Page 54 of My Ex’s Dad

“You are coming as my date,” he states, matter-of-fact.

Following the same pull of awareness and stubborn attraction that lured me into his arms months ago, I sigh and set my hand in his.

It’s not my wisest choice, but perhaps I can justify being in his presence a little longer just to tell him that I’m having his baby.

Without his control hovering over me.

He smiles slowly, wrapping his fingers around mine and pulling me toward him.

22

ANTON

Viktor had the gown delivered to my penthouse earlier today. I don’t bother looking it over. I’d rather wait until I can look her over in it.

Thanks to her coworker’s encouragement, it looks like things will be going as I planned. Liliana isn’t telling me no.

She keeps her hand in mine, the gesture as good as an agreement to come with me. But as I pull her closer, she resists, holding her ground.

“I can’t just go.” She’s not arguing with me. She’s trying to tell me how it’s going to be. “I can’t leave them hanging like this. We got a huge order and⁠—”

I nod. “I know.”

Her mouth falls open as she stares at me, her blue eyes sharpening as it clicks into place. Then she narrows them.

“I know,” I repeat.

“You put that order in?” she demands.

She tries to pull her fingers from mine but I squeeze them tighter. “I did.”

“To manipulate me? To bribe me into doing what you want?”

The other woman laughs awkwardly. “Um, does it matter?” Jenni gently nudges Liliana toward me and I don’t release my hold on her hand. Liliana shoots her a glare but straightens from the little push.

“We’ve got this.” Jenni beams at her, either avoiding the angry glare or oblivious to it. “This order has been a blessing, but it’s nearly wrapped up and done and we can handle it.” She leans to the side and brightens more as she ups the wattage of her smile for me. “Mr. Sokolov, she’s free for the night.”

Liliana stiffens. “I’m not asking you⁠—”

“Good.” I smile back at the woman who’s making this easier.

“Besides, it’ll give you a chance to talk,” the woman says with a wink.

I’m not sure, but I think Liliana growls slightly. Regardless, she doesn’t seem ready to cause a scene. The second I lead her outside and into my car waiting at the curb, though, I brace myself for her outburst.

It doesn’t come.

Instead, as she sits next to me, she frowns warily. “Why me?”

I lean in, deciding to be honest. Moving in close to whisper into her ear as the driver pulls away from the curb, I watch her shiver.

“Because I can’t get you out of my head.”

Her frown remains in place, but as I stay near her, inches parting us, she gives me a quick once-over like she can’t make up her mind.

Then before I can say anything else, she proves this affliction isn’t one-sided. She grips the back of my neck and drags my face to hers. And she kisses me. Her lips collide with mine, and I grunt at the instant punch of desire she unleashes in me.

Alone with her in the backseat, her initiative to kiss me is too much to resist.