JESSA
I wake up feeling strange.
At first, I think it’s all in my head, but my body definitely aches a little as I get into the shower. Nausea has settled in the pit of my stomach. Nausea and… excitement, maybe? I can’t deny that I’m eager to go into work today. I’m excited about the possibility of seeing Anton.
I know so much and so little about him. I know that the darkest part of him is capable of murder, but… I also know there’s more. So much more.
And I want to uncover all of it.
My skin tingles when I think about him. I keep replaying little moments from last night. As I get out of the shower, I remember the way his breath quickened in the seconds before he came. I remember the way he’d buried his face in the crook of my neck as he filled me again and again.
I’d been too involved in the aftermath of my own orgasm to pay much attention to what he was doing and experiencing, but I realize that I’d stowed away little gems tucked away under more dominant memories.
Once I’ve toweled myself off, I dress in a pair of black jeans I usually reserve for nights out with my friends. The shape is flattering and they’re just slim enough to draw attention to my ass. I pair the jeans with a long-sleeved white shirt. It’s seemingly modest, but it’s skin-tight. I finish the look with my beige ankle boots and the tiniest bit of nude lip gloss to finish.
I know it looks like I’ve made an extra effort. Maybe too much of an effort. I certainly don’t want to come off like I’m trying too hard—Anton will see that from a mile away. So, on my way out the door, I swipe the lip gloss off. It’s overkill.
Then I grab my jacket and purse and head into the lion’s den.
On the train, I check my phone and see messages from both Chris and Freya. It’s amusing that they don’t seem to like each other very much, because their texts are almost identical.
FREYA: Hey girl, just wanted to check in and see how you were doing. Will you call me after your shift tonight? Let me know how things are going with the brooding hottie?
Chris’s message is slightly more serious. Just like he is.
CHRIS: Hey J. Was worried about you all last night. Will you let me know how your day goes? Just want to make sure the jerk behaves himself.
I smile while replying with smileys and thumbs up to both of them and then try to people-watch for the rest of my journey. But all I end up doing is thinking of him.
Gray eyes.
Sinful smile.
The kind of jawline that makes a woman go weak in the knees.
By the time I’m walking up the road that leads to Anton’s incredible mansion, all I’m thinking about is what might happen during service tonight. Food be damned. I’m hungry for him.
Then my phone rings, pulling me back to reality.
“Hi, Chris,” I say, picking up reluctantly.
“Hey. You there yet?”
“Not yet. It’s a long commute.”
“Will he be there today?”
I suppress a sigh. “Not really sure, Chris. He doesn’t give me a rundown of his schedule.”
“Just do me a favor and make sure you’re never alone with him.”
I frown. “Why?”
“Why?” he says incredulously, as though I’ve just asked the stupidest question on the planet. “Because he’s a freaking Bratva don, Jessa! That’s why. Christ, I feel like a broken record.”
“I’ve been alone with him plenty of times before, Chris.”
“It only takes one bad moment.”