06• “You want a little freedom… a little desire…”

HARPER PETROVSKY

Any attempt I make to form a coherent thought disappears the moment Dmitri’s lips brush slowly, softly against my neck. Every touch of his is calculated, as if he knows exactly what effect he’s having on me. He seems to inhale my scent, sliding toward my earlobe, where the heat of his breath against my skin sends a strange sensation down my thighs.

I can hear the soft click of his tongue, like he’s running it over his lips—a sound that sends a shiver down my spine. That simple act stirs something unfamiliar in my stomach, a mix of anticipation and tension, as though my body is waiting for his next move.

He brushes my hair to the side, the tips of his fingers trailing over my neck, his hand warm against my chilled skin. The sensation is intense, almost electric, and I realize I’ve been holding my breath without even noticing.

Then Dmitri exhales against my neck, the warmth of his breath touching my most sensitive skin, and my entire body trembles. The heat rolling off him is nearly overwhelming, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in it.

His lips move gently along the curve of my neck, each touch sending waves of heat through me. My mind begins to blur, all rational thoughts fading as his closeness consumes me.

“You’ve become so beautiful, Kiska…” Dmitri murmurs, his voice low, almost a whisper—but full of an intensity that leaves me dizzy. “Wanna get out of here?”

His question catches me off guard, snapping me back to reality with a jolt. I glance around, spotting Alexander across the room—standing, on the phone, distant and seemingly unaware of what’s happening. I hadn’t even heard it ring. I was losing myself, letting Dmitri take me somewhere unfamiliar, somewhere that seemed to stir every nerve in my body.

“I…” My voice comes out shaky, and I realize my hands are gripping my jacket tighter than I intended. I slowly release the fabric, trying to collect myself, trying to ignore the storm he’s stirring inside me.

But Dmitri doesn’t make it easy. He pulls our bodies closer, his hand firm on my waist, guiding me into him with a swift motion—and suddenly, I feel the unmistakable pressure of his growing arousal against me.

My eyes widen, surprised by the boldness of what I’m feeling. The heat he radiates is intense, sending a ripple of shock through me. My heart races, stealing my breath.

“Dmitri…” I try to speak, but the words fall away. My mind struggles to make sense of what I’m feeling. His touch is gentle, but insistent, pressing me against him. I bite my lip, confused and curious, unable to understand why he’s pushing the limits of my control.

He senses my reaction, and I hear the subtle sound of his smug smile close to my ear. He leans in even more, his heat enveloping me.

“You feel that, Harper?” Dmitri murmurs, voice husky, almost like a restrained moan.

His closeness leaves me breathless, and as much as I want to resist, I can’t deny the desire bubbling inside me. Everything about him makes me want more, even if I don’t know what “more” means yet. My mind screams for me to pull away—but my body responds in ways I can’t control.

Just as I’m about to say something, a deep voice breaks through the moment. The air shifts instantly, and I look toward the sound, heart hammering—only to meet Alexander’s intense gaze. He slips his phone into his pocket, shaking his head slowly, his eyes locked on us.

“Get off his lap, Harper,” Alexander commands, his voice firm and authoritative.

My body reacts before my mind can fully process what just happened. The heat still lingers between us, but Alexander’s look of disapproval is unmistakable.

I slowly pull away from Dmitri, my hands pressing against his chest—something I hadn’t even realized I was doing. I feel the firmness of his muscles under the fabric. It’s strange how much my body hesitates, like part of me doesn’t want to leave his touch so quickly. But Alexander’s voice drags me back to reality.

“Harper,” he repeats, the steel in his tone making me tremble slightly. My heart still pounding, I rise quickly from Dmitri’s lap, my mind still spinning, still feeling the ghost of Dmitri’s touch on my skin.

Dmitri doesn’t move. His eyes gleam as he watches me—calm, composed, amused. He knows exactly what he did. He knows the effect he had on me. A playful smile tugs at his lips as he shifts his gaze to Alexander.

“What’s the matter, little brother? Afraid I’ll ruin your plans?” Dmitri teases, his voice dripping with charm and mischief, like he knows exactly what he’s doing.

Alexander takes a step toward us, his eyes locked on me—though the tension in his stance is clearly aimed at Dmitri. There’s something in Alexander’s gaze that sends a chill through my stomach—something I can’t quite decipher, but it makes me nervous.

“Afraid?” Alexander repeats, raising an eyebrow. His voice is cold, controlled—but there’s a sharp edge beneath it—contempt, maybe, or even threat. “You really think I’m capable of feeling that, dear brother?”

Dmitri’s smile widens, and he leans back slightly on the couch, as if thoroughly entertained by the situation.

“Of course not. But… you know how things tend to spiral when what we want is on the line.”

His gaze shifts from Alexander to me, the flicker of mischief in his eyes still burning, full of unspoken promises.

Alexander doesn’t answer immediately. There’s a growing tension in his stance, like he’s holding something back. His eyes find mine again, as if he’s assessing me. I feel my whole body pulse with unease—still caught between what just happened and what their words imply.

“Don’t mistake boldness for control, Dmitri,” Alexander finally says, his voice low. “I’m always in control.”

My eyes move between them, clearly lost in the middle of something I never asked for—and exactly what I’d hoped to avoid. It’s obvious now: they both have their own intentions when it comes to me.

“Relax, Alexander. I was just playing with our kiska.” Dmitri shoots one last look my way, giving me a quick wink as he lounges back into the couch again. “But she knows she can come back anytime she wants.”

He licks his lips, his eyes sweeping over me quickly before turning back to his brother.

They’re both watching me—but not in a casual way. There’s something more behind their eyes, something I haven’t uncovered yet. Alexander narrows his eyes at me.

“If you’re not careful, Harper, you’ll end up getting in too deep.”

And he doesn’t just mean with Dmitri. That much is becoming clearer by the second.

Dmitri lets out a soft laugh, shaking his head.

“Too deep?” he repeats mockingly. “Maybe that’s exactly what she needs, Alexander. To finally step out of the reins she’s lived under.”

He stands, eyes locked on mine, that intensity making me want to look away—but I can’t.

“You want that, don’t you, Kiska?”

Dmitri closes the distance between us, circling my body, moving behind me. His fingers brush my hair aside, exposing my neck. He exhales against my skin, sending a sudden shiver down my spine.

“You want a little freedom… a little desire…” he murmurs, grazing his teeth over my earlobe, making my head tilt involuntarily as a strange sensation pulses low between my legs.