Page 103 of Dangerous Beginnings

Isabella

I twirl the flower around between my fingers, I needed some fresh air. Some time to think. Yes, thinking about my sins. I’ve just been mentally cursing myself and debating my life choices. And as you can tell those aren’t the brightest. Losing my virginity to a mafia man.

Suddenly a snap of a branch interrupts my thoughts, and my head immediately turns, looking at the direction of the sound. And there he is, looking more pale than last night. Guess I haven’t been the only one lost in thoughts.

I swallow at the sight of him. It’s different, but also not that different. And I’m not going to lie, I’ve been drooling all over him since the beginning, right now I’ve just anticipated that thought.

He walks over to me, closer. He now stands in front of the bench I’m sitting on, and my gaze doesn’t move away from the flower. There’s a tense silence between us, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. I want to tell himhow I feel, to bear my soul to him, but the words stick in my throat like thorns. Instead, I lower my gaze, feeling suddenly shy and uncertain in his presence. But the words burn in my throat.‘Rough night?’He had been tearing the place down like some animal.

I feel his gaze burning through me. He doesn’t answer, instead we share a silence. The cold wind whooshing through my hair, made me shiver. Aslanov seems to notice my discomfort and with one swift move, he takes off his jacket. He effortlessly positions it over my shoulders. I pull the material closer. Seeking warmth—his warmth in particular. I now glance up at Aslanov, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation swirling within me.

“So, what now?” I ask, unable to keep the question from slipping out. It’s honestly the only question on my mind.

Maybe he just sees this as a quick encounter and nothing else, even though his words still ring in my mind. Perhaps he just told them to lure me in. Maybe it meant nothing more than a desire and primal instinct.

Aslanov crouches down in front of me and regards me with a calculating gaze, his dark eyes piercing through me. “What do you mean by ‘what now’?” he responds, his tone sending a shiver down my spine.

I swallow nervously, feeling the weight of his gaze bearing down on me. “I mean…what does last night…us…mean?” I stumble over my words, unsure of what answer I’m hoping for. I pick at the flower in my hands while studying his pale but sharp features.

A slow, predatory smile curls at the corners of Aslanov’s lips, sending a shiver of fear and excitement coursing through me. “What it means, Isabella,” he says, his voice low and husky, “is that you aremywoman.”

His words hang in the air like a dark promise, sending a thrillof apprehension coursing through me. “I meant what I said last night.” I stare at the man in front of me. His pale face looks out over the lake. “I want to take care of you,” he pauses with a calculating gaze, “but you’ll need to grant me some slack.”

“It’s been a very long time since I’ve last cared for someone.” Aslanov his hand comes around my jaw as his green eyes lock onto mine, his thumb lightly stroking my cheek. The flower falls to the floor as it has lost its purpose.

“You’re going to have to let me in,” I pause as I meet his gaze into the light of dawn. “you’re going to need to drop your demeanor.” His eyes intensify on mine, a hint of darkness mixed with the green of his iris. His eyes narrow further, and a hint of skepticism flashes in his eyes as he takes in my words. His jaw tightens, and his muscles tense beneath the surface.

“I want to know the real you,” my words come out in a mere howl of the wind. His grip tightens on my jaw.

“If that’s what you want.”

I nod, willingly.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes and gravely regretted decisions,” his thumb strokes my heated cheek again. “Also toward you, but this won’t be another add to the list.I will do anything to keep you safe.” I swallow. “It’s okay.” My mouth is dry, lips trembling with anticipation, “I forgive you.”

“I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” his voice comes out thick and gruff, “and nor should you grant people it that easy.” His face comes closer to mine, his breath dancing on my lips. “Especially not for a man like me.” My lips part. “But let me earn it.” He nuzzles my nose with his as his eyes dart towards my lips.

“Okay.” It comes out in a whisper, a lone cry in the wind.

He stares at my lips before his eyes move up again and lock into mine. He’s staring at me with passion, lust, like he will fucking destroy me. Devour me like I’m his last meal, and he’s savoring me. His fingers tighten under my jaw. This is so wrong,so very wrong. I shouldn’t be attracted to a criminal, let alone him. Let alone more than being attracted. I bite my lip, and Aslanov seems to notice.

“Just tell me one thing,” he pauses as his thumb now moves to the outer of my lower lip, “did it arouse you to know you’ve been deflowered by a criminal? Did it arouse you when I hunted you down like prey?”

My breath hitches in my throat, recreating the feeling of my lungs collapsing. My eyes flutter, my veins fill and my body responds before my brain can, “Yes.”

An evil smile reaches his eyes and forms his oh-so-perfect face. He looks rather pleased with the confirmation. “You forgot your phone,” the statement comes out as a low threatening danger.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper against his lips. His thumb circles my cheeks again.

“I was worried.” The choice of words crashes down on me more than it should.

“I won’t forget it again.”

A grin spreads itself onto his lips. “You’re so very submissive.”

“And you’re so very dominant.”

Another grin which is wider spreads on his lips. “I assume that fits very well,” he states as he holds my gaze.

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