Page 101 of Scarlet Promise

She bursts into my study like sunshine, brightening everything, brightening me.

Though I only saw her earlier, my heart still lurches at her pretty mouth and big eyes, a soft summer blue ringed with gold. Her hair swings from her ponytail, and her jeans and pretty floral top flatter but also act as a barrier to my wicked thoughts and hands.

Still…jeans would never stop me. Not even a chastity belt could slow my plans if I wanted my way with her.

I like a challenge.

Alina’s the most delicious challenge I’ve ever met. The prizes I receive when I beat those challenges could sustain me for life.

If things had gone differently…

I’m not going to allow myself to feel jealousy for a dead man, one I liked and respected. I’m not going to ever be glad about what happened. My only source of relief is that Alina survived.

I love her enough that if I could bring him back to save her even a moment’s pain, I would.

But I’m no god. Not even close.

Since the past happened, I’m glad of one thing: she looked at me and saw the possibilities.

Alina looked at me and opened herself up.

For her, I’ll do what I can to live up to the promises I’ve made, to the promises the dead made, and give her happiness, love, and a life worth living.

And a baby.

I almost start to shake.

We’ve made a baby.

“Albert,” she whispers, joy sparking off her as the little dog jumps all over her and tries to lick her face. “You’re the best! Did you have fun with Daddy?”

I go still at that.

Daddy.

She doesn’t look at me as she continues to shower praise on Albert.

“I bet you did. And I bet you were good for him. You’re so shiny and soft,” she says. “Svetlana is feeding you right.”

Albert barks.

“Is she giving you homemade food?”

Albert barks again.

My Alina laughs. “So spoiled, aren’t you?”

Albert barks a third time.

“I know she cooks him meals,” I say. “None of that dog food for him. Snacks are fine.”

Alina looks up at me. “He deserves it.”

“So do you,” I say.

She blushes and looks at Albert.

“Are you staying another night?” I ask as she gives kisses and hugs to the dog, and I try not to be jealous.