Lion of Midnight by Aliyah Burke Read Free Book Online Page B

lot of cold showers.
    “Thank you,” she said in a voice that was like a gentle rain.
    Shoving back his lust, Nikolas stepped back, allowing her some space. Draping her coat over his arm, he nodded toward a door across the main part of the museum, which led to the room he used when he was here. “I’ll go set it in the office, and we’ll get to the tour.”
    “I’ll be waiting,” she returned.
    As I have been for you. Nikolas turned on his heel and walked away, resisting the urge to look back over his shoulder and ensure she was still waiting. It didn’t take him long to remove his coat, as well, and hang it over his chair. Walking from the room, he paused in the doorway. There she was. Looking at a statue, hands shoved in the back pockets of her jeans, lower lip caught in her teeth and oh so adorable.
    His cock throbbed and reminded him it had been a while. He grinned. It could have been yesterday, and it wouldn’t matter. That beauty over there is my woman. Nikolas knew no other woman would ever get a reaction like this from him, again.
    Tugging on the bottom of his shirt, Nikolas moved across the floor toward her. As he approached, she turned her head from the statue of Tsar Alexander the Third and looked at him. He watched her eyes rove up and down his form before filling with appreciation, an act that had him fighting down an arrogant grin.
    “So?” he asked. “Figure out where you’d like to start?”
    That plump lower lip of hers popped out from between her teeth as she walked toward him. He took in the way she moved, athletic and yet seductive. She cocked her head to the side and said, “Actually, yes.” Then, she shrugged. “Well…okay, here’s the thing.” When they stood toe to toe, she stopped.
    Nikolas wanted nothing more than to tuck the strands of wayward hair behind her ear. “Ask your question, Cleopatra.”
    Pulling a hand from her pocket, she waved it. “Cleo, please. I’m rarely called by my full name.” He nodded his acquiescence and watched her chew on the inside of her cheek. “I’m kind of looking for some information on someone. I don’t have much, and the only lead I have for anything further is here in Novgorod.”
    He arched a brow, totally intrigued. “Well, this is one of the best museums for our history. So, I’d bet you could find your answers here or, if not, be sent in the right direction.” Nikolas flashed a smile. “But I think this place is full of information.”
    “This isn’t your museum, is it?” she asked.
    “No. Although, my family has made large contributions to it.” The familiar lie slid from his lips.
    “That explains why you’re allowed here after closing.”
    He winked. “Perks.”
    “You’re a smooth one, Nikolas.”
    “I’m many things, Cleo.” The most important being yours. “So,” he said, “who are you trying to find out more about?” His gaze drifted to where the snowflake pendant hovered just above the valley between her full breasts.
     
    Cleo could feel the heat of his gaze burning her skin. Almost as if he held a brand to her, leaving his own personal mark. Tamping down the urge to squirm under his bold gaze, she focused on his question. As much as she wanted to ask him about this mysterious Lion of Midnight, in some perverse way, she didn’t want to share him.
    “I think I’d like to start around Kievan Rus’ if that’s okay.”
    His eyes jumped up to her face, and she witnessed surprise and admiration in his gaze. “Most definitely.” He offered his arm, and she took it.
    Out of the corner of her eye, she watched him as they headed toward the big staircase. He looked even better than he had at the bakery if that were possible. The man was just flipping massive. And, the way his clothing hugged his body made her want nothing more than to strip them off of him and see if he looked as good without them, or better.
    Her pussy pulsed, reminding her that it’d been a lengthy time since a man had paid it any