Sasha: The Wallflower (The Wallflower Series Book 1) by R.J. Fletcher Page A

soft jazz playing in the car as he hummed along. Sasha was looking out the window, noting that they were travelling more to the center of the Boston area. She noticed that the car was heading toward the Ritz Carlton, which was composed of extremely expensive condominiums. It towered over the surrounding buildings with over thirty stories. Her state of shock continued once they finally made their way into his condo.
    “Welcome to my abode,” he stated jokingly.
    “I-I didn’t know you lived here.” Her mouth gaped open at the floor to ceiling windows that encompassed the living area, giving her a fantastic view of the Boston skyline. She didn’t think she even wanted to sit down on the perfectly white couch with its large fluffy pillows. Dmitri, seemingly unaware of her dazed state, grabbed her hand and led her to the couch. He plopped down upon its surface and released a relaxed groan.
    “You can relax Sasha,” he laughed at her erect posture as she sat. “I keep my promises.”
    She nodded her head and forced herself to settle back. Muffling a moan of pleasure at the feel of the soft surface, she looked out the large windows, completely taking in the beautiful view.
    With her blissfully unaware, Dmitri took the moment to look at Sasha. With her rosebud lips, large dewy eyes and rounded nose, she looked so innocent. Her skin was smooth and youthful adding to her attractiveness. She was completely unlike any other woman he had ever been interested in or slept with. The thought of her uniqueness immediately brought up memories of the other night. Now, every time he saw her, he was sure to think of the little girl Teagan described, desperate for company and terrified of being forgotten.
    Knowing her at such an intimate level made it more difficult for him to use her as he had planned. How could he in good conscious take her virginity, something she obviously valued, with no intention of continuing to see her.
    “I’ve been rather harsh to you Sasha. And I wish to apologize for that.”
    She looked at him. He was taken aback by the vulnerability in her eyes. If anything, it made him even surer of himself.
    “It was never my intent to hurt you. If I had known about your inexperience, I wouldn’t have been so crudely direct with you. That was my mistake and, if we are to part ways, I do not wish you to think that you are…somehow worthless. I stayed with you that night because I couldn’t stand the thought of having hurt you to the point that you became inconsolable.”
    He laughed quietly to himself. Reaching out and stroking her cheek, he continued, “You really are something, you know that? I’ve said it before but now I know it goes way beyond just your innocence. There is something special about you that draws people in and makes them just want to protect you. Like Teagan.”
    Sasha sat in stunned silence as he spoke. She didn’t know where he was going with this but, for some unknown reason, she felt goose bumps raise on her arms and butterflies in her stomach. The tone of his voice was oddly mournful and serious.
    “She told me,” he said, referring to Teagan, “that you grew up in foster care.” He paused to gage her reaction. Sasha visibly stiffened and scooted away from him. He quickly continued, “Don’t be upset. I’m not judging you. To be quite honest, I admire you for having gone through so much.”
    “Why are you saying all this to me?”
    Dmitri smiled at the confusion on her face and said simply, “Because now I know that what I asked of you, a sexual relationship with no emotional ties, was not something you could do. The very implication insulted you and that was not my intent.” He sighed. “I’m used to women jumping at the opportunity and it surprised me when you didn’t. And, of course, my reaction was less than appealing.
    “If my actions were not indication enough, I want you to know that I have never felt so strongly for any other woman before.” His eyes were almost