3. Lucia

3

LUCIA

I think I may just have the perfect way of loosening up my future husband-to-be.

"Okay, Mikhail . I'll marry you, on one condition." I pop the dessert spoon in my mouth and make sure to take my time licking it clean.

From the way Mikhail stiffens, I know he's imagining me licking other things, and I can't deny that it's a little thrilling.

He may be all dark and brooding, but that will change by the time I'm done with him.

"What condition?" He leans forward to rest his muscular forearms on the table.

"You have to complete a bucket list with me." I dip my spoon back into the creamy dessert.

"A bucket list?"

"Yes. A list of things I want to do before I get married. Just FYI, they are fun and recklessness, which will put you out of your comfort zone but might loosen you up a little."

Mikhail scoffs. " You can't be serious."

"I never joke about having fun." I lick my spoon once more.

Mikhail only shakes his head, a few strands of his dark hair falling in his eyes.

My fingers twitch to brush them away, to learn what it feels like to run them through the dark strands…

Fuck, what am I thinking?

I need to lay off the champagne.

"No. This isn't a fucking gameshow. This is an arranged marriage, which is going ahead whether you like it or not."

"You've made that perfectly clear." I scowl.

"Trust me, kisa , I'm about as happy as you are about this arrangement."

"Fine." I shrug. "I guess I'll just have to tell my father that you're refusing to marry me because I asked you to do one little thing for me. I'm sure he won't be pleased to learn you're backing out of the deal you've made…"

"Fine, go ahead. This deal is not my family's idea, it's your father's. I'll let him know how you are unwilling to go though it and are making unreasonable demands. Shall we see who he'll be madder at?"

"But I'm not refusing. I already said yes. You are the one saying no. Besides, Papa always takes my side. Wanna call my bluff?"

I can practically see the wheels turning in Mikhail's brain as he tries to weigh his options. "Fine. But we're limiting this… list to one day."

I can't stop the smile from tugging at my lips as I get to my feet.

His eyes widen as I reach across the table for his hand.

"I think you're going to want a little preview."

"Lucia… "

The way he practically growls my name sends a shiver running down my spine.

"You made a deal with my father, Mikhail. If you want to make sure this goes ahead, I suggest you get your ass out of the chair."

Mikhail's nostrils flare, but he does as I ask.

My breath catches as he gets to his feet, and I can take in his full height.

Even in my ridiculous heels, he still towers over me, putting my eyes at the perfect level to admire the small amount of chest that peaks beneath the collar of his shirt.

"I hope you brought your car because we're going on a little road trip."

So far, Mikhail has quiet as he drives his ridiculously obnoxious G Wagon out of the city toward Coney Island bay.

I shoot my cousin a text to let her know that I won't be making it to the club tonight. I know she'll be pissed but when she learns the reason behind my bailing on her, she'll forgive me.

After almost an entire bottle of champagne to myself, I'm suitably buzzed. I manage to link my phone up to the car and start blasting some of my favorite tunes through the speakers, much to Mikhail's annoyance.

He might not say much, but that jaw of his certainly speaks volumes. It hasn't stopped flexing as he keeps his eyes fixed firmly on the road ahead.

Let's see if I can change that…

He parks as close to the sand as possible.

"You wanted to see the beach?" he asks, killing the engine.

"Not exactly…" I slip off my heels.

It's almost midnight, and the beach is completely deserted, which is perfect for what I have planned.

"Then why are we here."

"I thought we could go for a little late night swim."

"Are you kidding me? Absolutely not."

"I told you, Mikhail Koslov. I never joke about having fun." I open my door and sliding out of the car.

By the time Mikhail has caught up to me, I'm already halfway down the beach.

It's late February, which means the air is freezing, but the alcohol is helping me keep warm.

I squeal at the feeling of the sand between my toes and the cold air whipping my hair out behind me as I run.

"Lucia!" Mikhail yells, but I'm not listening.

I'm having fun .

As I reach the water's edge, I stop and begin to shimmy out of my dress.

It's skin tight, and I struggle to pull it down over my boobs but eventually, it falls to the ground, leaving me in nothing but a pair of black, lace panties.

Glancing over my shoulder, I spot Mikhail frozen a few meters away, his eyes fixed on my backside.

I guess I could give him a show…

Dipping my fingers into the waistband, I carefully pull the delicate lace over my ass, bending over just enough to give him a perfect view, before letting them fall around my ankles.

"Come on!" I call behind me as I grab hold of my breasts and run into the water, hissing through my teeth at how cold it is.

My skin instantly pimples, my nipples hardening beneath my palms, but not entirely from the cold.

Mikhail's eyes burn my skin, and I'm curious to know if he'll let his guard down enough to join me in the water.

Turning around, I drop my hands to my sides to show off my breasts.

Despite my petite frame, I was blessed with curves I know drive men wild. Men that include Mikhail Koslov, it seems.

From the way his eyes darken as they linger on my breasts, I know I'll have him in the palm of my hands soon enough.

"Well? Are you going to join me?" I wiggle just enough to make my breasts bounce.

That seems to snap Mikhail out of the lust-induced trance I've put him in as he begins to undo the buttons of his shirt.

I can't tear my eyes away as he shrugs out of the black material and begins to undo his belt.

My gaze roams over his broad chest, admiring the intricate tattoos that cover most of his skin as well as the rippling muscles that disappear down into the waistband of his pants.

By the time he's standing in just his boxers, I'm suitably aroused, which was not part of my plan. But then again, who am I to ever stick to a plan?

I thrive on spontaneity.

Mikhail goes to take a step into the water, but I hold up a hand to stop him.

"Those have to go too." I point to his boxers, fighting a smile as Mikhail scowls. "Unless of course you have something to be embarrassed about…"

My eyes flick to the bulge in his pants, and I try not to squeeze my thighs together.

"Trust me, kisa , I have nothing to be embarrassed about." He dips his fingers into the waistband of his boxers.

I sink my teeth into my lip as I watch him pull the material down his very muscular, very tattooed thighs. I bite back a moan once he straightens, giving me a full view of his impressive cock.

It's not even hard, and it's still so thick and glorious that I'm practically panting with the need to touch it, lick it, sink down onto it?—

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all…

From the outside, Mikhail Koslov appears to be the full package. He's tall, dark, and sexy as hell. Add to the fact that he's very well equipped, I could easily see myself having a good time with him.

It's just a shame about his personality and the fact that I'm being forced to marry him.

"Fuck, it's cold," he grumbles, wrapping his thick arms around his body as he steps into the water. "If this is your idea of fun, then you're insane."

"Oh, man up, Koslov." I dip my hand into the water and send up a huge splash.

He curses, jumping back and almost losing his footing.

I double over with laughter, though it soon turns into a squeal as his strong arms are around my body, lifting me into the air.

"Mikhail!" I cry.

"I'm plenty man enough," he growls in my ear.

Before I have a chance to retort, he launches me into the water .

I scramble to the surface, coughing and spluttering as I try to catch my breath. Though a deep, rumbling chuckle has me pausing.

I push the hair out of my eyes and look over at Mikhail, who is now waist high in the water.

Oh, my god. Is he smiling?

"You're right, that was fun."

"You're an ass." I scowl as my wet hair clings to my body.

His lips quirk up at the edges as he trudges through the water toward me.

"And you're a tease…" His eyes flick down to my very exposed breasts.

"Oh, cucciolo , this is nothing." I cup my breasts.

I keep my eyes locked on Mikhail as I run my thumbs back and forth over my pebbled nipples, letting out a soft moan at the sensation.

They're insanely sensitive, and the thought of Mikhail dipping his head down to take one hard bud into his mouth has me moaning even louder.

This is definitely the champagne talking.

Mikhail's throat bobs, and it's clear he's desperately trying to keep his eyes on my face as I knead my breasts.

"At least you are capable of having some fun," I murmur, dropping a hand so I can run a fingernail up his chiseled abdomen.

He tenses beneath my touch, and I smirk, taking a step closer.

"How much fun, though, is still to be determined." I arch my back, letting my hard nipples graze against his chest.

He hisses, his hands moving to my waist to hold me still as I rub myself against his chest .

"Lucia," he growls.

"Mmm…" I let my head fall back as I let myself indulge in the feeling of his strong body pressed up against me. "Having fun yet?" I arch my hips and I gasp as his cock brushes against my lower belly.

"You tell me," he murmurs, sinking his fingers into my hips.

If my father knew that setting me up on a blind date with my future husband would end with me rubbing my naked body up against his in the sea in the middle of winter, he would never have agreed to such a deal.

Which is exactly why I'm doing it.

"I hope you're not letting me lead you astray…" I whisper, looking up at Mikhail's beautiful face underneath my lashes.

"Never."

"Sure about that?" I wiggle against him.

"One thing you should know about me, kisa , is that I never relinquish control." His fingers dig even harder into my waist.

"Even in the bedroom?" My eyes widen.

" Especially in the bedroom."

My breath catches at the intensity in his dark eyes as he stares down at me, his mouth inches from mine.

I can't stop myself from picturing what it would be like to have Mikhail take me right here, right now.

There would be nothing gentle about it. It would be brutal and rough and so mind blowing that I would be completely at his mercy.

And I can't have that.

"It seems like you need to have some fun on your own." I push out of his grip .

My heartbeat pounds in my ears as I wade through the water toward the shore where I start to gather my things.

When I turn around, Mikhail's standing frozen with the water, his eyes so hooded that I almost crawl back in just to feel the evidence of that desire pressed up against me once more.

But where would be the fun in giving in now?

"I'll be at your place bright and early tomorrow, ready for our day of fun!" I call out before gathering up his clothes and running back to the car.

I'm breathless by the time I reach the G Wagon, but I don't have time to waste. Ignoring Mikhail's demands for me to come back, I slide into the driver's seat and turn on the engine, my naked body dripping water all over the immaculate interior.

I quickly shrug on Mikhail's black shirt, not bothering with the buttons, as I pull out of the parking lot and begin the drive back toward my family home in the city.

I only hope I don't get pulled over…

By the time I'm pulling into the underground parking garage of my building, I've dried off enough to pull my dress back on.

My father is no doubt waiting up for me, and the last thing I need is for him to catch me wearing Mikhail's shirt.

"It's late," my father states as I stroll into the main living area of our Tribeca penthouse.

He's sitting on the couch with a stack of papers on his lap and a glass of scotch in his hand.

No matter the time, my father will always be found wearing his signature three-piece suit that is always custom made to fit his muscular build.

Massimo Conti is an intimidating man, but I've got him wrapped around my little finger.

At least, I thought I did.

"Dinner must have gone well." His eyes narrow as they take in my wet hair and the heels that I carry in my right hand. "Why is your hair wet?"

I shrug, feigning innocence.

"I felt like a swim."

"At this hour?"

"I'm going to bed." I pad across the plush carpet toward the stairs.

"I want to hear about your dinner."

I only offer him a wave over my shoulder before disappearing up the stairs. "Goodnight, Papa!"

My father very generously gave me the entire third floor of our penthouse, which means not only do I have my own private lounge and kitchen area, but I also have access to the rooftop terrace and infinity pool.

All things I will be giving up if I refuse to marry Mikhail Koslov.

The thought makes me bristle.

Tossing the keys to Mikhail's G Wagon on my bedside table, I head into my bathroom to wash off the evening. I can still feel the phantom heat of Mikhail's hands on my waist, and my nipples instantly tighten as I picture the desire in his eyes.

"We're going to have so much fun." I chuckle under my breath.

As I climb into bed, the excitement from my little excursion with Mikhail fades, leaving me with a tight feeling in my chest .

The only reason my father is doing this is because he believes I can't take care of myself, and that thought stings.

My father loves me, but it's no secret that his business is his number one priority. He's shown that tonight by betrothing me to Mikhail.

So, I have to be the one to put myself first, to make sure that I can look after myself no matter what.

Though, part of me wonders if Mikhail Koslov might finally be the one to change that. Or if, like everyone else in my life, he'll run once he learns the real me.