Page 6

These past few days had been blissful, a contrast to my regular life. Ever since our last night together, it was as though something had awakened in me, like a part of me had been unlocked. She'd ignited a flame I didn't know I had, and now, it wouldn't stop burning.

It wasn't just the incredible sex anymore. No. It was more than that. This was a connection much deeper than sex, and as fascinating as this unusual feeling was, it was also concerning. I felt like I was sailing into uncharted territory, something I was unfamiliar with. And although it felt great, I couldn't ignore the pit in my stomach.

Why? I wasn't sure.

Maybe because Ravyn and I had been spending a lot of time together since that incredible night. For regular folks, getting attached to a woman after a night with her might be considered normal. However, that wasn't the case with me.

I wasn't the kind easily drawn to women, let alone the same woman. I'd always been so focused on the Bratva business and how to expand our territories that women were hardly ever on my mind. Every once in a while, I could get myself a woman to pass the time. The moment she served her purpose, and I was satisfied, I'd move on like it never happened.

Serious relationships were never my thing. They were a distraction that I wasn't ready for. Being committed to a woman would essentially affect my commitment to the Bratva, and I didn't want that. That used to be my opinion, anyway.

However, that opinion was gradually becoming obsolete in my mind. Why? Because Ravyn had slithered her way into my heart.

It was both intriguing and concerning at the same time. These days, she was all that I could think of. This woman occupied my mind all day long, and I found myself always wanting to be around her. It had never happened to me before, and regardless of my reservations, I couldn't stop myself.

Over the last few days, I'd hung out with her more than I had with any other woman. It was like I simply couldn't stay away from her no matter how hard I tried. There was something that always drew me to her like a moth to a flame, something rather beguiling.

What did she do to me that night that had me spellbound to her? Well, if I'm being honest, no woman had ever ridden me the way that she did the last time. It wasn't necessarily the ride itself but the emotional connection we shared during the process.

“Emotional.” That was the key word.

Feelings were alien to me, and to a lot of folks who knew the type of man that I was, I was emotionally dead. Some even thought that I was incapable of feeling anything other than hatred and anger. Were they wrong? No.

But for some inexplicable reason, this young woman had stirred up something in me. She had managed to flip the switch of my humanity, lighting up the emotional part of me. How she was able to do that after one night was still a marvel to me—I couldn't explain it even if I tried.

Since our first night together, we'd gone on a few evening drives across the city and had dinner at a fancy restaurant more than once. The more we hung out, the more I grew attached to her. I'd grown deeply fond of her, and I was starting to cherish every moment with her.

Ravyn wasn't just a beauty blessed with amazing curvature; she was more than that. The young woman was also intellectual and seemed like the kind who would help with meaningful insights on any matter. Her ability to think outside the box was intriguing, and that made me realize just how much value she had.

For a girl her age, she sure was a lot smarter than some of her peers, more mature and thought-provoking. Each time we talked, she had me transfixed by her sense of reasoning, and sometimes, I would even forget that I was talking to a twenty-one-year-old.

She was intelligent, beautiful, and sexy—the complete package. Could that be the reason I was so attracted to her—so drawn to her? She had everything I wanted in a woman and was into me as much as I was into her. Why else would she honor all of my invites to hang out?

The way she looked at me, her radiant smile and sparkling eyes, always prompted a flutter in my chest. Ravyn had me hooked to her, and from the way I saw it, she'd crept deeper into my heart than I knew.

Tonight, we were together, having dinner on a rooftop lounge, the cityscape unfolding before us like a canvas of lights. The view beneath was a breathtaking backdrop for our evening tryst.

The sweet scent of Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1787 and the rich aroma of the refined meals set on the table between us wafted through the air. I sat across from her, relaxed in my chair, eyes fixed on her face, illuminated by the lounge's warm glow. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds against the inky night sky, and her enticing lips, painted a shade of red, curved into a bright smile.

Her fingers cradled the delicate glass of wine, her hand moving in a slow, sensual rhythm as she twirled it, eyes locked on mine. We'd been staring at each other for the past minute, and neither of us had said a word.

It was comforting, sitting in this peaceful silence, watching her, looking through the window to her soul.

The night's cool air brushed against our skins as the stars twinkled above, the moon's light casting its ethereal glow. It was as though time had stood still so we'd savor the moment and appreciate the deep connection we shared.

It was almost impossible to tear my gaze off her, and I didn't want to. Why would I? It was peaceful and comforting as opposed to my regular life. Ironically, she had no idea the kind of man I was or the despicable things I'd done. Would she still have that endearing look in her eyes when she found out the truth about who I was?

As much as I pretended like it wouldn't affect me if anything should change between us, I knew deep down that was a lie. I'd grown so attached to her in such a short period of time, and now that might be a problem.

My eyes left hers for a moment, hovering over her body as I drank in her beauty. Her golden blonde hair was styled into a bun and packed atop her head, two strands falling out to frame her face. She had light, natural makeup on, which blended with her skin tone, accentuating her radiance.

Her spaghetti-strapped blue gown hugged her in the right places, highlighting her curves and contours. Her gentle swells were perfectly nestled behind the fabrics of her dress, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage.

She caught me staring at her voluptuous curves and teased with a soft tone, her eyes crinkling at the corners, “My eyes are up here.” Her fingers—index and middle—gestured toward her face.

I lifted my gaze and met hers, a smirk playing on my lips.

She set the glass on the white cloth spread over the table and leaned in, her blue eyes boring into mine. “So, Lev…” she began, her soft tone hinting at an impending question.

I kept an open mind even though a part of me could almost tell that her question might strike a nerve.

“What is it you do for a living?” she asked, her gaze never leaving mine.

My heart skipped a beat like I wasn't prepared for this moment. She was bound to ask me this sooner or later, and I thought that I was ready, but clearly, I wasn't. Hearing those words from her hit me differently.

However, I maintained a stoic expression, my fingers cradling the stem of my glass as I sipped my wine.

Beneath the curiosity that laced her voice was an edge of caution, as if she could sense the shadow of truth. She held my gaze, her eyes boring deeper into mine like she was studying me—or at least attempting to do so.

“We've been hanging out for some time now, and I still don't know much about you,” she added, her tone calm and smooth. “So pardon my curiosity.”

Curiosity is not a sin. But it kills the cat , I thought to myself. Some things were better left unsaid, and not everyone could handle the truth about me. Despite her wisdom and intelligence, I wasn't entirely sure that she was ready for the answer to her question.

I set down the glass and dabbed my mouth with a napkin. “Business,” came my reply, simple and casual but laced with finality.

There was no need to elaborate, and besides, my response wasn't entirely false. The Bratva organization was a business, a sector of which I ran. She didn't have to know more than that for now. If Ravyn wanted to know the whole truth, she'd have to earn it, but at this point, she would have to make do with my reply.

She squinted, her brows narrowing ever so slightly. It was clear that she was not satisfied with my response, and with the way her sharp blue eyes stared deeply into mine, I could tell that she was searching for more.

For the next few seconds, a deafening silence fell between us, her gaze hooked to my face. It was obvious that Ravyn had more to say and maybe even more questions to ask. But despite my welcoming demeanor, a subtle reserve lingered, and she was smart enough to detect the boundaries I had established.

She leaned back in her chair, picking up her glass. Ravyn took a sip, her tongue sensually sticking out to lick the wine on her lips. She cast a seductive look at me, hinting at the fire ignited within her.

The sudden switch from a tense and awkward atmosphere to a sensual and flirtatious one was a clear indication that she had decided not to pry. Ravyn’s decision to respect my boundaries and let it slide, at least for now, proved her remarkable level of maturity and sensitivity.

Her lips curled into a sexy grin, her blue eyes sparkling with mirth as she stared at me. Underneath the table, I could feel her foot traveling up my leg, toiling with my emotions.

A teasing sensation jolted through my body, prompting a faint smirk as I watched her slowly encircle her finger around the rim of her glass.

I held her gaze, basking in the sexual energy she exuded. In her eyes was a glint of an unspoken challenge, one that I was willing to accept.

My erection was growing harder by the second, the heat of passion getting hotter and hotter.

Ravyn effortlessly stirred up something in me—something vulnerable but dangerous.