Page 50 of Sergei
Then nothing.
Everything went black.
The next morning, I woke in a daze, and I’d all but forgotten my tumble until I stretched and realized I wasn’t in my bed. Instead, I was in Sergei’s, and that was a shock all its own. But what was even more shocking was the fact that he was asleep right next to me. I was a little caught off guard, but I wasn’t completely unnerved by the discovery.
Nor did I feel threatened or uncomfortable. It was just the opposite; I felt safe and protected. I had no business being in his bed, especially after his disappearing act over the past couple of days. I needed to get back to my room, and I needed to get there fast.
But the second I tried to sit up, Sergei’s arm flailed to the side and landed on my stomach, holding me in place. I froze. I didn’t want to wake him, so I eased back on my pillow.
I couldn’t get over how peaceful he looked, almost angelic, which was something I didn’t think was possible for such an intense man.
He was always handsome. Early in the morning, before his shower and before he’d even thought about brushing his hair. And when he left for work in his black business suit and designer shoes. And even when he was just in his jeans and a T-shirt. It didn’t matter. The man could turn a head.
He certainly turned mine, time and time again. But it wasn’t just his looks that got to me. It was the man behind the intense glare and fierce demeanor that made my heart skip a beat. It wasn’t a side that he showed often, but after one glimpse, I was hooked.
I was staring at his beautiful, full lips when he mumbled, “Morning.”
“Good morning.”
“You sleep okay?”
“I think so. I’m a little foggy.” I pulled the covers up to my chin and added, “I tripped on something in the hall.”
“The table next to the bathroom.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure how I managed that.” I glanced over at him as I asked, “I’m not sure how I managed to wind up in your bed either.”
“That was me. I thought you’d be more comfortable in here.” He ran his hand over his face and yawned before he said, “When I tried to leave, you wouldn’t let me.”
“I wouldn’tlet you?”
“Let me rephrase.” He turned and looked at me with a smirk. “You asked me to stay with you.”
“Oh. I don’t rememberthat.”
“Happened just the same.” Concern flashed through his eyes as he sat up and asked, “How’s the toe?”
“It’s fine.”
“Good.” Sergei got out of bed, and my breath caught when I noticed he was only wearing a pair of boxer briefs. I could feel the heat rush to my face as my eyes skirted over his muscularchest and drool-worthy abs. I couldn’t imagine how often he’d have to work out to get such a perfectly defined physique. Whatever the answer, it was worth it.
The man looked like a Greek god as he walked over to the end of the bed. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he eased the comforter back and exposed my bare foot. I was too busy gawking at him to realize what he was doing, but at that moment, I just didn’t care. He could’ve thrown the covers to the floor and had his way with me. I wouldn’t have protested.
He lowered his hand to my foot, and a rush of heat surged through me when he ran the tips of his fingers along the top of it and over my ankle bone. I started to silently curse myself, wishing I’d been better about shaving my legs.
He was still studying my foot when he said, “It’s pretty bruised, but I don’t think it’s broken.”
“It’s fine.”
“It needs some ice.”
“It’s fine.” I pulled my foot back under the covers as I asked, “Where have you been?”
“I had things I needed to take care of.”
“What kind of things?”
“Work things.” I gave him a look, and he cocked his brow. “I have a casino to run, remember.”
