Page 46 of Tangled Souls

I stand and tuck my cock back into my slacks before following her. As I lean against the door jam, I take a moment to simply appreciate the goddess in front of me.

Then I step inside as I ask, “Can I help you?”

She looks up at me, clearly confused, but whatever she sees on my face has her nodding slowly. Her brown eyes are big and round as I help her get dressed. It’s simple, but so fucking intimate.

If I weren’t already in love with the woman, this would be the moment I fall. Instead, it’s just another drop.

There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll continue to fall for our wife for the rest of my life.

CHAPTER 17

OAKLYNN

Tonight has been going so well that I almost can’t believe it. I’m used to working with a charity and then being unable to genuinely enjoy the payoff when it comes to nights like this. My father never allowed me to shine, but he was more than willing to soak up the praise from my hard work. Being on his arm felt like being shackled.

It’s completely different with my men.

They are more than happy to put me in the spotlight and keep me there. Even when I try and shy away, they’re at my back to remind me that I deserve to revel in the good things I’ve done and to have pride in the work I’ve put in. Sure, I wasn’t part of Heart and Home’s event right from the start, but I can still see my influence on the night.

When I see Angela approaching with a middle-aged couple who are smiling from ear to ear, I brace myself to meet more people. As wonderful as this night has been, I’m starting to get a little tired. But it’s not over yet. At least I can soak up a little bit of strength from my men.

“Mrs. Volkov,” Angela greets me with a grateful smile on her face, “I’d like you to meet the mayor, Seth Mason and his wife Vivian Mason. They were both interested in meeting the womanwho helped us tie everything up and make this event better than it has ever been before.”

Even as my heart pounds in my chest I plaster a smile on my face. “Mr. and Mrs. Mason, it’s lovely to meet you. I’m Oaklynn.” I turn slightly toward Angela and give her arm a squeeze. “And it was my absolute pleasure to help Heart and Home. It’s such a wonderful charity and is desperately needed in Seattle.”

As we shake hands, Seth continues to smile and doesn’t seem at all bothered by the four men who feel more like shadows than husbands at the moment. “Please call us Seth and Vivian,” he offers, and I give a nod in response. “I’ve heard about your charity work before, but this is the first chance I’ve had to meet you. I wanted to personally thank you for putting your time and effort in to helping your fellow citizens.”

“Of course,” I offer graciously. There’s no need to tell him that working with charities used to be one of the only freedoms I was allowed when stuck underneath my father’s rule. Talk about something that would bring down the whole mood of the night. “Please, let me introduce my husband, Kirill Volkov.” The men shake hands, and I take a moment to introduce Huck, Maxim, and Baker as well.

Vivian’s eyes are wide as she takes in the men surrounding me. Seth immediately starts to talk to Kirill about Volkov Enterprises, seemingly excited about the fact that not only is he here tonight but is married to me. I don’t get the feeling he asked for an introduction just to get to Kirill. It warms something in my chest and helps to put away fears I wasn’t even aware I had.

I’m so much more than Kirill’s wife. Just like I was much more than Richard Chambers’ daughter. While opening Clockwork won’t erase my connections to the men in my life,past and present, I’m looking forward to standing on my own in some way.

When Maxim rests his hand on my hip and gives it a squeeze, the gesture is far more intimate than would be proper if I am only Kirill’s wife, Vivian’s eyes track the gesture. She leans into me, but I don’t see any judgement in her eyes.

“It seems you’re keeping secrets, Oaklynn,” her voice is light and breezy, but also filled with curiosity.

“Legally, I am only Kirill’s wife,” I hedge, testing out the waters.

Her eyes widen slightly before she chuckles under her breath. “You lucky woman,” she breathes out, her eyes darting between my men as if seeing them for the first time. “While I am very happy with my husband, who is a wonderful man, I do enjoy reading certain romance books which are very,” she pauses as if searching for the right word, “descriptive and plentiful.”

I can’t help it when my head drops back as I laugh. The last thing I expected was for the mayor’s wife to admit to reading spicy romance with more than one man in the mix. It’s refreshing and makes me like the woman instantly.

“Uh oh,” Seth’s voice is full of amusement, “it looks like our women might be troublemakers together.”

Vivian giggles and rolls her eyes like her husband is being ridiculous, but the grin on her face doesn’t drop and there’s a mischievousness in her eyes. There’s an energy about her which has me wishing I had an older sister.

Making friends in my life hasn’t been easy. I never wanted to bring anyone around my father, and I never knew how to explain all the things that weighed me down. Now, I’m not sure how toexplain my four men who are all dangerous and not to be trifled with. Maybe I’m selling people short.

“I don’t make trouble,” Vivian assures her husband, “I just enjoy life.” Her eyes sparkle as she looks at me. “There are a few organizations I work with which could really benefit from your help if you’re interested? Angela has been singing your praises for the last little while since you agreed to help with tonight. I’d love the chance to sit down and talk to you when we aren’t forced into evening gowns and more hairspray than is probably required.”

I’m smiling so big that my cheeks hurt. When I glance at my men, they’re all looking at me with eyes filled with love. Seth is looking at his wife like she’s a treasure and I’m starting to think he’s not far off.

“I’d really like that. We’ve recently bought Pulse and I’m in the process of rebranding it for the relaunch, which means I don’t have as much time as I normally would, but I can always find time for a worthy cause.”

“You’re the one rebranding Pulse?” Seth’s question holds a mix of curiosity and relief. I nod and his shoulders sag slightly. “Good. I’ve heard rumors that it was under new management but hadn’t been able to really look into the details yet. Pulse might have been popular, but it was shady as hell and was under investigation.” Kirill stiffens slightly but Seth shakes his head. “My gut is telling me that won’t be necessary now.” With a wave of his hand, he adds, “I’ll get it taken care of.”

Kirill and Seth shake hands, a look of understanding passing between them.

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