Page 65 of Bought By the Ruthless Pakhan

"Happy now?" I managed to mumble against his shoulder.

His laugh rumbled through his chest. "For now."

Bastard.

Chapter Seventeen

Ivan

Morning light hit my eyes.

I woke with warmth in my arms. Anna was curled against my chest, her hair splayed across my collarbone, breath steady and warm. Like a cat that'd finally let down its guard, settled in the safest place it knew.

God. This was a sweet dream.

Five years. Five whole years, and I finally had her back.

Sunlight slipped through the curtain gaps, fell across her bare shoulders and back. Her skin glowed honey-gold, like something washed in morning light, smooth as pearls.

Her shoulders were delicate, soft curves, shoulder blades shifting gently beneath the surface.

Five years hadn't touched her. She was still the little wildcat I remembered—all thorns and soft spots.

I watched her for a long time. Couldn't help pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

Her hair brushed my lips, smelled faintly of soap. I tightened my arm. She nestled closer, cheek against my chest, and drifted back to sleep.

Everything was perfect. Except the bed was too damn small, forcing her to sprawl on top of me.

Then came the knocking.

Soft, but persistent.

I knew who it was.

The boyfriend. The one with zero sense of timing.

Anna stirred.

Her lashes fluttered in the morning light. When she saw my face, her cheeks flushed pink. She pulled the covers higher. "Why are you still here?"

Was she seriously asking me that? I swore under my breath. She wanted me gone again?

I'd spent days in that black sedan after I left last time, watching her walk those tree-lined paths with Chris. Watching him carry her bags, tie her shoelaces, all that easy intimacy. It made me want to break something.

Why the hell would I leave? She was mine. Had been mine since that auction five years ago.

And right now, she was in my arms.

I pressed her shoulder, stopping her retreat under the covers. "Why would I leave? This is your home. It'll be mine too."

The knocking came again.

Louder this time.

Chris's voice carried an edge of worry. "Anna, I know you're in there. I heard voices. Open up."

Anna went rigid. Panic flashed in her eyes.