I gently brush it to the side, careful not to wake her. Sunlight doesn’t filter in through the curtain anymore, indicating evening.
I sit up, rejuvenated for what feels like the first time in my life. Like I finally got a restful sleep, one where both eyelids could shut peacefully and forget about the dangers of the outside world.
Lauren’s effect on me is greater than I initially realized.
Sex with her meant something different this time around. We weren’t competing. We were simplybeing.Together.
Is this what intimacy is supposed to feel like?
You’re going soft, dolboyob.
You have work to do.
It’s true. I have much on my plate today, and with Aslanov lurking out there, only waiting for the right moment to strike, I can’t afford to be sloppy.
I linger where I am for a moment longer, keeping a tight hold on Lauren like the world is about to take her from me. The thought sinks my stomach—that could happen with thatmudakAslanov on the loose.
Holding her in my arms, I feel like I’ve gained myself, not lost it. From a young age, my father taught me that it was important to never get too involved with another human being. It will only get you exploited, or worse—you risk losing yourself and your life. I always thought I wouldn’t have anything to worryabout in that department, simply because I never thought it was in my genetics.
I couldn’t be more wrong.
Which means I have to be even more careful. I’m venturing into dangerous, uncharted territory.
I comb Lauren’s silky hair through my fingertips, trying to understand what exactly it is I’m feeling. I have always had a good understanding of myself.
Until now.
Our bodies mold together perfectly. I trail my finger over the curve of her hip, tracing it up to the dip of her waist. Her soft, curved breasts mimic the rhythm of her breathing. To hide her modesty, I lay the comforter over her chest, and then slip out of the covers, leaving her to rest.
Padding downstairs, I step into my office and shut the door. I have no sense of time until I sit down behind my desk and see the numbers at the bottom of the screen flash 6:20 PM.
The air feels different here. Lighter. Something has changed between Lauren and me, and I sensed she felt that too when our bodies were joined earlier.
I pick up my phone from the desk, unable to recall the last time I switched it on, and call Timur.
He picks up after the second ring. “Figured I’d be hearing from you.”
I bring the device to my ear. “I need you to confirm something for me.”
There’s a slight pause. “Let me guess. About Lauren?”
I swipe a hand over my brow.Blyad.I’m tired of denying it. At this point, it’s becoming draining. Timur knows the score. The only person I’m fooling is myself. “Yeah…about that. We had another…encounter.”
“Encounter? Is that what you’re calling sex now?”
I huff out a breath. “It was more than just that.”
There’s another brief pause. Timur knows as well as I do that we rarely talk about this.
He starts to laugh. “I can’t believe you.”
“What?” I ask, sharpening my voice.
“I never thought I’d see the day when you talk about feelings for a woman.”
“Don’t push your luck,pridurok,” I snap, pushing down the urge to tear him a new asshole.
“Alright, alright. Sorry, boss. What is it you need?”
