Page 140 of His Forced Bride

The safe house exists in its own bubble, insulated from the chaos that has defined my "normal" existence for the past six weeks.

Last night, he told me he needs me, though I'm not sure what that means in his mind.

When I looked into his eyes, I believed him, but then, I had just told him I love him.

Because I do love him, against my better judgment, without any good reason.

My heart just fell.

But Yuri didn’t say he loves me.

He said he needs me.

It conjures feelings of inadequacy and nervousness too, making me restless.

I shift carefully, trying not to wake him, but his eyes open immediately.

I see a flash of alertness as his eyes shoot open wide and then settle on me.

His hand grips my wrist, and then he relaxes and lets his eyes flutter shut.

"How did you sleep?" he asks, and his voice is still thick with sleep.

"Better than I have in years."

He pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to the top of my head as I lie down on his chest.

"Good."

It feels comfortable in bed next to him with his arm around me.

I watch the sun begin to rise out the eastern window and feel Yuri's fingers dance on the bare skin on my arm.

He's in no rush to jump out of bed, so we linger there, but he says nothing.

With the pressure we're under to finish this job and make sure my mother's evil talons stay far away from what's left of my business and his, soaking up these tender moments seems priceless.

Eventually, however, hunger drives us from the bed.

I slip away first and dress in his T-shirt and boxers, making my way to the kitchen.

He finds his way out shortly after with a fresh pair of shorts on and nothing else.

His hair sticks up at odd angles, but the rough, masculine strength of his body is still attractive.

"Pancakes?" I suggest, finding flour and eggs.

I sort through the cupboards to find a bowl and a measuring cup, and Yuri goes for the coffee machine.

"You know how to make pancakes?"

"Our housekeeper taught me when I was little. Batya thought it'd be a good idea."

I measure flour into a bowl, muscle memory guiding movements I haven't performed in years.

"He said every woman should know how to cook for the people she loves."

Yuri moves behind me, his arms circling my waist as I work.