Page 133 of Ruthless Lullaby

She playfully shakes her head and pushes herself away from me. "No can do, mister. We have a launch to attend." Her lips curl into that seductive smile of hers as they plant a gentle kiss on my neck. She closes her eyes and takes in my scent,letting out a contented sigh. "You smell amazing. Maybe… just maybe, I’ll let you pin me down when we get back here tonight. How’s that for a plan?"

I smirk and glance at my watch. “You have a deal,krasavitsa. But you’re right, it’s best to not mess up this suit just yet.”

I still have about ten minutes before I have to head downstairs to the office and pick up a few things before we leave. I watch Mindy as she slips into a dress that molds perfectly to her figure, highlighting every gorgeous curve. She then walks across the room to where the vanity is and starts fixing her hair into an elegant, loose bun.

This is all new to me. Enjoying the company of a woman and spending time with her is not something I’m used to. It’s like we're friends and lovers at the same time. Maybe this is what those woo-woo people mean when they talk about ‘soulmates’ and shit like that. Am I also becoming one of those hippies?

We haven't really talked about Mindy’s miscarriage these last few weeks. Not that there’s a lot to talk about. We're just taking our time, trying to heal our wounds together and move forward. It feels like there's a clear division between our lives before and after it happened. And right now, we're enjoying this newfound connection we have with no expectations or commitments. Somehow, it just feels right. Like we were meant for each other.

Meant for each other, huh?

Yeah, definitely becoming a woo-woo hippie.

Whatever the case, we are entering serious relationship territory. And somehow, I don’t feel any resistance to that. Infact, I want it like I want air. This woman was meant for me and I was meant for her, I just know it in my goddamn bones. I’ve never been more fucking certain of anything. Which is probably the strangest thing that ever happened to me.

Our sex life has changed too since I took her from that hospital. It's more tender and more intimate now. We are not as wild as we used to be, and we allow ourselves to be more vulnerable with each other. Even me. It sounds cheesy as fuck, but we've never been closer.I’venever been closer to anyone.

The vibration of my phone pulls me away from my thoughts. I glance down to see a text from our driver.

"Waiting for you downstairs, Mr. Korolev."

I look up at Mindy, who's still fussing with her hair in front of the mirror. She catches my eye in the reflection and smiles at me.

"It’s go-time,lisichka," I tell her. "The limo’s here."

Mindy turns to face me, lipstick in hand. "Just need five minutes," she says, her eyes darting back to the mirror. "I want to look perfect for this."

"You already do." I smirk. "Join me downstairs when you're ready."

She smiles gratefully. "Thanks, Maron. I won't be long."

My fucking woman. As I turn to leave, I can't help but admire how incredibly beautiful she looks. The agitation in her eyes only adds to her charm. I have to resist the urge to kiss her, not wanting to mess up her hard work. So, I just click the door shut behind me, and make my way down the staircase.

Tonight is the night that will change everything.

Chapter Fifty-Two

Maron

"How are you feeling?" Mindy asks me in the limo.

"Like shit," I confess. "The suit is uncomfortable and I’m freaking the fuck out."

It’s true. I don’t get nervous very often, but tonight is different. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest and the tension in my shoulders is building as we get closer to our destination. The stakes are high tonight. I can’t afford any fuckups.

A smile appears on Mindy's lips as she leans in and plants a kiss on my neck. "Everything will be okay, Maron. I just know it."

"It better be." I smirk at her reassuringly, even though I don’t know if I can fully agree with her. There’s a strange sensation nagging at me, making me edgy. It’s as if something was off. Have I forgotten something? Why am I feeling this way ever since we got into the back of the limo?

I reach for my phone and dial the first number on my list. It's Igor, my main chemist and the brains behind Tramoxine. He's the one who is going to give a speech alongside me when we present the medicine to the audience.

"Igor, you on your way?" I ask.

"Da, pakhan,"he assures me. "I'll be there in half an hour."

"Khoroshiy.You got your speech ready?"

"I do. It will be like a miniskirt. Short but covers all the important parts," he jokes, but it doesn’t ease the tension building in me.

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