I kicked off my shoes, shrugged off my jacket, not caring where it landed. I climbed in behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist.
She twisted so fast our heads nearly collided. Her eyes were wide.
“W-what are you doing?” she whispered.
Her breathing quickened under my touch and desire swam in her eyes.
“We need to talk.”
She tried to pull away, but I held her tighter.
God, I’d missed this.
Her softness molded into my hardness, the scent of her shampoo…just her.
“About what?” she snapped. Her blue eyes blazed, and the defiance in them set my soul on fire.
I fucking loved her like this.
Untouchable. Unafraid. Even when she was furious with me.
“You made it clear what I am to you. A pawn. A wife of convenience. Fine. You’re just my roommate. Now that we've had this little talk, get out.”
A roommate?
The growl rumbled from my chest before I could stop it. She flinched.
I closed my eyes. Get a grip, Lev.
“I’m sorry,” I said. My voice came out rougher than intended. “I’m sorry for what I said. For putting a gun to your head. For scaring you.”
I met her eyes. “But I’m not sorry for getting you out of that house. Artyom isn’t someone I trust. He wouldn’t have let us just walk out. I did what I had to do.”
She was silent, studying me like she was trying to figure out if I was being sincere.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “For apologizing.”
I knew I shouldn’t push. I knew she wasn’t ready. But I needed to taste her. Just once.
I leaned in and brushed my lips against hers, lightly. She moaned, sending a rush of blood straight to my cock.
I pulled her closer, gently shifting us until her head rested on my shoulder, her arm around my waist. She didn’t resist. She snuggled in, and I sighed contentedly.
And for the first time in days, my body stopped fighting itself.
With her in my arms, and accepting my apology, I finally let go and drifted off to sleep.
I woke up when a vibration buzzed in my pocket. I pulled out my phone. It was Jaroslav. The screen read 10:30 p.m.
Katya was still curled against me.
I answered quietly.
“We’ve got another hit,” Jaroslav said, angrily. “Another explosive. This time at the warehouse.”
I clenched my jaw and exhaled slowly as he relayed the details. Carefully, I disentangled myself from Katya, my movements reluctant despite the urgency. I slipped on my shoes and jacket, then paused to press a light kiss to her forehead before slipping out to meet Jaroslav.
***