Page 30 of Gilded in Blood

Milana gives me one last soft smile and heads back inside to her room. I stay on the balcony a moment longer, staring at the empty stretch of sky where the sparrow vanished.

I can’t believe I just did that.

But Milana looked at me with those eyes and asked so gently… and I folded. Just like that.

This is what she does to me. She has an effect, a dangerous, all-consuming effect that makes me act completely out of character.

I shake my head and head inside. I pull out my secure phone and message her brothers. They’re already planning a meeting.

I suggest bringing her along to a secure, closed restaurant they own. I tell myself it’s strategic. That keeping her happy keeps her cooperative.

But the truth is, she looked sad on that balcony. Lonely. And for some reason I can’t explain, I hated it.

I’m losing the plot. Badly.

Her brothers agree. The dinner is set.

I walk to her bedroom door and knock. She opens it a moment later, still in those tiny shorts and tank top.

“I spoke to your brothers,” I tell her. “We’re having dinner with them tonight. At one of their secure restaurants. You can come.”

For a second she just stares at me. Then her entire face lights up. She lets out a happy sound and throws her arms around me, pressing her soft body flush against mine.

“Thank you,” she whispers against my chest, squeezing tight. “Thank you, thank you, Ilya.”

I go completely still. Every muscle locks up. The warmth of her, the smell of her hair, the way her breasts press into me. It hits like a drug.

My hands itch to grab her waist and pull her even closer, but I don’t move. I barely breathe.

She seems to realize what she’s done and quickly pulls back, cheeks flushed. “Sorry. I got excited. Thank you again.”

“We leave by seven.”

“Alright. I’ll go get ready.”

She disappears back into her room with a bright smile.

I drag a hand through my hair, swearing under my breath. This is fucking madness. I’m supposed to be the one in control.

Instead, one hug from her and my mind is spiraling, my body is on fire, and I’m already counting down the minutes until I get to see her smile like that again.

I need to get a grip before I do something I can’t take back.

I’m waiting in the living room when Milana finally steps out.

The sight of her hits me like a punch to the chest.

She is wearing a deep red strapless dress that clings to every curve like it was poured over her body.

It hugs her waist, accentuates the swell of her breasts, and stops high enough on her thighs to make my mouth go dry.

Her long dark-blonde hair is swept up, exposing the elegant line of her neck and shoulders. She looks fucking breathtaking. Expensive. Tempting. Like every man’s fantasy.

A low groan escapes my throat before I can stop it.

She smiles brightly. “I’m ready. Can we go?”

“Hell no.”