Page 128 of Silenced

Touched that he said the words as well as meant them, I give him a kiss. It was supposed to be a peck on the lips, a soft brush. Instead, it turns hot. Heavy. His tongue thrusts against mine, stirring a hunger to life that only he has ever created in me, one that only he can assuage.

With a groan, I tumble deeper into his lap, my hands pressing against his chest for support.

For the first time since he gave me a wardrobe, I resent the clothes that separate us.

Then, he pulls back and signs, “Feed me, Cassiopeia. I don’t want your gift to go to waste.”

This time, I know my smile beams from me.

He means that.

My gift.

Not just a talent, but a present that I made for him.

One that he values.

Even more than sex.

Becausehevaluesme.

31

NIKOLAI

“No men in the store?”

“None. All female staff. I checked the payroll.”

I grunt.

“God, you’re such a caveman,” Dmitri chides, but I can sense his amusement.

“You are,” Cassiopeia agrees, then she gives a shocked gasp. “God forbid, they might even be into me.”

Both of us gape at her.

“Never mind,” she snipes. “Do they all want to fuck you?”

Dmitri blinks at her question. “Who, me?”

“No,” Cassiopeia grumbles, then she jerks her thumb at me. “Him.”

Smugly, I smile at him. She’s back to being jealous but mostly, she’s grouchy because she seems to think none of the dresses for the gala will fit.

Not that she told me that, but she’s easy to read.

“What a pair. I don’t think they want to fuck him. They’re too scared. Nor do I think they’re gay. Do I have to vet for this now?” he complains, making me chuckle which has his eyes widening.

Rolling my own, I grab her hand and help her alight from the town car once we pull up outside the dressmaker’s.

Before I settle my fingers at her hip, I tell her, “This is an exclusive dress shop. They’ll either design you something new if you want or they’ll adjust one of their prêt-a-porter lines.”

She tilts her head to the side. “For the New Year’s party?”

“Yes.”

“What date is it?”

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