“Let me be the judge of that.”
His thumb caresses my cheek, waiting for me to talk.
“I just get worried sometimes.”
“About?”
“That you’ll wake up one day and realize you can do a lot better than me.”
His eyes soften as he pulls me closer. “You’re right. That is stupid.”
I laugh before I can help myself. “I’m being serious.”
He smiles and kisses me. “I have those same worries, sweetheart. I worry you’ll realize you don’t want this kind of life, that you’ll find someone your own age, that you’ll tell me you’ve changed your mind and you don’t really love me after all.”
I’m so stunned it takes a second for the words to come. I can’t imagine confident, Bratva boss Mikhail being unsure about anything.
“It’s hard for me to believe that,” I finally say.
He shrugs his shoulders. “It doesn’t make it untrue. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved, little thief, and you’re the only one I ever will. Trust that,” he says, giving my bottom lip a soft suck that makes a shiver of pleasure run down my spine. “Trust this.”
Reaching around, he fists my hair, pulling me back so he can meet my eyes better. “Trustme, Charlie.”
I nod my head as best I can with his tight grip on me. The car suddenly way too hot and small. His intense stare runs over me, drinking in the sight of my exposed neck and arched chest.
“I don’t want to waste a single second with you worrying about stupid shit that will never happen. I love you, and I always will. It’s as simple as that, sweetheart. It’s you or nothing for me from here on out.”
Leaning down, he runs his tongue up my neck, pulling a whimpering moan from me when he gives my earlobe a soft suck.
“Agreed?”
I shake my head yes, so turned on I can barely think.
“Let me hear you say it.”
“Yes,” I say in a breathy rush. “You or nothing, no more worrying.”
He lets out a soft laugh, the deep sound of it like velvet being slowly dragged across my pussy. It’s decadent and delicious and promises so many wickedly naughty things that I want very, very badly.
“Good girl,” he whispers against my skin before letting me go. “Let’s go get your dress, baby.”
When he sees the disappointed look on my face that we’re actually getting out to shop, he gives me a wink and gets out of the car. I take a deep, calming breath as he walks around to my side because he insists on always opening my car door for me, even though I’ve told him I don’t mind doing it on my own. He shot that idea down with a quickness and threatened to spank me if I asked again.
I’m very tempted to ask again.
Once inside, an attractive brunette immediately comes over, giving Mikhail a smile that makes me want to smack it right off her. He ignores her and wraps his arm around me, pulling me in closer and making it clear that we’re together. The woman takes the hint and shifts into perfect saleswoman mode.
“How can I help you both today?” Her smile is completely professional now, and she puts a little more focus on me.
“We’re looking for a dress for my fiancée,” Mikhail says, kissing the top of my head. “We need something modest,” he says, and I almost laugh because he’s dead set on keeping me covered for this event, which I think is adorable as hell. “And in black.”
We’d already decided that black would be best. Less conspicuous, and it’ll help hide weapons easier. The woman smiles and guides us into a small room off of the main one. The walls are lined with racks of dresses, all of them appropriate for a fancy night out on the town.
“Thank you. If we need you, we’ll let you know,” Mikhail says, dismissing her like a man who’s used to getting his way. She smiles, gives a slight nod, and leaves without a word.
I wonder if I’ll ever get used to this new life I’ve stepped into. Mikhail smiles and waves a hand at the dresses.
“Anything catch your eye that covers as much skin as a snowsuit?”