Page 118 of Ruthless Lullaby

I can’t believe what just happened.

I also can’t believe how easily he made me submit to his will, making me fulfill his every demand. And me? I loved every second of it.

Tiny orgasmic aftershocks are ripping through my body and I feel fatigue between my thighs. More than I’ve ever felt. My sex feels battered and my insides are sore. My mind is sluggish, and my thoughts are scrambled, as if I’m emerging from a sleep that lasted days. Maron’s rough touch has forever burned into my skin.

I slowly blink my eyes open.

The memories of last night come flooding back as I realize we fell asleep on the couch, in the dressing room of New York High. I glance over at Maron, still sleeping and naked. My eyes roam over his body, appreciating its rough beauty.

He shudders and murmurs something in his dream, so I cover him with a blanket. A wave of emotions washes over me, but it’s all a jumble. His unexpected entrance last night, the aftermath of our wild sex, and the happiness I feel having him here...

My logical mind tells me it’s wrong, yet somehow, it feels right. Like the most natural thing that ever happened to me. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Rising from the couch, I make my way to the small kitchen area and reach for the jar of instant coffee out of habit. My hand stops as I remember something.

Hold it, girl.

This didn’t end well last time.

The smell of coffee made me sick and it’s a risk I can't take right now. The last thing I want is to throw up in the toilet again and make Maron suspicious of my pregnancy. So, I opt for tea, brewing two cups before heading back to the dressing room.

I find Maron awake as I walk in, his eyes lighting up as they scan my body. "A beautiful naked woman bringing me a drink. No better way to start the day." He smirks, his voice deep and husky. I smile and sit beside him, placing the cups on the small table by the couch. He looks at the cup and raises an eyebrow. "No coffee?"

"Um… it’s what I found in the kitchen," I lie, though I don’t feel good about myself doing it. "It’s a dressing room, not in a five-star hotel."

"I noticed," he agrees, smirking.

He pushes himself up and we sit together, sipping our drinks. It is a rare moment of peace and tranquility. I glance over at him and allow my gaze to roam over his body with hunger. Scars, tattoos, sculpted abs, trimmed pubic hair, and a rugged stubble framing his chiseled features. The man looks like a masterpiece of art crafted by the gods.

I wish I could freeze time and continue savoring these precious seconds where the world outside doesn't exist - no family issues, no dangerous business dealings, just Maron and me, in our own little bubble.But nothing lasts forever. I learned that the hard way.

"Why did you show up, after..." I trail off, shattering the quiet with my question.

His gaze leaves his tea and fixates on me. "After your cryptic message?"

I nod, bracing myself for his answer.

"I couldn't stand being away from you any longer," he says simply and his hand trails over my bare skin. "Besides, I needed to teach you a lesson in obedience." A wicked glint fills his eyes before he pulls me closer, igniting a warm feeling inside me. "I had more than one reason to find you."

I raise an eyebrow, playing coy. "Oh yeah? What else?"

"You’re mine,lisichka. We signed a contract, remember?"

"A contract that conveniently leaves out some important information," I retort, my tone sharp.

"Like what?" he challenges, his eyes daring me to speak.

I hesitate for a moment. "Like… your true identity," I whisper before I can change my mind about addressing the matter. What I saw in his house that night is going to haunt me till the end of my days.

He meets my gaze, his expression unreadable. “Come again?”

I clear my throat and fold my arms across my bare breasts. “The night before I sent you the message. I saw something, Maron. I saw you and Pavel torture, then kill a man.”

As soon as I finish my sentence, doubt creeps in. The surprise on his face is brief but unmistakable. His jaw clenches, yet his expression remains unreadable as he stares at me. Seconds pass in silence, and I can feel my heart rate begin to quicken.

What the hell, Mindy?

Why did you tell him this?

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