The Perfect Gift
Page 214
“So, you’re ready to go?” He asked her, and she smiled at him. Nothing could change the fact that she was leaving, so it would be better if she left on good terms, she thought.
“I am. Archer has everything arranged.” She said, walking up to him.
“I’m sure he does.” Leon said, straightening up. She studied his sharp chiseled jaw, that sparkle in his eyes that was lost somehow. His broad chest that made his plaid shirt taut with tightness, how narrow his waist was, how strong his legs were. Ivy gulped, this was going to be more painful than she thought. Leon was like a drug to her. She had fallen for him when she least expected to and he had taught her everything. He helped her explore her own sexuality and she hadn’t thanked him for it.
Ivy fell on him, wrapping her arms around his waist. For a few moments, it seemed that Leon wasn’t sure how to react. His arms were spread open in surprise, till slowly he started to relax. She felt a hand on the small of her back. He was holding her.
“Thank you for everything Leon. I promise I won’t disappoint you. I’ll keep studying.” She said, drawing her face away from his chest, where she had buried it earlier. Leon was looking down at her, and something had changed. His expression had grown softer, and his eyes were shining bright.
“Ivy…” He began to say, and she bit down on her lip. She had no idea what he was about to say, but this was the first time she had seen that look on his face. This was the first time there was an actual imminent danger to their relationship. Was he finally going to say something?
“Stay with me.” He said it in the most neutral, but heavy voice. There was a hint of a strain there, but she had heard it. And Ivy was suddenly struck with a feeling of utter happiness, like she had never felt before.
She flung herself on him again, pressing her face to his chest, tightening the grip of her arms around his waist.
“That’s all I wanted to hear from you, Leon.” She cried into his chest, as she felt his hand on her head. He was stroking her hair.
“That’s all I wanted to say to you. I’m sorry I didn’t say it sooner.” She heard him say, and she couldn’t control herself any more. Ivy felt like she was going to burst.
She pulled herself away from him, and Leon dropped his hands to her face, caressing her gently. Holding her in place.
“I love you Ivy. I always have. That was why I didn’t want to share you with Archer, with anyone.” He was saying, but Ivy could barely hear him. She was laughing from her burgeoning happiness. Nothing that Leon could say could make her feel better. This was what she was waiting for. There was no choice now. She would never leave him; she couldn’t live without him. Everything she did, had done…she had done to please him.
“I love you Leon. I don’t want you to share me with anyone. I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to stay here with you.” She was crying by now, but they were tears of joy.
“As my wife. By my side.” He said, looking deep into her eyes. He wasn’t the kind of man who was going to get
down on his knees, and Ivy didn’t care.
“As your wife.” She said and they were kissing, blissfully unaware of the fact that Archer had appeared at the bedroom door. He had turned away, leaving Ivy’s bags at the front door. He knew when he had lost, and this time, he had lost to his brother Leon. And he was man enough to admit defeat.
Sneak Peak: Claimed
Blurb
Prince Milos Dobrimil, the royal playboy lives a life of excess and luxury, constantly fulfilling his sexual desires during his escapades into the city. When his father falls ill, eventually dying, Milos is left with his last wishes, to see Milos married and ruling the Kingdom with wealth and pride.
This request, however, comes as an ultimatum, and Milos is left scrambling to try to save the royal line and still keep his freedom. Thinking he has the ultimate solution, he makes an indecent proposal to a sassy and free-spirited stripper who just may turn his world inside out.
With love, betrayal, sex, and power, this book will take you for a ride through a modern-day adult fairy tale. As you explore the deeply hidden desires of a girl from the slums and the inner struggle of a boy from another world, the truth will reveal itself in ways that will tantalize your fantastical mind while pulling at your lustful heart.
Chapter 1: Adriana
The smell of stale cigarettes and cheap perfume have been permanently stained into my nostrils from working at the club for so long. The client section of the Caspian Cabaret was built for royalty with its large stone archway, red velvet carpets, and stainless-steel counters, but all I ever saw was the shoddy backroom and the glaring red lights pointed at the stage. It was almost time for me to head out there, and I felt jittery. I always did before my first dance of the night.
I looked down at the gold bodysuit I was struggling to get my ass into. Now I understood why Reg, the owner, always gave me nasty looks when I shoved anything fried into my mouth. I swear, if he had it his way, his girls would be pumped with silicone and live off two carrot sticks and a glass of water a day.
Every time I start thinking about how much I hate my job, I remind myself that it’s better than the alternative. Being stranded in Prague with no money and no one to call was terrifying to me, regardless of how many days I’d spent backpacking across Europe. Having money in your pocket was always reassuring.
I had spent years saving up for this trip, hiding my savings from my alcoholic mother and counting down the days until I could jet off, living the free life as a nomad with a savings account. I didn’t realize how meager of a savings account I had until I ended up stranded in Prague with just my backpack and a smile. Smiles don’t go very far under the unforgiving city lights.
Shaken from my thoughts, I watched as Sveta bounced into the room, happy and carefree as ever. This girl was top notch, and she did not give a damn about anyone. Her tight curves, huge tits, and petite stature made her the focus of almost every man in the audience. She played that charm to her advantage, but on the inside, she was really a stone-cold bitch, which of course was why I loved her.
Sveta leaned down and kissed my cheek. Her strong perfume wafted through the room. She always made me feel better, especially knowing that this was not the job I ever wanted to have. She plopped two shot glasses down and a bottle of vodka, smiling as she filled up our nightly dose of liquid courage. I only ever took two shots, but it was just the right amount to get me to drop the nerves and move my hips.
“So, who do you think will pay our bills tonight?” she asked.
We had this conversation every night.