Page 20 of Disgraced (Russian Sinners 3)

Sergei

Iexpected anything and everything but not this. Scarlett O’Brady was a virgin. How in the fucking hell was that possible? I read her background file. She had boyfriends, a few steady ones too. Instead, she surprised me by giving me something so valuable. Actually, scratch that. It was priceless.

She was laid out on the deck of my yacht, right next to me. I couldn’t help but to keep my eyes roaming over her. She was beautiful, sweet, funny, and kind. The nagging feeling that I should tell her who I was to her kept growing, but I decidedly ignored it. It was too soon. I needed more time. I couldn’t risk losing her.

Her dark abundance of hair was shifted to the side, leaving the view of her beautiful slim back. Laying on her stomach, she let me unhook her top piece as I applied sunscreen onto her back. It didn’t take her long till she dozed off with a small smile on her face as I rubbed the lotion into her. Her body was lax and she belonged here. She belonged with me. Yes, her father promised her to me as a payment, but I couldn’t be more pleased with her.

I want her to love me.The thought struck and remained although I knew it wasn’t a right thing to ask if I wasn’t willing to give her my heart. But I never claimed to be selfless. I wanted her all.

The yacht drifted back towards our port where my car waited for us. We had an hour at least till we got there. I grabbed my phone and started working, while letting her sleep next to me, soaking up the sun. We had gone out for the past two nights and stayed out late so I was sure she was tired. In my whole life, I had never just sat and watched a movie with a woman. Such a simple and pleasant way to spend time together. I was certain Scarlett was the reason I loved it. It felt natural with her, a quiet evening at home after dinner.

I sent a message to my brothers, Dimitry and Nikolai, letting them know of my plan to intercept Bartek’s shipment of humans. I didn’t even have to wonder whether they’d agree, but wanted to be prepared if shit went down. Not that I expected it to.

I heard a cute little snore, and I chuckled softly, glancing at my future wife. She was sound asleep, her form peaceful and serene. In less than forty-eight hours, I found more tranquility than in the last thirty years. I loved how there was nothing fake about Scarlett. Her smiles were genuine and her happiness contagious. And the pleasure she gave and took was priceless.

She was nothing like Irina. Scarlett was a true diamond while Irina was a greedy and cruel woman that cared about nobody but herself. Her actions over the last decade proved she didn’t care how she accumulated her wealth… whether it was by selling dry goods or innocent women and children, it was all the same to Irina. I just wondered how I was ever blind to not see it before today.

Maybe it was Scarlett that finally set me free and opened my eyes?

Ten minutes into the boat ride, I had one of my crew bring over an umbrella to put a shade over Scarlett so she wouldn’t burn. She never stirred. I was a light sleeper, it was a force of habit, but Scarlett seemed completely out. An hour later, we were docked and Scarlett was still sound asleep. My soon-to-be wife certainly liked to sleep.

I lightly nudged her to wake her. She smacked my hand away.

“Scarlett,” I whispered into her ear. “You can’t sleep the day away.”

“Go away,” her voice was a mutter.

I chuckled. “Should I call you sleepy or grumpy?” I asked her, teasing.

She peeked through her eyelids. “Aren’t you tired?” she muttered.

“No,” I told her, smiling. “Although you obviously are.”

She stifled her yawn. “We stayed up way past my bedtime.”

I raised my eyebrow. “You have a bedtime?”

“Sergei, if you had twenty kindergartners you had to deal with,” she murmured, “you’d have a bedtime too. The kids are like fully energized batteries, till about three p.m.”

“Maybe we should find you a different profession?” I suggested, although by the tone of her voice I could tell she loved her kindergartners.

“No way. I love my job.”

I could totally see her teaching and playing with the kids. She had an easy and playful manner about her. She’d be a patient mother. Probably very much like her own mother. I met her mother briefly but her calmness and easy manner reminded me of home. Scarlett had that same demeanor, although there was a rebel in her too.

“How about we go back to my place, take a shower, and go out to dinner?”

Her dark eyes shone and she smiled. “I have a better idea.”

“Oh, yeah?” There was little mischief in her eyes and I couldn’t wait to hear her idea.

“How about we take a shower, order pizza, and stay in,” she suggested. “We could maybe watch a movie again and then see where the night takes us.”

I liked that a lot, especially since it hinted to her staying the night. “I love your idea.”

Her big smile made my day. “I hoped you would,” she murmured softly. “Can you hook my top piece back on please?”

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