Page 41 of Fierce Protector

When we break apart, I move around the kitchen island to stand at Stefano’s side. I can’t stop myself from tucking myself into his side and letting him wrap his arm around my waist. My father averts his gaze, and I feel guilty, but equally, there’s no way I’m going to sacrifice my comfort for my father’s. Not after the day I’ve had.

Stefano lowers his arm to rub the small of my back in soothing circles, trying to find a balance between comforting me and not flaunting our closeness in my father’s face. It’s a fine line and the tension in the room is so thick you can taste it in the air. I’m a little disappointed when my father says his goodbyes and shows himself out, but on the bright side, at least this visit didn’t end with threats.

That’s progress, right?

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

STEFANO

“Ihave a surprise for you,” I say, revelling in the way her face lights up with excitement. It’s as though her presence expels the tension that hung so heavy only moments before. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to how right it feels having her here. This house has felt so incomplete for so long, but now it feels like I can finally finish it.

Taking her hand in mine, I lead her towards the stairs to the basement. And smirk when she lets out a little whine of complaint. “Exercise is not a fun surprise.”

I gently smack the curve of her ass and whisper in her ear. “Don’t be a brat. I promise this is a surprise you’re going to like.”

I had my men bring over more of her things while she was at work today, but this, I went and retrieved myself. When I open the door to the gym, she scans the room. I watch her like a hawk waiting for the moment she spotsit. She looks baffled and doing a terrible job of faking interest when she notices I’ve added her weights and cardio machines along the back wall.

There’s an awkward nod and a half-hearted smile. “That’s great, thank you.”

I let out a chuckle before hooking a finger under her chin and moving her face to look at the opposite wall. Her entire demeanour shifts, and she starts bouncing on the balls of her feet.

“You installed a pole?” she says, clapping her hands and running over to inspect it.

“Well, I installedyourpole. And your mirrors. I hope you don’t mind. I can have them moved back if you want.” Suddenly, I’m nervous that I’ve overstepped. Why didn’t I install a new one? Is there such a thing as pole preference? I just figured she’d want the one she already picked.

“No, it’s fine. I mean, it’s perfect.” She trails a delicate finger down the metallic surface, throwing me a seductive smile. When she bites down on her plump bottom lip, she dips her chin before locking gazes with me from under her long lashes. “Although I think I should take it for a test drive, check your people installed it properly.”

“If you think I let another man touch this pole you underestimate how reasonable I can be when it comes to you.”

She lets out a little giggle as she starts a slow and sensual stroll around the pole. I’ve been fascinated by this woman for such a long time and while I thought I knew so much about her, it turns out there’s this whole side of her I’ve never seen. One that’s playful with hersexuality in ways I never expected. I fell in love with a strong woman and discovered a secret siren.

Katerina pauses and leans against the metal, her back flush with the gleaming column, and raises an arm before arching her back and sinking down, exposing the delicate slope of her neck to me. It’s not an overtly sexual move bearing in mind she’s still fully clothed, but the way she presents her body has my cock straining against my zipper. She’s simultaneously dominant—presenting her body as an untouchable prize—but also gloriously submissive in her movements.

Dropping low, she sinks into a crouch and uses the stability of the poses to release the pole and slip her finger under her shirt. As she lifts it, she rises out of the position, tossing the shirt to the ground, and turns to face the pole.

She pops the button of her jeans before hooking her thumbs into the belt loops and drags the trousers down. Rocking on the balls of her feet, hypnotising me with the sway of her hips as she bends herself over. I’m too busy studying the curve of her ass to see her step out of her jeans, but there’s a soft scrape of fabric as she kicks them to the side.

Her body is a sight to behold. Impossibly long lines with a beautiful landscape of curves, perfect whether they’re wrapped around this pole or my hips. As she takes a firm hold, high above her head, she swings herself up, legs gripping the metal firmly enough to allow her to let go, arcing her torso back until she’s bared to me.

She’s been at work all day so it’s not like she’sputting on a show, where every movement is choreographed, and she’s outfitted in barely there lingerie. She’s wearing a sports bra and a pair of Lycra shorts, hair thrown into a high ponytail. Yet she’s the sexiest I’ve ever seen her. Completely at ease with her body and dancing for me as though I’m not here. Her confidence rolls off her in waves and with every undulation and spin, I find myself falling deeper and deeper for her.

As she continues, it feels like the world melts away and I begin to feel restless standing, so I ease a little nearer and drop to the floor, careful not to interrupt her focus by getting too close. I’m in awe of every switch in position. She casts the most exquisite shapes with each pose, displaying her body proudly.

The only sound that fills the room is her subtle exertions as she moves while I’m stunned into silent appreciation. The strength she displays is intoxicating. I’ve always thought of her as one of the toughest women I know, but I underestimated her. Her power and physicality are magnificent.

She takes her final spin and swings her legs down, landing on her knees at the base of the pole. I crook a finger at her, and I smirk when she shakes her head, deliberately ignoring my request.

“You’ve been such a good girl; don’t you want your reward?” I say, my voice raspy, giving away exactly how much she’s affected me. All she gives me in response is a defiantly raised brow and a ‘fuck you’ grin.

I crook my index finger one more time. “Crawl to me, baby girl.”

I don’t miss the shiver that chases itself along herspine or the way she draws her knees together and squeezes her thighs in response. The florescent lights overhead reflect off the dewy sheen of sweat that covers her bare skin. With the slightest of movements, she shakes her head.

“Crawl or be punished.” I swear she lets out the quietest little moan of satisfaction and that’s all it takes for me to snap. I can tell from her shocked expression she isn’t expecting me to move as quickly as I do. Her eyes light up, her smile broadening as she jumps to her feet and starts to run towards the door. She’s not quick enough though.

I catch up to her within a few strides, snaking my arm around her waist and hauling her back towards me. My smile broadens when she gives out a shriek of surprise. She’s kicking her feet, wriggling in my hold, and the more she squirms, the more she giggles. It’s too tempting, I can’t resist tickling her a little too.

“No fair, that’s cheating,” she cries out between bursts of laughter.

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