Page 34 of Claim

Good girl.

After I hang the clothes up, I make myself a stiff drink.

But I stare at the bourbon in my hand.

If I drink this, I may lose what last bit of control I’m clinging to.

With a groan, I unfold myself onto the short couch and let the heat of the flames lull me to sleep.

CHAPTER 16

ANASTASIA

I can see my breath.Damn, I shouldn’t have closed the door to the bedroom.

But I had to do something to keep myself from inviting him in.

Maybe I shouldn’t stop myself.

I wonder if he’s back yet?

If he isn’t, I need to put more wood on the fire. And fuck it, I’m leaving the room open to let the heat in.

Deep snoring is radiating from the couch. I’m hit with a wall of warmth. I can’t tell if it’s the air, or if it’s his presence that makes me feel like I’m burning up.

Tiptoeing closer, I can see him lying there in the light of the flickering flames.

There’s two black shapes in the corner that startle me at first until I see that they’re some sort of bags.

Lowering the zipper on the smaller one makes me almost gasp out loud.

I’d recognize that dress anywhere. I’ve spent hours in it already.

How did he get it? I hate that it’s so beautiful, yet it is destined for Ivan.

Mikhail would be better. He’d look hot in a suit.

I kind of want to ask him.

Is he wearing his mask when he sleeps?

What the heck is up with that?

Can I sneak a peek?

My heart races and my pulse pounds in my ears as I extend a shaking hand slowly towards the swath of fabric over his nose.

He inhales, making it flex towards his mouth.

What if he’s disfigured? Scars? Birth defect?

I don’t care. I just want to know.

Gently pinching a crease, I try to move it down.

A dark line of stubble appears on the closest cheek, almost a shadow in the dim light.

But I can’t see much yet.

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