Page 137 of Wicked Villain

At first, I think I’ve strayed into another dream. Then I take in the expression on his face and realize only he could look at me with that sexy, curious stare and wild fascination in his eyes. My imagination is good, but not as good as the real thing.

He’s really here. He came home early.

I straighten, sitting up, shaking.

Lev cocks his head, smirking. “Wow. I go away for a few days, and this is what happens to you?” he teases, glancing down at his shirt on me. The thing is so big it looks like a blanket with sleeves. “You’re wearing my shirt.”

I must look desperate and strange. I don’t know what on earth I’m supposed to say to him, but as he stares back at me, I can see he gets it. He knows exactly what happened to me.

“So, you do miss me when I’m away.” He leans in for a second and does that thing where he brushes his nose along mine.

My lips part to answer, but I struggle to answer. “I…”

“Shhh. It’s okay, printsessa.”

Lev stands and tugs his shirt over his head, then kicks off his shoes and steps out of his pants, leaving only his boxers. He climbs onto the bed and gathers me into his arms, settling me against his chest. His arms stay wrapped around me as we lie together.

“Monsters again, printsessa?”

“Yes,” I rasp.

“Don’t worry, yours is home now. Give them all to me. I’ll fight them for you.”

I look up at him, meeting his tender gaze. Lev is the only person I’ve ever met who’s managed to shock and soothe me in the same breath.

He scares me, too, but not for the reasons he’d think.

He just promised to fight for me.

That’s something I can’t forget.

“Thank you.”

He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Go to sleep, malyshka.”

I rest my ear over his heart, listening to the sound of safety and protection. I let its steady rhythm quiet my mind.

Then I fall asleep.

Chapter

Thirty-Three

Allegra

Istir from a deep, restful sleep. My eyes flutter open to soft, buttery sunlight streaming through the windows. It must be quite early. Just after sunrise, perhaps.

Groggily, I lift my head and find that I’m still in Lev’s arms. I shift to face him. He’s awake, too. And watching me.

His gaze captures mine, as though he’s cataloguing everything about me and still searching for more.

What can he see?

What does he think?

He came back from his trip early and was there literally the moment I needed him most.

I never wanted the reliance or relief that comes from trusting someone that deeply. I most certainly never thought that person would be my husband.