My pulse flutters at the brief glimpse I catch of his cock. It’s already semi-erect andmassive.
Larger in both length and thickness than Pyotr was. The thought of it inside me sends a spike of fear lancing through my chest. There’s no way tonight won’t hurt.
I honestly don’t know how he’s going to fit inside me. Just thinking about it makes my stomach squirm.
Finger combing his wet curls back from his face, Miko disappears into the bedroom, leaving me to finish my bath in peace. But all I can think about is what comes next.
So I stay put until my fingers are pruny and the water’s lukewarm.
Finally, when goosebumps start to rise along my skin again, I know I can’t hide any longer.
If I keep soaking in the tub, I’ll catch a cold.
Fighting down the wave of nausea that threatens to overwhelm me, I rise shakily to my feet and grab the terry cloth robe Miko left for me. It’s plush and warm against my skin as I wrap it firmly around me.
Taking my time, I pad over to the counter to remove the last of my makeup and brush my teeth.
I pull the hairpins and hair ties from my blond locks and loosen the tightly trained curls Chastity fashioned into a beautiful updo this morning.
Massaging my scalp as I finger comb the platinum tresses, I let them fall softly around my face.
Then I study my reflection for any other bedtime routine that will help me delay. But I can’t avoid Miko forever.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, I square my shoulders and remind myself that it can’t be the worst thing I’ve ever endured.
At least Miko is physically attractive.
And up until now, he’s shown me a consideration Pyotr never did. But I know just how quickly that can change.
Compacting my growing anxiety into a tight little ball, I shove it deep down inside to ignore.
I might be terrified, but I refuse to let myself be a victim to my circumstances. Tonight is just one more step toward a freedom I will find one day. I’ll survive it.
With my silent pep talk fresh in my brain, I turn away from the mirror and exit the bathroom.
Miko’s already in bed when I step into the room.
Sitting up with his back against the headboard, he’s wearing nothing but boxers, and my stomach flip-flops at the sight of his bare chest, the rippling muscles of his tight abs, and the ink that decorates him. Even when he’s casually relaxed, he looks dangerous, his body like a lethal weapon.
My nerve threatens to abandon me.
It takes ever ounce of self-control to lift my gaze to meet his, and when I do, I find him watching me.
His icy-blue eyes molten with desire.
My pulse breaks into a sprint, my hands starting to shake as his appraisal triggers my flight response.
But beneath the ravenous hunger in his gaze is an emotion that steals my breath away.
It takes me a moment to understand his expression, and when I do, it sends a shiver down my spine.
He’s looking at me—dressed in a robe and without makeup—like I’m the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen.
“Ready to come to bed?” he asks, his voice gruff but almost… playful.
It has a strange and not entirely unpleasant effect on my nervous system.
My skin starts to tingle, suddenly feeling too hot and too tight for my body.
