Page 30 of Poisoned Roses

I don’t want a wife. I never did, but this is business and I am a slave to mine. I will do what is necessary and right at this moment that is Tatiana Pavlov, so we may as well have fun while we’re at it.

She rolls her eye and then grins and something tugs on my heart. Then she leans closer and whispers, “We really should get our story straight. That was a close call back there.”

“I was impressed. You did well.”

I smile briefly because her attempt to belittle me only amused me. It showed me she has spirit and I admire that. If anything, it piqued my interest because the last thing I want is a woman who stands like a shadow beside me with no conversation and a desire to spend my money.

Once again, the lights dim and the curtain rises and I prepare for the final act before the main one. When we leave the theater tonight, there is one show I can’t wait to attend and my leading lady is sitting beside me playing with my fingers. She doesn’t even know she is doing it, so deep is her concentration and as she grips my hand with ownership, a strong protective emotion flares inside me.

It feels good sitting beside a woman like her, and I never appreciated the pleasure it could bring. Perhaps this may not be as dull as I first thought. Perhaps we may even have some fun and make the best of the situation.

It’s the first time in my life I am willing to allow someone into my life and that surprises me more than anything I’ve learned so far.

CHAPTER 16

TATIANA

I’m on edge, unable to relax, with my mind constantly on the man next to me who has dominated my thoughts all night.

When the show ends, Titus wastes no time in making our excuses, and the slimy wink Boris offers him causes me to shiver with revulsion. I glance at his unfortunate companion, who isstaring at Titus with a longing gleam in her eye and if anything, I am proud that I am the one beside him.

He is clutching my hand as if I’m the most important thing in his life right now, and I wonder why he is doing this. He could have any woman he wants. They are sure to be beating a path to his door, but he has settled for me. A stranger. I vow to ask him about that on the journey home.

I wonder when I began to think of it as home.

Once again, we head to the car and this time the journey is loaded with anticipation.

I wonder what it will be like? I’m not scared of it. Interested more than anything because despite the fact I’m in my mid-twenties, I am still to learn what it’s like to have sex.

“You’re quiet.” His husky voice punctures my thoughts, and I breathe deeply. “It’s a lot.”

“I know.”

I don’t even need to tell him what I’m referring to and he says softly, “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I’m not an ogre. I can accept the situation for what it is.”

“You don’t want to?” I’m amazed at how disappointed I am at his disinterest and he replies with a husky determination. “I have thought of little else since I met you, Tia. When I look at you, I see a woman I want. Who consumes my thoughts and terrifies my soul.”

“Terrifies.”

I’m unprepared for that description and he nods. “You terrify me because I crave intimacy with you and you are the first woman who has ever provoked that reaction. You see–”

He turns right at the traffic lights and his attention is distracted momentarily and then he continues, “I made a decision a long time ago that one woman wasn’t for me. I’m not saying I want several—of course not. I just don’t want to share my life with another.”

“Why not?”

I’m curious and he shrugs. “Because it gets in the way of business. I’ve seen it so many times. Having a partner means you must think of their needs above your own. To make them happy and consider their wishes. I don’t have time for the distraction and so sex has been something to satisfy my physical needs and the business my mental ones.”

“I can understand that.”

His soft laugh drags a smile to my lips. “The fact I’m a virgin at twenty-four isn’t something I want to shout from the stage door. Does that shock you?”

“No. I guessed as much.”

“Wow.” I shake my head. “Is it written on my face? because how did you know?”

“The way you act.”

He turns into the underground car park of his apartment building and remarks, “Remember, you can opt out of the physical side of this anytime you want to. I don’t force myself on women, it’s not the man I am.”

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