Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 76915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
The monitor on my dresser was playing video from her room earlier in the day. I frowned when I saw her rubbing her feet. She was standing most of the day, I thought for the first time. But I couldn’t very well ask her to sit down, now, could I?
I sent a rapid-fire stream of instructions to Linski regarding my new maid and her shoes. Then I fast forwarded through the feed, checking the music room out, even though I knew very well she had not had time to play today. Not yet.
I wondered if I would ever convince her to play her violin for me. I was sure I would get her into my bed, eventually. But to play for me? That I was not sure about.
Perhaps… After I had lured her to my bed. That part was inevitable. She cared for me already. At least a little. The water had proven that.
I simply wondered how long it would take. She was not going to be an easy conquest. That much was obvious.
I had a feeling little Mishka was going to lead me on a merry chase.
I frowned at my reflection. Once again, unfamiliar feelings were welling up inside me. An urge to pamper and protect the girl was building moment by moment.
Not just for a week, or even a month, which was far longer than my record with any one woman. I was starting to want little Mishka forever. And I had not even bedded her.
I could tell she was a virgin, or close to one. It wasn’t a requirement, but the thought of being the one to initiate her was wildly exciting, tender, and honestly beyond anything I had ever hoped or wished for.
This girl was already opening up a world to me. It was shocking. I was world travelled and experienced. And yet with her, everything felt new. Everything with her was a ‘first’. I wasn’t sure I liked it.
I rubbed my face, thinking again about how she had poured me water. It had been nurturing and tender, even with the carefully disguised arch look on her face. She had tried to challenge me, but she couldn’t hide her softness completely.
I couldn’t help but admire her in so many ways. Surprising ways. I had never admired backbone in a woman before. In the past, it would have been merely inconvenient to pursue a reticent woman. I had never encountered one before, but I doubted I would even bother. I would have walked away with a shrug.
Instead with little Mishka, I found it challenging, infuriating, and stimulating, all at once.
I knew she had a healthy fear towards me and my power, I had no idea if she respected me as a man. Admired me. Wanted me.
For some reason, I was worried that she did not. Might not ever feel that way about me. It was the strangest feeling. I wanted to prove myself to her. I wanted to impress her. Not simply with my wealth or power. I wanted her to be impressed by me. My accomplishments. My intelligence. My business acumen.
I had never had to seduce a woman before. It simply happened, not unlike breathing. I had never before met a woman who could resist my charms, I reminded myself. From little girls to grannies and from Duchesses to hotel maids. All I had to do was snap my fingers and they came running.
Hell, all I had to do was glance their way and they fell in love.
But this one shockingly beautiful, incredibly talented, brave, intelligent, nurturing, loving, and innocent girl, somehow was not simply resisting me, she seemed completely immune to me as well. Perhaps even repelled.
Except for that glass of water…
I smiled slightly. It was something. It meant something, other than her disapproval for my lifestyle choices. I had to admit, that disapproval was valid. She was right to wonder about the sheer volume of my vodka consumption. I had been drinking even more the past few weeks, merely to numb my intense reaction to her nearness.
Perhaps I would slow down a bit. Enjoy some wine with dinner instead of vodka. Invite her to join me for a glass after the meal… perhaps over a game of chess?
I smiled wider this time, messaging Linski again. I had plans for my little maid this evening. Oh yes, I did.
I glanced at my watch and wandered downstairs to the billiard room for a drink and a quick game before the evening meal, and the games, began.
Chapter 12
Mishka
Iswallowed a sigh. As usual, I was tired by the end of the day. I woke early every day, intending to practice, but never seemed to find time unless I was given the afternoon off.
Dinner was progressing as ‘usual’, as if there was anything usual about this situation. Anton ate a sumptuous meal. I scurried around clearing his plates and tending to his needs. He did not lift a finger, other than one holding a fork or a wine glass.