“Oh please, it’s not that bad,” I say, but even I can feel the sugar rush I’m still riding.
He laughs and kisses me again.
“Thanks for my flowers, Valeri. They’re so beautiful.”
“They reminded me of you. I’m glad you like them.”
“You don’t need to keep buying me things.”
“I will never stop, so you might as well save your breath.”
I smile but stop arguing. We’d gone shopping the other day, and the amount of clothes I now have hanging in the closet is more than I’ve ever had in my entire life combined. I finally had to just grab his hand and pull him out of the store. I’m grateful for the things, but it still makes me feel a bit uneasy to have all this.
“What are you thinking?” he asks, studying my face, smiling when I push my glasses up.
“Nothing. I was just thinking about my new clothes and everything you’ve done for me.”
“And that makes you frown?” He lifts a brow at me. “Clearly, I’m doing something wrong if that’s the case.”
“No, you’re perfect,” I tell him, smiling so he knows I’m not upset. “I just don’t ever want you to think that I’m greedy or using you for your money or whatever.”
His deep laugh surprises me. “Yeah, you’re definitely not a gold digger, baby. I knew that pretty much right after we met. I would never think that about you, and I love getting you things, so please don’t feel bad about it. I’ve never had anyone to spoil, and it’s way more fun than I ever thought it would be.”
He carries me into the bedroom and sets me down by the closet. “Hurry up and get dressed. I want to show you something before tonight.”
Supper with his family is later, and I’m equal parts excited and nervous. I haven’t seen Nina and Maddie since the night at Inferno, and the last time I’d seen his brothers, I’d been standing in an alley right after Valeri had killed a man. It’ll be weird to just experience an ordinary, domestic evening with them, especially seeing them around their kids as normal dads and husbands. I wonder how they’re able to compartmentalize so damn well.
Valeri leans against the doorframe, looking effortlessly sexy in jeans and a white T-shirt, one hand tucked slightly into his pocket as he watches me. I recognize the predatory glint in his green eyes. He always looks at me like he owns me, and instead of feeling offended, I just feel damn lucky, because there’s also so much love in that look. Every time I see it, I feel safe and loved and worshipped.
I force my eyes away so I can grab some jeans and one of my new shirts. “Too casual?” I ask, holding up the black-and-white striped tee.
“It’s perfect, baby.”
He watches me change, running his eyes over me and letting out a soft groan when I bend over to pull my jeans on.
“You make everything look so damn sexy,” he says, and then raises a dark brow at me when I start laughing. “I’m being serious.”
“I know you are,” I say, patting his chest as I walk by. “That’s what makes it so sweet.”
He follows me into the bathroom, watching as I wrangle in a pair of contacts. I’m getting much better at it so it doesn’t take long. I run a quick brush through my hair and put on some moisturizer and then a little bit of makeup.
I turn back to face him. “Okay, I’m ready.”
He steps closer, running a finger along my cheek. “Have I told you how much I love that it takes you minutes to get ready instead of hours?”
“I should probably spend hours,” I admit, “but I’m not all that great with makeup, and I’m kind of lazy. Plus, I no longer have to spend extra time trying to cover bruises.”
He leans closer and kisses my forehead. “You’re naturally beautiful,” he corrects, “and you’re definitely not lazy, and you will never have to spend time trying to cover bruises ever again.”
The sharp smack on my ass pulls a small yelp from me that makes that predatory glint in his eyes shine even brighter. “All the marks I leave on you will always be hidden and will always be the result of extreme amounts of pleasure.”
I fist his shirt and pull him down to me. “I like those marks.” I run my tongue over his bottom lip and slowly suck it, letting my teeth graze over him before biting him hard enough to get his attention and to let him know that he’s not the only one who likes marking what’s his.
“Behave,” he whispers. “I need to show you something,lapochka.”
“Oh yeah?” I run my hand down his flat stomach and keep going until my palm is pressed tightly against his hard cock.
“Such a fucking temptress.” With a groan, he stands back up to his full height and grabs my hand. “Be a good girl and you’ll get your reward later.”
