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The billowing silence told her she’d stepped over a line “My history with Van Eych is not up for discussion It has nothing to do with us You and I have a strong sexual connection that needs to run its course When it has, I’ll release you and the rest of the funds”

His words sent a zing of surprise all the way to the soles of her feet A strong sexual connection? “I thought I was paying for the sins of aunder the table

His cheeks hollowed “Nyet” He looked away, fiercely controlled e his mouth “There is no way for anyone to coreat”

He gave off vibes of such deep devastation, such intense pain, an unfaht at her He’d only brush her away, she reasoned, startled that the impulse touched her at all She wasn’t the affectionate sort

And yet she found herself turning over that strong sexual connection remark Was she more than a tool of reprisal after all? Fluttery sensations like a ht filled her

“Are you saying you want…e to step into the botto him

He grew guarded and his eyes cut to her with a flinty look “I want your body”

The inner door that had cracked open slammed shut “Of course” She rery But what did she have to be offended about? She wanted hi-term avoidance of relationships had been an avoidance of the unbearable sea of eonizing She’d learned early not to let those longings take root Skinized that he was offering her a gift: all the joys of physical engagement without a toll on her heart

He cocked his head, a his mouth “How is it that a woman as naturally sensual as you are has never taken a lover before?”

Her pulse raced at how easily he’d read her yearning in one brief, unguarded glance If she continued seeing hihts to herself

“No one ever teuess how unnerved she was at the way his powerful sex appeal kept sh her self-protective reserve “And normal relationships don’t interest me,” she added

“Normal?” His eyebrows climbed

“Dating to find love Searching for a soul mate” Profound disappointment seeht when you accused matic than that I don’t want to live in a cave, butand hooking up Being Victor’s platonic mistress seemed like the happy one cold and bitter, elimpsed how much pain he’d caused Aleksy It was yet another harsh rely impervious boundaries—could reach inside to wound

She should take that as a warning sign, but last night had been extraordinary All her reasons for agreeing to sleep with Aleksy were still there along with ues of flame lick down into her pelvis

“Now you see the advantages in being a real mistress,” he murhtly co a path across her palm Her entire body jolted and acaress

She tugged her hand into her lap and tried to erase the tingling sensation by rubbing it on her thigh She couldn’t hide that he had a profound effect on her

As if he read her response as acceptance, he nodded with satisfaction and rose “I’ll call for the car You’ll need a full wardrobe before we leave for Moscow”

“Moscow?” Her co with the coffee cup she still held, the clatter in the saucer jarring “I can’t get into Russia without a visa”

“I have your passport Lazlo will arrange it,” he dis