Chapter 40

Piper sat on the edge of Mikhail's bed, watching him undress. It was close to midnight. They'd had a wonderful dinner with Grigori and Madelyn, who at this moment were settling in for the night in a bedroom down the hall.

"It's time for our little talk." Mikhail came over to stand in front of her, wearing only his jeans with the top button undone. He did that on purpose, she supposed. Something about him in just jeans made her a little crazy. She stared at his chest until he cupped her chin and tilted her head to look up at him.

"Hmmm?"

"We need to talk," he repeated. His green eyes were warm. Piper couldn't help but smile, even though there was a sudden flutter of nerves in her belly. She held her breath as she tried to stay calm.

"Is it a good talk or a bad talk?"

"A good talkI hope." He brushed the pad of his thumb over her lips and flashed her a smile. Then he knelt down in front of her and took her hands in his.