Page 43 of Finding Alexei
“Jeez, Alexei.” She sighs when I finally lower her to her feet inside our bedroom. It’s dark, but I don’t bother with the lights. She’s still clutching my biceps like she doesn’t quite trust herself to be steady on her feet just yet.
“You okay, baby?” I lean down and press a soft kiss to her forehead.
She nods quickly, tucking her hair behind one ear. “I’d say I’m much better than okay.”
I chuckle. “Yeah. That was . . .” Truthfully? There are no words. I just get so worked up when I’m around her. I’ve never felt like this with a woman before. It’s like no matter how many times I have her, rather than satisfy my hunger, I only end up wanting her more. “You’re incredible. I’m sorry that wasn’t more romantic.”
Our first fucking date night in forever, and I practically maul her, and then fuck her in the hallway up against a wall. Shit. What’s wrong with me?
Though I can’t regret telling her I love her. I do, so fucking much.
She rolls her eyes. “So much for foreplay.”
I squeeze her ass and chuckle. “I didn’t hear you complaining. And . . .” I give her a wicked smirk.
“What?” She laughs, somewhat nervously.
“Your pussy was really wet.”
She swats at my bicep. “Oh my God, Alexei!”
I laugh again, leaning down to kiss her. “Next time, more foreplay. Got it. I promise.”
She shakes her head at me, but she’s still grinning.
“I meant what I said, though,” I add.
She cocks her head, watching me as I pull up my jeans and button them. “About what?”
I take her face in my hands. “That I love you.”
And I do. It’s fast, but I’ve never felt more sure about anything in my entire life. She makes me smile and gives my heart this full, happy feeling. Plus she turns me on more than any woman ever has.
Her cheeks blush, and she looks almost shy. She didn’t think it was only something we were going to say in the heat of the moment, did she? That’s not how I roll. I wouldn’t have said it if it wasn’t 100 percent true.
After just a moment’s hesitation, she seems to find her footing. “I love you too.”
I break into a happy grin. “Good. Now get dressed so we can go get our baby.”
Ryleigh giggles as she grabs one of my T-shirts and puts it on.Chapter SeventeenRyleighTwo Months LaterOh my God, I had no idea watching Alexei on the football field from my spot in the suite would be so incredibly stressful. I stand here, gripping the seat in front of me, my gaze glued to him on the field. My stomach is in knots and my palms are sweating.
I’m wearing the jersey Alexei bought me in his team colors—navy and gold—with his number embroidered on the back. Most of the wives and girlfriends in the suite are dressed similarly, and some even have the word WIFEY printed across the back of their jerseys. It’s cute, and I wonder briefly if I’ll ever have one like that. The thought of it makes my belly tighten.
I almost brought Ella tonight, but now I’m glad I listened to Tracey’s advice and left her with Alexei’s mom at home. I’m sure Irina is glued to the TV, watching the big game.
Alexei’s three sisters are on their feet cheering, yelling out curses and encouragements that may as well be in a different language. It’s obvious they grew up around the game, and they know all the terminology that I don’t. Or maybe some of it is in Russian, who the hell knows. Nothing would surprise me with this family.
The only thing I know is that our team is down by three points, and it’s the final seconds of the game. And not just any game, but the big championship game that will determine the national champs.
Yeah, my stomach is in knots, to say the least. I’m so nervous and excited and anxious for Alexei.
“Get your fucking head out of your ass, Lex!” Tracey yells.
I’m sure he can’t hear her from our spot inside the suite, but I shake my head at her. “What’s going to happen now?” I don’t know all the rules of the game as well as I should—clearly.
Tracey rolls her eyes. “Either he stops them from advancing on this next play, or they hand over their balls to the other team.”
I nod. “Got it.”
So it all comes down to this. The crowd around us quiets, and the entire stadium is glued to this moment.
I take a deep breath, holding it in my lungs, and say a silent prayer. Come on, Alexei. You can do this. I know it.
I watch with wide eyes as his team gathers into formation. When they break, Alexei’s friend Weston Chase heaves the ball, his thick arm stretching as the ball releases, hurtling through the air in a perfect spiral.
