Page 32 of Mafia Christmas Vows

“I think you might be lying, Magdalena.”

I snort. “You don’t know me well enough to know that.”

“Oh. I think I do very much know you well enough.”

“No,” I shake my head. “You don’t.”

“You weren’t thinking, perhaps, of a kiss just now?”

I freeze.

Alexei’s probably six inches away from me.

He leans forward, and if I tipped my face up, then our lips would be right there…

“Magdalena?”

“N…No…” I whisper. “I wasn’t.”

He makes a low, humming noise.

“Pity.”

“Why?” I ask.

“I was thinking about it.”

My jaw literally drops open.

Alexei’s eyes sparkle. “You didn’t think that I would be affected by kissing you, did you?”

“I… uh… no?”

He inhales sharply.

“Let us say this. Since so far we have only told each other the truth, I will not stop now. The truth, Magdalena, is that I have never wanted a wife… until I realized how very entertaining it would be to have one.”

“Entertaining?”

“Kissing you, Magdalena, reminded me of the very strong benefits of having a wife. “

“Like what?” I whisper.

I don’t know why I’m asking. It’s like I’m drawn to him, drawn to the things he’s saying.

Since we’ve so far only told each other the truth.

“The benefits of the way you taste. The feel of your skin under mine. The way I want you to scream my name,” he practically purrs.

I gulp. “Um. You don’t have to have a wife for that,” I say breathlessly.

Alexi’s grin is hungry and dark.

“And yet, I find myself drawn to my wife… just for that.”

His hands are slowly skating up my arms now. I shiver at the warmth radiating from them.

“I won’t take other lovers, Magdalena. In case you were worried about that.”

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