“She’s growing impatient,” Demitri suddenly says. “Three men at the club where you weren’t even supposed to be, tells me she’s desperate to end this just as much as you.”
Alexei stares at Demitri, who seems to be deep in thought. “What are you thinking,” he asks his custodian.
Demitri glances from Alexei to me. “Around-the-clock security on full alert. She’s going to come out of hiding. Soon.”
“Not soon enough,” I mutter as I begin to walk back to the car. Glancing over my shoulder, I ask, “Staying at my place?”
“Yes.”
We all get back into the G Wagon, and as Franco drives us home, my mind keeps replaying what Demitri said.
I just wish I fucking knew who she is. This Umbria shit is working on my nerves.
I shrug out of my jacket and unbutton the shirt so I can remove the vest, not wanting Elena to see it.
“Wear that vest whenever you go out,” Alexei says.
“I will,” I assure him.
He might be an assassin, but he’s one of the most loyal people I’ll ever have the privilege of knowing in our line of business.
When Franco steers the car up the driveway, I adjust my cuffs and straighten my clothes. I shove the looming threat to the back of my mind so Elena won’t see the worry on my face.
God knows, she’s worried enough today.
Tonight I just want to bury myself inside my wife and forget the world outside exists.
Chapter 25
ELENA
I’m a second away from chewing my nails. I’ve cleaned the kitchen and washed the clothes we managed to get before the incident at the restaurant.
Now I’m rearranging the closet. Anything to keep me busy.
The door opens, and my head snaps in its direction. When I see Lucian, I rush to him. “God, I was so worried,” I say as I wrap my arms around his waist.
I close my eyes and send up a prayer of thanks for bringing him safely back to me.
Lucian hugs me back, then he places his finger under my chin and nudges my face up. “I don’t want you to worry about me.”
“I’ll always worry,” I whisper, my eyes searching his for any sign that he’s not okay.
He lowers his head and presses a soft kiss to my mouth, then he says, “I’m just going to shower.”
I pull away from him. “You didn’t finish your meal earlier. Can I warm it up for you?”
The corner of his mouth lifts as he pulls his jacket off. “No, I plan on eating something else tonight.”
“Oh? What? I can prepare it while you shower and have a drink.”
A wolfish grin spreads over his lips. “Don’t leave the room.”
When he walks into the bathroom, my eyes widen with realization.
He meant me.
Oh, God.
I need to get ready.
I rush to the closet and begin to dig through the lingerie I got. I pull a white set out, seeing as it will be our first time making love.
Knowing Lucian showers quickly, I strip out of my clothes as quickly as I can. I pull on the white lace panties and matching lace nightgown that clips together beneath my breasts. My hands flutter over the lace, straightening it out.
Taking deep breaths, I listen for when the water turns off. Then I remember my hair is in a ponytail, and I quickly yank the tie out, fluffing the stands with my fingers.
The water turns off as I gather my discarded clothes and shove them into the closet for the time being.
I spin around and wonder if I should sit down on the bed. Lie in a sexy position? Maybe I should –
Lucian comes out of the bathroom, and I freeze. He has a towel wrapped around his waist. His eyes sweep over me, and then he stops dead in his tracks.
He stares at me until my cheeks start to warm.
“Christ, Elena,” he breathes. “You’re breathtaking.”
“I wanted to wear something special for you,” I say, happy to see the appreciation and desire swirling in his eyes.
“You can wear that every night,” he mutters, still staring at me.
Lucian fists his hands at his sides, and when he doesn’t come to me, I walk to him. My eyes search his, and not seeing anything but desire, I lift myself on my tiptoes and press a kiss to his neck, taking a deep breath of his scent.
I hear him exhale sharply, then I ask, “Why aren’t you moving?”
“If I do, I’m going to throw you on the bed and fuck you. I’m trying to regain some control so I can take it slow for you.”
My lips curve up, and I begin to walk backward until I feel the bed behind me. “I want you, Lucian. You don’t have to hold back.”
I’ll take him any way I can have him.
I sit down on the bed and scoot to the middle, and it’s all it takes for Lucian to rip the towel from his waist and stalk toward me.