Page 39 of Mafia Christmas Vows

“At this point?” he repeats softly.

I glance over from where I’m wrapping the cookie dough to chill.

Alexei’s eyes are burning into mine. “You said your friends and family call you Maggie.”

“I did,” I whisper, nibbling at my bottom lip.

His eyes catch the gesture and darken further, his face taking on a hungry look.

I stop.

Alexei glances up at me. “You count me among your friends or family?”

“Well, you are my husband. And you’ve seen me naked. So I think you’re kind of well on the way,” I murmur.

He looks at me.

“Maggie,” he murmurs.

In his accent, the word seems to creep over my skin. I shiver, and he moves closer.

“Are you cold?” he whispers.

“No.”

“Then why…”

I pull out of his arms. “Anyway. Um. We need to put these in the fridge and then we’ll roll them out later. And decorate them,” I say quickly, putting the dough to chill.

When I close the door, he’s frowning. “A great deal of steps before they’re done.”

I shrug. “Yeah well. Good things take time.”

I meant it about the cookies. But, Alexei seems to deflate a little.

Oh no. I didn’t mean to imply anything about him, or our marriage. Trying to salvage the moment, I smile. “Don’t tell me that you’re like… such a badass that you’ve never made cookies before.”

“I have had treats prepared for me before,” he murmurs.

I flush.

“Well. We just need to wait a while.”

“And what will we do while we wait?” he murmurs.

Okay. There’sdefinitelysome lust in his tone.

Alexei catches my wrist and tugs me close. I curl into his arms, ready for a kiss.

He surprises me by hugging me.

It’s a nice hug. I’m stiff for a second, just because I don’t expect it, but after a minute I melt into his embrace.

We stand there in the kitchen for so long, it’s beginning to get kind of weird.

I’m the one who pulls back first. “That was nice,” I say softly.

Alexei puts his hand on my cheek. “I am not nice.”

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