing my breasts. “You can lie to yourself as much as you want, but your body is familiar with my touch—your body remembers mine.” He held my gaze, fingers traveling down my leg, lips twitching at the corners.

I trembled, a spark jolting across my body. My fingertips tingled at the erotic feeling that turned me on, leaving me wet.

He leaned closer, whispering in my ear, “Don't worry, my body remembers yours, as well.” Alexei positioned his lips inches from mine, his eyes boring deeply into mine.

His stare left me breathless, my chest rising and falling in anticipation. The air was thick with sexual tension, and despite my reservations, if he kissed me right here and now, we'd end up having sex. That was how turned on I was.

I tried to the best of my ability to mask my arousal, but something told me that he truly could see right through me. He could sense my anxiety, and for some twisted reason, he loved it—he loved watching me struggle with my desire.

My eyes closed when his lips gently grazed mine like he was about to plant a kiss that I wouldn't be able to resist. A part of me was willing to give in—to get fucked in the bathtub—and a spark of excitement rushed through me.

But, to my disappointment and relief, he pulled away from me and whispered, “Don’t wash away the memories from yesterday.” Alexei winked and rose to his feet. “Have fun in the tub.” He walked away.

As his footsteps retreated, my face contorted into a frown. He’d just messed with me. Why?

Why make me horny, only to leave me hanging?

My brows furrowed, forming faint creases on my forehead.

Anyway, I was at least relieved that nothing had happened, even though I wanted it to.

I rose to my feet and stepped into the bathtub, fighting against the illicit images in my head.

My mind was flooded with images of how it would've felt to get laid in a tub filled with water. My nipples were hard as rocks, and my pussy wouldn't stop tingling.

Tremors sprinted down my core, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to brush these thoughts to the back of my head.

I couldn't let him have this much control over my body and mind. I hated how his touch affected me in ways that were both concerning and exciting at the same time.

He did this on purpose—ignited a fire in me and left me to burn, a testament to how devilish he was. I hated him even more now, and the sooner I built a wall against his charms, the better for me.

I refocused my attention on hating him, and just like that, the illicit thoughts vanished.