Sergei POV Scene - First "I Love You"

I've been working my way through LIFE ON THE EDGE and thinking about all the moments that I want to explore from Sergei's POV, and I knew from the beginning that this was one of them. As always, if you haven't read the book and don't want to be spoiled, then you'll want to stop here... and pick up a copy of the book ;) For those familiar with the story, I'll set up the scene below :)

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This scene takes place in Tokyo after Sergei leaves the nightclub. He and Emily had just done some discreet flirting and had agreed to meet in his hotel room. This was an important night in their relationship. I hope you enjoy the scene!!

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The large Japanese bouncer bobbed his head at me as I exited the nightclub, and I gave him an enthusiastic nod in return. Dashing through the light rain, I raced across the street and through the glass doors of the hotel, hoping I wouldn’t be stopped by any coach or official looking to schmooze. I couldn’t think about anything except Emily and the fact that she would be in my room in a few minutes.

Once in the elevator I inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. I’d thought about this night so many times, but I hadn’t planned on it happening now. I wasn’t expecting to see Emily at the club, but there’d she’d been, looking so gorgeous it had physically hurt not to touch her. When she’d been on the dance floor, my eyes had followed every tantalizing movement of her body. I wasn’t much of a dancer, but I would’ve given anything to be out there with her, feeling the sway of her hips against mine.

The elevator opened, and I hurried down the hall and swiped my key in the door. I turned on the desk lamp for just a bit of light and then shut the curtains on the rainy night. Emily had hung out in my hotel room in Salt Lake City, but I’d sensed she wanted to take things slow. The vibe tonight had felt different, though. There’d been so much heat between us that the sweltering temperature in the club hadn’t been the only thing making me sweat.

I paced between the bed and the dresser, buzzing with anticipation. It had been a long time… a very long time… since I’d been with a woman, but I couldn’t rush this. Emily hadn’t dated much, so this would probably be her first time. I wanted to do this right and show her how much she meant to me, how deeply I felt for her. I had to take care of her and give her everything she needed and deserved.

Take care of her, I thought and touched my back pocket. Pulling out my wallet, I checked to make sure I had protection. I would never be careless again. Shoving away thoughts of the past, I put the wallet on the nightstand and resumed pacing.

A swift knock came from the door, and I took another long breath. Get a grip… don’t rush it…

I opened the door, and Emily stared back at me with expectation in her big blue eyes. A surge of desire crashed over me, wiping out all thought. I swallowed Emily in my arms and pressed my mouth to hers.

She squeezed my biceps hard as I led her further inside and deepened our kiss. Raging need clenched my whole body, but I forced myself to pull back and take a breath. Sweeping Emily’s hair from her shoulder, I gently placed my lips on the curve of her neck. Her skin was sweeter than anything I’d ever tasted, softer than anything I’d ever touched. She was going to feel so incredible bare against me.

I lifted my head and brushed her lips with mine. “I want you so much.”

Her nails dug into my arms, and I tightened my hold on her. As we fell into another long, hot kiss, I slipped my hands under her blouse and around her waist. Inching upward, my fingertips caressed her silky skin. I wanted to touch her like this everywhere. Her breathing came quicker, and I brought my hands up to hers, entwining our fingers. Never breaking our kiss, I turned us slowly toward the bed.

“Sergei, I’m…” Emily said breathlessly. “I’ve never…”

I kissed her tenderly. “We can take it slow.”

She gazed at me with conflict clouding her face. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”

Disappointment doused the fire inside me, and I took a small step back to give my body space to untighten. I should’ve been more patient. She needs more time.

I reached out and combed my hand through her hair. “It’s okay if you’re not ready.”

She sat on the bed, her head down. “You don’t understand.”

“Then talk to me.” I slowly knelt before her.

She looked up at me and paused for a moment. “I’m not going to be ready anytime soon because I’m waiting until I’m married.”

Another wave of disappointment hit me, but I didn’t want Emily to see it or feel it. While I collected myself, she continued, “I know it’s old-fashioned and seems ridiculous to a lot of people, but it’s something I feel strongly about. I should’ve told you this before. I just had no idea how or when…”

She bent forward, and her long curls fell around her face. She wants to wait until marriage. I let that idea settle for a minute. We hadn’t been together long, but I knew in my bones I’d be the one marrying her. There’d never been anyone else who filled my heart like she did, and I couldn’t imagine my future without her. Waiting until marriage wouldn’t be easy considering how she drove me wild every time she was near, but I would do anything for her.

I took her hands in mine. “Em.”

She raised her eyes, and I became doubly sure of my feelings. I couldn’t live without looking into those beautiful eyes.

“I want to be with you in every way… so much,” I said. “But if this is what you want, then I’ll respect that.”

“You’re really okay with this?”

I couldn’t help but smile a little. “It’s not my preference, but I can deal with it.”

“Are you absolutely sure? You might feel that way right now, but if you think it’s going to be an issue, I need you to tell me now before we get even deeper into this.”

There was no issue. What I felt for her now wouldn’t ever change, of that I was certain. I might not be able to show her how intense my feelings for her were, but I could tell her.

I moved next to her on the bed. “I’m sure,” I said, cradling her face in my hands. “Because I am absolutely, completely in love with you.”

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Next up will be a brand new scene not included in the book - one where Sergei is feeling absolutely devastated. You might be able to guess at which point in the story this scene takes place ;)