Craving My Ruthless Ceo novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44: One Of My Many Lovers

Chapter 44: One Of My Many Lovers

Anna’s POV

I stood at the top of the staircase, hand resting on the sleek mahogany banister, taking it all in.

Last night, I’d been too shaken to notice much beyond the fact that I was safe. Now, with light pouring in through the huge windows overlooking the city, everything came into focus.

Roman’s apartment felt like a fortress. The walls and furniture were done in charcoal and cream, giving the place a dark, almost mystic aura.

But what really caught my eyes were the paintings. They weren’t prints or copies, they were dark, erotic, original pieces.

One showed a woman tied up, her body twisted, a mix of pain and desire on her face.

Another showed a man standing over someone, strong and dangerous.

A painting was full of reds and blacks, wild and violent.

It was all frightening and exciting all at once.

I tore my eyes away and descended the stairs.

The shirt I wore was oversized, the hem falling to mid-thigh. I knew it was his because it smelled like him. Sandalwood, cedar and masculine.

The fabric was soft against my skin. Designer, most likely. Roman didn’t own anything else.

Halfway down, I heard his voice.

Deep and commanding. The same voice that had ordered me to shower and get dressed less than an hour

ago.

He was pacing by the windows, phone pressed to his ear, his free hand shoved in his pocket.

The morning light highlighted his frame, broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs. He moved with the restless energy of a man guarding a priced possession.

“Make sure he never bothers Anna again.”

I paused, my hand tightening on the banister.

“I don’t care what you have to do, Thomas. I want eyes on him 24/7. If he so much as looks in her direction, if he comes within a mile of her apartment, I want to know about it immediately.”

There was a pause. I could hear the low murmur of a voice on the other end, but couldn’t make out the words.

“Good. And increase security around her friend’s building too. Discreet, but thorough. I’m not taking any chances.”

Another pause.

“Done? You’re sure?” Roman’s tone hardened. “Because if that bastard gets anywhere near her again, heads will roll. Starting with yours.”

My heart squeezed in my chest. He was talking about Drago.

“Perfect. Keep me updated. I want hourly reports until we’re certain he’s not a threat.”

I continued down the stairs, and the soft sound of my footsteps must have reached him. Roman went still, that alertness I’d noticed before taking over.

“Done,” he said into the phone, already turning. “I’ll call you back.”

His eyes found me immediately.

And then they traced down my body, appreciatively. From my sleep-mussed hair to my thighs, down my legs to my bare feet.

Heat flooded my cheeks. Shivers raced down my spine Inertdenly felt exposed, vulnerable, standing there in

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Chapter 44: One Of My Many Lovers

nothing but his shirt and underwear.

I grabbed the hem and tried to pull it down, covering more of my thighs.

His lips curved. Just slightly. Like he knew exactly what he was doing to me. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” I managed, hating how breathless I sounded.

“Not at all.” His voice was smooth. “You’re right on time.”

He gestured toward the dining area, where a table was set for two. “Sit. Please.”

I moved to the chair he’d indicated, acutely aware of his gaze following my every movement. The cool leather against my bare thighs made me bite my lip.

Roman raised his hand, and moments later, Eva appeared from the kitchen and behind her was a younger woman, probably in her twenties, carrying covered dishes.

They moved to serve Roman first, but he held up a hand.

“No. Serve Anna.”

The women exchanged a quick glance before turning to me with warm smiles.

“What would you like, miss?” Eva asked, gesturing to the array of dishes.

I looked at the spread and felt my stomach growl.

Scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh toast, with small dishes of butter, strawberry jam.

A bowl of fresh fruit, strawberries, plump blueberries, a glass of orange juice, the kind that was clearly fresh- squeezed.

And coffee. God, the coffee smelled incredible, rich and dark and probably imported from some exotic location I’d never heard of.

“A little of everything, please.” My voice came out softer than I intended. “It all looks amazing.”

Eva smiled and began filling my plate while the younger woman, Maria, I remembered Roman calling her, poured my coffee into a china cup.

When they were done, they turned to Roman, who nodded.

“Thank you, Eva. Maria.”

“Thank you,” I added quickly.

They both smiled at me before retreating back to the kitchen.

I stared at my plate. When was the last time I’d had a proper breakfast? Usually it was coffee on the run, maybe a granola bar if I remembered. This was a feast. This was how the other half lived.

The eggs were perfectly seasoned, the bacon crispy. I picked up my fork and dug in, too hungry to be self-

conscious.

After a few bites, I noticed Roman hadn’t touched his food,

I glanced up and caught him watching me. His dark eyes tracked every movement I made, the way I lifted my fork, the way I chewed, the way I reached for my juice,

His gaze was intense, hungry in a way that had nothing to do with the food in front of him.

He was protecting me even when I wasn’t looking. Even when he thought I couldn’t hear him. Making calls, arranging security, ensuring I was safe.

Why did that make my chest feel tight?

When he realized I’d caught him staring, he looked down at his phone quickly, acting serious. He picked it up and began scrolling, his breakfast untouched.

I swallowed a bite of toast and couldn’t help myself. “Mr. Blackwood, do you always work while eating?”

His eyes met mine, one dark eyebrow lifting. “Miss Hartwood, you of all people know I work nonstop. It’s what

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Chapter 44: One Of My Many Lovers

keeps me ahead of the competition.”

I smirked, taking a sip of my coffee. “I guess that’s the life of a billionaire. No time for simple pleasures like enjoying a meal.”

“Simple pleasures are overrated.”

“Are they?” I challenged. “Or do you just not allow yourself to enjoy them?”

Heat sparked in his eyes, amusement mixed with irritation. “Careful, Anna. You’re starting to sound like my therapist.”

“You have a therapist?”

“I had one. Briefly. She told me I have control issues.” He took a deliberate sip of his coffee, his gaze never leaving mine. “I told her she was fired.”

I laughed despite myself, and saw his lips curve slightly.

My phone buzzed on the table, and I glanced down to see Zoey’s name on the screen.

Zoey: Girl, where are you?? I’ve been calling all night! Your phone was going straight to voicemail. I’m seriously worried. Text me back NOW.

Guilt washed over me. I’d been so caught up in everything with Drago and Roman that I hadn’t even thought to

text her.

I picked up my phone and quickly typed back.

Me: I’m so sorry! I’m safe. I’m at Roman’s place.

The response came almost immediately.

Zoey: OMG. YOUR HOT CEO????

Zoey: Don’t tell me you woke up in his bed after a wild night

I felt my lips curve into a smile as I typed back.

Me: Get your mind out of the gutter. He was simply my Prince Charming.

Zoey: Uh huh. Sure. I bet he Prince Charmed your panties right off

I giggled out loud, my fingers flying over the keyboard.

“Look who’s carried away with her phone.”

Roman’s deep voice cut through my amusement. I looked up to find him watching me.

“Oh.” I quickly set my phone down, heat flooding my cheeks. “Sorry.”

I picked up my fork and resumed eating, trying to ignore the weight of his gaze.

“Is that one of your many lovers checking in?”

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