Page 44 of Possess Me

Maybe because mentally, I’d been running from my past.

He finally crowded my space yet keeping some distance between us. When he leaned over the railing, I was allowed to take quick, almost satisfying glances at his long torso. He was entirely too handsome for his own good, wetness pooling between my legs.

I licked the rim of the glass before taking a sip. It had been a long time since I’d had straight vodka. I’d taken a glimpse at the label. Russian vodka.

“I should punish you for acting so rashly. The rocks were jagged. The tide was coming in. You certainly weren’t dressed for search and rescue.”

His words surprised me. His tone thrilled me. “I’m a big girl. I know what I’m doing.”

“You placed both of us in danger.”

Why was it that his presence was so overpowering? His eyes were more hooded than before, which gave him a dreamy look. “Yet here we are. Alive. Plus, we saved a little life. Together.”

He snorted. “Yes, and we could have died together. Being a good girl isn’t in your repertoire.”

Why, when he used the term ‘good girl,’ did my pussy begin to throb?

“I follow the ones that are necessary to keep others alive. I don’t care about myself,” I responded, blowing him a kiss. I don’t know why I made the comment other than I’d often felt so alone and without much to live for. The thought was more depressing at this moment.

“I was right,” he said as he nodded his head. “You need a hard spanking.”

For some reason, his words and the determination behind them made me laugh. But I changed the subject because they also turned me on. My nipples were aching and the warmth between my legs was ridiculous.

“Maybe one day you’ll tell me about living in Russia.” I don’t know why I made the statement other than it seemed to be somewhat of an icebreaker. After what we’d shared, from passion to an adrenaline rush, I was no longer certain what to say or if I should simply gather Bella and return to my cottage.

He took a gulp of his drink, holding the liquid in his mouth before swallowing. Even the look of his Adam’s apple was alluring. His muscles were perfectly sculpted and as I’d experienced before, I had a strong desire to run my fingers along every line and curve.

After swirling the drink in his glass, he turned his head very slowly. “Is that what you want to know? About Russia?”

Even in the shadowed light, I could see the twinkle in his eyes clearly.

“Not really. Although I do enjoy traveling.”

“Then what?” He shifted so he was looking at me directly, crossing his long legs at his ankles and somehow, my eyes fell to the thick bulge between his legs.

When I licked my lips, he chuckled, the sound resonating through every cell.

Why did he have such a profound effect on me?

“Tell me about the tattoos.”

He lifted his eyebrows, taking another swallow. “The rose is for my mother,” he said with reverence in his voice as he turned his arm over, fisting his hand so the red ink would be pronounced. “Her favorite flower.”

“That’s lovely.”

“The dagger is for the brotherhood of my family and my heritage.” He turned his arm over, even extending it so I could see the sharp details.

“As Bratva.”

“Yes. Something I am proud of.”

“You call it a brotherhood.”

“It is. We value family, honor, and respect more than anything.” He smirked slightly and flexed his hand. “This is my family’s crest.”

“What does it mean?”

“Honor among thieves.” When I laughed, he smiled and it was another simple act that could light up a room.