Page 48 of Till Death Saves Me

A thrill runs through me at his words, but I play it cool. "Is that a threat or a promise?"

He sits up, leaning towards me with a predatory gleam in his eye. "Why don't you come over here and find out?"

My heart races, but I hold my ground. "Nuh-uh. You come to me if you want me so bad."

Ivan narrows his eyes, clearly not used to being challenged. For a moment, I wonder if I've pushed too far. But then he stands, closing the distance between us in two long strides.

He looms over me, all raw power and barely contained energy. I used to find this intimidating, but now? Now it just makes me want him more.

"You're playing a dangerous game, malyshka," he growls.

I grin up at him, feeling bold. "Good thing I like danger."

In one swift move, he scoops me up from the chair. I yelp in surprise, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Ivan! What are you?—"

My question is cut short as he jumps into the pool, taking me with him. We hit the water with a splash, and I come up sputtering and laughing.

"You jerk!" I exclaim, splashing water at his face.

He grins, looking more carefree than I've ever seen him. "You wanted me to come get you."

I can't help but laugh, shaking my head. "This isn't exactly what I had in mind."

Ivan swims closer, pulling me against him. "No? What did you have in mind then?"

As his lips meet mine, I marvel at how safe I feel in his arms. The man I once thought of as my jailer has become my protector, my confidant, my home. It's not perfect—we still clash, still have our rough edges—but I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world.

Ivan's fingers tug on the ties of my bikini top, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "These damn things," he mutters, as he undoes them. "They are going to be the death of me."

A thrill shoots through me at how gruff his words are. I've been teasing him with them, and I'm glad it doesn't go unnoticed. Finally, the fabric gives way, and his calloused palms claim my breasts, thumbs brushing over my nipples until they harden under his touch.

I arch into him, a gasp escaping my lips as he leans down, taking one peak into his mouth. He bites and sucks, each pull of his mouth sending a jolt of pleasure straight to my core. I rock against him, seeking friction, my hands roaming over his broad shoulders, nails digging into his smooth skin.

Reaching down, I slip my hand inside his trunks, wrapping my fingers around his hard length. He groans, a deep sound that vibrates through his chest, his eyes flashing with hunger. I stroke him, marveling at the silken heat, the rigid pulse beneath my touch.

Ivan's hands move to my bottoms, untying them with quick, efficient movements. He shoves his trunks down just enough to free himself, then grips my hips, lifting me effortlessly. I wrap my legs around his waist as he drives up into me, filling me completely.

"Ivan," I moan, clinging to his shoulders, my forehead pressed against his. He starts to move, each thrust deep and powerful, claiming me, possessing me. The water laps around us, amplifying every sensation, every point of contact between our bodies.

I meet his thrusts, grinding against him, my breath coming in ragged pants. His fingers dig into my flesh, holding me tightly, as if he can't get close enough, can't get enough of me. The thought sends a surge of heat through me, and I clench around him, drawing a groan from deep within his chest.

"Fuck, Virginia," he growls, his voice low and rough. "You feel so fucking good."

His words push me higher, and I ride him faster, chasing the building pressure. Our bodies move in sync, each driving the other towards the edge. His mouth finds mine, kissing me deeply, his tongue thrusting in the same rhythm as his body.

The tension coils tighter, and I'm hovering on the brink, every nerve ending alight with sensation. Ivan's grip tightens, his thrusts becoming more urgent, more desperate.

"Come with me, malyshka," he demands, his voice hoarse with need.

And I do. I tumble over the edge, my body convulsing around him as waves of pleasure crash through me. Ivan follows, his body stiffening, a low groan tearing from his throat as he finds his release.

We cling to each other, our breaths mingling, our hearts pounding in unison. I hold onto him tightly, knowing in this moment that it's too late for me.

I'm in love with Ivan, completely and utterly. And as he wraps his arms around me, holding me close, I hope with all my heart that he feels the same way. That he won't break me, won't shatter the fragile bond we've formed. Because I don't think I could bear it if he did.

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