Page 70 of Dark Desires
My stomach flips and Stephania freezes, her eyes wide.
“What is this about?” she whispers.
“No clue.” I shut my laptop and set it down on my desk, taking one last look at my figure in the mirror.
Stephania seems a little hesitant.“God, I think I’m going to be sick…”
“What’s wrong?”
“Anxiety, I think. This whole thing with Omar, his father, and now, Alexei… I think it’s finally getting to me, Isa.”
Truth be told, she’s not looking very peachy. In fact, she’s getting paler with each passing moment. Stephania is scared. In love with the wrong man and scared out of her mind. If anyone can understand what she’s going through… it’s me.
“Mar, give us a sec, OK?” I say.
He nods. “I’ll tell Mr. Plushenko to sit tight.”
“Thanks.”
Mario shuts the door, leaving us alone once more. Stephania’s face tells me she doesn’t want to be around Alexei right now.
Ironically enough, that’s the exact opposite reaction I’m having. My heart’s doing backflips at the idea of seeing him again, my stomach tensing in that delicious way. I push those feelings aside as best I can, turning my attention to my cousin.
“You’ll be fine,” I say. “Alexei’s a good guy… ish.”
“Alright. Let’s get this over with. But I’m not sitting down for tea and cookies or whatever.”
“Just smile and be polite, and it’ll be over before you know it.”
We head downstairs, and the moment my eyes land on Alexei, my breath hitches. He’s standing in the den like he owns the place—broad shoulders filling out a perfectly tailored dark suit, his black hair tousled just enough to make him look effortlessly dangerous. The faintest shadow of stubble lines his sharp jaw, and those piercing blue eyes sweep over us.
And then there are the flowers. Two bouquets, one in each hand. They’re stunning—vivid arrangements of roses and lilies.
“Ladies,” he greets. His gaze locks on mine for a beat too long, and the heat rises in my cheeks.
“Alexei,” Stephania says politely. He steps over and places a chaste kiss on her cheek. Then she accepts one of the bouquets with a nod. “Thank you, that’s very thoughtful.”
“You’re welcome.” He clears his throat. “I wanted to see how you were doing. Both of you.”
Stephania clutches the flowers tightly, looking ready to bolt.
“I’m fine. But I must apologize. I’ve been feeling a tad under the weather all morning.”
Alexei gives her a concerned look. “Is everything alright, Stephania?”
“Yes, perhaps just wedding jitters on top of already strenuous circumstances.” She laughs nervously, but she doesn’t really sound like herself. “I’m sorry. I have to go. Thank you again for stopping by.” She offers a quick smile before hightailing it out of there.
The door shuts behind her, and suddenly, it’s just Alexei and me.
He turns his full attention to me, extending the second bouquet. His expression softens slightly.
“And you? How are you holding up?”
God, how the hell to even begin answering that question.
Well, I’m on the verge of everyone in my life knowing I’m having an illegitimate child, but other than that, just super?
I take the flowers, my fingers brushing his.
