“What about when I’m f*****g you?” he says, not loud enough for someone nearby to hear, but smooth and quiet enough that I catch every word. My lips snap shut as another squeal threatens. “Tell me,” he presses, smiling now. “Do you love it?” I nod, fast. Too fast. I might snap my neck. God, I want to stop talking about this. And I want to keep going. I’m a mess, needy, overwhelmed, confused. Why does a man whose name I barely know make me feel like this? “Let’s stop,” I say in a breathy rush. “It’s not enough. I don’t even know who you are.” “Don’t worry,” Aleksei says, cool as ever. “When we get married tomorrow, you’ll learn about me.” I blink. “Tomorrow? Why the hurry?” I laugh, trying to shake off the tension. “Don’t tell me it’s some inheritance drama, you have to marry a woman

