Page 22 of Ruthless Reign

Squeezing my legs together, I try to relieve some of the pressure building in my core, but it doesn’t do the trick.

I bet his fingers would.

Yesterday didn’t help matters when he reached above me to get that book. He was so close I could feel his body heat burning into my back. I was pinned in place, breathing in his scent; it took everything in me not to moan aloud, my body aching for more of his touch.

Lord, I really need to get a grip.

I can't keep getting all hot and bothered every time we make eye contact. Sooner or later, Kira’s going to pick up on it, and that would be beyond embarrassing.

Trying to regain some semblance of control over myself, I dig in my purse for my phone and focus on checking my messages. I had hoped Sofiya would have texted back by now to let me know she arrived safely, but no such luck.

Earlier today, she messaged to tell me that Anatoly was driving her back to school. The minute I read those words, a cold shudder ran through me. I know he’s not driving her out of the kindness of his heart; like everything he does, it’s to remind me that if I step out of line, Sofiya pays the price. He didn’t like my attitude after he’d announced our upcoming wedding. He wants me sweet and submissive when I return home. It’s the role I’m destined to play.

“Why the frown?”

Roman’s voice startles me, and I press my hand to my heart. “Jesus, Roman. Maybe don’t sneak up on a girl.”

“I didn’t sneak up; I’ve been standing over you for a full twenty seconds.” A line forms between his eyebrows. “You need to work on your situational awareness.”

“My situational awareness is just fine.” I slip my phone back into my purse. “You're the one who creeps up on people like a ninja."

An amused puff of air escapes his lips. “Want another drink?” He tilts his head towards the bar.

“No, thanks.” For some reason, he takes that as an invitation to occupy the seat Kira just vacated.

“You keep on looking at your phone,” he notes. “Expecting a call?”

“Been paying close attention to me, have you?”

“Always.” My pulse flutters as he lets the word hang between us for a moment. “It’s my job.”

I shake my head and fiddle with my napkin on the table. “I’m not your job.”

He arches a brow. “According to Maxim, you are.”

“Right.”

“I have something for you.” He says this so out of nowhere that it takes my brain a moment to process his words.

I blink a few times. “Okay.”

He reaches into his blazer and extracts a book covered in some sort of protective wrap, then lays it on the table between us.

“A book?”

“Not just any book. A first-edition Jane Eyre.”

I'm momentarily speechless. “They’re crazy expensive and rare. How did you find one in less than a day?” I eye the book on the table, not even daring to pick it up.

He grins. "I know people who know people, and some of these people owe me a favor.”

I shake my head, as warmth curls low in my belly. “Kira and I were just joking about me buying one. I-I can't accept this.”

He leans in so close that I can feel the heat emanating from his body. “Why not? You want it, don’t you?”

I want it alright, but this gift is too much. If I accept it, what kind of message am I sending Roman?

A little voice in the back of my mind whispers that I could resell it for a lot of money. Last I heard, first editions of Jane Eyre go for nearly one hundred thousand at auction.

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