Free Russian Mobster's Princess by Bella Rose Page A

back out the way he’d come.
    Viktor closed the door behind him and exhaled a giant sigh. He took the bag that Aleks had brought and headed for the bathroom.
    “Who was that?” Kira’s groggy voice came from the bed.
    “My friend Aleks brought me some things.”
    She rolled in the bed, giving him an enticing view of her breast and hip. “What things?”
    “Clothes, bathroom stuff, you know. The type of things required to stay someplace for awhile.”
    “You’re going to stay here with me for awhile?” She sounded almost apprehensive. “How long is awhile?”
    “I’m not sure.” He shrugged. “Does it matter?”
    Kira sat up in the bed. “I guess not. It’s just that moving in together sort of means we have a real relationship. You know?”
    “Don’t we?” Viktor asked quietly. “We are married, Kira. I care deeply about your safety.”
    “But you’re not going to tell me that I can’t dance?”
    He shook his head. “Of course not.”
    “Then I’m glad!” She bounced out of the bed. “I never thought having a husband around would be fun, but I really enjoy just being with you.”
    He was taken aback by her sudden enthusiasm. It reminded him of Elena and the first time they had gone apartment shopping together. She had been so happy that they were finally moving in and getting married after being sweethearts nearly all their lives.
    “What’s wrong?” Kira asked softly.
    “Nothing.”
    “No. What were you thinking of just then?”
    He pursed his lips. There was really no reason to hide it. “Elena.”
    “You miss her still?” Kira guessed.
     
    KIRA WONDERED IF anything would ever change the way that Viktor felt about Elena. Would there ever be a place in his heart for her? The thought made her sad.
    “I’m sorry.” Viktor walked toward the bed. He sat on the edge and gently stroked her shoulder. “Elena will always be my first love. I can’t do anything about that.”
    “I wouldn’t want you to,” Kira said firmly. “You shouldn’t stop loving her just because she’s gone. I just wonder if there’s any room in there for someone else too.” She placed her palm in the center of his chest.
    “It would be very hard not to feel something for you, Kira.” He nuzzled her temple, kissing her cheek. “You constantly amaze me with your determination and toughness.”
    “I do?” She was astounded. “I feel like a mouse on most days.”
    “I would call you more of a lion.” He picked up his bag and started pulling out items.
    Kira stared at the unfamiliar accessories of this man who was her husband. She ran her finger over the bottle of shaving lotion and touched his toothpaste with a feeling of strangeness that would not go away.
    “What’s wrong?” he asked, getting up to put his bathroom items away.
    “I’m not sure. I think I’m just trying to get used to the idea of actually being married. I’ve always considered myself married, but living it is much different.”
    “Yes. It is.”
    She took a deep breath, well aware that she was overstepping in the worst way. “I won’t have you sleeping with other women while we’re together like this.” She crossed her arms over her chest for emphasis.
    “I don’t need other women, Kira,” Viktor said gently. “I have you.”
    The earnestness in his expression drowned out whatever was left of the mafia visage that so terrified other people. She watched him put his things away and then got up, realizing that she probably needed to clear out a drawer. It all felt so awkward.
    “Is this usually what it’s like to move in with someone?” she asked.
    Viktor laughed and shoved his boxer briefs into the drawer she had just cleared. “I haven’t done this before, but I would imagine that the answer is yes. Anytime you shift your life around to make room for another person on a regular basis, you’re bound to feel a little off balance. Wouldn’t you think?”
    “Are we going to have sex again?” Kira belted out the question