Page 28

One year later

I quietly approach Quinn from behind as she sits at the bar of the private club, watching the couple she set up on their first date.

When my hand gently touches her shoulder, she startles and turns to face me, her green eyes wide with surprise.

“Mark! What are you doing here?” She glances around, lowering her voice.

“The baby?”

“Shh, it's okay,” I reassure her, unable to stop the smile spreading across my face at seeing my beautiful wife. “Lara's watching Natasha for the night. I wanted to come support you.”

Quinn's tense shoulders relax, and a pleased grin lights up her face. “I'm so glad you're here.” She laces her fingers through mine.

We both turn to watch the young couple at their candlelit table, heads leaning close together as they talk and laugh. They are clearly hitting it off. The man gazes at the woman adoringly while she speaks animatedly—their chemistry is palpable even from here.

“Look at them. You did that, Babe.” I squeeze Quinn's hand proudly. “In the year since we got married, you have had our baby girl and your matchmaking business has really taken off.

I'm in awe of you.”

Quinn ducks her head, a slight blush coloring her fair cheeks. “I couldn't have done any of it without your support, though. You've been my rock.”

“No way, Quinn. Your success is all you—your passion, smarts, and tireless work ethic.” I lift her chin to look into her eyes. “Never doubt how incredible you are. I'm just along for the ride.”

She smiles up at me, emerald eyes shining with emotion. “Partners in everything, though, right?”

“Ride or die, Baby,” I confirm with a wink, pulling her in for a lingering kiss, not caring who sees the infamous Bratva bad boy utterly smitten with his wife. She's had me wrapped around her finger from day one.

We pull apart from the kiss, and my gaze drifts back to the couple as they gaze into each other's eyes, completely enthralled. I smirk and lean close to Quinn's ear. “Fifty bucks says your lovebirds are definitely getting laid tonight.”

Quinn whacks my chest, eyebrows raised. “Mark!”

“What? Like you weren't thinking the same.” I grab her hand, giving it a playful tug. “You know, speaking of... how about we get out of here ourselves, Mrs. Zolotov?”

Quinn glances back at her clients, biting her lip thoughtfully. Then a mischievous grin spreads across her face as she interlaces her fingers with mine. “What the heck—let's get out of here. I think they'll be just fine without us.”

Hand in hand, we slip out the back entrance to where I parked the Porsche. Once settled inside the sleek sports car, I turn to Quinn with a raised brow. “Where to, wifey?”

Quinn looks at me from under her lashes, tracing a fingertip along my thigh. “How long did you say Lara has the baby for again?”

“All night long,” I confirm with a wolfish grin, already knowing exactly where her dirty mind is headed.

“In that case...” She leans in close, warm breath fanning my ear as she suggests in a throaty purr, “How about you get us a room at the Ritz-Carlton?”

Lust jolts through me at the naughty promise in her eyes. I cup her face, claiming her lips in a searing kiss that has us both breathing hard. “Your wish is my command.”

My hands glide over Quinn's curves as the kiss deepens, our tongues tangling hungrily. I can never get enough of her sweet taste. Sliding a hand beneath her skirt, I skim my fingers up the silky skin of her inner thigh, relishing her shuddering exhale against my mouth.

When I reach the damp lace of her panties, I groan low in my throat. “Someone's eager,” I rasp, tracing teasing circles over the fabric.

Quinn whimpers and arches into my touch, shameless in her need.

I love how responsive she is, how she comes undone for me so beautifully.

“Mark, please,” she pants, pupils blown with desire as she grasps at my shoulders.

Her hips rock against my fingers, seeking more friction.

I oblige, slipping beneath the scrap of lace to slide a finger through her slick folds.

“So wet for me already, Quinn.” Pride and possessiveness swell in my chest. This stunning, passionate woman is all mine.

“Just wait until I get you spread out on that hotel bed. I'm going to worship this sweet little body until you're screaming my name.”

Quinn mewls, head tipping back as I stroke her most sensitive flesh.

I can feel her already starting to flutter around my fingers, telling me she's close. But tonight, I want to take my time with her.

Regretfully, I pull my hand back, bringing my fingers to my mouth for a taste. Quinn watches with heavy-lidded eyes, her chest heaving. “Why did you stop?” she demands breathlessly.

Flashing her a wicked smirk, I turn the key in the ignition, the Porsche's engine purring to life.

“Patience, Sweetheart. I've got all night to make you fall apart. And I plan to savor every... single... second.”

Quinn's frustrated groan mingles with my low chuckle as I peel out of the parking lot. The night is young and I intend to make the most of every minute alone with my insatiable wife.

*****

THE END