Page 43 of An Arranged Virgin for the Bratva

“Not now,” Vlad growls, taking my hand and striding up the stairs. We head straight for his bedroom, my heart fluttering every step of the way.

He opens it, lets me pass, and follows, kicking the door shut behind him with a decisive thud.

His eyes blaze into mine, scorching in their intensity. Strong hands cup my face, thumbs brushing across my cheekbones. I wet my lips nervously as he leans in.

"Are you certain this is what you want?" His voice is a low rumble.

My pulse flutters. "Yes."

I inhale sharply as Vlad presses closer, his breath hot on my neck. "Sofia," he murmurs, voice husky.

A shiver runs through me. I want to maintain my cool, to not seem fazed, but heat pools in my core and I feel nervous beyond belief. "What are you waiting for?" I manage to say, aiming for sassy but my voice comes out breathy.

His mouth claims mine with demanding ferocity, his hands still cupping my cheeks. He’s kissing me so hard that I stumble back against the wall, and I swear I’ve never been kissed with suchpassion.I cling to him as though I want to etch myselfto his skin, heat flooding my veins, threatening to consume me. He kisses me until I'm dizzy, drunk on his taste, his scent.

When we finally break for air, his gaze bores into me. "No going back after this."

A shiver races down my spine at the promise in those words. I lift my chin. "Good."

His answering smile is wicked and triumphant. And then his lips find mine again, and I stop thinkingentirely.

Vlad's hands are everywhere as he backs me toward the bed, his touch both reverent and possessive. My knees hit the mattress, and I sink down onto the soft covers. My breath hitches as he hovers over me, his eyes roaming my face, my body, my curves.

"Nervous?" he asks, his voice low and husky.

I lift my chin defiantly. "Hardly," I retort, but my voice wavers slightly.

A knowing smile tugs at his lips. "It's okay to be," he murmurs, following me down. "I'll take care of you."

His weight presses me further into the bed as his mouth trails hot, open-mouthed kisses down my throat.

"You are so beautiful," he murmurs against my skin.

"Vlad," I breathe, my fingers tangling in his hair.

He takes his time, savoring each moment as if committing it to memory. The slow pace is maddening, stoking the fire building within me.

His hands slide down to the hem of my blouse, pausing there. "May I?" he asks, seeking permission.

I nod, not trusting my voice.

He carefully lifts the fabric, his fingertips grazing my skin as he removes it. The cool air hits my exposed flesh, causing goosebumps to erupt.

"Beautiful," Vlad whispers reverently, his gaze roaming my body.

The whispered praise sends heat pooling low in my belly. His fingers dance along my ribcage, leaving trails of fire in their wake as they move to unhook my bra. I arch my back to assist him, my usual composure slipping away with each passing second.

I gasp as he cups my bare breasts, thumbs grazing over the tightened peaks. Vlad's lips descend to my breast, placing a kiss on my nipple that sends shockwaves through my body. He continues to suckle on me. My back arches off the bed, pressing closer. His stubble rasps deliciously against my sensitive skin and I am lost, awash in sensation.

A soft gasp escapes me, my fingers tightening in his hair.

"Still not nervous?" he teases, looking up at me with a mixture of desire and affection that makes my heart stutter.

"Shut up," I manage to say, but there's no bite to my words. For once, I let my guard down, allowing myself to be swept away by the moment.

Vlad's lips curve into a smile against my skin as he trails kisses down my belly. His hands cup my breasts, thumbs brushing over my nipples that make me lose all control of my body, control that slips away with each touch.

"You're trembling," he murmurs, his breath hot against my navel. It’s an observation, not a question. He can see, feel, and hear how turned on I am. I don’t respond, knowing there are no words to express what he is making me feel.

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