Chapter 51: Konstantin

KONSTANTIN WAS SURPRISED HE'D managed to get this far without sweat pouring off him. He'd faced down board meetings and other high-powered executives alongside congress men and women who had nothing on Haley.

Part of him wanted to take those words back, but only a small part that feared Haley leaving. He knew full well that she could feel differently. In fact, he fully expected her to pat him on the head and say it wasn't that serious for her.

Instead she stared at him with eyes gone round.

Had he sprouted a second head? Or had she come so hard her brains were scrambled?

He liked to think he was good at pleasing women, but he didn't think he was that good.

"I, um... You?" She opened and closed her mouth.

He wasn't sure he'd ever seen her at a loss for words.

"Yeah?" He tucked her hair behind her ear and leaned in a tiny bit.

She didn't shy away from him.

He kissed her lips, the corner of her mouth. She shoved a hand into his hair. He was beginning to crave that.

Hal