Page 32 of The Russian Pakhan's Forced Bride

That thought lingers in my mind and only stokes the flames of my interest.

Sliding in after her, I close the door once I’m in place, and before long, the SUV hums while it pulls away from the curb.

The smell of her shampoo and the perfume I got her lingers in the air between us, drawing me in like a siren’s call.

After a moment of sitting in that silence, I glance at her. “Why the change? You haven’t been remotely like this.”

Amused by my question, she grins to herself. “It was something to do.”

My eyes narrow slightly. “Try again.”

With a slight pause, she continues, “Maybe I wanted to get a rise out of you.”

“Well…” I begin, looking her over again. “You succeeded.”

Looking far too proud of herself, Victoria lets an airy laugh escape her, and Christ…the sound alone is enough to make me ache.

“You’re a different person with your guard down.”

“It isn’t down.”

“No? Then why do you look like you’re ready to explode?”

My gaze never leaves her—not even when I should probably look away and put some space between us. Instead, my jaw clenches, and I don’t say anything at first.

As more of that incredibly loud tension lingers between us, Victoria shifts slightly in her seat and crosses a leg over the other. It looks far too smooth…far too distracting.

And of course, it works as intended.

Not to mention, she sees it the way I’m faltering.

While that distinctly appealing scent of hers hits me again, I look at her pointedly.

“You’re testing me, aren’t you?”

Something vaguely amused passes through her eyes again. “…And if I am?”

“Then you’re going to get burned.”

“What if that’s exactly what I want?”

Something about that shakes me all over again, and I swallow hard to clear away the dryness in my throat.

It’s unlike me to feel caught off-guard by anyone or feel tested beyond my limits.

Still, I find myself unable to shut it down. Not when it’s far too entertaining and seems to be leading down a path I can’t ignore.

I take a slow, strained breath. “Then you’re really going to get burned…and it’s going to hurt. A lot.”

Despite the warning in my words, she doesn’t pull away or retreat in any way. Instead, that grin lingers on her lips, and I have the feeling she knows exactly what she’s doing to me.

As much as I don’t like admitting any kind of reliance on anyone… at this moment, I need her more than anything.

I want her.

Chapter 12 - Victoria

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want him.