Page 26 of Thorns of Love

ELEVEN

TATIANA

Illias watched me with a peculiar look in his eyes.

I caught a glimpse of the two of us in the mirror. Me, only wearing his shirt and my bare legs on full display. Him, suited up, looking every bit the Pakhan he was. My hair was a disheveled mess while my husband's appearance was pristine.

He sat me on the counter, and I watched him move swiftly around the bathroom. He turned on the water, the sound of it filling the bathroom. Illias reached over and retrieved a bath product.

Just as he was about to pour it in, I stopped him.

“Whose bottle is that?” I asked, motioning to the bottle in his hand.

“It’s yours.” He shook his head as if amused by the display of jealousy. I wasn’t jealous but damn if I’d use another woman’s product. “It was delivered along with the clothes. Everything is new - and yours, Tatiana.”

“Well then. You can pour it in.” I started unbuttoning my shirt, discarding it onto the floor. Heat in his gaze flared and my body instantly responded.

“You must have been a queen in your previous life,” he muttered, dumping its contents into the tub. The scent of roses drifted through the air. Several faucets filled the large tub that could easily house ten people and the two of us watched in silence as the water filled the tub.

“Aren’t you going to take your clothes off?” I asked shamelessly. I realized it made me sound slightly desperate. Oh well. I might as well enjoy the benefits of being married.

“No.”

I didn’t care to evaluate the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. So I just slid off the counter and swayed my hips as I made my way to the tub.

“Your loss,” I murmured as I passed by him.

His hand lightly tapped my ass. “Tease. Get in the tub.”

He helped to lower me into the tub and the moment I was submerged a deep sigh left me.

“This feels good,” I exhaled. He leaned over and for a moment I hoped he’d join me, but he just reached behind me and shut off the tap. Then he sat at the edge of the tub while I soaked in the bubbles.

The silence after the constant rush of water was sudden. Somehow overwhelming. But not uncomfortable. After months of pushing and pulling, it still seemed odd to find myself here. In his home. In Russia. Freaking married to him.

Somehow the idea of our marriage wasn’t repulsive. It had to be the great sex. Not the best basis for marriage, but it was at least something. Well, there was also a child growing in my belly.

My chest warmed. Our baby wasn’t exactly planned, but I already felt a connection with her. Or maybe it was him. It didn’t matter, as long as he or she was healthy. I placed the palm on my lower belly and rubbed it gently. I had already purchased pregnancy books and started reading up on anything and everything about pregnancy and the first year of our baby’s life.

Illias removed his jacket and hung it on the towel hanger, then undid his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves, exposing his forearms. Gosh, I loved Illias’ hands. They were so strong and veiny. Rough, yet they could bring so much pleasure.

He lowered down to a crouch beside me and slid his hand in the water.

“What are you doing?” He didn’t answer as his fingers started massaging my shoulders. His strong fingers rubbed circles down my back, then up again, loosening muscles on my upper back and shoulders.

I tilted my head to the side to give him better access, a low moan filling the air. With horror I realized it was mine, but I couldn’t help how good it felt.

“I read that a massage is good during pregnancy,” he remarked, his voice deep.

I sighed in pleasure. “I certainly agree,” I murmured. “Where did you read that?”

“American Pregnancy Association.” My eyes fluttered closed as my muscles loosened with every passing second his fingers expertly worked on me. “They warned about massaging the belly, but indicated prenatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety and stress.”

He rubbed long circles with a tenderness and sure, firm movements. “Well, Illias. If you ever want to give up your career as the Pakhan, you will succeed as a masseuse.”

I watched him through my heavy lids and caught the corner of his lips tipped up. He was gorgeous when he half-smiled. I feared when he actually smiled, he’d send me into a spiral.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”