Page 28 of Break Me
I nodded. She was also right about how Liam had and would react to anyone who dared show me attention. That’s because he’d promised his brother he’d take care of me if anything happened. I’d never felt so suffocated.
“Go have fun. Stop second guessing everything in your life. The man you called the sexy Russian is grateful that you saved his life. He has money and since you pushed him away hard, he was trying to make your life a little bit easier. If you act like a spoiled brat, I hope he takes you over his knee.”
“Kristine!” I snapped my head in her direction, coming close to shrieking. But as soon as the surprise wore off, I realized the thought had left a deep throb between my legs.
Just like I’d felt all night long while one fantasy after another had kept me from getting a good night’s sleep.
I fingered the dress and grinned. “Okay, you’re right. I’ll go get changed.”
Who knows. Maybe I would enjoy myself for a change.
In my world, there was no such thing as a fairy princess and I’d never wanted to be one. Maybe the single disastrous date in high school had finally rid me of the desire to be girlie. I’d been rough and tough up until then, a tomboy who preferred spending time outdoors digging up buried treasure and building fortresses over playing with dolls.
I’d been a runner, a kayaker. I’d foregone makeup half the time until one day after beginning my training to become a firefighter, I’d suddenly wanted to be pretty because of a guy.
After Sean’s death, I’d lost interest.
Until now.
Seeing Alexsey’s face when I opened the door brought back all those girlie thoughts about wanting to be pretty.
His eyes opened wide and he placed his hand over his heart. “Wow.”
It was amazing what a single word could do to a girl’s ego. “What?”
“You look amazing. Absolutely breathtaking.”
“He’s a keeper,” Kristine said from her hiding spot in the kitchen where I’d told her to go.
“Go away,” I said playfully and hated the fact I could feel heat sliding across my jaw. “Alexsey, my sister.” Alexsey was stunning in his charcoal suit and oddly enough, matching tie. Imagine that. However, on him, the color was perfect, bringing out the iridescent shimmer in his eyes. I could do nothing more than look at them all night.
“So I gathered. Don’t worry. I will keep her out late.”
“You better.” Kristine was having the best time. For once, she wasn’t seeing me bawling my eyes out or cursing because of some irritation that I’d fixated on.
“Her name is Kristine, although I have other pet names for her.” I moved closer, almost instantly intoxicated by his aftershave. Musk with exotic spices, the cool scent of the ocean with a dash of citrus. Even though I was wearing my heels, he was still several inches taller and with his sheer presence, he gave off dangerous vibes. “How did you do it?”
“Do what?” He had a mischievous look in his eyes.
“Defy HIPAA laws and find out my daughter’s inhaler prescription, let alone convince my doctor to allow your interference in prescribing a six-month supply?”
He didn’t seem the least bit uncomfortable with my pointed question. “I have my ways, Halle. I know people.”
“Let me guess. Money talks.”
I was surprised when he reached out and brushed his fingertips down my naked arm. The intimate act sent shivers down my spine. “Yes, but often simply trying to do the right thingconvinces people to bend the rules. It was the least I could do. I know how much you love your daughter.”
I wanted to be angry with him. I wanted to have the courage and fortitude to hand him the bag telling him thanks but no thanks. But what good would holding onto such high and mighty scruples end up being? While my daughter possibly suffered. I found sincerity in his eyes once again and felt more comfortable. “Alright. Thank you. But don’t do something like that again. Please.”
Alexsey held up his arms as if surrendering. “Never again. Are you ready to go?”
“Where are we going?” The man would not be denied. Everything about him screamed of dominance. What struck me as interesting was that I not only liked but craved having someone in my life that simply took control.
Maybe because I was tired of trying to hold myself together and my head above water.
He chuckled. “I told you, a surprise.”
“Let me guess. To one of your resorts.”
