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The Only Woman to Defy Him(48)

By:Carol Marinelli


                As was she.

                ‘Alina?’

                She turned around to Libby’s voice.

                ‘Is everything okay?’

                ‘Of course.’

                It wasn’t, though.

                As she and Libby wandered through the penthouse for the final time before inspection tomorrow, Alina found herself alone in the master bedroom, staring at her work on his wall and lost in its beauty.

                It had nothing to do with ego. Alina could scarcely believe at times that the work she produced came from her.

                Her gift made her believe in magic.

                And even though she had nothing with which to compare, magic had happened beneath the willow tree, she was sure.

                * * *

                Alina locked up the penthouse and, instead of heading for home as instructed by Demyan, headed back to the hotel.

                He barely acknowledged her when she arrived back.

                ‘Demyan, I was...’

                He didn’t let her finish. ‘I thought I said you were to go straight home.’ Only then did he look up. ‘I could have been entertaining.’

                ‘About that,’ Alina said, but again he broke in.

                ‘I don’t need you for anything.’ Demyan said. He knew himself well enough to know he was lying. He had never needed escape more than he needed it now, but he would not inflict himself on Alina. Nadia had texted again to remind him how things stood. This time next week Roman would be on a plane, this time tomorrow his home may well have been sold, and he needed Alina tonight but would do whatever it took to resist.

                ‘I’ll call you tomorrow after the inspection.’

                ‘Get Libby to call me.’

                She could almost hear the slam of each door as he blocked contact.

                ‘Go,’ Demyan said. ‘Don’t worry, you’ll be paid till five.’

                It was Alina and not Demyan who nearly swore but she held it in. ‘Demyan, can we talk—?’

                ‘No,’ he said. ‘Why do women always want to talk, when really there is nothing to discuss?’

                ‘I get that but the other day...’ She swallowed and then forced herself to say it. ‘If you do plan on entertaining this weekend, well, know that if you do, there will be no repeats of the other day. I—’

                ‘I have no intention of repeating it,’ Demyan interrupted. ‘Go find yourself a nice boy to make love with,’ he said, his skin crawling at the thought but better that than let her into his darkness. ‘One who will whisper sweet nothings and take his time...’

                ‘What if that’s not what I want?’

                ‘Alina...’ He was having great trouble keeping his breathing even. ‘You don’t seem to understand that I was nice because it was your first time.’ He watched her cheeks turn to fire but Alina stood her ground.

                ‘So you didn’t enjoy it? It was all for my benefit?’