Page 87 of Dirty Grovel

“She has a unique perspective. I appreciate that.”

“As long as you don’t let yourself be blinded by it,” Oksana advises. “She may be a breath of fresh air, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have secrets. Or ulterior motives.”

“I can handle my own affairs, Maman. But she is to be my wife and I will not have her treated as the enemy. I have determined that she’s not a threat. I expect you to treat her accordingly. Treat her as you would have had you been the one to choose her.”

Oksana exhales sharply, her breath whistling as it passes her lips. “I suppose congratulations are in order then.”

She rises to her feet and I do the same. I’m not expecting the hug she gives me, but she holds on to me longer than I expect. “It’s finally happening,” she murmurs. “A baby in the family. The first one since you and your sister were born.”

Oriana’s name is on the tip of my tongue, but Oksana’s eyes are already looking a little distant, damn near misty.

If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought she was on the verge of crying.

I do know better, though.

“Speaking of family,” Oksana says when she releases me, “we need to discuss Boris.”

26

SUTTON

“You packed an overnight bag for me?” I squeak, rifling through the clothes that Oleg brought.

“Considering we’re spending a night or two on the water, I thought an overnight bag was necessary.”

“Why didn’t you mention it to me? I’m more than capable of packing my own bag.”

He turns to me, the very picture of serene calm. Or maybe it’s just the backdrop—the glorious expanse of blue sea that stretches on into infinity.

On any other day, it would be hard to turn my gaze away from that bright, gold-cloaked horizon. But with Oleg standing there in his linen beach shorts and unbuttoned cotton shirt, it’s a miracle I’ve even noticed what’s behind him.

“It was meant to be a surprise, Sutton.”

“That’s a nice way of saying that you’ve abducted me.”

“Andthatis a funny way of saying ‘thank you.’ My mother is staying at the bungalow and I’ve just given you two full days away from her.”

“Oh. Thatispretty nice.” I’m still wary, though, and he can tell.

He sighs. “Must everything be a fight with you?”

“You’re the one who set the precedent. I can’t help it if I’m a little suspicious.”

“What happened to ‘Trust is a two-way street, Oleg’?” he challenges.

I suppress a smile. “When I see a little trust come my way, I’ll throw a little something-something yours.”

He grabs my arm and spins me into his body. “Tempting,” he growls, his hand sliding down to cup my ass.

“Hey! That’s not what I meant.”

“I know. But while we’re waiting to trust each other, maybe we can have a little fun?”

His erection is pressed insistently against my thigh, his muscles taut and cool against my hands.

How the hell is a woman supposed to resist that?

Especially after the message he left on my pregnancy app this morning. It’s the first time that I’m aware he’s accessed it. Definitely the first time he’s contributed.

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