Alexandr's Reluctant Submissive by Ann Mayburn Read Free Book Online Page A

“I do not deserve you.”
    Tired of the constant emotional fireworks between them, she rubbed her nose against his. “No, you don’t. You’re lucky I let you hang around.”
    His shoulders straightened and he seemed to grow bigger as he wrapped one large fist in her hair, tilting her head back enough that it strained her neck. An immediate burst of arousal struck her and she automatically arched into his touch. She remembered he liked it when she did that and melted inside when he gave her a pleased smile. Their eyes met and the strong, no-nonsense Master she knew so well gave her a very possessive look.
    “This,” he stroked her neck where he’d sucked with a rough fingertip, chills skating down her spine, “will show everyone who looks that you belong to me.”
    She stiffened. “I can’t let Tatiana see a giant hickey. She’ll think I’ve been hurt and it will upset her.”
    His grip on her hair loosened and warmth flooded his expression like nothing she’d ever seen. “Do you think she will like me? I will not scare her?”
    The insecurity in his voice drove her to soothe him and she ran her palm over his bristly cheek. “Of course she’ll like you. She is such a happy little girl and loves almost everyone she meets. I mean she’s still a four-year-old, so there are the usual tantrums and drama that you’ll have with any little kids, but I’m sure she’ll have you wrapped around her little finger in no time.”
    Their embrace turned gentle again and she felt as if she was riding waves with Alex, one moment cresting with anger and hurt, the next rocking together in absolute bliss.
    Dimly, the ringing of her phone came to her, the song she’d assigned Gwen filling the air. “Shit! Gwen!”
    He released her and she dove across the room, fumbling through her bag until she got to her phone. “Gwen?”
    Her nanny and best friend’s voice came shouting through the speaker. “What the hell is going on, Jessica?”
    “Gwen, wha—”
    The pissed-off woman continued on like she hadn’t even spoken. “It’s the butt crack of dawn am I have a giant scary dude who says his name is Krom—what kind of name is that?—sitting at the kitchen table telling me he’s come to take me and Tatiana to meet you and your husband in Russia.”
    “Where’s Tatiana?”
    “She’s fine, sleeping safe and sound, but I’m about five seconds away from shooting the asshole glaring at me.”
    Sighing, she rubbed her forehead. “Gwen, put the gun away. Krom is there to help you. It’s all very complicated, but I need you not to shoot him please. He’s there to protect you and he can’t do that if he’s dead.”
    Gwen was silent for a moment. “Protect us? From what? Jessica, this is really fucked up. Are you sure you’re okay? Do I need to call the police?”
    “No!” She took a deep breath and continued in a calmer voice, “No. I need you to do exactly what Krom says and help get Tatiana to Russia as quickly as possible. This is very important, honey, you have to trust me, please. I promise I’ll explain everything once I see you in person.”
    “Are we in danger?”
    “No—well, yes. I can’t have this conversation with you on the phone.”
    Krom’s deep voice came from the background and Gwen snapped, “No one asked you, Wolverine, for your opinion. You go back to just sitting there and looking scary. And stop scowling at me. Didn’t your mother ever teach you that your face would freeze that way?”
    “Gwen,” Jessica groaned. “Please don’t give him attitude.”
    “Tell him to stop being such a dick and I won’t have to.”
    Someone pounded on the door to Alex and Jessica’s room, then yelled in Russian, “The helicopter is here.”
    Alex looked up from where he was texting into his phone. “Come, Jessica, we have long travel day ahead of us and must go.”
    “Crap. Gwen, I have to go. I’m so so sorry about all of this and I promise I’ll explain everything to you when you arrive. I know