I laughed until my eyes watered, admitting that I’d thought he would have white tigers and a bear—and a diamond-encrusted toilet, which made Kovalev double over.
The guy named Gleb taught me a Russian tongue twister. Everyone laughed at my buzzed rendition, but I was a good goddamned sport, so I feigned a quick curtsy. I saw that even Sevastyan’s customary scowl had changed to a look of something like fascination, as if I were a creature he’d never seen in the wild before.
Every time I grew convinced I couldn’t break through his icy reserve again, he’d show hints of the man beneath the enforcer façade. . . .
I wished I could freeze time—couldn’t remember when I’d last had such a fun night—but before I knew it, a grandfather clock struck midnight.
Paxán stood. “Well, my friends and family”—he smiled at me and Sevastyan—“you’ll have to excuse me.”
A chorus of “One more drink!” rang out.
He shook his head. “Take pity on an old man! And continue—that’s an order.” Sevastyan and I rose at the same time, both intending to walk Paxán out.
“Sit, sit, you two. Enjoy yourselves. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
As I watched Paxán strolling away, I didn’t want to let him out of my sight. I had the feeling that he might disappear. But then Sevastyan gave me a reassuring look, as if he understood what I was feeling. It helped.
After that, drinks continued to flow. The hour grew late, but I didn’t care because I didn’t have work tomorrow, didn’t have to deal with first-year students spinning tales about why their papers were late.
My only complaint? I wanted Sevastyan to talk to me, to flirt with me. To touch me. I desired more of what he’d shown me the night before.
I wanted sex with him.
Craved it.
I’d been reminded of how relentless I could be; maybe I should pursue him relentlessly?
To my right, Filip and some brigadiers got into a heated debate about the fastest sports car—which gave me an opportunity for mischief. I was intoxicated enough that the idea of teasing Sevastyan seemed brilliant.
Though he’d warned me that he didn’t like surprises, I slipped off one heel, then stretched my hosed foot toward his legs. I made contact with his inner thigh, right above his knee. He tensed, but didn’t give me away, just cast me that menacing look.
Was it a good idea to play with an enforcer like him? Vodka said, Hell, yeah, touch his badge! I reached higher. With each inch closer I got to his dick, his breaths came quicker. He gave a forceful shake of his head.
With a lazy grin, I dipped my forefinger into a honey pot, then sucked it between my lips, my smug expression saying, Whatcha gonna do, Siberian?
His own lips parted. Recalling me sucking him the night before?
Higher, higher . . .
Contact.
God, he was burning hot, hard as iron. He tilted his head sharply, his nostrils flaring. And for a long moment, his chest didn’t move at all.
With my lids gone heavy, I rubbed the ball of my foot along his length, delighted when his c*ck pulsed in reaction. I grew wet in response, dampening the black silk thong I’d worn for him. My ni**les budded in the demi cups of my bra.
When I stroked him from base to head, he cast me another look of warning—even as his gaze gleamed with lust. Now it was a battle of wills, a game of chicken. Stroke. He was refusing to react; I refused to quit. Another stroke. Who would blink first?
Wondering if I could get him off like this, I rubbed him with more pressure. The muscles in his shoulders and arms began to swell. The fighter must be clenching his fists beneath the table.
His eyes promised a hot and thorough punishment.
Mine must’ve been pleading for it.
If I retired to my room, would he follow? Apparently, I would be blinking first. I lowered my foot and slipped my shoe back on. As the sports car debate wound down, I feigned a yawn and rose. “I’m tired from the trip as well.” Avoiding Sevastyan’s face, I said, “Good night, everyone. It was great to meet you all.”
“But there are more bottles to finish,” Filip said with an irrepressible wink. Oh, dear, what if he tried to follow me?
To dissuade him, I said, “Stay and have fun—I’ll see you tomorrow.”