Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 120165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 601(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 601(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
Life with Radimir was freakin’ idyllic. With Spartak dead and the Armenians gone, things had gone quiet: I wasn’t kidding myself that it would always be this peaceful, but I was going to enjoy it while it lasted. In the mornings, he’d cook breakfast and then drop me off at the bookstore, always giving me a lingering kiss outside the door. Evenings were for cuddly movie-watching under a blanket on the couch, or an elaborate function that involved him in a tux, me in a fancy dress and usually us creeping off to a quiet stairwell to fuck up against a wall shortly after the speeches started. On weekends, I’d spend all day stretched out on my stomach on one of the couches as I worked my way through a stack of books. I’d only stop to make one of my enormous sandwiches...and to make sure Radimir didn’t work too hard, tempting him out of his home office with coffee, a glass of wine or, when necessary, by slinking around in nothing but some of Rachel’s leather lingerie and lipstick.
Where I used to lie awake worrying, now I slept like a baby, wrapped in his protective arms. And where I used to be lonely, now I was so completely connected to another person, I could feel his mood from the next room, and he could tell as soon as I messaged him whether I was having a good or a bad day.
I knew that new enemies would come along, and that there were some big decisions we’d have to make: were we going to have kids? Would they be safe? Would they inherit this life? But we’d face those threats and make those decisions together.
When I got home to the penthouse, I dropped my purse on the counter. “Okay, we’ve got about ninety minutes ‘till they arrive. Do you—”
I shrieked as a hand covered my eyes and another wrapped around my waist and pulled me back against a hard male body.
“Shh,” whispered Radimir.
I slumped in relief as I recognized his voice. “What are you doing?!” I demanded.
“Surprising my wife.” Even now, the sound of that word, carved by his Russian accent, sent a thrill through me. “Walk. No peeking.”
He walked me across the living area to...wait, weren’t we going to hit the wall soon? And why could I feel a breeze?
He stopped and removed his hand, and I gasped.
The glass doors onto the balcony were open and a line of candles led the way outside. And there, surrounded by more candles, was a hot tub. Our own hot tub. Just like the one in Cancún except this one had a view over half of Chicago.
“Do we have time to go in right now, before Alexei and Gabriella get here?” I asked.
“Yes, if you—” I was running to change before he could say hurry. “Wear the green swimsuit!” he growled.
Five minutes later, I was immersed up to my neck while jets pummeled my muscles. It was a cold night, the breeze icy against my face and that made the steaming water feel even more luxurious. I could feel my knots disappearing and my body melting into blissful taffy. “You’re going to have to get a giant spoon and lift me out,” I mumbled.
Radimir smirked and swam over, then slid in behind me so I could lean back and use him as a chair. Resting my head on his pec made it even better. I closed my eyes and sighed. Then opened them again when something soft touched my nose. A snowflake. It was snowing, silent and peaceful, and we had the best view in the city.
I snuggled in and for a few minutes we just watched in happy silence. Then Radimir leaned forward and kissed the back of my neck in the exact spot that always drives me crazy, and his hand began to slide upwards along my bare thigh.
“How long do we have before Alexei and Gabriella get here, again?” I mumbled.
Radimir gave a low, filthy chuckle. “Time enough.”
I twisted around in his arms and kissed my husband.
The End