Page 32 of Wicked Knight 2

“Because I’m so confused right now.” I shoved him away from me. “Don’t touch me.”

I thought of the man Maxim killed in cold blood the day he kidnapped me. Maxim wanted revenge. His marriage to me was only a means to an end. This version of Luca was all brawn and zero logic. Luca was a professor. I was in love with his brain as much as I was in love with his body.

“I’ve waited so long already.” He advanced on me.

When I shuffled back, a streak of pain marred his features. My rejection hurt him. But what the hell was I supposed to do? This felt like cheating on Luca. I took another step as he regarded me with curiosity. I had no doubt he was as confused as me. Not two minutes ago, I was ready to jump into bed with him. But that was when I thought he was Luca, that he was here for me because he loved me.

My back hit the wall, and Maxim continued to prowl toward me. I froze as he took both my wrists in his hand and pinned them over my head. The desire in his eyes sent flutters to my core. Before he left on his trip, I got this jittery energy in my belly every time he was near. Was that my body trying to tell me who Maxim really was?

“Don’t make me take by force what’s already mine.” His lips brushed my temple and my cheek.

Yeah, I’d always been his. The anticipation of his touch sent a shock of adrenaline through me that set my whole body on fire.

“I think you like it when I touch you.” His mouth found mine in a searing kiss.

In the time we were apart, I searched for this high, for this unwavering passion, so many times. No one kissed like this. No one ever kissed me the way Luca did. I melted into him, parting my lips, to taste him again. Two years was a long time without him. Luca Gallo had always been my drug. I needed him so badly.

“Maxim.” A loud knock shook the bedroom door. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home today?” Papa’s excited voice streamed through the room.

“Fuck.” Maxim pressed his forehead to mine, bracing both hands on either side of my face. “Is there no fucking privacy in this house?”

“You should get that.” I labored to catch my breath.

“Yeah.” He breathed in and out three times before he pushed away from the wall.

I stood there doing my best not to slide down the wall and melt into a puddle of want on the floor. Maybe for now, it would be best if Maxim and I didn’t spend any time alone. First, I needed to figure out how to get Luca back. If Luca lost his memory or if the Russian’s brainwashed him into thinking he was Maxim, I had to tread very carefully. Both our lives were in danger.

Seeing Papa in the suite was the equivalent of a bucket of ice water over my head. It cooled down whatever bad ideas Luca had put in my head—err Maxim. I couldn’t risk any slip-ups. Until I figured out how Luca-slash-Maxim ended up as Papa’s favorite son, I had to continue playing the role of the kidnapped bride.

“Ivan tells me the gun deal went without a hitch.” Papa beamed at Maxim.

I took the time to really look at both of them. Maybe Maxim got knocked hard in the head and couldn’t remember who he really was. But what was Papa’s story? Did he not know this wasn’t his sister’s son? There was real adoration and pride in his eyes.

“They had no idea we were desperate to unload that shipment.” Maxim chuckled. “It was well worth the trip.” He slanted a glance toward me.

“I knew you could do it.” Papa patted him on the back. “I think drinks are in order. Right now.”

I glanced down at the clock on the bedside table. It was one in the afternoon. Nothing like day drinking after a successful and highly illegal gun run. Maxim shifted his attention to me as if trying to decide if he should turn down Papa for a quick tumble in the sheets with me. I squeezed my legs together to ease the throbbing there. If Maxim kissed like Luca, I had no doubt sex with him would be way more than a quickie.

My cheeks burned hot at the memory of the last night I spent with Luca. We had sex all night. Fuck. I had to stop thinking about all that and focus on getting the love of my life back. I met Maxim’s gaze. I surveyed his handsome features, his wide shoulders, and long hair. I never would’ve thought the great professor Gallo would be sporting a hot man bun and a sleeve of tattoos.

Jesus, what happened to him?

“It’s settled then.” Papa put his arm around Maxim. “Let’s go have that drink.”

“Count me in.” Maxim nodded. “But I got something to take care of first.”

“Sure.” Papa peered at me with curiosity, or maybe he just didn’t like that Maxim was giving me priority. “Where’s my head today? I almost forgot. There’s a party tonight. Downstairs. To celebrate the newlyweds. Last time, the situation didn’t call for it. But I can see you’re now in the mood to celebrate, Ms. Salvatore.”

“Do I have a choice?”

“Same as before, of course.” He glared at me.

Translation: play nice or die.

Everything with Papa seemed to be that way.

“While you finish up here.” His gaze cut to Maxim. “I’ll make sure Galina has everything she needs for tonight’s feast.”

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