Page 72 of Beautiful Sinner

“Including with your future father-in-law?”

“If necessary, but that will remain between the two of us. Whoever initiated the attacks will continue until they get what they want.”

Growling, he curled his upper lip. “I don’t like harboring secrets from your family. That won’t bode well for my retirement.”

“I hope it won’t come to taking extreme measures, Kostya. However, I will not allow my regime to be threatened again.”

He was obviously debating his answer, finally shaking his head. “Consider it done, but you’ll be the one to deal with the consequences should this shit turn south.”

“I have no issues facing whatever consequences are necessary, Kostya. Let me give you a piece of advice. Be careful pushing against the Kozlov family. We are your bread and butter.”

His nostrils flaring, he moved even closer, glaring me in the eyes. “What you might not understand, Sevastian, is that I’ve moved onto steak.”

“I’ll be certain to keep that in mind.”

I respected the man. I appreciated his diligence, but he wasn’t going to gain the upper hand on my family. Not for a second.

I watched him walk away, my muscles just as tense as before. The brutality of my world was beginning to take a countless toll, driving away what was left of my humanity.

Tossing on my sunglasses, I headed to the plane.

* * *

Giada

Alone.

As soon as I opened my eyes, I realized I was very much alone. On this morning, the anxiety was thick, harboring me as a prisoner just like the closed and locked bedroom door had been. I reached out, smoothing my hand across his side of the bed, my vision still foggy even though sunlight streamed in through the windows. The sheets were cool, which meant he’d been gone for at least a couple of hours.

Coffee.

I could smell coffee. How long had it been since I’d had a wonderful mugful? I had to be dreaming, still lost in the rapture of the night before.

The sex had been even more incredible than before. I could still feel the weight of his body pressed against mine. The inside of my thighs was sticky, and I tingled all over. How many hours had we spent curled around each other? He’d been completely insatiable. He was one powerful lover.

I clutched my hand around the sheet, pulling it over me, pressing my face against the pillow. His smell was everywhere, the lingering scent of him just as intoxicating as the night before. I noticed the stain and smiled. Red wine on a crisp white sheet. I was certain he couldn’t care less.

The light breeze of the open doors tickled my naked skin, enticing me to roll over. As soon as I did, I was reminded of the spanking. Shivering, I closed my eyes briefly, trying to remember how many times he’d taken me. There’d been a significant difference, the brutal man taking time to enjoy the moment instead of just fucking me.

Although he’d done that as well.

Then he’d fallen asleep. I wouldn’t tell him that I’d purposely stayed awake, studying his beautiful form as his chest rose and fell lightly. For the first time since I’d met him eight years before, he’d seemed at peace. I bit my lip, thinking about his passionate kisses. Everything about him was jovial, as if he had a lust for life, but there was a sadness in his eyes as well. If you didn’t know him intimately, you’d mistake it for cruelty.

He’d allowed his guard to fall if only for a little while.

Another scent captured my attention, the aroma of fresh flowers. The breeze must be wafting the fragrance in through the doors.

As soon as I sat up, I couldn’t help but allow a smile to cross my face. There was a vase full of the most incredible flowers in various vibrant hues. Orange. Fuchsia. Yellow. The foliage was thick and green, the vase itself a stunning hue of sapphire blue. And there was food, so much food.

Fresh fruits and breads, pastries and other items with silver domed lids. And coffee. Oh, my God. I hadn’t been dreaming. There was coffee. And orange juice! I was prepared to grab the sheet to pull around me when I noticed the most beautiful robe positioned carefully across the chair next to the table full of food. Why had he done this? Because I’d been a good girl, surrendering to his needs?

A pang drifted into my heart. I hated thinking that way, but the yin and yang of the man left me feeling unstable and woozy. He could become the bastard like the flip of a switch, capable of violent rage.

But when he was tender and sweet, I felt like his princess.

I rubbed my hand across the soft material, tingling all over. It was silk. After slipping into it, I reached for the coffee first. It was piping hot, the cream still cold. The first taste was heavenly, the aroma wafting into my nose. I grabbed a strawberry, plopping it into my mouth then walking out on the deck.

The morning was just as gorgeous as the night had been, the sun not as high in the sky as I’d believed. Maybe I hadn’t slept that late.

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