Page 81 of Inked Athena

“It’s packing,” he replies. “What does it look like?”

“It looks like you’re about to leave me again. Although—” I squint at the last item he just stuffed into the case. “—we might need to discuss why you’re packing my panties for a business trip.”

His gaze bounces between me and the eyesore at his feet. “Princess, if you believe I’d choosethatas my getaway gear, we need to have words.”

I can’t help but grin. “Pink brings out your eyes, though.”

In a heartbeat, he eats up the space between us. One hand connects with my ass while the other hauls me against his granite chest. “The Versace limited edition is yours.”

I sigh and melt against him. He’s so warm and solid and soSamthat it hurts. “Seriously, though. Why are you packing? Last time you packed without warning, we ended up as fugitives in Scotland.”

“You make it sound so dramatic.” He straightens to his full height and looks down at me, six-foot-four of pure muscle and danger. “I seem to recall you falling in love with this castle.”

“Stockholm Syndrome. Don’t get it twisted.”

Speaking of “twisting,” though, his fingers are doing interesting things with the hem of my nightgown. Pushing it up, teasing it higher and higher. And with every inch of skin he exposes, I get a little bit weaker in the knees.

I force myself to push him away and keep him at arms’ length. “Answers, please.”

He chuckles. “I thought for sure the Gianni would put you in a more compliant mood.”

“Designer labels don’t make me wet, Sam. Intel does.” I press my palm against his pecs, secretly counting his heartbeats. “Who’s trying to kill us this time?”

“What happened to my ray of sunshine who couldn’t stop smiling? You’re turning cynical on me.” He tucks my hair back behind my ear, and damn him, even that whisper of a touch has me craving more. “Can’t a man surprise his woman?”

“She got kidnapped by the Russian mob and knocked up by their boss.” I arch an eyebrow. “Ring any bells?”

His laugh rumbles through his chest and into mine. “Best mistake I ever made.”

“The kidnapping or the knocking up?”

“Both.” Like the touch-starved fool I am, I lean into his palm with my cheek. “There’s nothing to fear, Nova. I just thought we could use a trip.”

I scan our bedroom, our sanctuary, and sigh. As beautiful as this place is, as Pinterest-perfect, as secluded and safe, it would be nice to change the scenery for a little while.

“Fine. But tell me we’re coming back.”

He engulfs me in his arms, tucking me under his chin. “This isn’t another escape plan, Nova. Just a shopping spree.”

I frown in suspicion. “Keep talking.”

His mercury eyes dance with mischief. “Time to upgrade our wardrobe. Lord and lady have certain standards to maintain.”

If this is manipulation, it’s fucking masterful. I’ve been MacGyvering my pre-pregnancy clothes with rubber bands and living in Sam’s sweats for weeks now. I’d sacrifice my firstborn for some proper maternity wear.

I’m about to demand we leave immediately when suspicion creeps back in. “We do have internet access, do we not? Could order everything online.”

He exhales. “Still doubting me?”

“Can you blame me?”

He grazes my forehead with a kiss. “Different story this time, angel. No one’s hunting us down. No hidden agenda. Cross my heart.”

“Prove it then. Where are we going?”

“London.”

Electric anticipation zips through me. “London... didn’t you just come from there?”

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