Page 22 of Seduction (Wicked Vows)

Wait. Did I actually wake up, or am I still dreaming?

I stare at him before replying. “I have a hair tie.”

We have no time to waste, and he’s right. . . it would help me get ready. Braiding will quickly tame it, and then I can dash on some makeup and change into some nice clothes. Next thing I know, I’m rummaging through my bag, trying to find a hair tie.

“You’re already dressed! Did you do that while I was sleeping? Did you even get any rest?”

“Yes, I changed when you were sleeping. No, I didn’t sleep but it’s no matter. Give me the hair tie.”

Am I really going to let him braid my hair?

Do I have much choice other than doing a messy and weird bun? While I wouldn’t call myself vain, I’d like to avoid the mad scientist look if I can help it.

He gestures for me to sit at the desk chair while he stands behind me. It feels strangely intimate when he runs my brush through my hair. I quickly take it from him and shake my head. “I can do this part.” My cheeks are hot again, the heat creeping down my neck. I hope he doesn’t notice.

I brush my hair, pulling out the tangles, and I know exactly what it looks like now. The tangle-free fluffy mess is reminiscent of cotton candy.

“Where did you learn how to braid hair?”

“My brother has a stepchild. My niece. She’s three years old and has long blonde hair. I’m one of her favorites. So I learned. It’s not hard. “

Ugh, that’s adorable. Dammit.

He quickly gathers the hair at the nape of my neck, sending little tingles down my spine. It’s the sexiest thing a man has ever done to me, which is really pretty pathetic if you think about it.

I like the feel of his warm hand on the back of my neck. Separating the hair into strands, and with a tenderness that belies the way he’s been until now, he plaits my hair. When he’s done, he surprises me by giving it a little tug.

“Hey! What was that?”

“For talking back to me earlier.” He leans down, not quite touching me, but so close that the warmth of his breath tickles my neck. “Don’t do that again. Behave yourself, Vera. Remember, I’m your husband. You should show your husband some respect.”

Before I can gather up my thoughts or somehow slow the rapid beating of my heart, he’s gone, and I’m left wondering. . . Is Markov flirting with me? Or was he serious? I can’t look at him because I’m afraid that if he sees my eyes, he’ll somehow know that that little threat made me all kinds of hot and bothered. My God.

I go to get clothes out of my bag only to find that he’s already unpacked and layered everything in the drawers. “You unpacked for me?”

He shrugs. “I was bored, and I knew that you wouldn’t have much time to get dressed. And we need to go.”

It was kind of nice of him to do that, but still. . . what did I have in those bags he saw?

“Um, thanks.” I guess if he’s my bodyguard and pretend husband, I might have to give up a little of my privacy. But I’m mentally cringing at the memory of the plain white underwear and plain white bras that I packed. Why would I wear anything sexy? It was just supposed to be me. I don’t even own anything sexy.

I quickly grab a clean skirt and a top. Something business casual. He’s wearing a light blue button-down dress shirt and navy pants that fit him like a glove. He looks effortlessly put together and casual.

Markov scowls. “Five minutes until we have to go. Skip the makeup.”

Okay, now he’s stepping too far.

“No. My face is all blotchy from all that travel. I at least need a little lip gloss.” I turn my back to him and grab my little bag. “And excuse me, but fake husband that you may be, you are not the boss of me.” I need to hold my own with this one.

He presses his lips together and narrows his eyes at me. “I’m your husband. You should obey your husband.”

Oh no, he doesn’t. I glare at him. I’m suddenly reminded of the way he told me to behave myself.

I open my mouth to protest in some effective, persuasive way, but instead, I turn, run to the bathroom, and slam the door behind me.

Good one, Vera. Very graceful.

I toss makeup on quickly as if my life depended on it and join him back in the room. He gives me a quick look of appraisal and turns away.

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