Ruthless Saint

XXXVI

MIKA MALIKOV

I kept replaying that moment in the car. The way he touched me. The way he looked at me like I was made of something rare. And then he said something in Russian, soft and low—like a promise, or a confession.

But I didn't understand it. Not really.

I tried to ask him what it meant. He just kissed me again and said, "Learn it."

And then the next morning, he was gone. Off to New York. No warning. No goodbye.

I wasn't sure if I'd done something wrong or if this was just what loving Mischa looked like—moments of intimacy followed by cold absences I wasn't allowed to question.

Still. I missed him.

So I did the only thing I could think of--I knocked on the door of Mischa's office with a cupcake in hind.

I didn't bother waiting for an invitation before I waltzed inside, looking for my husband.

He was typing on his computer, laser focused and looking casual in a black t-shirt and pants.

He paused typing and his hands went still. I caught a glimpse of those grey eyes watching me as I came towards him and the corner of his lips tipped into a smile.

"Hi." I greeted.

        Amusement coated his eyes. "Lisichka." He raised a brow as he watched me. "How can I help you?"

        "I brought you a cupcake."

        "Free of charge?"

        "No strings attached."

        "Looks like she can be sweet when she wants to." He gestured to his lap. "Come sit."

        "Where? Your lap."

        "That's what I said, isn't it?"

        "Well, technically—"

        A subtle roll of his eyes. "Come here. Now."

        I came around his desk and slid my ass on his lap. I placed the cupcake on the desk.

        He moved me so I was straddling him and facing him. It made it easier to read his lips, so I didn't have to crane my neck.

"Hi there." I murmured. My fingers found their way into his hair, playing with the curly ends of his hair by his nape.

        He pressed his lips to mine and kissed me, murmuring the words against my lips. "Hi, lisichka."

        It was meant to be a chaste kiss, but I wasn't quite done.

        He pulled away just as quickly and I took his bottom lip between my teeth, tugging and wanting him to lose control.

        I wanted this man right here and right now.

I missed him. It was a scary thought because I'd never really missed anyone before, but I missed his teasing, quips and touches.

        He'd flown to New York this week for some business with the Don and my papá and when he came back today, he gave me a chaste kiss and locked himself in the study typing away.

I didn't think Bratva bosses needed to do that much work but kill people, but I was wrong.

        "Mika." A rasp.