Defiant. Sweet. Alluring.
A business deal gone wrong brought me to her doorstep.
She's everything I shouldn't want; everything I was against after watching my mother's obsession destroy her.
Still, I can't stop myself from craving her.
I should know...
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I tossed and turned in bed long after the skies had turned black, and everyone in the house had retired to their various quarters.
Sleep evaded me, and my pride and stubbornness wouldn't let me seek out what I truly wanted - him.
I didn't want it to seem like I was the one making the first move, like I was desperate for him. Who knows? He might have been teasing me when he hinted at something happening tonight, and I'd just make a fool of myself if I approached him.
Frustrated and agitated with myself, I climbed off my bed, stepping out onto the balcony to ease my racing mind.
Maybe some fresh air would do me good and help calm me down. It was either that or drowning myself under the hot stream of my shower for the third time tonight.
I groaned, tugging at my hair. God, I wasn't good with things like this.
I looked down at myself.
I even wore one of my more provocative silk nightgowns. The dress might as well be nonexistent the way it melted over my body. I bought it impulsively during a shopping trip with Drea, and I hadn't considered wearing it once.
Except tonight.
I buried my face in my palms, letting out an agitated groan. "God, what's wrong with me? I'm such a joke. So stupid!"
"Why is that?"
My head snapped up just as I heard the click of my bedroom door as it was snapped shut.
My room was dimly lit, but I could still make out his silhouette in the shadows through the sheer curtains of the balcony.
I curled my fingers around the curtains, slowly pushing them aside, and before I knew it, I was moving, one foot in front of the other until he towered over me.
He clasped his hands behind his back, triumph shining in his eyes when he ducked his head so he was at eye level with me. "What's wrong, Solnyshko? Why are you still awake? Couldn't sleep?"
I'd never wanted to wipe the smug, knowing look off of someone's face as much as I wanted to wipe his off. "I could say the same for you. Why aren't you asleep?" I shot back.
His little smirk grew as he straightened to his full height. "Chronic insomnia," he answered dismissively. "What's your excuse? Perhaps, something is keeping you awake?"
"I... I couldn't," I answered in a defeated whisper, severing eye contact with him.
He took my chin between his fingers, tipping my chin back so I stared directly at him again. "Why?" He pressed.
"Because the thought of wanting you was driving me insane." I balled my hands into fists, digging my nails into the flesh of my palms until they hurt. "I couldn't sleep, and that's why. Is that what you wanted to hear?"
