Two
931 Words
Alexei's breath tickled Anya's face as he chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver down her spine. She bit her lip, and he groaned softly, his eyes darkening.
Am I seriously turned on right now? What is wrong with me?
"I think you enjoy when I tease you," he said, his voice a low, husky murmur.
"You don't know anything about me," Anya snapped, trying to regain her composure, but her pulse quickened.
His eyes scanned her face, lingering on her lips, now slightly parted. Oh my god, he's going to kiss me! He leaned closer, his lips so near she could almost taste their warmth. Her breath hitched.
So close. So tempting.
"I know you know what you want, Anya. Say the words, dorogaya. Tell me what you need from me." His voice was a low growl.
You've known him for five minutes! He's an ass... don't fall for it!
"Kiss me," she whispered, her voice barely audible, a mix of defiance and desire.
Alexei let out a slow, exaggerated breath, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's so tempting, believe me."
Anya moaned softly as he grazed his fingers down her face and neck, then lightly wrapped his hand around her throat, his thumb gently caressing her jawline.
"I don't think you'd be able to handle it. You're a good girl," he said, stepping away and shaking his head with a chuckle, a predatory gleam in his eyes.
Anya took a moment to compose herself, shooting daggers at the restroom door, then smoothed her shirt, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Holy s**t. He almost kissed me. And I wanted him to... She pressed a hand to her forehead, feeling the heat in her cheeks. No more drinks for me. I need a clear head around him.
As she walked back to the table, she debated whether to excuse herself or endure the rest of the meal. Just get through one dinner. That's all.
As if on cue, her stomach growled. She sat down and scanned the menu. The waitress returned, but Dmitri sent her away, saying they'd wait for Alexei. After fifteen minutes, Dmitri sighed and pulled out his phone.
"Alexei, we're waiting for you. Are you almost done?"
Anya glanced at her mother, her pulse quickening.
"What do you mean, you left? You're being ridiculous, Alexei. Get your ass back here. No, I—I'm not gonna deal with this. This isn't over."
Dmitri hung up, angrily shoving his phone into his pocket. He clapped his hands together and turned to them. "I apologize. Alexei left. Probably for the best. He was being a jackass."
"I'm sorry, dorogoi," her mother said, trying to reassure him.
"Don't worry about it. Let's just enjoy lunch," Dmitri said, changing the subject.
I can't believe he pulled a disappearing act. Guess he beat me to it.
The next day, Yulia and Anya helped her mother and Dmitri move boxes into the house. Anya was relieved Alexei was gone, but annoyed she had to move his belongings into his room. She grumbled to Yulia.
"As much as I love his absence... why the hell is it my job to move his stuff?"
Yulia snickered, clutching a few pillows. "Well, if I've learned anything from my brothers, boys are lazy."
"You're telling me," Anya muttered.
As they neared the top of the stairs, her mother called from below. "No, Anya, his stuff goes in the basement bedroom!"
Anya stopped, turning around, anger filling her. She's giving him MY room! "Wait! He's getting my room?"
Her mother laughed and shook her head. "No, we're turning the guest bedroom into his room."
You've got to be kidding me... his bedroom is going to be right next to mine? What did I do to deserve this? She ignored the unwanted flutter of excitement and groaned. Nodding to Yulia, they headed to the basement.
"Why isn't he getting my old bedroom?" Anya asked her mother.
"Dmitri thought it'd be a good idea to turn that into my art room. It gets the most light. The basement isn't ideal for painting landscapes."
"Mama, please don't make me room next to him," Anya pleaded.
"Anya, don't whine. You're eighteen. You're practically an adult. It's not like you have to see him all the time. I just want you to try and get along for Dmitri and my sake."
"Fine. I can do that." Who knows? Maybe it'll be easier than I think.
Reaching the basement guest bedroom, Anya dumped his boxes on the floor. Yulia scoffed, grinning as she tossed pillows onto the bed.
"Well, I can tell how much you like him," she giggled.
"Oh yeah... so f*****g much," Anya said sarcastically.
Unaware that Alexei was listening, she clenched her jaw when she heard his voice. "Feelings mutual, Anya."
"Don't f*****g call me that."
Alexei grinned, clearly enjoying her reaction. He looked at Yulia and bit his lip, stepping into the room and offering her his hand. "I don't believe we've met. Oh, no. I'm sure we haven't, because I would've remembered."
Anya scoffed, unimpressed. Wow... talk about cocky. He loves getting me pissed off. Attention w***e.
"Uh... yeah, I'm Anya's best friend, Yulia," Yulia said, shaking his hand and blushing. Ew. Please, God, don't fall for this.
"Since you're here now, Alexei, how about you carry your own shit..."
Alexei frowned at the use of his name. He crossed his arms. "Hm... I'm having too much fun watching you carry it."
Anya glanced at the pillows on the floor. I should f*****g throw them at him.
- Writer
