Page 26 of Poisoned Roses

“You consider wealth money. Having the freedom to live without worrying about how you have to pay for it. That is most people’s perception.”

She nods, her gaze direct as she waits for my explanation and I love how intimate this is.

“Wealth to me, or anyone who has money, is very different.”

I tighten my hold on her hand and instinctively pull her a little closer, noting her heightened color and the brightening of her eyes.

“When you remove one problem, another takes its place.”

I lean closer, her sweet breath fanning my face as I whisper, “Wealth takes on a new meaning then. You crave acceptance, freedom of choice, and no responsibility. When you have money, others rely on you for their own, so you employ many people and subsequently have a duty of care to protect their livelihood.”

I lean a little closer, surprised at the incredible urge I have to kiss her and say huskily, “Wealth isn’t the way you live your life in the amazing homes, driving the performance cars and buying everything you want and don’t really need. It’s walking away from all of that and taking pleasure in what nature provides. To be accepted for the man you are, not who many see. To shed the burden you drag like chains behind you and run free knowing nothing can touch you. That is what wealth means to me.”

I’m shocked when she raises her free hand and holds it flat against my face, the fabric an irritant I never appreciated until now.

Her eyes sparkle as she stares into mine and she whispers, “Then it appears I am richer than you because I get all of that through dance.”

She smiles and says almost to herself, “Why are we doing this?”

“Why not?”

She nods and then her expression changes and she leans forward and gently touches her lips to mine and before I can react at all, she kisses me in a surprise attack that I definitely wasn’t expecting.

CHAPTER 14

TATIANA

It’s as if I have lost all control of my body and mind. There is nothing more important to me now than kissing Titus Romanov. I sensed it as soon as I entered the room. The tension—the sexual tension.

I never understood what it was until now. The way he stared at me as if I was his next meal. The swirling lust in his eyes as hewatched my approach and the way he reached out to claim me as if it was his right.

He is an enigma, a dark force—a powerful one. Like most storms, he is disruptive, chaotic and deadly and it appears that they are qualities that turn me on.

The way he dealt with my concerns intrigued me. That ring must have cost more than I will ever earn in my lifetime, but he brushed it off as if it’s inconsequential.

I am delirious with fascination for this man and I couldn’t stop what happened next if I tried.

I wasn’t afraid of rejection. It never even crossed my mind because it’s obvious he wants to kiss me. It was a promise hanging between us, but he is too respectful to make the first move.

So, I surprised myself and made it for him.

He releases my hand and slides his hand around my waist, pulling me closer. His hand splayed out on my back, pressing me against him while his tongue twists with mine. His kisses are addictive. Strong, demanding and sensuous. Much like the man himself and I drop my hand from his face and hold the back of his head, deepening the kiss, taking what I want and to hell with the consequences.

My body is reacting to the situation. I have never wanted to kiss a man so badly. I have been kissed before but never like this and when he pulls away, he leaves me breathless.

This time he cups my face in both of his strong hands and stares deeply into my eyes, and I gulp at the lust reflected back at me.

“Sometimes, Tia.” He whispers, his voice deep and full of resolve. “We determine our future with actions rather than words. Tonight you revealed yours, which is why what happens next is down to you.”

“What happens next?”

I’m curious but not afraid and the light dances in his eyes as he whispers huskily, “My interest in you has changed from a business arrangement.”

“How?”

My breath hitches as he says gruffly, “You will become my wife in every sense of the word, and it begins tonight.”

“I don’t understand.” I’m nervous now and he laughs softly, but it’s one that chills me to the bone as he says almost triumphantly, “Because when you test the devil, you had better be ready for the repercussions of that. When you sit beside me at dinner and hold my hand at the opera, you will be picturing what happens when we return here.”

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