Page 127 of Ivory Ashes

I tighten around him and his mouth falls open. He tips his head back and I can see his pulse pounding in his throat.

“You’re so tight.” His thumb picks up pace and now the spasms are beyond my control. My pussy flutters around him.

I paw at his chest. “I’m close.”

His jaw is clenched with the effort not to finish first. “Come around me, Viviana. I want to feel you. I want?—”

His words are lost to a roar as my orgasm tears me wide open, taking Mikhail down with me.

But as I cry out, tears pricking the corners of my eyes, I can’t help but wonder what Mikhail wants.

I can’t help but wonder if it’s me.

45

MIKHAIL

I can see Viviana and Dante from the balcony of my bedroom when Raoul calls. “How’s the honeymoon?” he asks through the phone.

Phenomenal. Confusing. A mistake.

“Careful, my friend—you’re spending too much time with Anatoly. You’re starting to sound like him.”

“I just wanted to sound casual in case Viviana was around.” He waits. “So… is she around?”

“No. She’s on a walk with Dante.”

Viviana and I spent most of the night twisted in the sheets, but when I opened my eyes this morning, she was already gone. And she’s stayed gone.

She and Dante went with Stella to the store to pick up some snacks, they went for a mid-morning swim, and now, they’re walking hand in hand down the beach. I’d ask if she’s trying to avoid me, but I’d have to be in the same room with her to do that.

And when I’m in the same room with her, I can’t think straight.

I turn away from the view and walk into the bedroom. “Are you calling with an update? I can’t stay on vacation for-fucking-ever.”

"I'm actually surprised you've lasted this long."

"Then don't test my patience," I growl. "Have you dealt with it or not?"

Anatoly and Raoul have kept me updated with a few texts here or there, but otherwise, it’s been quiet. For the first time in years, I put my phone down and took a step back from work and the Bratva. It’s been nice.

That doesn’t mean I’m not ready to get home and give Viviana the peace of mind she deserves.

"It's been dealt with,” Raoul tells me. “You can come home."

"Perfect."

When Viviana and Dante get back from their walk, I'm waiting in the living room. Vivian's golden hair is wild from the wind and her cheeks are pink. She's shaking sand out of Dante's hair and laughing. "That's what you get for trying to tunnel across the beach like a little mole. Now, you have to take a bath."

Dante starts to groan, but then he sees me. And his face lights up.

I'm so fucked.

It's all I can think as my son throws himself at me and wraps his arms around my neck.

"Me and Mama saw a crab! It was red and walked on the sand on tiptoes like this." He balances on his toes and walks in a clumsy circle. “Mama wouldn’t let me touch it.”

“Because your mama is smart. That thing would have pinched your little nose off.” I snap two fingers towards his nose and he claps his hands over it and shrieks.

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