Page 84 of Maxim

“So fucking beautiful, Olena. You really are my ???????. How do you feel?”

She yawns. “So good. I think I need a nap. Is that normal?”

I chuckle. “It sure is. Let’s get to bed. I think we both could use some sleep.”

I help her stand before I do the same. Then I surprise her by picking her up in my arms, bridal style. She giggles the entire way to the bedroom, only stopping when I lay her in her spot and kiss her senseless.

Then I climb in on my side of the bed, opening my arms for her.

She comes to me immediately.

“Thank you, Maxim,” I hear her whisper.

I smile to myself.

Little does she know that was as much for me as it was for her. I’ll be remembering her screams for many years to come.

The sky is dark and gloomy as rain falls. Thunder booms every few minutes, adding to the mood. My crochet project is forgotten as I stare out the window. Something about thunderstorms soothes me and always has.

“Do you see something?” Maxim asks.

“Huh?” I ask as I look over at him.

It’s not very often that I see Maxim dressed down, but when he is, I love it. He’s wearing a white T-shirt and a pair of well-worn gray sweatpants. His hair is messier than normal, and his beard is just a little longer than how he typically wears it.

“Are you done checking me out yet?” He smirks.

“Shut up,” I mumble, feeling my cheeks heat.

“Hey, I like your eyes on me. I’m not complaining,” he says as he takes a seat next to me.

“Cocky much?”

“Nah, confident.” He reaches over and rests his hand on my leg as he looks out the window. “It looks like shit out there.”

“Yeah, the forecast says it’s supposed to rain the rest of the night.”

“Fuck. That’s going to make shit interesting later,” he mutters.

I bite my tongue to stop myself from asking what’s happening tonight. As much as I want to know, I don’t want to push him. Not right now, at least. He asked for time, and that’s what I’m giving him.

“Come here,” I say softly.

Maxim looks over at me with a line between his brows.

I roll my eyes and kick my feet out so they are resting on his lap. Then I pull on his arm until he lies down. Wordlessly he places his head in my lap and wraps his arms around my waist. My hand moves, and I start running my fingers through his hair, gently scratching his scalp with my nails.

When Maxim groans, I feel the vibration right where I want it most, and the heat from his breath moves over the seam between my thighs. Between the two, I fight the urge to move.

Now’s not the time to get turned on.

“Feel good?”

“So fucking good. I don’t know if anyone’s ever played with my hair.”

My hand pauses. “Wait, really?”

“Really. Keep going, please.”