Using the last of my money, I pay for everything and walk back to the bus stop. After getting home, I text Valeri to let him know I’m okay, and then I force myself to get some sleep so I’ll be ready for tonight. After I wake, I spend a ridiculous amount of time getting ready. My dad and Lyle are drinking at the bar tonight, and it’s the best birthday present he’s ever given me, not that he’s ever actually gotten me anything, but still. I sit around in my robe while my new clothes finish drying and try to figure out how to put a pair of contacts in. It feels weird to not have my glasses, but it’s also kind of nice, like I’ve shed a piece of my armor that I no longer need. I want Valeri to see me, and I’m tired of hiding, of always trying to be invisible. He makes me want to be seen.
Since my dad is gone, I don’t bother with my coveralls, I just slip on my black sneakers, and pack a small bag of everything I’ll need for the night. I’d worried about the shoes, but they actually look pretty cute with the outfit, so I let that worry go. I’ve got bigger things on my mind. I’m nervous and excited about staying at Valeri’s, but I have to push all that aside or I’m going to end up freaking myself out so much that I won’t even have the nerve to leave the house.
When it’s time, I grab my bag and practically run out the door. I see his car parked near the bus stop. Gale is about to leave, so I wave my hand at Valeri, letting him know I’ll be just a second, and then hop on the bus to give Gale a hug.
“Happy birthday, sweetie,” she squeals, hugging me tightly before pulling me back and running her eyes over me. “You look beautiful.” She grabs the card she has tucked away and hands it to me. “Here you go, and I want to hear all about your date. I noticed your good-looking boyfriend is parked and waiting.” She gives me a wink and then pats my cheek. “Go have fun, honey.”
I give her another hug and then leave so I don’t mess up her schedule. When I get to the car, Valeri’s leaning against the passenger side door, waiting for me. He’s in jeans with a black, long-sleeve Henley this time and his black boots. He’s gorgeous, stunningly so, and I stop short when I see the hungry look he’s giving me. I hear Gale drive off, but I don’t even turn to give a last wave. I can’t look away from Valeri’s intense green eyes. Pushing off from his car, he slowly walks towards me like a wolf stalking his prey. I get why small animals freeze in the presence of those that are bigger and stronger, because I couldn’t move even if I wanted to. I’m surprised by the realization that some part of me does wish I could run off just because it would be one hell of thrill to have him chase me.
“Lapochka,” he says in a low voice when he’s standing right in front of me. His finger runs over one of my bare shoulders. “You are breathtaking, baby.”
I smile and blush and my heart does some sort of weird flutter, and for the first time in my life, I feel beautiful, I feel special, and I feel wanted.
Chapter 8
Valeri
Evie makes me feel like I’ve been knocked on my ass every time I see her. Even with her coveralls and glasses and no makeup, she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, but tonight she’s gone all out, and I’m speechless. I cup her face, feeling the heat of her blush against my palms and tilt her up to me as I bend down to kiss her. Her hands grip my forearms, squeezing me as she opens her mouth wider for me, letting me in so I can taste her.
She’s all I’ve thought about since I left her early this morning, and she doesn’t know it, but there’s no way in hell I’m letting go of her again. This morning was the last time I’m watching her walk off, the last time I’ll be left wondering if she’s safe or if her dad is drunk and in a bad mood. When I pull back, she’s breathless and her light brown eyes are glazed with lust. I watch her, memorizing every damn detail.
“Happy birthday, Evie.”
“Thanks.” Her smile is adorable, the perfect mix of innocence and arousal.
I run my fingers over her upper chest, pulling the top of her shirt down just enough to show me the bruise I left on her skin the other day at the beach. My thumb grazes the hickey, reminding me that soon I’ll be claiming the rest of her. This body is going to be covered in my marks, but none of them will be from anger. Every single one will be from love, because there’s no denying it. I’ve fallen completely in love with her, and my need to possess every inch of her is unlike anything I’ve ever known.
“Come on, baby,” I tell her, wrapping my arm around her shoulder and guiding her towards the car. Once we’re both in, she gives me a huge grin.
“I’m so excited to see what this club is like,” she says, killing any plans I had to gently nudge her in a different direction for tonight. I can’t take this from her. All I can do is hope it goes smoothly. I grab her hand and kiss it while heading downtown. The club is already packed with a long line out front, and when I park right in front of the building, she darts her head around in confusion.
“Is this a parking spot?”
I hold back a laugh and say, “It is for me.”
She looks at the long line and then back to me, trying to figure out what’s going on. I kiss her hand again and then turn it so I can kiss her inner wrist, running my tongue over her skin before letting it go and smiling at the breathy moan that escapes her parted lips.
“I want you glued to my side in there,lapochka. Do you understand?”
“Yes, well, not really,” she admits. She eyes the large, black building in front of us. “Is it that big in there?”
I laugh and give her inner wrist another kiss before letting her hand go. “No, baby, I want you close to me because every man in there is going to try to hit on you, and if I see one of those bastards put their hands on you, I can’t promise I’ll be able to control myself.”
She lets out a breathy “okay,” and then nods her head when I tell her to wait for me to come open her door. I eye the line as I walk around the car, grateful that I don’t recognize any of the women that I can see. Ignoring the smiles and waves, I open the passenger door and hold out my hand for Evie, pulling her body tightly against mine as soon as she’s out. Keeping my arm around her shoulders, I lead her to the door. The bouncer on duty gives me a nod and steps aside so we can pass.
“Evening, Mr. Medvedev,” he says, giving Evie a polite nod as well but being damn careful to keep his eyes off her.
Evie gives me another confused look when we walk inside and bypass the woman collecting cover charges.
“Why didn’t we have to wait in line? And how did he know who you are?”
I pull her into a corner so she can hear me over the pounding music. Bracing my hands on either side of her, I lean down and ask, “Do you remember I told you my brothers and I own a few places in the city?”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “You own this club?”
“With my brothers, yes.”
She laughs and shakes her head. “I feel like an idiot.”
