Page 50 of Forgotten Vows

“Did Luka speak with you today?” I asked once I got her in her room.

She shook her head. “No.”

He’d made it sound like he’d talk to her. That would be a valid reason for her to be acting more guarded. Luka was a hell of an interrogator.

“He didn’t say anything to you at all?” I asked, wishing she’d be more open to talking tomeright now.

She shook her head.

“Raisa…” I took her hand again, pleased when she didn’t pull away. “Talk to me.”

“I am.”

“No, you’re not. You’re acting closed off and too quiet.”

She shrugged.

Tipping her chin up, I forced her to look at me. A demure vulnerability clashed with guardedness in her bright blue eyes.

“Talk to me.”

“About what?”

This was like pulling teeth out. “About why you’re so defensive today.”

“I’m not in a stable situation here.” Another shrug, and she tried to break eye contact again. “What else am I supposed to feel or say?”

I sighed, spinning her until I could follow her down to the bed. Hovering over her sexy, slender body put us right back to the usual mode of us communicating. Physically. Sexually. I was glad she wanted me as much as I did her, but a hint of our former friendship mattered too.

“Raisa. It’s me. Talk to me.”

She turned her head, rolling it on the bed.

I smiled, unbuttoning her blouse. “Oh. Do you think you can win this game?”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “I’m not playing a game.”

“Then I will.” I bared her, parting her shirt until her breasts were more visible. They heaved up with every deep breath she took, thrusting the generous globes upward as they threatened to spill out of her bra. “The game goes like this.” I leaned in to kiss the top of her right breast as I slid my fingers to the clasp. You talk, and I’ll keep doing this.”

It was an impulsive ultimatum, seducing an answer out of her. But I swore she almost smiled as I tugged the fabric of her bra down and cupped her tit.

“I don’t know what you want me to tell you,” she mumbled, defiant but catching on quickly.

“Why are you upset?” I lowered to close my mouth over her nipple, dragging my tongue all around the stiffening bud.

She gasped, gripping my head to keep it right there. “I’m… I’m not upset.”

“Don’t lie,” I warned as I roved my hand lower until I could reach under her skirt and rub over her panties.

“Not… lying…” She moaned as I revealed her other breast. Between the friction I gave her with my hand over her pussy and my mouth on her breasts, she didn’t seem very able to reply.

I pulled back and she pouted.

“Iwasupset earlier.”

I smiled and opened her bra so I could feast more. “Go on,” I coaxed.

“Because I overheard Dubinin men talking shit about me and Lev.”