Page 13 of Tangled Vows

Yet, when I walk down the stairs, excitement quickly brushes caution aside. My ears pick up male voices amid the sound of my footsteps on the steps. Reaching the marble foyer, my suspicion is confirmed. Leonid and Ivan shove off from where they lean against the wall, their eyes on me as I leave the staircase behind. A thrill races across my spine, a tingle that sends warmth right into my heart.

“Beautiful,” Ivan praises, scanning my body from top to bottom. “That color suits you, Clare. Leonid, what do you think?”

“Good enough to eat,” he states, the admiration in his expression sending my pulse rising. Tingles race up and down my body, and I lower my gaze to hide the redness in my cheeks.

“Thank you,” I mutter under my breath.

Leonid takes me by the hand. Boy, he looks fantastic in that beige suit. His pecs seem to be suffering under that white shirt. That well-trimmed beard is adorning his handsome face. On the other hand, Ivan is in a navy-blue suit. There’s a dimple in his chiseled chin, one that is not obscured by any facial hair.

“Shall we?” I ask.

The men smile in amusement, hands on my waist. Leonid’s cologne stronger in my nostrils as he steps closer. “I like your eagerness, but I thought you’d be curious to hear our plans for tonight.”

With him towering over me, I have to lift my gaze to meet his intense stare. “You mentioned dinner yesterday, didn’t you? I know you’d want to know why I applied for a job at the Blue Dolphin.”

He squeezes his lips together and flinches, squinting. “Nah, that would be obvious. You want to make a living. Even if I were curious, I wouldn’t discuss this over dinner. Food and drink can distract people. I think a change of scenery is required tonight. What about you, Ivan?”

“I agree. There’s this place that means a lot to me.” Ivan’s voice is slower, emotion sending it down an octave. Their combined intensity enveloping me, I shiver in anticipation. “I’m sure you’ll like that place, too, Clare. We want to send you off with a celebration.”

Their thoughtfulness is moving to say the least. I throw glances between their faces in curiosity, a smile forming on my face. “Thank you. That sounds wonderful. Lead the way, please!”

Pushing the glass door open, Ivan heads for a shiny, black Mercedes up ahead. I can’t help but smile to myself when Leonid opens the rear door for me. Once again, the luxury around me is astounding. Aside from the leather seats, there’s a sizable minibar in the right corner. There’s a small drawer in the center console, its brown handle making it stand out. I count six crystal glasses in it. Leonid and Ivan join me in the backseat. I belt myself in and clear my throat.

“So, where are we going?” I wonder, their arms brushing my shoulders as the Mercedes starts off.

“Patience, Clare,” Leonid’s voice drops deeper, a rasp unmistakable. “Just relax and enjoy the ride.”

Delicious shivers run across my skin. Am I really experiencing all this? Because it feels a little too good to be true.

I can feel their gazes on me. Leonid’s fingers tuck some tendrils of my hair behind my ear while Ivan swipes his thumb across my wrist. There is tenderness in their moves. They are slow and deliberate. Nothing is accidental here. They both mean to show me what they want from me.

Do I have to choose?

Fear is long gone—a thing of the past. In the not so distant past, yes, but it’s no longer an issue. I cannot deny that. If I still harbored fear, I wouldn’t be asking myself that. I would’ve been figuring out ways to run away from these two.

In any case, choosing between them is next to impossible. I can’t choose one rugged handsomeness over another. I can’t select one mysterious Russian and send the other away.

The vehicle passes one high-rise after another. Silence lingers between us. I prefer looking at the buildings out the window, but, in truth, I’m not letting images register. My focus is not on skyscrapers. It’s within this fancy limousine. In particular, it’s between my legs. I can’t believe I’m daydreaming, but I’m actually imagining Leonid’s warm tongue.

Stop it, you fool! You can’t get all flustered now! They’ll notice!

I try to control my quickening breath, discovering that the car is coming to a gentle halt. I peer out of the window, finding a soaring glass lobby. Leonid opens his door and I scoot over, my gaze moving up an enormous high-rise.

“Holy cow,” I whisper, humid air hitting my face. “What is this place?”

“My building,” Ivan claims, approaching me. “The penthouse is mine.”

Ivan’s fingers stroke my elbow for a fleeting moment before he takes it in his grasp. He walks off, leading me to the entrance, Leonid staying on my flank.

Oh, no, I haven’t been imagining things. I haven’t mistaken their body language. These two wolves mean to devour me. They want to have their way with me, otherwise we would be at a South Beach restaurant, going over menus. They’re not interested in having dinner with me. They’re interested in having... me. The mere thought is enough to make my limbs shake.

In the elevator, I check my reflection in the chrome surface across from me. I pretend to shuffle my hair, but all I do is take in their lustful gazes. Both of them are distracted by my back and are staring at me.

My stomach drops as the elevator comes to a stop. The ding rings in my ears as the doors slide open. Leonid and Ivan usher me down a short corridor and into a stunning penthouse that makes my jaw drop. It’s literally the stuff of dreams. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, I can see the glittering Miami coastline, along with the open sea. The vast space is furnished in leather seating and gleaming wood pieces, like the rocking chair in the corner of the living room. A black quartz bar is to the left, but it doesn’t hold my attention for long. I do, however, notice an office and a bedroom through an archway.

The tip of my tongue moistening my lower lip, I decide to take the initiative. If these two wolves want me, they’re going to have to prove it. I make my way towards the nearest window, swaying my hips lightly. The scrape of shoes on the floor sends a shot of adrenaline through my veins. I sense footsteps behind me as I stand just inches from the window.

I close my eyes, sensing a gentle touch on my wrist. A sideways glance reveals the identity of the man beside me. It’s Leonid. His eyes blazing into mine, he tilts his head down, his other hand easing strands of my hair over my shoulder. Ivan’s cologne rushes through my nostrils as his fingers glide over my lower back. He smooths them over the curve of my ass and gives it a light squeeze over my dress. His lips landing on my shoulder, I tip my head back.

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