I was only slow to fully realize how deeply this mattered to her.
That it wouldn’t be me doing something for her and on her behalf because shecouldn’tdo it. But because she shouldn’t, all because she had the much bigger and more importantresponsibility of carrying our child. The new beginning that was so significant and symbolic of us both moving on from our pasts.
Meeting and loving her was the first step of my departure from grieving how I’d failed Elena. Not because I was still in love with her but because I failed at my job.
Welcoming this new baby we’d both share and raise together would be a more lasting step toward the brightness ahead of us.
Yet, I couldn’t try to stampede her wishes for revenge. It was a careful balance, not making her feel like she had no power or control but also being firm and taking charge when it came to her safety.
“Okay.”
I lowered my head, wondering if I’d misheard her. That quiet mutter of agreement came again though as she lifted her head and faced me. “Okay, Alexsei.”
I kissed her, stamping my love for her ability to bend with me. Not to bendtome, but with me.
“I wish I could kill him…” She furrowed her brow. “But if I could at least be there nearby, to witness it, then that will be the second-best scenario that will have to do.”
“I am only worried about your being so near danger,” I reminded her.
She nodded, leaning up to reach my lips and give me a longer kiss. “Me too. But when we’re there, I know I’ll be guarded. Protected.”
“You will be,” I said. “We have an entire team heading out, skilled, trusted men I would trust with my life.”
A small smile lifted her lips. “Well, then. I suppose I’d have to trust them to keep you safe, too.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.” I kissed her again, relishing the taste of her sweetness and cooperation. “Thank you for compromising with me.”
She gazed at me, smiling wider. “Thank you for compromising with me too.”
Maybe she feared that I’d shut down her wishes and concerns immediately. But that wasn’t who I was. I loved her too much to ever try to control her.
“I love you.” I hoisted her into my arms, mindful of her larger baby bump. “I love how much you try and work hard on healing from your past.”
She sighed against my lips, holding on to me as I carried her toward the bedroom door. Misha was in his room, but I wanted more privacy to really show her how much I admired her ability to bend with me and compromise.
“Where are we going?” she asked, frowning.
“Shh.” I carried her all the way into the room, then closed and locked the door.
Setting her down on her feet, I leaned over to kiss her as I marched her toward the bed.
“Misha’s here,” she whispered.
“Then we’ll be quick,” I whispered back as I hurried to get her clothes off.
“That’s not the issue,” she said, catching on and prying my shirt out from where I’d had it tucked. “It’s how loud we are.”
I smiled against her lips as she stepped out of her skirt and panties. Covering her pussy with my hand, I stroked back and forth, rubbing the heel of my hand against her mound, teasing her clit. “I’m not loud.”
She groaned lightly at my touches, giving me that heavy-lidded look I never tired of. That expression of pure pleasure. “Fine. Then I’m worried about how loud I am.”
Before I could lead her to the bed, she smiled and lowered. “Or maybe I could solve that like this.” Taking my dick in hand, she licked the tip of the head. Watching her suck at the tip had me growling and standing still, excited that she’d be this playful no matter the serious conversation we’d just had.
I had wanted a quickie just to show her how much I adored her willingness to compromise, but it seemed she had other plans.
Thrusting into her mouth, I savored the torment of her lips wrapped tightly around me, the exquisite suction of her mouth pulling me in and making me so close to losing control and coming.
I could admit that I was greedy, not wanting her to stop because it felt so fucking good, but I wanted this to be good for her, too. Leaning over to watch her, I caught her fingering herself as she moaned and sucked me down. She was enjoying it, but I’d be damned if she had to do all the work.
