Page 69 of Savage Truce

“My second relationship didn’t make it past the six-month mark. She wanted to get married and have kids. I was twenty-three and not ready at all for that kind of commitment.” Leaning down, he locks eyes with me. “But you are my first and only love, and your sexy body is responsible for my appetite.”

Holy crap.

“So you’ve been celibate since you were twenty-three?” When he nods, I ask, “Isn’t it unhealthy? I read somewhere most men have to do the deed daily.”

He pulls me closer until our bodies are pressed together. “I’ve been jerking off to the image of you since we met.”

Smiling up at him, I’ve never been happier in my life. “Now you have me to take care of you.”

“Hmm…” The sound rumbles deep from within his chest, then he lowers his head and kisses me thoroughly.

Our love weaves a spell around us, and he only ends the kiss when we hear the announcement that the jet will land in twenty minutes.

CHAPTER 22

Anastasia

After we landed in Moscow, we spent the rest of the weekend and Monday at Rodian’s penthouse, where I was only allowed to wear lace underwear whenever my husband wasn’t fucking me senseless.

When we returned to the estate this morning, Irena and Marina were very happy to see us, and only after I assured them four times that I’m okay, could I finally sneak out of the kitchen.

I walk through the yard, looking for Artem so I can say hello, but instead, I cross paths with my father-in-law. Seeing him on his knees, pulling weeds out of the flower bed, I walk closer and ask, “Morning, Mr. Volkov. Can I help?”

He glances up at me, then mumbles, “Sure.”

I lower myself to the ground and get to work.

“You okay?” he asks softly.

“Yes.” I smile to reassure him. “And you?”

“Always fine.”

Silence falls between us as we move from flower bed to flower bed, and every time I have to get up, he offers me his hand.

It feels like we’re bonding, more than I have with Rodian’s mother and aunt, and it fills my heart with warmth.

Movement catches my eye, and when I see Artem, a smile stretches over my face, and I wave at him. “Hi!”

He hurries closer, and before I can get up, he hugs me awkwardly for a second or two before pulling away and fidgeting with his hair.

“The blasts were loud.” He crouches and begins to move leaves aside to check for insects. “Very loud.”

“I’m sorry.” Taking a chance, I rub my hand up and down his back. “That shouldn’t have happened.”

He nods a couple of times, then locks eyes with me quickly before looking at the leaves again. “You’re happier.”

It doesn’t surprise me when I feel a burst of affection for him, and I tuck it deep into my heart. “I am.”

Spotting a row of ants, I point at them, and Artem follows the line, wandering away from us.

“You’re good woman,” Mr. Volkov grumbles.

“Thank you, sir.”

Just as I pull a weed out, he shakes his head. “Pap.” He pats my back while climbing to his feet. “No sir or Mr. Pap.”

As he walks in the direction Artem went, I press my hand to my heart and swallow hard on the lump in my throat. Even though I had a father, I never got to call him dad.