Page 45 of Risky Desires
The meal was relaxed, with easy conversation and delicious food. Mariana cooked and her husband said she couldn’t ruin a meal, and I relaxed enough to feel comfortable asking for recipes. She offered to show me how to make some of the traditional meals she and Mateo loved, and I fought back my excitement, nodding enthusiastically.
“You like to cook, ??????”
I lifted a shoulder, giving my attention back to Viktor. “I guess. I liked being in the kitchen. It was…”
I was going to say safe. It was one of the few places I could escape in Carson’s house, because as long as I looked busy, he usually ignored me. I would spend hours preparing meals just right to keep him happy. I didn't need to do that anymore, but I fell in love with cooking and I could never really try new things, so I looked forward to learning something new.
“Quiet,” I finished lamely.
Mateo chuckled. “I’m afraid my wife’s kitchen is the opposite. She likes to play music and dance while she’s cooking.”
Mariana blushed, elbowing him. “Shush. I can leave it off.”
I waved my hands with a grimace. “No, no. I don’t mind.”
“No, I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable. I don’t need–”
“Quiet was not the word she intended to use.”
Viktor’s quiet interruption drew the focus onto him. I glanced at him, surprised, but when he lifted his eyebrows, I ducked my head and blushed. I didn’t realize he could read me that well.
“What did you truly feel in the kitchen, ??????”
Grimacing, I stared at my hands in my lap, twisting my fingers until he reached over and took my hand in his.
“Safe. I felt safe… Carson, my ex, he didn’t like being in the kitchen. And as long as I looked busy, he ignored me. I was safer there.” It came out in barely a whisper, but when Viktor pulled my hand to his lips and kissed the back gently, I found the courage to look at him. He gave me that proud look I craved and instead of letting my hand go, he laced our fingers and stroked his thumb over my knuckles. It almost felt like a reward, and I leaned my head against his arm.
“Rosie, I’m sorry. I didn’t think–” Mariana looked worried, chewing on her lip. Mateo put an arm around her shoulder, kissing her temple.
“I think she is a very brave woman. And if she wants to reclaim her place of sanctuary, that is a good thing.” He turned back to me. “Mi mariposa has been experimenting with recipes given to her by my mother. Some are more complicated than others, and two hands are not enough. Perhaps you can help her,” Mateo offered.
His compliment made me want to duck my head, but Mariana’s hopeful look made me smile. I nodded.
“If– If you’re okay with that. I’m not perfect…”
She waved her hand dismissively. “Who is? I’d love to cook with you, Rosie. Maybe we can make dinner together, if you’re feeling up to it.”
ChapterTwenty-Six
Spendingtime at Mariana and Mateo’s home felt a little like a vacation. Like no one knew we were here, and we had our own little slice of paradise to enjoy. Viktor never left my side, even when me and Mariana were cooking up a storm in her massive kitchen.
Lifting the covers, Viktor helped me slide into bed. After helping Mariana make dinner, we spent a long time with her and Mateo, just talking and laughing. I felt more relaxed than I think ever, and I was looking forward to getting up and making breakfast with her in the morning. I’d only ever made American-style breakfasts, so when she mentioned the breakfasts she had while she was visiting family in Mexico, I begged her to show me.
When Viktor laid on top of the blanket next to me, I frowned. “You don’t have to sleep on top of them, if you don’t want to…”
He considered me for a moment before nodding once and maneuvering himself until he was underneath the blankets next to me. I shifted slowly closer, not wanting to bother him by hanging all over him, but craving his closeness all the same. He reached for me wordlessly, tucking me against him. Letting out a breath, I turned onto my side and buried my face against his chest.
He chuckled. “?????, if you needed to be held, you only had to say so.”
He wrapped himself around me, settling me further. I wanted to be embarrassed over just how needy I was being, but when I glanced up at him, he was smiling. His once rare smile came out several times this evening, and I fell harder for him every time. He cupped my face, brushing his thumb over my cheek, and dipped his head to pluck at my lips. Always so gentle. But after such a relaxing day, I wanted more. I stretched closer to him, parting my lips to invite him in. He took the invitation, sliding his tongue past my lips to taste me.
Every time he tried to slow down, I pressed for more. I felt needy, my skin felt too hot, and a whimper caught in my throat, escaping when he rolled us so that he was halfway on top of me. He pulled back suddenly, shaking his head.
“I do not want to hurt you, ?????. You are injured.”
I didn’t feel injured. I felt fine. Sort of. I felt turned on and almost desperate to touch him, but I didn’t feel any pain.
“Please…”