Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 251(@300wpm)
And even if she was, it’s none of my business.
None.
I steal a glance at her when she’s reading again. I notice her breathing has accelerated, and her cheeks are faintly flushed. It’s risky, mirroring her phone and seeing the exact place where she’s reading, but now that I’ve peeked. . . I have to know.
Before I can change my mind, I’m tapping on the app and her phone screen is popping up in front of me. I’ve never read anything like this in my life, but within minutes, I’m wrapped up in the filthiest sex scene I could’ve imagined.
I look back at the cover.
Feather and lock, my ass. Who knew what was hiding behind a cover like that?
I startle when Vera’s head falls to the side.
She’s sleeping. Only sleeping.
I didn’t realize I was holding my breath. Here in first class, we have ample room, freedom to move, and the luxury of space to sleep in. However, if someone flops around. . . which is exactly what Vera does. . . one can find oneself in close proximity.
Her hair’s tickling my arm. Her fragrance envelops me, and as I watch, her hand rests gently on her chest.
What is she dreaming about? A scene about being dominated by a powerful alpha male? Losing total control. . .
She’s lived a sheltered life, that much I know. She hides behind her books and big words, and if I’ve learned anything, it’s that she lacks world experience. She has no current boyfriend, and based on what I’ve researched, she hasn’t had any serious relationships.
Yeah. I’d bet good money Vera Ivanova’s a virgin.
For one second too long, I allow myself time to fantasize. What would it be like to show her the world she only reads about? To dominate her, master her, see her sweet lips part in ecstasy and hear her seductive moan…
I shut the door on those thoughts with a ferocity that disallows anything more than perfect abstinence. I’ve done nothing but guard my emotions, yet I find myself attuned to her responses.
I remember how soft her hand felt when I shook it. How slight her body was when I moved her away from the luggage.
It would be a man’s greatest honor to dominate a woman like her. That level of trust. . . A challenge, yes, but one that I’d relish.
But I know I can’t allow myself to be swayed or to show weakness in any way, no matter how tantalizing she is.
I lean back in my chair and plan my next move.
CHAPTER FOUR
Vera
I startle awake to the plane shaking so badly at first I think I must be dreaming. When I realize it isn’t a dream, I gasp and try to stand but am quickly pulled down by large, strong hands.
“Nyet.” Markov is holding me tight against him, his arms like vice gripping me. The overhead speaker crackles.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve hit a bit of turbulence. There is nothing to fear. Please remain seated and be sure your safety belts are fastened. We should be able to navigate out of this pocket short—”
His words are cut off when the plane takes a sudden deep nosedive. Screams drown out any more thoughts, mine along with everyone else’s. Panic swoops over me. I squeeze my eyes shut and feel tears escape between my lids.
A calm, collected voice beside me anchors me to safety. “Vsyo budet khorosho.”
His tone, for the first time, is softened and reassuring. I have no idea what he’s saying, but somehow, it puts me at ease. I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth when a large, warm hand comes to rest on my thigh.
I open my eyes to see him staring straight ahead, ever the picture of stoicism. His jaw clenches, but he shows no fear. My mind swirls in a tempest of fear – what if we crash? Would we survive? My scientific mind immediately calculates how far up we are, our location, the chances of survival. I can hardly form a cohesive thought. What if we – what if I--
Just as soon as the turbulence began, it stops. The plane flies calmly now in the inky darkness of the night sky.
I draw in a deep breath and let it out slowly. My breathing regulates.
“Spasibo.”
I’m glad I brushed up a bit on my phone.
Markov gives me a silent nod.
I look down at his hand resting on my thigh. We realize at the same time he’s touching me in a way my bodyguard has no business touching me. He was only reassuring me, yes, but the continued intimacy of his hand on my thigh has crossed a line we should never cross.
My cheeks flame, and a warm trickle of awareness flutters between my thighs.
Maybe I shouldn’t have spent the last hour before I fell asleep reading about dominant, perfect, sexy as fuck billionaires, especially when I’m in such close proximity to the sexiest Russian I’ve ever laid eyes on.