Page 105 of Twisted Princess

Watching Gleb tell Gabby a bedtime story might be my new favorite thing in the whole world. Seeing the two of them together fills my heart until it’s overflowing with joy and affection. It feels almost surreal that after everything we’ve been through, I might actually have found a happy ending.

And as Gleb slinks silently from Gabby’s bed, careful not to wake her, my stomach coils with anticipation.

The way he kissed me on the sidewalk this morning hasn’t strayed far from my mind all day.

I soaked up every moment of fun and laughter with him and Gabby in our blanket fort, and then in the kitchen while we cooked. But now that our daughter’s asleep, I’m more than a little excited about what’s to come.

Green eyes glinting with mischief, Gleb steps into the hallway, pulling Gabby’s door closed behind him. And suddenly, he’s mere inches from me because I refuse to step back.

Our breaths mingle as I look up into his handsome, angular face, and I wonder how I got so lucky to have this man walk into my life. From the moment I met him, he’s been nothing short of a tidal force to me, dragging me from the deep and bringing me back to shore.

“Have I ever told you how sexy you look when you’re taking care of our daughter?” I murmur, leaning into Gleb until his back finds the door.

A low, enticing chuckle rumbles from his chest, sending sparks of desire crackling across my skin. “No, but I like the sound of that. Especially assuming I’ll get to take care of her more often now.”

A flash of guilt lances through my chest as I hear the unspoken meaning behind his sentence. Because of me—because I ran—Gleb missed out on the first two and a half years of Gabby’s life.

“Hey,” he breathes, cupping my chin and forcing it up so I have to look at him. “That’s a good thing. Only a good thing, hmm?” He searches my eyes, as if watching to ensure that I come back to him.

Swallowing my guilt, I nod. And my tongue darts out to wet my lips.

“Now,” he says, a hint of humor creeping back into his tone, “tell me again how much you like seeing me as a father.”

I bite back a laugh so as not to wake Gabby, but I can’t help the smile that stretches across my face. “How about I show you instead?” I offer. And rising onto my tiptoes, I press my lips to his.

Gleb hums appreciatively, his arms tightening around my waist a second later. His tongue darts out to meet mine, and I eagerly deepen the kiss. His hands explore me slowly, sliding up my back before traveling down to cup my ass. It feels so good to have him touch me, to claim me like I belong to him.

And for the first time in my life, that thought doesn’t frighten me at all.

Gently easing away from the door, Gleb walks me backward, steering me down the hall. I let him, trusting him to guide me, though it makes my stomach quiver.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I focus on keeping our lips locked—and I show him just how much I want him.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about this morning’s kiss the entire day,” he murmurs against my mouth, echoing my thoughts.

“I’ve wanted you so bad,” I agree, my breaths quickening as we cross the threshold into his bedroom.

“I had half a mind to make love to you right there and then.”

A violent shiver shudders through me—not just because of the exhibitionary implication but also because it triggers something buried deep in my memory.

The first night we spent together, the night Gleb took my virginity, I asked him to make love to me. Since then, I haven’t even thought the words. But hearing them come from his lips now brings me full circle. And I could almost cry with gratitude.

Why? I don’t even know.

It’s like he just removed some seed of doubt buried so deep inside me, I didn’t even realize it was there. He wants to make love to me. And knowing that is the best feeling in the world.

“Well,” I breathe, my heart hammering against my ribs. “I guess you’ll just have to make up for it now.”

Again, Gleb chuckles, and it might be one of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard. I love that I can make him laugh. Not everyone can.

“I think I can handle that,” he growls and playfully nips my lower lip.

The backs of my knees hit the edge of the bed unexpectedly. And as we topple backward together, I let out a giddy squeal. But Gleb was ready for it—even with the distraction and in the dark. He catches our fall seamlessly, rolling until I’m on top of him, our bodies perfectly aligned.

As I smile down at him, his fresh breath washing across my face, I take a moment to truly appreciate how much I want to be with him. He makes me feel good and right and whole.

His hands travel slowly up and down my back, soothing me without being overtly sexual. And it makes butterflies flutter to life in my stomach. Gleb says he doesn’t know how to read me. But somehow, it feels like he always knows exactly what I need.

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