Page 45 of The Pakhan

Still, a surprise. I had a feeling I would unearth several of them.

“As I said, you should at least try and rest,” I admonished.

“I don’t like storms.”

“Because of the other night?”

“Yes, but I never have. I was always certain the boogeyman came out in them, claiming unsuspecting souls much easier.” She laughed almost nervously. “I know it’s silly, but my imagination always worked overtime. My father used to yell at me for pacing my bedroom. He was a tough man.”

“You’re safe here.”

“So you say.” She turned toward me slowly, daring to crowd my space. When she placed her hand on my chest, I looked down and sighed.

“You’re a beautiful woman, Caroline, but I’m no good for you. I crossed a line that can never be crossed again.”

“Why? I’m a big girl. I can make my own decisions, you know.”

For her to be this bold, even if short-lived, was enough that I found myself losing what was left of my control. “Apparently, you’re uncertain of how to handle this world.”

“I’ve been part of this world, your world, since I became friends with Sofiya.”

“You were exposed to the opulent side of my life, including with Sofiya and Daniella. You know that. I might be many things, but I’m not the kind of man to destroy his daughters’ friendships.”

She continued to finger my shirt, even daring to slide one tip against my skin. As expected, the heat and electricity were damn powerful. But I had to end this before things got out of hand and she was suddenly considered a weakness. I pulled her hand away and as she glanced up into my eyes, I sensed more desire than I’d felt with anyone in so long it was difficult to remember when.

A part of me wanted to drag her against my chest, telling her in no uncertain terms she belonged to me and there was nothing she could do about it. How perfectly barbaric of me. My skin was painted with her scent, the fragrance of her sweet pussy juice embedded in my nostrils, the taste of ripe cherries lingering on my tongue. I’d always been the kind of man for whom one taste had been enough.

But with her… Everything was different.

She shrugged as if it was my loss and headed to the bar. Just watching her as she looked over my selection, touching bottle after bottle fascinated me. The woman was going to undo me. Of that I had no doubt.

I hadn’t shied away from doing horrible things in my life but my rational side reminded me that entering into any kind of relationship, including sexual, could only place a target on her head.

But I’d be damned if my balls weren’t tightening more than before.

“You have eclectic tastes,” she said as she poured more whiskey, leaning up against the bar as she brought the glass to her lips.

“I do. I don’t enjoy being pigeonholed into anything.”

Swallowing, she smirked and barely lowered the glass. “Interesting word. I don’t think you’re the kind of man to be pigeonholed into anything.”

I found myself walking closer, my eyes drifting to the loose sash on her robe. “I’m curious. What kind of man do I seem like to you?”

Caroline swirled the liquid in the glass and narrowed her lovely eyebrows. “Oh, you’re entirely different whether we’re talking about the man everyone else outside this household sees or the one the few people you care about see. For those you refuse to get close to or have terrified in your day-to-day business operations, you are feared. I will guess there are men who purposely head to the other side of the street if they see you. Powerful. Dangerous. Unforgiving. You are definitely a take no shit kind of man. Now, women on the other hand. Well, they likely throw panties at you no matter where you are, and I’m not talking about the kind of women who walk the streets. You could have any single woman you wanted on this earth.” She took another swallow, her eyes lighting up.

“You have a fascinating view of how effective I am attracting women.”

The way she rolled her eyes and huffed was far too adorable. “Don’t try that with me, Vadim. You’re a highly intelligent man. You know how damn good looking you are and given your wealth and influence, there isn’t a woman alive who wouldn’t agree to have your babies. Or just fuck you.”

The woman had me chuckling.

“And for those who know me well?” I continued walking closer.

“It’s multi-layered. For the men who’ve worked with you for years, there is utter respect and loyalty. However, they aren’t stupid either. They won’t dare cross a line for fear of retribution. Now, those closest to you highlight a completely different man. You’re a pussycat, easily driven by the love of your family and the need to protect. You’re also smothering of those you worry about, making it difficult for them to make choices on their own without your interference. But, when one of them pouts, you melt like a big, juicy marshmallow; you know the kind. Ooey gooey inside. I would say lickable but that’s a little too… icky considering two of those people I was mentioning are your daughters.”

Dear God. When she dragged her tongue across her bottom lip, I heard a slight growl roll up from the depth of my being. She was having a good time teasing me in a very different way, which was driving me crazy and she knew it.

“A very fascinating assessment. Have you thought this way ever since you’ve known me?” Now I was crowding her space, gathering a strong whiff of the same desire as before as well as what lingered of our hot sex.

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