"Leave him alone," Adam said, grinning. "Can't you see he's distracted? Our Olek is finally human."
"I'm not distracted."
“Then you should be.” Cori smirked. “Find you somebody who makes you curious like I have.”
“And who is that?” Dmitri asked him. I could feel the instant tension between the two of them.
"You've been staring at your head maid for the past twenty minutes," Dmitri said flatly. "Either fire her or fuck her. This pining is pathetic."
If he only knew.
"I'm not pining."
"You're definitely pining," Irina said. "It's adorable. Either you’re interested or you’re bossier than I imagined."
"Irina, you’re being nosey." Cori interjected.
"She's lovely," Irina continued, ignoring me. "Beautiful. And the way she handles this household? Impressive. You should marry her. I’m sure she’s the only woman you’ve let run anything in your life."
I nearly choked on my vodka.
"Irina," Mikhail said warningly.
"What? I'm just saying what everyone's thinking." She turned to her husband. "Aren't I?"
"You are," Adam agreed. "But maybe we shouldn't discuss Olek's love life at the dinner table."
"Why not? He discusses ours constantly."
"That's business," I said.
"So is this, apparently," Cori muttered.
More laughter. I drained my vodka and refilled it, acutely aware of Katrina disappearing into the kitchen. This was torture. Usually by now, I'd have her in my bed. Would have made her come at least twice. Would have her wrapped around me, soft and satisfied.
Instead, I was stuck at this table listening to my family speculate about my love life while she was somewhere else, probably still feeling me from this afternoon. I didn’t mind the teasing behavior from my family, but maybe it bothered her. Or maybe she loved it. The thought sent heat straight to my cock.
"I propose a toast," Dmitri announced, raising his glass. "To Olek. May he finally get laid and stop being such a miserable bastard."
"I'm not miserable." I chuckled. “I’m fantastic.”
"You're brooding into your vodka like someone died." He clinked his glass against mine. "Whatever or whoever has you this twisted up, just go get it. Life's too short."
Everyone drank. I stared at my glass and thought about Katrina's promise. About the way she'd looked kneeling in front of me. About the fact that I had to convince her to stay. As time ticked away, it was starting to feel like a death sentence instead of returning her to her freedom.
The family stayed up until three in the morning. Drinking. Playing cards. Telling stories I'd heard a hundred times. It would have been enjoyable if I wasn't climbing the walls wanting to go to Katrina.
By the time everyone finally went to their rooms, I was wound so tight I could barely think. I headed straight for the staff wing, but her door was locked and the lights were off.
I knocked quietly. "Katrina."
Nothing.
"I know you're awake."
Still nothing.
I pressed my forehead against her door. "Tomorrow. Come to me tomorrow."
