Every cell in my body is screaming to feel him. I have never felt such an intense need before. I want him so badly.

I bite at my lower lip, the frustration growing deeper, wilder, angrier.

Then I spin around and march back to the sunroom.

I need something to take my mind off him. Studying is probably my best option.

But sitting at my desk, I just strum my pen against the open pages of my text book. I’m upset. Or annoyed. I can’t really tell.

I can’t stop thinking about him.

Why didn’t he want to?

Chapter 15 - Oleg

The last few days Raisa has been very frustrated.

She is moody, short tempered and looking agitated with everything, including me.

I know it’s because of her studies. She has been working so hard. Sitting for hours with her mind focused on the same thing—she must be exhausted.

Tonight, I want to do something nice for her so that she can get out of the house for a bit. She really needs a break, otherwise she will burn out.

I need to help her get rid of some of that building frustration so I’ll plan something fun.

But before that happens, I have a very important meeting set up for this afternoon.

I am sitting down with her oldest brother, the leader of the family, Rodion Kuznetsov.

I need to be fully focused during that meeting, so my plans with Raisa need to wait. From what I have heard—her brother is not an easy man to deal with. I don’t know how I am going to get him to come to some kind of agreement with me to stop messing with my clients and my business.

I don’t know what to offer him until I’ve had a chance to talk to him a bit. I am hoping that I’ll be able to read him. I’m usually pretty good at getting a decent read on people when I see them face to face.

Close to lunchtime, I pop my head into the sunroom. Raisa’s little study space is near the big window where she can enjoy some sun and a nice view while she focuses. “I’m heading out for a bit.”

She turns to face me, her eyes are brighter blue than usual today. Absolutely gorgeous.

“Where are you going?” she asks.

I clench my jaw. I don’t want to lie to her, but I wasn’t planning on telling her I had a meeting with her brother until after I knew the outcome of that meeting.

I sigh.

There is no real reason to keep it from her, though. She knows I want to negotiate peace with them.

“I’m meeting your oldest brother to try and come to some kind of agreement.”

“You’re meeting Rodion?” she asks, sounding shocked.

“Yes.” I wait for her to respond in some way. Maybe she is going to be angry, or upset that I didn’t tell her earlier.

She chuckles. “Good luck,” she says with a grin. “He’s as stubborn as they come.”

I smile. I’m happy she’s ok with it. “Thanks. I think I’ll need that luck then. I won’t be back late—and then I have something planned for us for this evening. I thought it would be nice for you to get out of the house a bit after all of your studies?”

“Definitely. I am feeling frustrated.” She rolls her eyes then turns back to her books. I guess that’s my cue to leave her in peace.

I walk out to my car, thinking about her brother and what kind of man he is.