Page 20 of Niko's Printsessa

I roll my eyes, “Okay, Mister know-it-all, what’s my favorite food?”

“Chocolate pudding.”

“Fine. Favorite flower?”

“Daisies.”

“That one is easy. What’s my favorite movie?”

“Mary Poppins, the original.”

“How did you know?”

“I’m me. I also know you love to dance to reggae, Cosmos are your favorite cocktail, and Redheaded Sluts are your go-to shot. God knows, I’ve seen you drink enough of them.”

It’s like a record scratched, and my body stiffens as the deafening silence falls over the room, broken only by me sharp intake of air.

He quickly buries his face into my hair and inhales deeply against my neck. “Fuck, I didn’t mean….”

I leap out of his lap and fake a smile, my voice shaky from embarrassment. “It’s late, or really early, depending on how you look at it. I should get back.”

He reaches for my hand but I shake him off. “I can find my way.” I quickly leave the observatory and rush up the walkway and into the house, to the safety of my room. I lean against the door and exhale, anticipating his knock, but he doesn’t come. I’m not sure if I’m relieved or disappointed, but instead of dissecting my heart, I crawl into bed and let sleep take me.

Chapter Five

Niko

I couldn’t sleep, replaying the night in my head.

When Becca refused to join me for dinner, I brushed it off as no big deal, like I was doing her a favor by even asking her. Dharma didn’t say anything, but she didn’t have to. We both know I’m a fool.

Most nights I’m meeting shipments or following Becca home from the club, making sure she gets in okay. Obviously, a task for a lower ranking member of the Brotherhood, at least until recently, but Andrei and Sergei know better than to suggest someone else. Every time she brings a man home with her, my chest roars with jealousy.

Other nights I’m with Alek, one of our best enforcers, torturing our enemy for information. I’m use to eating alone, but knowing she was in my home but preferred to eat by herself, it stung.

I should’ve left her to sulk, but on my way to the observatory I found myself in her room.

I don’t have a reason, and I know it was a vulnerable move, but I wanted to share the comet with her. We enjoyed each other,even if it was brief. It almost felt like a date, although our conversation was probably deeper than first dates intend.

My life doesn’t bode well for dating, and I don’t have the patience to deal with women and their many emotions. I have a couple girls on rotation who understand their role and accept my emotional incompetence. They never seem to mind when my dick is buried deep inside them. I even purchased my own personal suite at Casablanca Casino, years ago, ensuring no morning afters. I fuck them, pleasure us both, and then I escape.

Last night, I didn’t even think about fucking Becca. Okay, I did, but I admittedly enjoyed talking with her. It was freeing, not hiding behind our tough exteriors. I didn’t plan on sharing my childhood until it fell out of my mouth, but I don’t regret it.

Holding her in my arms, getting to really know each other. I could kick myself for my snide, demeaning comment about her party habits. It wasn’t intended how it landed, I was trying to lighten the mood, but the damage was done. She ended the night and ran from me.

I thought about going after her, but what would I do if I reached her? Take her into my arms? Kiss her?

Fuck yes.

I want to kiss Becca’s plush pink lips in every way possible. Slow, soft, languid kisses that last for hours. Sensual, exploring, tongue twisting kisses. Hard, lip bruising kisses.

Ineedto kiss her, taste her.

No. Ineedto protect her, and getting tangled in emotions I’m unable to navigate won’t help.

Maybe, if I release this pent up sexual energy I’ll be able to focus. Maybe I should call Veronica? Would Becca stay out of trouble if I left to satisfy these cravings she’s embedded in me?

Doubtful.

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