"Fuck, Pippa. Fuck," Lev groans, his hips thrusting in harder, faster. His eyes lock onto mine, the stormy gray turning fiery and possessive. "I’m close."

His words push me over the edge, and I come hard, my body lurching off the ground. He holds me up, his hand at the back of my neck, giving me support, and continues to drive into me. My pussy begins to clench and I close my eyes, moaning in sheer, pure pleasure.

“Lev,” I call out his name, seeing stars behind my eyes.

“Cum for me, Darling. Cum,” he says. He leans forward and kisses me, plunging out and back in with one strong.

With that, I shriek, my voice muffled under his kiss.

"You feel like heaven," he growls, his eyes scorching me with their intensity. "God, I'm so close, Pippa."

I cry out his name, the sound mingling with his ragged breaths. His hands tighten on my hips, and I know he's almost there.

"I'm right there with you," I manage to gasp between pants.

He groans, his eyes locked on mine, and then he does it. He thrusts into me once more, his cock hitting that perfect spot deep inside me, and I scream his name, my body trembling as we come together.

He collapses on top of me, his heart pounding against my chest, and I wrap my arms around him, our bodies still joined.

That night, we sleep naked, in each other’s arms, by the fireplace.

***

The next morning, I wake up in Lev’s bed. I look around, confused, and realize he must have carried me here.

But where is he?

Five minutes later, he emerges from the shower.

“Oh good,” he smiles at me. “You’re awake.”

“Why are you dressed so early?” I ask, confusion etched in my voice.

“Have to head into the office today,” he tells me, shuffling through his cupboard, finding the right clothes.

I take a deep breath, trying to find the words that will express the turmoil of emotions swelling inside me. I’m not ready to be away from him yet.

"Lev," I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. "Please, can’t you stay?”

He stops what he’s doing and turns around to face me, concern all over his face. He walks over and sits beside me, brushing away a strand of hair from my face. He cups my cheek gently. “Pippa. I swear I’ll be back as soon as I can. After everything that’s happened, my brothers and I need to meet and talk. We need to re-strategize to ensure nothing like that happened to Anoushka and you can ever take place again. I have to go… for you.”

I frown, not fully convinced by his words, but I don't argue either. He's always been the protector, the one who takes care of his family, and I understand that he needs to do what he needs to do… for us. For the Zolotov family.

"Alright," I concede, trying to muster a brave smile. "But promise me you'll come back soon.”

“Always, Pippa Anderson,” he leans forward, grazing his lips against mine. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” I whisper.

“Just promise me you'll stay safe and indoors until then. No wandering off or cleaning houses alone, okay?"

I laugh.

Chapter 27 - Lev

My car stops outside the nondescript entrance of an underground club in peak midday. My brothers, Boris and Damien, are huddled together, waiting for me.

I step out of the car and join them.