AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Of course,” Katarina replies. “Papa wouldn’t go for it though. I’ve asked him for startup money more than once.”
“I’ll give it to you,” I suggest, and her eyes widen in surprise.
“That’s sweet, but why would you do that?”
“Because I can.” I shrug. “My money is your money, and as long as you confirm it with me, you can use it for whatever you wish.”
“What a terrible businessman you are, letting others control your funds.”
“But a good husband.” I wave her off, grinning.
She’s silent for a second. “I suppose that’s a nice thought for a hypothetical scenario.”
“There’s nothing hypothetical about our upcoming marriage,” I remind her.
“We’re out of wine,” she comments, ignoring my words.
I chuckle. “I guess it’s time to show you the house. We can start with the wine cellar.”
TWENTY-FIVE
KATARINA
Nikolai’s wine cellar is four times the size of my room and just as impressive as the rest of the brownstone. I’m too tipsy to analyze the way this makes me feel. All I know is that being here is more pleasant than being caged in a windowless space, and I’ll enjoy it while I can. The glass of wine dangling between my fingers is just an excuse to feel more confident.
The bastard knows exactly what I like. Fine wines, for one. The cellar is stocked full of them.
“Have a look,” he urges, and pushes his free hand through his hair. “See if you find anything you like.”
“You sure you don’t want to lock me up in here?” I tease, lifting my eyebrows. “This is too good to be true.”
“Get used to good things, serdtse. I have a reputation for spoiling those I care about,” Nikolai says with a grin.
I hate that his words make my heart flutter.
“I guess this is nice of you,” I mumble, trying to keep my feelings to myself. The last thing I need right now is to show him that he’s growing on me. Even though I realize he’s not the beast I took him for, I still need to hate him.
“I’m glad you approve,” he replies.
“What else does this house of yours have?” I ask with a sultry voice, taking a step closer to him. “A bedroom, perhaps?”
Nikolai lets out a low groan, reaches for his tie, and loosens it. “You’re killing me.”
“Hopefully with as much pleasure as you intend to kill me,” I dare to tell him, rolling up on my toes and pressing my lips to his. He responds by wrapping an arm around my waist, drawing me in.
My brain is quick to point out that this isn’t too bad. He isn’t all beast. If there’s really no way out of this marriage, I should make the best of it. Why should I deprive myself of sexual pleasure when I have this Adonis determined to give me the world as long as it’s on his terms?
Heat settles in my bones, unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. It takes me a moment, but I finally realize what’s happening. He’s winning me over with every caress, transforming from a cruel beast to a gentle lover in a matter of a heartbeat.
Right now, he’s caring and passionate. Or maybe it’s the wine clouding my judgment.
“You want to see my bedroom?” he asks.
Breathless, I nod and take one of the bottles from its place on the shelf.
“Let’s take this with us.” I give him a once-over. Behind the fabric of his pants, his cock is rising up to meet me. My finger finds his collar, and I smooth it while locking eyes with him. It’s hard to break my gaze as the gray becomes hazy. His forehead meets mine.
“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours,” he jokes in a murmur.
