33. Nat

The way Max is handling me with kid gloves makes me feel a little stupid. Perhaps I overreacted when he said I couldn't leave. OK… so I know I did.

I can't help it. My wiring is all messed up after Rick, and I over-analyze everything, looking for meanings where there are none. Just in case I miss a tiny red flag that proves Max is another abuser.

So far, he's done nothing but treat me with respect. He rescued me from a difficult situation a year ago and has continued to be there for me. And let's not forget the orgasms.

My vagina certainly hasn't. She's still in a sex coma.

Not that it stops me from drooling when a half-naked Max sidles closer and slips his arm around my waist. He smells delicious. Man and musk, with a side of citrus and coffee. I swear to God I'm now officially a sex addict. Despite the fact my vagina is officially ruined for the foreseeable future, I can't help but ogle him like a thirsty bitch.

And of course he notices. The asshole smirks and leads me like a little lamb over to the kitchen.

While I sit on a stool, wishing I had a comb or something to sort my hair out, Max makes us pancakes and coffee. I'm amazed at how domesticated he is. Unlike me, he can actually cook and the food he makes is edible.

I didn't realize I was hungry until he placed a stack of pancakes in front of me and watched with a smile while I inhaled three of them in quick succession.

I'm about to take a fourth but stop myself at the last minute. Carbs are bad for me. I struggle with my weight at the best of times, and although sex is a workout to rival no other, I can't afford to keep stuffing my face.

"Have one more," Max says while grabbing another for himself.

"No, I shouldn't." He frowns.

"Why not?"

Fuck, I should have known he'd ask why. The guy can probably eat a fucking cow and not gain an ounce of fat but me? Hmm. Thanks to my Italian genes, I am not blessed with a slim, svelte figure.

"Because…" I hedge, drink the last of my coffee, and consider a second cup. I have a shit ton to do today, so additional caffeine is needed for sure.

"Natalya," he purrs as he slides off his chair and stalks around the table toward me. "Your curves are sexy as hell." From the way his eyes light up when my dress parts at the front, I know he's not lying. But it doesn't stop the gremlins in my head shouting obscenities.

"I thought men preferred slim women." At least that's the impression I get when I scroll social media, and also on nights out, where I'm usually overlooked in favor of my beautiful, slender friends.

He shrugs dismissively. "I'm sure some guys do," he admits. "However, my type is you." I try not to blush when he steps into my personal space and cups my face. "You're perfect for me, so do not ever refuse food that you want to eat because of some misguided belief I won't want you if you gain a few pounds. Trust me, I will." I feel his gaze on me, warm and serious. "Do you believe me?"

Strangely, I do. Maybe it's because I can feel him hard and insistent against my thigh, but mostly it's because his eyes are full of sincerity.

"Yes."

"Good. Now eat another fucking pancake if you want one." He drops a kiss on my lips before stepping back. "I'm going for a quick shower and then we can do anything you want. I'm all yours for the day."

My brows shoot up. I assumed he was taking me home and then disappearing to do whatever busy ‘import/export/hotel owners' do.

The whole hotel ownership thing was one of the more interesting things he let slip last night while we chatted over dinner. The fact he owns several hotels, one of which is the best and most luxurious hotel in the city, came as something of a surprise. Kind of.

I mean, it is obvious he's wealthy. The apartment we're currently in is prime real estate and I know these units sell for millions. I had assumed his wealth was acquired by less conventional means, but it looks like I was wrong.

Which I'm pleased about. It still doesn't explain how he dealt with the guy who harassed me in the park, but for now, I'm refusing to look too closely at what happened that night.