Page 132 of Beautiful Agony

42

VADIM

"You were incredible,zvyozdochka."My hand finds the small of Lacey's back as we walk through the foyer to Pankration. "The way you turned Caroline's accusations back on her..." I shake my head in admiration. "Even I couldn't have done it better."

"I had a good teacher." Lacey's lips curve into a smile that makes my heart race. "You taught me that sometimes the most effective weapon isn't force, but truth."

"Is that what I taught you?" I pull her closer, drinking in her scent of citrus and lavender.

"Among other things." Her fingers trail up my chest. "You taught me that power isn't about making threats, but about knowing which ones to make. And when to make them."

I capture her wandering hand in mine, bringing it to my lips. "You've become quite the pakhan's wife."

"I learned from the best." She rises on her tiptoes to kiss me. "But I have to admit, hearing Caroline confess how long she'd been with Nathan still hurt."

"Zvyozdochka..." I start, but she silences me with another kiss.

"Don't. The past can't be changed. What matters is our future together." Her hand drifts to her swollen belly. "All three of us."

I feel Larina kick against my palm as I place my hand over hers. The fierce protectiveness I feel for them both nearly overwhelms me. "You really have learned well, haven't you?"

"Well enough to know exactly what you're thinking right now." Her amber-flecked eyes sparkle with mischief. "And to know that you're impressed by how naturally manipulation comes to me now."

I laugh, the sound echoing through Pankration's halls. "Should I be worried?"

"Never." She presses herself closer. "After all, I only use my powers for good."

"I need a shower," I tell Lacey as we head upstairs. "Booking isn't exactly known for their amenities."

Her hand tightens in mine. "I was wondering what that smell was."

"Careful,zvyozdochka. I may need to punish you for that." The familiar banter feels right after the tension of the past day.

"Promise?" Her eyes sparkle with that dangerous gleam I've come to love.

We enter our bathroom and I start unbuttoning my shirt. Lacey settles against the counter, watching me intently. The weight of her gaze sends heat coursing through me.

"See something you like?" I shrug off my shirt, letting it fall.

"Maybe." Her tongue darts out to wet her lips. "I'm just glad you're back. Orange isn't your color."

I step closer, caging her against the counter. "I thought we agreed—you were going to be good."

"Did we?" Her fingers trace the tattoos on my chest. "I must have forgotten."

"Clearly." I capture her wandering hands. "Would you like to join me? Help me wash away the stench of jail?"

Her smile turns wicked. "I thought you'd never ask."

"Strip for me,zvyozdochka," I command softly. "Slowly."

With that wicked smile still on her face, Lacey's fingers move to the buttons of her blouse and undo them one by one. My breath catches at each new inch of skin revealed. Her breasts have grown fuller, straining against her bra in a way that makes my mouth water.

Her hands move to her skirt next, sliding it down her hips. Those too have grown wider, more womanly. The swell of her belly makes my heart race.

"You're staring," she whispers, standing before me in only her underwear.

"How could I not?" I step closer, running my hands over her curves. "You're glowing. Radiant." My fingers trace the new roundness of her breasts, trail down to cup her belly. "Every change makes you more stunning."

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