I tap on the hood of the car and turn to walk back inside when Sloane steps next to me. “I think you should help Max,” she tells me with tenderness.
Opening the door for her, I nod. “You can’t force someone to take help they don’t want.”
She lets out a huff of air. “I know, but he’s changing, and not for the better.”
I walk down the steps from the foyer that lead into the living room. “Max is smart. He knows what he’s doing.” I try to reassure her as much as I can, but when Sloane cares for someone, she will dig. I’m not even sure how she and Max were able to connect, but I kind of admire her for it.
Max can be a difficult person to care for since he’s so disconnected from reality, and Sloane is exactly who he needs.
“Kroshka,” I call for her just as she’s about to walk up the stairs.
Turning back around, her eyes slowly find mine, and the second they do . . . I crumble. I could stare at her for hours on end and never tire of her beauty.
God, I want to hold her.
She steps toward me with a pained smile. A smile that begs to be kissed. I would do so much for that smile.
Her hair is in a tight bun, the kind ballerinas wear. Her button nose is covered with freckles. Her dress is white linen. Everything about her is heaven.
I cup my hands around her face. Her hand falls to the back of my head, and she runs her fingers through my hair in the way only she can.
Her arms wrap around my shoulders, and she places her lips on mine. Her kiss is eager, begging more of me. My arms wrap around the small of her back, pulling her close to me. Then I lift her by her legs and move her onto the counter. I tug her hair out of the bun and watch it fall over her body.
I’ve never seen anything more stunning than her.
She pulls me into her by the collar of my shirt and unbuttons it slowly. As eager as I am, I want her to take her time. I want to absorb every second she gives me because I’ll never get enough of her. “You’re not good for me,” she tells me, though I know it’s a lie.
“You’re not good for me either, but guess what, Koldunya?” I whisper in her ear. “We’re a match made in hell.”
Sloane’s kisses are deadly. They hurt me in the best possible way. Nothing in this world could ever compare to her.
“Ya lublyu tebya,” I whisper in her ear. I love you.
Her body stills in my arms, and I swear I feel her heart begin to race. “How long will your love last?” she asks.
I hesitate at her question, but only for a moment. “Until long after my last breath.”
She looks deep into my eyes. “Ya tebya tozhe lublyu,” she finally admits. I love you too.
I grab onto her waist and lead her into the living room. “Right there,” I say and point to the corner of the room. “That is where your bookshelves will go.” I turn her body toward the kitchen. “That is where you’ll dance your heart out cooking to classics. Or it’s where you’ll brew your potions—hell if I know.”
She turns around laughing and slaps me on the arm. I wrap my arms around her waist and place my chin on top of her head.
“I’m not a witch.”
Sounds like something a witch would say.
I smile as I turn her toward the fireplace. “This is where you’ll watch all your favorite movies while I rub your back.”
She moves her hands to grip mine. I hover my lips above her neck. She melts into my touch as she moves her head to the side, welcoming my kiss.
I smile and turn her toward the stairs. “Up there is where you’ll lie with me each night. It’s where you’ll help me decorate a nursery when the time comes.”
She lets go and turns to me. Her eyes bore into mine, challenging me.
“Don’t say anything,” I beg. I don’t need her mouth to ruin the one moment I’m trying to be a romantic. I know she’d call me out for even bringing up the idea of having children, and she can save it because I don’t want to hear it.
She tries to wrap her arms around my neck, but I stop her. She’s an eager one. Holding her face in my hands, I brush her skin.
“And right here is where you bring me to my knees and I ask you to love me forever.” I grab onto her hand and kneel to the ground. The look on her face is priceless. It means everything to me and more.
“Mikhail,” she starts.
Her love chains me down in the best way possible. I never thought love could have different meanings, but it does. The love I have for Sloane is the kind I’d burn the entire fucking world for.
The simple look in her eyes could bring me to my knees.
“I’ve never had anyone to call home before. You are my home,” I say. “Take my name. Take all my time. Take my heart in your hands. Take me as your husband.”
She drops to the floor and holds onto my hands, wiping away the tears before she places her forehead against mine. “You and me?”
I nod. “You and me, Koldunya.”
