Page 55 of Fallen Roses

“If it’s what you want, then of course I’ll take you, but it’s not for the faint of heart.”

“Good.”

Her eyes flash and a wicked smile lights her face. She takes my hand and presses it to her heart and whispers, “My heart has never been faint, James. You thought I’d be disgusted. I saw it in your eyes. You are wrong.”

She presses her lips against mine and whispers, “I’m curious and just a little turned on by it, if I’m honest.”

“Fuck, Ana.” I groan as her fingers curl around my cock and she grips it hard, crashing her lips against mine, the water spilling over the edge of the tub and as my vision blurs as she squeezes my balls, I swear even I would kill anyone who dares attempt to take her away from me.

CHAPTER 29

ANA

I’ve never been nervous about walking into my home but I am now. Mikhail hardly said a word on the journey home and I wasn’t in the mood to talk either. I was exhausted. Delightfully sore and lethargic and I spent most of the flight locked in one of the bedrooms and slept.

Mikhail is always preoccupied with Lilli, anyway. When the unthinkable happened and he found her, to my knowledge they have never spent a night apart since. He has fallen unequivocally in love with her and she, in turn, idolizes him. I never really understood their obsession before, but since I’ve met James I kind of understand it.

Now we are heading into our family home with trepidation and even Mikhail is anxious judging by the way he squeezes Lilli’s hand, causing her to wince with pain.

I flash her a sympathetic shake of my head and she smiles, rolling her eyes as she mouths, “Are you okay?”

A brief nod is my reply, followed by a nervous smile and as we enter the hallway, the first person I see in mama herself.

“You’re home.”

Her beaming smile chases away anything other than love, and I fall into her open arms and love the familiar scent of her favorite brand of perfume.

“I missed you mama.” I whisper, hoping like crazy Adele was wrong and as she pulls back, her eyes sparkle as she whispers, “Los Angeles suited you. You are blooming.”

“You’re mad.” I roll my eyes because we both know I am no different, and I wonder if she has already been briefed about James.

“Mikhail, Lilli.” She smiles past me and holds out her hand and as they near, I break off and watch with amusement as she attempts to hug my brother. His usual irritated scowl is her reward, but Lilli makes up for him and smiles sweetly, kissing mama three times on both cheeks.

“You are looking amazing as always, Grace.” She says with a broad smile and mama blushes and laughs softly. “Oh, you flatter me, Lilli.”

She points toward the living area. “Come and join me for refreshment. We must catch up.”

Mikhail shakes his head.

“Later. I need a shower and to unpack first.”

“Lilli, you’ll join us,” Mama says hopefully.

“No.” Mikhail interrupts, grasping Lilli’s hand possessively.

“Lilli needs to unpack too.”

The woman herself smiles apologetically and rolls her eyes as Mikhail strides purposefully away, gripping her hand tightly and mama laughs softly. “We should worry about that girl. Mikhail’s obsession isn’t lessening. If anything, it’s more intense.”

“He always has been.” I remind her, and she grins.

“You’ve got to pity that girl.”

She reaches for my hand. “Anyway, you won’t deny your mother the gossip. Come and tell me everything.”

She pulls a face. “Well, almost everything. I heard you met someone. I want all the details.”

We head into the light-filled living area and my soul sings.

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