I move quickly, but he’s anticipating this, and he makes a grab for me and pulls me into his arms. He smells like old man shaving cream, even though he isn’t that old.

He purses his lips and moves towards me. I turn my cheek. Giggle nervously. Feel the wetness of his kiss against my cheek.

Then I dive into the car, rubbing the back of my hand over my face in disgust.

Gross.

“Bye, thanks again. It was a lovely evening,” I shout as I lean out of the car and grab the door handle to pull it closed. He practically has to leap out of the way to dodge it.

His face looks bewildered.

“Please drive.” I say to my driver, practically begging him to leave already.

I wave through the closed window at Brandon. He waves back.

Then I breathe a heavy sigh of relief and flop backwards into the seat.

Oh my word.

What have I done?

All I can think about is Alexei and his stupid, silly games. That playful, mischievous kiss. The way he holds himself with such extreme confidence.

Who the hell does he think he is?

I close my eyes and images of him flash through my mind.

My body starts to tingle.

I shoot my eyes open again.

No.

No.

No.

Get a grip, Clara.

Chapter 4 - Alexei

She’s fucking playing with me. That’s what she’s doing.

Every time I see her, she taunts me with that gorgeous smile of hers, those wide hips and that narrow waist. She knows exactly what she is doing to me.

I pace up and down my living room, trying to figure out what the best way to get her off my mind is. But the truth is that there is no way to get her out of my thoughts.

I need to see her.

It’s the only way.

I grab my car keys and march towards the front door.

I yank it open and slam it shut behind me.

I feel so agitated. My entire body feels like I’m in some kind of detox. desperately in withdrawal from and craving a drug I’ve never even had.Her. Clara.

That one kiss was enough to make me an addict.