Page 80 of Dirty Damage

“What do you prefer?” he asks, moving toward the door that leads to the bow. “Private cabin or open sky?”

I swallow hard. “For what?”

His only answer is a tilted, knowing smile that makes my knees weak. “Make your choice.”

“Um… I want whatever you want.”

That’s a dangerous game, considering I have no idea what Oleg wants. After days of ignoring me, I’m suddenly all he can seem to focus on.

I don’t know why I’m here or what the plan is.

But when he extends his hand to me, I don’t hesitate to take it.

Some dark part of my brain warns me that this is how my mother and sister got themselves into trouble over and over again. But it’s drowned out by the way his fingers easily engulf mine, by the rough feel of his palm against mine.

He leads me to the bow where we have an unbroken view of the deep blue water. He tilts his face skyward.

“Listen to that.”

“I don’t hear anything.”

“Exactly.”

When he turns to me, his golden eyes burn like twin flames in the darkness. I couldn’t look away if I tried.

“Let’s take a little dip.”

My brain takes a moment to process his words. I glance at the inky water below. “Now?”

“Trust me, there’s nothing like it.”

The air is mild, but I’m betting that water is arctic. “It’ll be cold.”

“Don’t worry.” His voice drops an octave. “I’ll keep you warm.”

That statement alone has me itching to shed my jeans and oversized sweater. I debated on keeping the silk dress on, but I didn’t know what this meeting would be.

I didn’t want him thinking I wanted him or anything.

That would simply be ridiculous.

Before I can decide what to do, Oleg grabs the bottom of his shirt and pulls it over his head.

Suddenly, I lose track of every thought I’ve ever had.

Each muscle in his body is perfectly defined, precisely carved as if from marble. He’s a beautiful wall of muscle.

When he shoves his pants down, I swallow a moan.

Then he pulls off his black boxer briefs, and all the breath in my lungs is gone.

The Beast is a very fitting nickname.

He stands tall and proud—and absolutely naked—in front of me.

“You act like you’ve never seen a naked man before, Ms. Palmer.”

Heat scalds my cheeks as I stammer like an idiot. “I have. Many, actually.”Oh, God, why. “Not ‘many’! Just a few. Er, a totally respectable amount. Two?”

---