Chapter Twelve - Dimitri

My new business partner and I are getting along beautifully, and I got more than what I wanted with Ava a few days ago. She gave me that deliciously curvaceous body, and her virginity. Now I’m hooked on whatever drug she is, and I can’t stop thinking and wanting her.

Staring down at her peacefully sleeping in my bed, I stroke her face with the back of my thumb. She’s stunning to me, and waking up next to her warm, full body is what I want every morning. A sliver of morning light highlights her face and the bed diagonally as she stirs but doesn’t wake. Under the covers, I splay my hand over her ample hip, running it down her thigh, loving the way she feels. Nuzzling into her neck, I contain the hard wood in my pants wanting her to get her beauty rest, not that she needs it.

Who knew Raven’s Peak would come with an added bonus.

Briefly, I look upward at our reflection, gaining another vantage point of Ava sleeping, her dark hair spread barely covering the nipple sticking out from under the sheet. Fuck. I want her again, but she’s sleeping. Later…. Together we look good, and whatever this is we’re doing, I’m all for it. Maybe it doesn’t last, but I don’t have any intention of ending it from my side.

I smirk about the mirror, remembering her na?ve nature when she asked. I vow to introduce her to more of my kinks and what I want to give her in the bedroom, but all in good time. We’re just getting started.

A light flashes on my cell phone, and I roll my eyes, picking it up. Squinting, I take note of the time on the clock. It’s before seven, and it’s my mother. Ava doesn’t need to hear her harping on, so reluctantly, I pull my arm out from its warm spot on her thigh, padding out to the kitchen and answering on the walk through.

“Mother. You’re calling so late,” I joke, knowing my control freak of a mother has probably already prepared a juice, taken her vitamins and been to the gym. She has a routine that’s worthy of Olympic athletes.

“Good morning, Dimitri. Your mother’s as well as can be. I’ve just finished up from my Pilates class.” Tired from her schedule already, I shake my head.

“Private session?”

“Yes.” In many ways I have my mother to thank as she’s been the silent power behind my comeback from disgrace to sit on my own version of the Bratva throne. It makes sense that a large part of my cunning and resourceful nature originates from her.

“Good. Keeping nimble?” I chuckle. Ekaterina would be the woman to keep herself in shape. She had to have a hobby after the disgrace of what my father put us through.

“I must. But you must know why I’m calling.”

Sighing, I hesitate, thinking about ways to end the call. “No. I don’t have any prospects for marriage, Mom. That’s not where my head’s at. I’ve got a big deal on the table that will solidify our place.”

She pauses, not caring about what I said. “Don’t you see? That’s why I’m calling, Dimitri. It’s not a good look for you to remain a bachelor all of your days. I want you to take Cara Antonov out to dinner. To that exclusive yacht party tonight. She’s the daughter of Russian billionaire, Marnet Antonov. I’m sure you’re familiar with him?” my mother suggests smugly as my jaw tightens. I don’t need this shit so early in the morning.

“Yes. I know who he is.” I head to the fridge, already wanting the call to end.

“Then you must know that ties with the Antonov family would greatly strengthen our position among the Bratva and Chicago’s high society. Cara would be the perfect solution, easy on the eyes, highly intelligent, and well read. What more do you want, Dimitri?” my mother pushes as I roll my eyes.

“No. I won’t be taking Cara,” I reply flatly. “I have someone else I’m taking for the night.”

A pregnant pause rests between us, and I can hear my mother reserving her silent judgment. I could care less. I’m taking Ava. She’s the only woman I want in my bed and in my life.

“Oh? Who is she?” she probes in an accusatory tone.

“Ava Knight. Owner of Raven’s Peak.” Without knowing I’m doing it; I try to elevate Ava’s status to my mother who remains duly unimpressed.

“Dimitri,” she warns in a careful tone. “I advise you not to get attached to her. You can’t be serious about her just because you have an infatuation about the property.”

“Mother, it’s none of your business who I date.” Repelled by her constant marriage talk, I sour at the conversation. It’s been a bone of contention between us for far too long. The truth is I haven’t found a woman I would trust to stand beside me. Cara would be too cold, too conditioned to the social norms of the elite, but not Ava. No, she’s wide-eyed and isn’t in the Bratva business. That’s one of the reasons I want her badly; she’s unassuming and smart in her own way.

“Oh, but it is. I won’t let you take this family under like your father did,” she reminds me, acid on her tongue.

“I have no plans to take the family under. Now if you’re done for the morning, I’ve got a busy day ahead. Talk to you later.” Grunting from the grilling, I hang up the receiver, wanting to cleanse my palate, and return to spoon Ava for a few more minutes before heading to work. I don’t tell her about the luxury yacht dinner until I get to work, wanting to add the element of surprise.

ME: Want to have some fun?

AVA: Is that a trick question? I thought we had plenty of that this morning before you left.

Immediately, a huge smile curves my lips, my dick getting hard. I couldn’t help myself, and leaving Ava panting after multiple orgasms is my new specialty.

ME: And there will be plenty more of that type of fun. Anytime. I’ve been invited to a luxury yacht party tonight and I want you to come.

AVA: I don’t have anything to wear!

ME: That’s easy. I’m rich. I’ll have the boutiques come to you and you can choose a dress.

AVA: Can’t I go out and pick one?

My fingers stop typing as I consider the risks. If this is a matter of trust, then you have to give her a chance. She showed you already she’s loyal. Picking up the phone, I decide to stop the thumb war texting.

“Hi. How’s the studying going?”

“Ah badly,” she groans. “I’ve got a lot to catch up on.”

“Poor Ava,” I tease. “See, this is why you need a break. If you want to go out, you can but understand the consequences if you run from me.” I put extra emphasis on my warning, but deep down I need her to want to stay.

“Dimitri. I’m not going to run. I already showed you that I don’t want to.” The thrilled innocence in her voice temporarily settles my angst, reminding me that she’s got the entire world in front of her.

“Okay. Good. I’ll organize the driver to take you wherever you want to go.”

“Thanks for trusting me.” Pausing, I want to say ditto but can’t bring myself to do it. Instead, I’m thinking about how badly my mother’s hounding me to get married. Could Ava be a possible candidate? Probably it’s too early to make that type of call. I doodle on the pad in front of me, frowning at how far ahead I’m planning with her.

“Enjoy your shopping spree. The driver will have my card. Spend as much as you want.”

I’ve got no qualms spending money on a woman. I have the money to do it, but if they’re directly targeting me for money, then it drives me mad.

“Are you sure?” she questions, uncertain, making me find her cute. Smirking down the line, I reassure her.

“Yes. I think I’m good for it.”

“Okay. Then you won’t mind if I get the lobster for lunch,” she jokes. “It’s on you.”

Chuckling, I laugh lightheartedly with her. She’s the fresh spark I never knew I needed or wanted in my life. “Then I will be mad, but mainly because you’re having lobster without me. Don’t worry about that. I can guarantee Arnez will have plenty of lobster and caviar on board the boat tonight.”

She gasps in delight, and I grin in response. “Wow! Lobster and caviar. I’ve never had caviar.”

“Mmm. Then it will be a new introduction. It’s an acquired taste.” Happy that I can see the world through her eyes.

“Ooo. Okay. I can’t wait.”

“Good. I’ve got a meeting to attend, but have a good day, Ava. Be ready by seven. I should be home by then.”

“Alright.” Clicking off the call, I realize I want someone to be home when I’m done at work. Not having Ava there even after only having her there for a few days feels like a strange phenomenon to me.

I lose myself in the work of the day, finding myself excited to see what Ava will look like. It’s me that’s going to have to get ready. Not her. And when I enter our bedroom as she clasps the back of her pearl earring, I’m not disappointed. Her double-shoe-stringed-strapped dress is stunning. She’s a vision of beauty in royal blue, the silk dress hugging every ample curve in all the right places. I take my eyes down to the split on the side, wanting to run my fingers up her thick thigh. Fuck me. The black shawl with a fringe is a nice touch, her heaving cleavage shimmering in bronze, bringing out her sexy elegance all at once.

My eyes darken with lust thinking about how long I have, but Ava catches on to my intentions quickly enough.

“ No! You have to shower and get ready,” she reprimands with girly giggles, pretending to move away from me, but I’m too quick at rounding her up, curving a hand around her waist possessively. “Dimitri,” she whines playfully as I nuzzle my nose into her neck.

“You smell like heaven.” Inhaling loudly, I trail kisses down her throat, her body shivering, ramping up the heat in the bedroom. “Mmm. Ava.”

Her pretty nails splay over the breadth of my chest as she pushes me back a little. “It’s taken me an hour to do my makeup.” Taking in her plump, bronzed lips and shimmery eyeshadow, my cock is tickled enough to rise.

“You look good enough to eat,” I murmur, kissing her behind the ear, close to her dangling pearl earring. “But don’t worry, I plan to do plenty of that later tonight,” I promise, amused by the light flush of pink shining under Ava’s rosy blush.

“Huh.”

I bend to tilt her head up to me, kissing her mouth lightly, not caring if some of the lipstick ends up on my mouth. The rest of her is going to be on my mouth later anyway. “Oh, don’t be shy now, Ms. Knight. Give me half an hour to shave and freshen up. I’ll be good enough to match you, I hope.” Taking a handful of her ass, I squeeze as she smiles back at me.

“You already are,” she mutters as I wink at her before going to get dressed and then meeting her in the living room. She whistles as I grin. I’m not the clean-cut model type, but I know my charm, and the magnetism I command, along with the body I’ve built from years of boxing and gym workouts.

“Good enough?”

“More than.” She scales me from head to toe, and I’ve kept my look casual, but high-end enough for a luxury yacht dinner in an Armani suit, my hand tattoos on full display. My hair is slicked back with a little gel, and my beard shaped up and tapered.

“Good. Come on, let’s go, before I change my mind and take you back to bed. You look too good, Ava.”

“Thank you.” I introduce Ava to more of my life as the driver takes out the private town car and we share a champagne along the way.

“This is a limited-edition champagne from the South of France. Try it and tell me what you think.” She sips, her eyes coming alight as we head past the downtown district of Chicago to the pier.

“This is amazing. Wow, and we’re in a limo.”

“Yes. It’s nothing. Wait until you see the yacht.”

“I can’t wait,” Ava says, starry eyed, and I’m starting to really enjoy showing her new things. We arrive along with the other guests as they exit their own version of luxury vehicles. Ava’s gobsmacked by all the luxurious people around her, but if she knew what most of the ruthless sharks were like behind closed doors, including the women, she probably wouldn’t be so impressed. The super yacht stands proudly at the dock as passersby look on in awe. The ship, donned with fairy lights on deck, is the size of a small house. It takes up most of the Chicago River.

“This is insane, Dimitri. I didn’t know yachts could be this big.”

“Yes. They can. My associate owns it, and my cousin Ruslan works in the luxury yacht market. He’s thinking about bringing them to Chicago for luxury and private parties. Do you think it’s a good idea?” I ask in a husky tone, wanting her input.

Ava nods as I help her up on a neon-lit deck, the hypnotic beat of house music vibrating through the boat. “This is so—so wow! I would want to be on this boat. Chicago people like to let their hair down, so I can’t see why not.”

Ava’s awestruck expression is what’s making me happiest right now. I don’t understand it, because years ago I thought my mother was right and that I would just have to be miserable and handpick one of the elite women from the high-society circles.

“We’re on the same page, Ms. Knight,” I say in approval, escorting her onto the boat, and as the stares come our way, a low burn of fire stirs as the men appreciatively glance in Ava’s direction. Slipping my hand into hers, I smile, letting all the sharks know she’s mine. “Come. Let me introduce to a few people I’d like you to meet.” I can’t help but think if I brought Cara, she would be too stuffy and stiff to be excited about the venture. It’s a stark contrast to Ava who sees the value in the experiences I’m opening her up to.

Firstly, I introduce her to the host, Arnez. The Middle Eastern man is one I was introduced to through Ruslan during his negotiations for his new vodka range, which is now producing a multimillion-dollar turnover for the Bratva.

I can see the dirty thoughts forming in his head, his snake eyes directing themselves to Ava’s chest. There’s a slight chill in the air, and her nipples are shining through.

He takes her hand, kissing it. “Hi, welcome to Arnez Premier Yacht events. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” Arnez offers me a polite gaze and I shoot him a death dagger of a glance, letting him know where the boundaries lie telepathically. “Sorry, here’s the man of the hour. Dimitri, how are you?”

“Excellent. This is Ava. Nice boat, Arnez,” I reply cordially, showing my teeth.

“Yes. I think a fifty-foot yacht is about the right size for the perfect luxury event. What do you think, Ava?”

Oblivious to the attention she’s receiving for all the right and wrong reasons, Ava smiles, nodding her head. “Yes. I think you’re right. It’s beautiful.” Ava turns slightly to take in the event. All the glamourous people of Chicago are on the boat mingling, drinking and enjoying champagne and appetizers as they come around. I stop one of the hostesses so Ava can try the food.

She selects a lobster appetizer with caviar included and I smile because it’s exactly what I told her would be on offer. Ruslan’s vodka is on offer at the bar, so I forgo the champagne to support his brand. If nothing else, I’m a loyal Bratva man.

“Are you enjoying yourself so far?” I ask, surprised that I care so much about her response.

“Yes. I can’t believe I’m here with these people. They’re all so accomplished. Is that where we’re having dinner?” Ava nods in the direction of the white tableclothed tables with place cards below deck. There’s a transparent floor that shines down the interior of the boat, which is just as lush as the outdoor section.

“Yes. It is. And I told you, don’t think for a minute that any of these people are better than you. Any one of them would want what you have. I can assure you.” Kissing her cheek, Ava blushes.

“Thank you.”

As I run through the introduction, giving Ava a sample of the high life, I find myself having a better time than most at these events as we laugh and flirt together. Mostly I attend for networking and business prospecting, but not tonight. Ava adds color to my tainted underworld. I leave her to speak with one of the wives of a well-known Chicago billionaire as they bond over fashion and food.

Confident she’s in safe hands, I break away to speak to one of my business partners involved in the mining sector, which is going to be key to my lithium operations in the future.

“Avery. Nice to see you out tonight.”

“And you.” We shake hands chatting for a moment, teeing up future meetings for our operations as Avery turns his attention to Ava.

“Are you a taken man now, Dimitri? I’ve been waiting for you to settle down.”

“You mean my date?” I shift my attention to seeking out Ava, but my throat burns and not from the vodka as a seething fire cuts through me. She’s speaking to a man who’s taking a great interest in her.

“Yes. Your date.”

I keep my eyes on her, but swallow down the last dregs of my vodka maintaining my rage. “I guess time will reveal all.”

Avery smirks. “Yes, it will. She’s quite popular tonight.”

If Avery’s trying to get under my skin, I’m not giving him the satisfaction. “Of course she is. She’s with an Utkin. Excuse me. I don’t want my date feeling neglected, so I better get back.” I shake the man’s hand, and he grins.

“Talk soon, Dimitri.” With measured strides, I reach the far end of the boat where the man has Ava cornered. As soon as he sees me coming, he glides away before I can sink my teeth into him.

“What was that?” I hiss into Ava’s ear, a baffled expression on her face.

“I think his name is Frank—”

Quickly, my eyes dart around the boat as I place a hand on the small of her back. “I don’t care who that was,” I hiss through my teeth. “You belong to me, and I’m the man you’re going home with. You don’t entertain other men. Do you fucking understand, Ava?”

Unable to see straight, Ava adjusts, not backing down and sliding my hand away from her back as she finishes off her wine. “We have a mutually beneficial agreement, Dimitri. Don’t make me regret it.”