Page 45 of Imperfect Desires

“Why would he be here?”

“Because the both of you disappeared from the party.”

Alina’s lips part—but before she can speak, my gaze drops to her exposed skin.

My mouth hardens. "Are you trying to kill me?"

Alina’s cheeks flush, but her chin lifts. "Why would I do such a thing?"

My chest tightens. "Alina—"

"Say it, Lev," she whispers. "Admit you care."

My jaw clenches painfully.

"You have no idea what you’re asking for."

Alina steps closer. "I do."

My breath leaves me in a sharp exhale as I watch her invade my space.

16

Alina

My gaze trails down Lev’s body, and my heart leaps in anticipation of being in his arms.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he says, his breath warm against my skin. “Ignoring me. Why?”

I swallow hard, my voice barely above a whisper. “Because it’s easier than facing what I feel for you.”

His grip tightens, just enough to let me know he’s there, that he’s real. “And what do you feel, Alina?”

I don’t answer. I can’t. The words are stuck in my throat, tangled with fear and desire. Instead, I reach up, my fingers brushing hisjawline, tracing the hard line of his cheekbone. His eyes darken, his control slipping, just a fraction.

And then he’s kissing me. His lips are firm, demanding, his tongue sliding against mine in a way that makes my knees weak. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, my body pressing against his. He’s solid, unyielding, his muscles tensing under my touch.

He lifts me, his hands gripping my thighs and ass, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He carries me to the bed, his kisses never faltering, his mouth devouring mine like he’s starving. I can taste the whiskey on his breath, the raw need in every movement.

He lays me down, his body hovering over mine, his weight a comforting pressure. His hands roam, tracing the curves of my body, his fingers brushing the lace of my lingerie. I arch into his touch, my breath coming in short gasps.

“You drive me mad, Alina,” he murmurs against my neck, his lips leaving a trail of fire in their wake. “Every time you look at me, every time you touch me… I can’t think straight.”

I tangle my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer. “Then stop trying to think, Lev. Just feel.”

He groans, his mouth moving down my body, his tongue tracing the swell of my breast, his teeth grazing my nipple through the lace. I gasp, my head falling back, my hands clutching at the sheets. He’s relentless, his mouth and hands mapping every inch of me, his touch both tender and demanding.

When his tongue slips between my legs, I cry out, my body arching off the bed. He’s a master of this, his tongue and fingers working in perfect harmony, bringing me to the edge again and again, but never letting me fall. I’m a mess, my breath coming in ragged gasps, my body trembling with need.

“Lev, please,” I beg, my voice hoarse.

He looks up at me, his blue eyes dark with desire, his jaw clenched. “Say it, Alina. Say you want me.”

I meet his gaze, my heart pounding in my chest. “I want you, Lev. I’ve never stopped wanting you.”

He growls, his hands gripping my hips, his body positioning himself above me. He’s hard, his erection pressing against me, and I reach down, guiding him inside. He enters me slowly, his eyes locked on mine, his control slipping as he fills me completely.

“Fuck,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.

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