Page 81 of The Pakhan's Arranged Bride

My heart races at his words. Is this all because of the pregnancy? Or is he referring to his feelings for me. Just me.

I wrap my arms tightly around his neck and tilt my head to the side as I press my lips against his.

He moans, a deep, low sound that rumbles through me, sending a thrill of excitement pulsing in my blood.

The kiss deepens as he takes control, pushing his tongue into my mouth, tasting me, claiming my lips as his own.

Benedikt’s hands roam down my back, cupping over my ass, tugging my hips against his, pressing me into his hard cock.

I let out a soft sigh of desire, lifting one leg and draping it around him.

He immediately lifts me into his arms, wrapping both of my legs around his hips.

He sits down on the sofa with me straddled on his lap.

In his arms, I feel safer than I’ve ever felt. After telling him my story, the things I’ve been struggling with for years—I realize that since I’ve been with Benedikt I’ve felt freer, safer, more myself than I’ve been in a very long time.

He gave that to me, with comfort, and a sense of belonging.

And he’s given me so much more.

I rock my hips against his cock, rubbing myself over him.

He threads his fingers through my hair and pulls my head back, tracing kisses over my exposed throat.

“You belong to me, little fox. I’ll never let anyone hurt you,” he whispers.

Chapter 23 - Benedikt

Over the week following our last sighting of Miron, and Ulyana’s finally telling me the truth about everything, we haven’t managed to find him again. That asshole has slipped through the cracks.

Ulyana is getting more and more frustrated with me because I don’t want her to go out alone.

“Where are my car keys?” Ulyana asks, confused when she finds they aren’t where they always are.

“It better if you stay home,” I say, avoiding telling her that I’ve locked them away, wanting her to stay home where I can keep her safe.

“I don’t want to stay home, Ben. I’m going crazy being cooped up in here. I need to get out a bit.”

“It’s not safe,” I insist, turning to walk away from her. This conversation is over. Miron is still out there somewhere and she wants to go driving around Vegas and risking his capturing her.

I won’t take that risk.

Besides, I’m wondering if half of her frustration is because we haven’t found him yet and she wants to take matters into her own hands again, take him down on her own. That’s a stupid idea. I’ve already told her I’ll help, but she’s impatient.

I don’t think she realizes just how dangerous it was for her to go after him alone in the first place.

“I’ll be perfectly fine,” she huffs. “It’s just to my hair appointment and back. It’s in the middle of a busy part of town and there will be people everywhere.”

I clench my jaw, narrowing my eyes at her. “Justthe hairdresser?” I ask, challenging her.

“What is that supposed to mean?” she asks abruptly, folding her arms over her chest and glaring at me.

“You can’t go,” I say, shaking my head. How can I keep her safe if she won’t let me.

“Benedikt,” she snaps my name angrily. “I am not your prisoner.”

“No, but you are my wife, and you will obey me.” Can’t she see it’s for her own good? I promised I wouldn’t let anyone hurt her, but she’s making it impossible.