Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 22269 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22269 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
“Isabel, my family rules the Bratva. My word is law. Your brother might try to start an uprising, but I’ve faced that before. I can do it again. Before you try to call me on that, I will tell you, dear wife, I’ve never lost a challenge. I’m not about to start now. You can agree to be a good girl and uphold our agreement, or essentially sell your brother out and leave his ass blowing in the wind. The choice is yours.”
“You’re a bastard,” she hisses.
I shrug. “I’ve been called worse.”
“I have a job here. I don’t want to go to Russia. I don’t want to leave my brother.”
“Then, you’re in luck. I’m currently living here in Phoenix. I will remain here—at least for the next six months.”
“If you force me into this, I’m going to make you regret it, Sammy,” she warns. Something settles inside of me. I’ve won round one, and hell if I’m not anticipating round two.
“I’ll look forward to it,” I purr as the warmth of my victory settles over me.
“I’m going to continue to work.”
“When do you go back?” I ask, studying her.
“Tomorrow night.”
“Then be ready in the morning. I’ll pick you up. We’ll have breakfast and when you go to work tomorrow, one of my men will go with you.”
“I already have a bodyguard. Tayko.”
“I don’t know him. I trust my men. You’re my property. People could try to use you against me. My men will be the ones guarding you. I won’t take a chance on your wellbeing, Isabel.”
“Six months and then this sham is over,” she finally says, reaching out her hand as if I’m supposed to shake hers.
I take her hand, jerking her so that her face is close to mine. I feel her breath caress my skin. “Six months and you’ll be mine completely,” I croon. Then, before she can stop me, I take her mouth. I feel her body stiffen, but choose to ignore it, biting down on her lip. When Isabel opens her mouth, I thrust my tongue inside. I explore and conquer, devouring her. I groan as her tongue seeks mine out. She softens against me, losing herself to the feelings that we’re creating. When my lungs burn—needing oxygen—I force myself to pull away. Her face is a mixture of hunger, shock, and confusion. “Be ready for me tomorrow morning by ten, Pookie.”
She remains quiet as I walk out. That kiss was fucking phenomenal. I think I just won another round …
10
natalia
“You’re living here?” I ask, looking around.
“Not up to your standards?” Samuel asks, making me roll my eyes.
“It’s a penthouse apartment in a five-star luxury hotel. I simply meant that I expected you’d be in a home surrounded by guards and a staff to do your bidding.”
“Worried I won’t be able to protect you, Pookie?”
I walk over to him and pinch him a little too hard on the cheeks. “Not at all, fluffy-wuffy. I just found it curious.”
He cocks an eyebrow up and assesses me. “Fluffy-wuffy?”
“If you’re going to use icky nicknames, so will I.”
Samuel laughs, humor lighting up his eyes. I refuse to acknowledge how good that makes him look. He’s already sinfully gorgeous. Relaxed and happy, he might just be deadly. I push those thoughts away. If I’m going to survive, I need to keep my wits about me—and my legs closed.
“I think I shall concede this round. You win. If I’m not calling you a pet name, which do you prefer? Natalia or Isabel?”
“Maybe Natalia. The only person to call me that was my father. I hated him, too. So, it seems fitting.”
That erases the sexy look on his face. “Isabel it is,” he responds. I shrug. “The staff will put your stuff in your room. How long until you leave for work?” he asks, taking my hand and pulling me from the foyer toward the open kitchen and giant island. The apartment is beautiful and modern. At the top of the ceiling and walls, there’s a deep, rich chocolate finish that reminds me of Samuel’s eyes, and the bottom is a soft vanilla set off with some wood accents to make it pop. The wood cabinets and trim are a Brazilian oak. The island is made of the same wood, with a dark granite top. Throughout the apartment, there are modern gray wood floors that are striking, while still allowing the oak accents to stand out. There’s a small room that separates the entry from everything else that is entirely glass. Inside the room is a huge bonsai tree in a blue pot. It’s almost as tall as I am. There’s a huge chaise that invites you to lie on it, fitting three people easily. There’s also a curved stairway leading up to the roof of the penthouse. I could happily live in just that room.