Page 18 of Between Power and Passion

Before I can stand, her voice, soft and drowsy, calls my name. "Dmitri?"

I turn to see her sitting up, the sheet tucked beneath her arms, covering her.

"Sorry for waking you."

"It's okay." She reaches out and touches my shoulder. Instinctively, I flinch.

Hurt flashes in her eyes, and guilt twists in my gut. "I'm sorry," I murmur.

Her hand drops to her lap. "I'm serious about helping you," she says, her voice steady despite the hurt lingering in her gaze.

I search her eyes for any sign of doubt but find none. Her determination mirrors my own—stubborn and unyielding. "Why?" I ask, needing to understand.

"Because I love you," she replies without hesitation.

In this world of chaos and revenge? It seems impossible, yet here she is—offering it freely.

I look away, unsure how to respond. Love is a weakness I've long since buried beneath layers of anger and resolve. But with Valentina, it's different. She makes me want to believe in something more than just vengeance.

She moves closer again, placing a hand on my back. "You don't have to do this alone," she whispers.

The sincerity in her voice breaks down some of my defenses. "It's not safe for you," I say quietly.

"I don't care about safe," she retorts gently but firmly. "I care about you. Dmitri." Her soft voice draws me out of my thoughts. "Let me help you."

Her plea hangs in the air between us—simple yet profound. For a moment, I'm torn between pushing her away for her safety or pulling her closer because I need her more than I care to admit.

Finally, I meet her gaze again and nod slowly. "Alright," I concede.

A small smile tugs at her lips as she leans in and presses a gentle kiss to my shoulder. Valentina's eyes hold a determined glint as she speaks. "I'm not sure about all the details, but my father is expecting a shipment soon. If I'm keeping track of the days right, it should be in two weeks."

I narrow my eyes. "What kind of shipment?"

"His largest shipment of cocaine," she says, her voice steady. "He's already got a buyer lined up. If you can intercept it, you'll hit him where it hurts."

The information is like a lifeline thrown into the chaos of my plans. I need specifics. "Where's the buyer meeting him?"

She bites her lip, thinking. "I don't have the exact address, but there are two possible locations. The docks on the east side or the warehouse on 34th Street."

I nod, mentally filing away the options. "I'll have my men scout both places."

She smiles, relief evident on her face. "Good."

As I rise from the bed, I gesture toward the adjoining bathroom. "Go take a bath and come down for breakfast."

Her hand catches mine, and she looks up at me with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Join me?" She lets the bed sheet fall, revealing her bare breasts.

I take her hand and tug her up from the bed, unable to explain the feral need rising inside me. Without a word, I lead her toward the bathroom, desperate to feel her skin against mine.

Turning on the faucet, I adjust the water temperature. Steam rises as the tub fills, and I step back, my eyes never leaving her.

"Get in," I order, my voice gruff with desire.

She steps into the tub, sinking into the water with a soft sigh. I can't help but stare as she takes a sponge and slowly rubs it over her body, her movements fluid and seductive. Her nipples pebble under my intense gaze, and my breath catches as she continues her slow, torturous caress.

I feel trapped in a haze of need. All my muscles are taut with restraint. My wound burns, but it's a distant sensation compared to the throb between my legs.

Her eyes hold mine as she rubs her body, trailing the sponge down her throat, along her collarbone, and then lower, past her breasts and over her flat stomach.

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