We’re not friends. I’m her bodyguard.
My job is to protect her, not be her confidant.
“It’s not nothing,” I say, clearly unable to let this go.
She slants her gaze to me, her eyes narrow as she studies me. “Does my dress only affect Maksim?”
“What?” I’m not sure why, but warning bells go off in my head.
“Aren’t you ever tempted?”
I understand the warning now.
My response could put me in as much danger as I was in when I nearly ripped Maksim's arms from their sockets for touching Valentina.
“Valentina.”
She motions to the dress. “This doesn’t tempt you?”
Fucking hell. I stare at her, this beautiful, impossible woman who threatens to upend everything I've sworn to uphold.
“And don't give me the loyal soldier speech." Her eyes flash with challenge. "Just answer the question."
The answer is yes. God, yes, I’m tempted. How many times have I stroked off to fantasies of her?
She bites her lower lip, looking down in a rare show of vulnerability. “Don’t you like me?”
Her words stop me short. I realize this isn’t just a game of teasing the bodyguard or a rebellion against her fate. She wants me. Specifically.Maybe not as a life mate, but as someone who can show her caring and passion.
The image of Maksim's finger on her skin returns, accompanied by the thought of his hands on her body, his mouth claiming what I desperately want for myself.
The jealousy that surges through me is primal and forbidden.
That’s offset by the memory of her in the pool, water droplets sliding down her naked skin, her arms wrapping around my neck.
The way her body pressed against mine in the water.
I clear my throat. “It’s not a matter of whether I like you.”
“Why can’t you just?—”
“Yes. You tempt me, Valentina.” These words are punishable by death, but the way she’s looking at me, needing validation, I can’t not give it to her. “I can’t deny that the day in the pool, I was very close to giving in.”
Her smile is triumphant.
“But my job—” My words die when her lips press against mine. My world tilts on its axis as our mouths fuse together. The contact is electric, like touching a live wire. For one frozen moment, I do nothing but allow this kiss.
Then instinct takes over.
My arms wrap around her waist, pulling her against me. Her mouth is soft yet demanding, inexperienced but fearless.
Just like her.
I taste her desperation, her defiance, her desire.
All of it mingles with my own hunger that’s been building for weeks. I’m helpless against it even knowing I can’t have her.
Knowing that touching her could lead to our demise.
