“Then make sure you talk to her.”
Why does it sound so easy when he says it like that?
The bus pulls to a stop in front of the hotel and we all pile out. I see friends and family milling about in the lobby, along with a handful of what have to be fans. But all I see is Holly. She’s standing with Serena and someone I don’t recognize, and they’re laughing about something.
She’s so pretty when she laughs. It lights up her entire face, her overall sweetness practically radiating out of her. It’s one of the things I love best about her, the way her smile lights up not just her face, but the entire room. And she’s oblivious to it. I think that’s something else I really like, how she doesn’t seem aware of her beauty, or how it impacts everyone around her.
She’s genuine.
I take two steps in her direction, anxious to say hello, maybe even have a conversation about the things I’ve been thinking about, but before I can get to her Olga steps in front of me.
“Viktor. What an amazing game!” she says.
Then she throws her arms around me for a hug, pressing her cheek to mine.
“I’m very proud of you,” she whispers.
I quickly unwind her arms from around me and step back. “Don’t do that,” I say in Russian. “I don’t know what my mother’s told you, or promised you, but this ends here.”
She actually laughs. A loud, full-blown, throws her head back kind of laugh. The kind that makes everyone turn around. “Don’t be coy, Viktor. We know what’s going on. Where did you find someone to pretend to be your wife? What’s in it for her?”
I don’t even hesitate. “The marriage is real. When we return to Atlanta, I can show you the marriage license and certificate. Stop embarrassing yourself, Olga. Holly is my wife and nothing you or my mother do is going to change that.”
I step around her and walk over to Holly.
“Hi.” She smiles at me. “What was?—”
I don’t let her finish. Instead, I wrap one arm around her waist, pull her close, and drop my mouth to hers.
Chapter Fifteen
Holly
One minute Olga is throwing herself at Viktor.
The next, he’s kissing me.
And this isn’t some chaste little peck.
Oh, no. Viktor has one strong arm around my waist and a hand on my cheek as his mouth covers mine. His lips are soft but firm, and despite being momentarily startled, I don’t hesitate to kiss him back. Our mouths move together hungrily, like we’ve been starved for this, and my lips part of their own volition. As soon as they do, he slides his tongue against mine.
Fuck but he can kiss.
I’m breathless and aroused, and almost whimper when he pulls away.
“Hi,” he whispers against my mouth.
“Hi.” My heart is thundering inside my chest and all I can do is stare.
“You are ready?”
“Um…for what?” I blink in confusion.
A soft smile creases his features. “To go upstairs.”
“Oh. Yes. Absolutely.” What else can I say?
“Viktor.” His mother’s voice is nasal, definitely annoyed.
