Page 22

I take another whiff, letting the ache build in my core until it’s nearly unbearable.

Viktor and I have been balancing on a knife’s edge for weeks now. Dancing around the obvious attraction between us. But who will break first?

“Fuck it,” I mutter as I leave my room and slink down the stairs. It appears my willpower isn’t as iron-clad as I thought.

The kitchen is dark, only illuminated by the glow of the single bulb above the stove. Grabbing the baby monitor from the counter, I shove it in the pocket of my cardigan.

My heart races as fast as my feet, scrambling to the back door, where I stuff them into the old rain boots I keep on the dirt-crusted mat.

I deserve to be happy.

Don’t I?

Romantically speaking, I’ve been alone and miserable ever since Roman died.

He was my first love. My everything. Naively, I thought we’d grow old together, but our time was cut short by a devastating tragedy. What if Viktor is meant to be my next great love? What if our story is meant to fill the pages of the next chapter?

What if… I was meant to love and lose Roman so that I could find Viktor? My heart clenches at the thought.

I can’t let my cowardice rob me of a chance at another happily ever after.

Hovering over the doorknob, my hand shakes. I blow out a harsh breath. Suck it up, Mags. Nerves coil like a python in the pit of my stomach, but I force my fingers around the knob and turn, pushing open the door and stepping into the cool autumn night.

Blood pounds in my ears with every step I take closer to the guest house. What if he rejects me?

How fucking awkward would that make things between us for the remainder of his contract?

I don’t think I’d be able to face him.

My fingers tingle at my sides and my chest heaves with each breath when the faint glow of the guest house lights comes into view.

“Don’t think like that, Mags. You’re a catch.

” Try as I might, the positive words simply roll off my back, but my feet trudge on until I’m standing at Viktor’s front door.

Pretty sure I wasn’t even this nervous for my first date with Roman all those years ago.

After one last calming breath, I bring my trembling fist to the door.

Knock. Knock.

Before I have a chance to change my mind and run back home with my tail between my legs, the door swings in, revealing a sight that has moisture dripping from my tongue… and my pussy.

“Holy shit. ”

Pale hair disheveled and brushing his shoulders, Viktor stands in the doorway dressed in nothing but a pair of low-slung pajama pants.

His scantily clad nature leaves all the snowy-white skin of his hard torso on display for me to devour.

And devour, I do.

I pull my bottom lip between my teeth, biting down to hold back a moan as I take in his chest muscles. The harsh dips of his abs lead my eyes straight to the bulge hidden behind the thin fabric of his pajamas.

When I finally make my way back up to his gorgeous face, his eyes widen. “Maggie. Is something wrong? Is Lily alright?” There’s a franticness to his voice that has me melting. The fact that his first thought is concern for my daughter shows just how dedicated he is to his job.

A breeze ruffles my hair, and Viktor’s nostrils flare wide, his eyes darkening as they peruse the length of my body.

Somehow, my nipples peak further, screaming hey, look at me through my thin nightgown.

“She’s fine. I just—”

Now or never, Mags.

The adrenaline coursing through my body propels me forward. Wrapping my hand around the back of Viktor’s neck, I pull his mouth to mine.

The first brush of my lips is tentative. Hesitant. Giving him a chance to back away, but he doesn’t.

No, he does not.

Instead, he spins us, dragging me inside and caging me between the now shut door and his hard body, all while his lips stay sealed to mine.

The kiss turns frantic as Viktor consumes me, pressing my body harder against the wooden door and swallowing down every moan that sneaks past my lips.

My hands find their way to the cool skin of his chest, where his heart thumps rapidly under my touch.

He pushes the thick knit cardigan off my shoulders until it falls to the crooks of my elbows, leaving the thin straps of my nightgown exposed.

My lungs plead for oxygen, and I pull back, meeting his dark-red gaze. Cheeks heating, I brace my hands against his pecs. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. But there’s this spark… this pull between us that I can’t ignore anymore. I-I—”

Viktor leans his forehead against mine, voice quiet. “I know, Maggie. I feel it, too. It’s been torture… wanting you, but not having you. You’re driving me mad.”

His lips call to mine, like a moth to a flame. I press another kiss to his swollen mouth before pulling back. “This is wrong.” I kiss him again. “I’m your boss. And you’re leaving soon.”

Leaning back, he gives me some space. Well, as much space as he can while still keeping me caged between his body and the door.

A single fang peeks out when one side of his mouth pulls into a smirk.

Damn, why does he have to be so utterly gorgeous?

“Technically, Cyrus paid my contract, so you’re not my boss.

” The meaning behind his words is clear: he wants this as much as I do .

“Loophole.” I chuckle before sobering. “But I’m damaged goods, Viktor. I have enough baggage to fill the trunk of your car… and mine… and then some. I-I—”

He cups my face in his large palm, the icy bite of his skin refreshing against my flaming cheek. “I know, sweetheart. What if we leave the feelings out of it? Just for tonight.”

“Just tonight,” I echo. “Are you sure?”

He nods, lips tipping up at the corners, but the smile doesn’t reach his dazzling crimson eyes. Like he wants more than I can give him.

Accept what the man is offering, and for the love of god, don’t overthink it, Mags.

Taking my own advice, I crash my mouth to his again, swallowing down his choked groan. Viktor’s tongue laps at mine, stoking a fire between us that I’ve never experienced before.

Not even with Roman.

Unbridled passion spirals to life when he grips the backs of my thighs and hauls me up his body, pinning my weight between him and the door. A thick ridge in his pants catches me off guard when he grinds his hips between my thighs.

Each rock of his pelvis against mine sends sparks of pleasure straight to my clit.

He does it again, and I tear my lips from his to let out a broken moan.

My eyes skim down his muscled chest and abs, landing on where our bodies would be joined—if the thin barrier of my underwear and his pants weren’t in the way.

The obscene bulge of his cock behind his pajama bottoms is huge .

Holy shit!

Doubt creeps into the back of my mind, washing away the euphoria, when he grinds against me again. His cock is big, like, bigger than I’ve ever had.

I’ve only ever been with one man. Roman. And he certainly wasn’t this big, or a supernatural creature. What is Viktor even capable of?

Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.

Suddenly, it’s like I’m a blushing virgin. Which I’m not.

I’ve had sex. Lots of sex.

Great sex, in fact. But only with one man and not in a long time.

Viktor’s tongue trails down the length of my neck. Closing his lips over my pulse point, he sucks, and I stiffen.

He must sense my hesitation because he pulls back until we’re eye-to-eye, worry flashing across his face. “What’s wrong? Did I do something wrong?”

The concern in his rumbling voice soothes my frayed nerves, but how do you tell your one-night stand, who happens to be your nanny, that you’re thinking about your dead husband?

“Hey.” He cups my cheek, and I lean into his cool palm. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. You’re in control, Maggie. Always.”

Swallowing, I push down my unease and nod. I’m not doing anything wrong. Roman would want me to be happy and feel pleasure again. “I’m okay. Just got a little distracted. Can we move to the bed?”

A change of scenery is certain to keep thoughts of Roman at bay .

Although I’m on the shorter side, I’m not the smallest woman, so I expect Viktor to set me back on my feet and lead me to the queen-sized bed in the corner, but he clutches me to his body.

Swinging away from the door, he carries me with surprising ease.

A squeak slips out of my mouth, and I wrap my arms and legs tighter around him.

“You’re not going to drop me, are you?”

That damn smirk curls the corners of his lips again. “I can handle you, sweetheart. I promise.”

Before I can respond, he tosses me onto the bed, my head landing on the pillows.

I swear his eyes glow like two rubies as the mattress dips under his weight and he prowls up my body.

I knew there was something wild lurking under his polished exterior, but this is the first time I’ve witnessed it. It’s hot— he’s hot.

Collaring my neck in one large hand, he tugs my head off the pillows and feasts on my lips. “You taste so fucking good, Maggie.” His chest rumbles against mine when he growls into the kiss.

Soon, we’re a tangle of limbs on the bed, making out like two horny teenagers.

Viktor consumes all my senses. Tongue dancing with mine. Low groans of pleasure filling my ears. His darkly sweet scent invades my nose. Rough fingers flirt with the hem of my nightgown, slowly pushing it upward to my ribs.

I wish I’d taken the time to put on something a little sexier. Not that I own any lingerie.

Roman always said I looked sexiest in one of his t-shirts, freshly fucked .

Stop thinking about your dead husband while you’re under another man.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Viktor mumbles against my neck. He really likes that spot . “You’re stiff as a board right now.”

Giving me some space, he lies on his side next to me. Gentle fingers stroke the skin of my hip over my underwear.

Eyes on the ceiling, I blow out a breath, resisting the urge to cover my face with my hands. Instead, I ball them at my sides and speak in a quiet voice. “It’s silly. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t.” The command in his tone has my eyes widening and snapping to his. “Don’t hide your emotions from me, Maggie. I can tell something is making you uncomfortable.”

“R-Roman… he keeps sneaking into my head, but I shouldn’t be thinking about him right now. I should be thinking about you .”

His hand moves higher until he grips the hem of my nightgown and tugs it back down, covering my body. Oh no, is this the end of our fun? Did I fuck it all up?

Tears prick the backs of my eyes, and I drop my head.

“Look at me, please,” Viktor whispers.

Afraid the tears will fall if I look into his gorgeous eyes, I shake my head and keep my gaze on the bed between us.

Cool fingers hook under my chin and tip it up until all I see is his beautiful crimson eyes. Reflected in them, I find my own pain and sadness… like a mirror into my soul.

I latch onto them like a lifeline as a single tear slips free.

Viktor brushes it away before tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

“Grief isn’t linear, Maggie. It doesn’t have an expiration date, nor is it the same from one person to the next.

You’re allowed to feel what you’re feeling.

Never apologize for that. When another wave pulls you under, we’ll navigate the storm together. Okay?”

My lips tip into a meek smile, and I nod. “Together. I like the sound of that,” I whisper.

“Me too. Do you want to stop?”

Do I? At that moment, my clit throbs and wetness coats my panties. My body is still keyed up and ready to go.

It’s just like riding a bike. Get back on and start pedaling. “No. I need this. I need you to help me move on.” Not to replace Roman. No one will ever replace him, but I can’t stay stuck in the past any longer.

To drive home my consent, I muster every ounce of courage in my body and, with shaking hands, grip the bottom of my nightgown. The soft fabric glides up my body and over my head. I toss it away, until it’s nothing but a puddle of gray cloth on the wooden floor.