Page 27 of Slipping into the Dark Side

Tatianna reached for a chair to steady herself as her thoughts went through everything. “You needed to promote Fedor as your right hand because you want his corporation, but you don’t want the other families to know what you’re doing.”

“And to get more opportunities to see you.”

She shook her head.

Yakov was behind her now. His breath on her bare shoulder. His fingers graced the tips of hers, a soft, subtle move. “Iama cruel man. There is nothing I won’t do to get what I want. I want to avoid a scandal so early in my career, but I am impulsive. And I’m tired of waiting.”

Tatianna turned to him, her heart pounding, her desire building with every second he was near. “Fedor doesn’t deserve this.”

“He’ll never know.”

“Are you saying–”

“Be his wife,” Yakov whispered as he leaned in, touching his lips against her jaw. She leaned her back, revealing her neck for his tongue. “Have his children.” He kissed her wild pulse. “Be the dutiful daughter you want to be.” Yakov gripped her arms harshly, yanking her body to his, and her gasp sounded in his ear. “But belong to me.”

She panted as his nose traced her ear, brushing her hair. She was sinking into him, his touch, his passion, and his world. And there was no stopping it.

Chapter thirteen

Last Chance

Tatianna couldn’t pay attention. Her stomach was a mess. The food on her plate was left uneaten. The only thing she could tolerate was the wine, and as the servant filled her third glass, Tatianna felt the familiar floaty feeling. Instead of numbing her, it only heightened emotions to the point that she wore a stupid smile as the two men spoke about hunting.

Fedor barely spared Tatianna a glance as he kept his attention on the new hunting rifle Yakov had gifted him. He was going on and on about the best places to find deer.

“We shall go tomorrow then,” Yakov declared. “I have been hunting a different type of game, but I would enjoy easy prey.” Tatianna caught his gaze and a smirk upturned his lip as he glanced at her.

Fedor banged a fist on the table. “Wonderful idea!”

Tatianna dropped her head to ease the chaotic rhythm of her heart. She needed to be more careful. They were right on the finish line. If Fedor found out now, she’d never experience what Yakov could do. And she wouldn’t be able to handle such disappointment.

Only an hour later, a servant carried Fedor to his room, and Tatianna followed, laughing every step of the way and helping rid him of his shoes. “I’m so sorry,” Fedor whined as he lay in bed. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

She laughed at his adorable attitude. Even drunk, he still managed to be a gentleman.

“Where will you be?” he questioned, holding her hand.

Tatianna turned the light off and sat beside him. “Just across the hall.”

“I love you.”

Tatianna could feel Yakov over her shoulder as he remained in the doorway. His shadow rested on the two of them, and she shifted if only to get out of it. “Good night.” She kissed Fedor’s forehead, and with a bowed head, she moved toward the exit, toward Yakov. The door shut, a sign of the finality of it all.

The servant scampered away and left them alone in the hall.

Yakov stared at her, waiting for her to make a move and give him the permission he’d been waiting for.

Then she lifted her head, and her eyes were aglow with yearning.

“Sir.”

Yakov held a groan.

“Mr. Nevsky is here.”

Yakov’s brows knit as he looked down at Tatianna. She seemed just as confused as she hurried down the hall with him on her heels.

Her father stood in the foyer with a nervous twist of his hat. “Forgive the intrusion,” he swiftly began. “I’d like to talk to my daughter.

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