Modern Romance Collection: January 2018 Books 1 -4. Dani Collins

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СКАЧАТЬ had nothing. He could never have supported you in the style you deserved.’

      Leave now, a silent voice urged...before you say something regrettable.

      Natalya rose to her feet, caught up her bag and walked to the cashier’s desk, produced a credit card, paid the bill, then she emerged onto the sidewalk, covered the three blocks to where she’d parked her car.

      Alexei was at the industrial plant, the rest of the afternoon was hers, and there was a need to occupy her mind and minimise any inclination to dwell on her father’s actions.

      She aimed the car remote, then slid in behind the wheel, had a flash of inspiration and delved into her bag for her smartphone. Minutes later she engaged the engine, eased out of the parking bay and headed towards fashionable Double Bay.

      A relaxing facial, some one-on-one time with Anja...what could be better?

      ‘Thanks for fitting me in,’ Natalya greeted with affection as she took her place in one of the beauty rooms.

      Bliss, absolute bliss to simply close her eyes and let every muscle in her body slowly relax as Anja worked her magic.

      ‘Are you going to update me? Over the past few days a number of regular clients have quizzed me if the rumours are true about you and Alexei.’

      ‘Which you refrained from providing.’ It was a statement of fact.

      ‘You know better.’

      Yes, she did. They’d shared much over the years, and maintained a mutual trust.

      Yet she hesitated...the sex with Alexei was great. Okay, fantastic. The question being what their future might hold. Or if they had a future.

      There were words left unsaid, and while she ached for the whole package...did Alexei want the same? Or would it be her fate to remain his PA with benefits?

      ‘Hello?’ Anja prompted. ‘Natalya to Planet Earth?’

      ‘There are issues,’ Natalya admitted, and glimpsed Anja’s faintly wry smile.

      ‘Resolve them. Anything less is a cop-out.’

      ‘What would you suggest?’ Natalya queried, sotto voce. ‘Grab Alexei by the scruff of his neck, pin him to the floor, and demand his intentions?’

      ‘That would be my modus operandi.’

      Natalya bit back a light laugh. ‘I’ll remind you of that when the love bug strikes.’

      ‘Not going to happen anytime soon.’

      ‘Famous last words.’

      ‘Keep your eyes closed,’ Anja ordered. ‘I’m not done yet.’ Firm hands created their own magic, and Natalya uttered a pleasurable sigh. ‘Something you’re not telling me?’

      ‘Nothing to tell.’

      Not yet, Natalya perceived. She could wait, and would, aware there was a time and a place, and now wasn’t it.

      * * *

      Natalya’s phone chirped with an incoming text as she entered her home.

      Dinner tonight. I’ll collect you at six. Alexei.

      She checked her watch, saw there was ample time in which to change, and then took a leisurely shower, towelled dry, stepped into her bedroom, and riffled through the contents of her wardrobe. Formal or semi-formal?

      The latter appeared a safe choice, and she selected a stylishly cut dress in emerald-green.

      Ear studs, a simple necklace, black heels, a black clutch with essentials, then she caught up a black wrap and she was good to go within minutes before the appointed time. On cue the security gate buzzer sounded and she crossed to the video link, identified Alexei and released the locking mechanism.

      He was waiting for her as she opened the front door, attired in casual trousers, open-necked shirt and casual jacket. Tall, ruggedly attractive... Her stomach flipped as heat flooded her body as she walked into his outstretched arms, lifted her face for his kiss and breathed him in, relishing the moment as his arms pulled her close.

      Nice. She could have stayed longer...resisting the urge to invite him in, suggest they forgo dinner, and eat later. Much later.

      Except he trailed his mouth to the sweet curve of her neck, savoured briefly, then took hold of her hands linked behind his neck and brought one to his lips.

      ‘Food,’ Alexei opined with a wicked smile, and led her to the sleek Aston Martin waiting kerbside.

      Natalya wondered which restaurant Alexei had chosen as he eased the luxury car into traffic. A boutique place in one of the suburbs, or city venue.

      Not a restaurant, she discovered as the car headed towards one of the elite northern suburbs where residences commanded multimillion-dollar prices, and were guarded by high-tech security.

      Alexei turned into a tree-lined street and slowed the car before a wide set of high black elaborately scrolled gates, beyond which stood a graceful two-level residence at the apex of a semi-circular driveway.

      Were they dining as guests at a private home?

      His home, appeared the correct answer, as he used a remote to open the gates and eased the car towards the front entrance.

      Immaculate lawns bearing some decorative sculpted shrubbery, and there were borders bearing a beautiful array of flowers lining the driveway.

      The front door opened as he disengaged the engine, and a middle-aged woman stood waiting to welcome them.

      ‘My housekeeper, Lisette,’ Alexei informed her quietly as he curved an arm across Natalya’s shoulders and drew her forward, effecting introductions.

      Together they entered a large circular foyer with a marble-tiled floor, showcasing a sweeping double staircase leading to an upper level.

      Lisette greeted Natalya with a pleasant smile before turning towards Alexei. ‘I expect you would enjoy a drink in the lounge. Dinner will be served at seven in the private dining room.’

      ‘Thanks, Lisette.’

      He turned towards one of four heavily panelled doors leading off from the lobby and led her into a spacious lounge, closed the door behind them, then pulled her close.

      What began as a gentle kiss soon became an evocative tasting as he explored her mouth, and she met and matched him, luxuriating in his touch as she lifted her arms to link each hand at his nape.

      Natalya’s entire body came alive, as the kiss moved up a few levels, where the urge to dispense with his clothes...and have him remove her own, became almost impossible to ignore.

      She wanted to slide the palms of her hands over his naked skin. Explore the tight muscles sculpting his body, admire the strength apparent, and savour every inch with her mouth as she drove him wild.

      Then welcome him into her body as they became lost СКАЧАТЬ