Page 73 of Hidden Empire
It’s pitch black outside, but I’ve left my window cracked open just like Ivan asked me to. I’ve already showered and slipped into the best pajamas I brought with me—a velvety soft sleep skirt and a slim top. Since Dmitri is coming, I put on a fresh pair of panties and kept my bra on as well.
I also put a towel against the small crack under my door to keep the light from my lamp from peeking out into the hallway. I would not survive it if Matteo or Armani saw the signs of me being awake and decided to check on me. Being caught would be awful.
Even though I know we can’t have sex since we’ll be six feet and two doors away from my brother’s ears, I’m still buzzing with anticipation. Sexy anticipation.
Should I kiss him first?
Will he touch me more this time?
I wince. What if he just wants to talk?
Talking would be nice, I do love the sound of his voice… but kissing would be better. I can’t be blamed for it, I’ve missed him all week!
When my watch clicks eleven, I know he’ll be here at any moment.
I do another quick glance over my room, ensuring everything is in order. There’s no stray thongs on the ground, or other embarrassing personal items lying about, so I let out a pleased sigh.
Once the sound leaves my lips, I hear the slightest sound of creaking.
The small crack in my window widens, big hands forcing the glass to shift upward. I knew Ivan was implying Dmitri would be climbing through my window when he told me to leave it open. But knowing and seeing are two different things in this case. My boyfriend is huge, and this little window is not so much.
Even with a small struggle, he works so fast I don’t even have time to ask if he needs any help. He has to tilt his shoulders to put one through at a time, slowly pulling his big body past the opening and into my room. As he stands to his full height, I swallow, obviously looking him up and down.
“That was so hot,” I blurt, unable to hold the comment back.
Dmitri chuckles, the deep and delicious sound hitting me right between my legs. He sheds off his jacket, and I’m hit once again. Oh my god, can he just throw me into bed and touch me all over already? Jesus Christ, he’s so smoldering I might combust just from looking at him.
“Hello, Krasotka,” he greets fondly, leaning down to drop a sweet kiss on my forehead. I almost grab him by his shirt and pull him down for more, but he moves too quickly. “I brought you something.”
Is it in your pants?
Dmitri starts to rummage around the inner pockets of his discarded jacket. So not his pants, but still his uniform. He starts to pull items out, setting them on my bed as he does. I scan the goodies he’s brought with a smile that makes my cheeks ache.
There’s two drink bottles, a chocolate almond milk and apple juice—hopefully for me. And chunky saran-wrapped brownies.
He brought me dessert.
“Is this a date?” I ask, biting my lip.
Dmitri nods. “Our first.”
Apple juice and brownies on my bed that Dmitri makes look tiny.
This is the best first date ever.
“I love it,” I declare, climbing in to sit on my bed while grinning at him.
Dmitri sheds his shoes to do the same. We sit facing one another, my back to the door and his front facing it. This way, he’ll be able to see if the handle rattles. I really fucking hope it doesn’t.
“What’s your favorite dessert?” I ask.
I watch as he unwraps the first brownie, smiling as he passes it to me. Martha would probably have a small heart attack if she knew I was eating without a plate in bed, but what she doesn’t know won’t kill her.
“Medovik,” he answers easily. “It is a sort of Russian honey cake, it’s very layered and soft.”
Note to self, figure out how to make Medovik.
“That sounds nice,” I say, cracking open the seal on my apple juice. “I don’t know what my favorite is yet. I never had a lot of sweets growing up, but Matteo has made it his mission to continue introducing me to them. So far, I think I like tiramisu the best, though I think that’s more so because it’s Italian than because of the flavor since I normally can’t stand the taste of coffee.”