Chapter Twenty-One

“M IA!” Saint roared, throwing himself forward and grabbing onto her wrists with both hands. That fucker Carlisle was trying to claw his way up her body. She tried to kick him away, but he was clinging to her like a goddamn leach.

He was also screaming at her, sounding more than a little delusional and a lot hysterical. “You can’t leave me! I won’t allow it, Jade! Not again and not for him! I fucking forbid it!”

A slew of unintelligible curses flew from Chadwick’s mouth, spittle flying. Something had snapped inside him and Saint had no idea what he was babbling about.

Their combined weight shifted and Saint slid forward on his belly, tilting precariously over the ledge. Fuck! Digging the toes of his boots into the ground, he knew he had to force Carlisle to let go or all three of them would go tumbling into the abyss. But he was damned sure of one thing—he wasn’t letting Mia go.

“Hang on tight, kotyonok ,” he told her. She was holding onto his right wrist for dear life with both hands, so he was forced to let go with his left. Reaching back, he pulled the gun Ryland had given him out of his waistband. He could’ve taken the shot with either hand, but he was relying on the Devil this time. Or, maybe it was something deeper giving him strength…maybe it was love.

“Nik!” She slipped an inch.

He wouldn’t lose her. She was the one good thing he’d found in his shitty life and his steel grip around her delicate wrist wasn’t breaking.

“Head down, baby.” As she ducked her head, he lifted the gun and blew a hole through the center of Carlisle’s forehead. A shocked expression seemed to touch the man’s face before he released his hold on Mia’s ankle and fell.

Tossing the gun behind him, Saint grabbed her with both hands and hauled her up and over the ledge. She fell against his chest, tears streaming down her face, and their arms wrapped around each other tightly.

“Ohmygod,” she cried, shaking hard.

“You’re okay. I’ve got you.” He breathed her vanilla scent in deeply and pressed a kiss against her head, trying to comfort and calm her, but he knew they were still in danger. We’re not out of this yet , he thought grimly.

The moment the thought went through his head, their little ledge began to shake.

No, no, no. Tightening his arms around her, he looked up just as a rope dropped down from above.

“Hurry up!” Ryland yelled. “This whole place is about to come down!”

Saint needed zero encouragement. Grabbing the end, he wrapped the rope around his and Mia’s waists and gave a sharp tug. And just in time. The slab beneath them cracked, broke into a million pieces, and dropped into the blackness. Mia screamed as they began to fall, but then the rope went taut, holding them up above the yawning darkness below.

As they began to rise up, they clung to each other tightly.

“Almost there,” he whispered in her ear.

It was a relief to be pulled over the edge, but there wasn’t a moment to spare. Saint quickly untied them and he grabbed Mia’s hand.

“This way!” Inda directed, taking off down the hallway.

Everything around them shook and groaned, and the ceiling split in various places, collapsing inwards.

“Hurry! Hurry up!” Ryland yelled.

Swooping Mia up into his arms, Saint increased his speed and ignored the crumbling bunker, doing his best to dodge pitfalls and raining debris. Even though it had been a very long time since he’d put any stock in magic, he sent up a wish—that they made it out alive.

◆◆◆

Burying her face against Nik’s strong shoulder, Mia held on for dear life as he raced forward, jumping over obstacles and evading anything that might slow them down. It felt like the entire mountain was collapsing, crashing in on itself, and she sent up a fervent wish that they didn’t go down with it, crushed beneath endless tons of rubble.

“Fuck!” Ryland swore and they all skidded to a halt. A large collapse blocked the exit.

“Now what?” Nik growled, shifting Mia in his arms.

Mia’s attention moved to a jagged hole above them. “There!” she pointed out. The opening was narrow, but she was willing to bet they’d all fit.

“She’s right,” Nik said. “Let’s climb out of this fucker.”

“Boost me up, boys,” Inda declared.

Nik pressed a hard kiss against Mia’s lips and set her down. Shivering already, preparing herself for the arctic blast that would soon hit her, Mia watched as Nik and Ryland lifted Inda straight up. The nimble woman grabbed onto a hold and easily climbed up, making it look like a cake walk.

“She’s a damn goat,” Nik grunted, then reached for Mia. “C’mon, kitten, you’re next.”

The men hoisted her straight up and Inda helped pull her out and into a blinding white swirl of snow. Unhooking the rope at her curvy waist, Inda dropped part of it down and nodded for Mia to grab ahold of it, too.

“Help me get our boys up,” Inda said, tossing the end of the rope to Mia who quickly wrapped it around herself and anchored her feet in the snow.

Ryland climbed out first, but Mia’s nerves refused to settle until Nik was safely out and back in her arms. The moment he appeared and climbed to his feet, Mia ran and threw herself into his arms, nearly knocking him off-balance.

Their mouths crashed together, desperate and grateful, and they kissed hard, unable to get enough of each other. Ryland whistled under his breath and they finally broke apart.

“Damn, you two.” Inda fanned her face. “Keep that up and you’re going to melt the snow.”

“We aren’t outta this yet,” Ryland reminded them, then called Pharaoh on his earpiece.

“Yeah, this mountain is going down,” Nik said darkly. “We need to get the fuck off it now.”

In the distance, Mia spotted two helicopters hovering in the air. Once Ryland reported their location, the helicopters turned and zoomed over. Unable to land, they maintained their position directly above the group, the huge rotors kicking up whirls of ice and snow. Rope ladders descended from each helo and Nik grabbed Mia’s hips, helping her up onto the first rung.

“I’m right behind you, K otyonok ,” he assured her. “Climb!”

Before her brain could register what was happening, she and Nik climbed straight up into the helicopter while Ryland and Inda went into the other one. Once securely inside, Nik pulled her down onto a seat, right on his lap, and held her so tightly, she almost couldn’t breathe.

While he gently nuzzled his cold nose against the curve of her neck, Mia looked up to see the man with the gray eyes watching them closely. But now the lower half of his face wasn’t covered, and she had to admit, it was a very handsome face. But far too clean-cut for her.

His mouth edged up just the slightest. “I’m Braxton.”

“Mia,” she said.

“I figured.” His lips twitched and he offered Nik a chin tilt.

It was insanely loud and Nik helped her put a headset on. Her attention moved to their pilot, expecting to see Hunter, but it was a man with sandy brown hair, devil-may-care stubble and sporting mirrored aviators. He lifted a hand in greeting.

“Greetings and salutations. Glad I was able to swoop in and save the day. If you look to the left, you can see what’s left of a former Soviet bunker, now reduced to a mass of rubble and crevasses by a massive series of avalanches.”

With a gasp, Mia realized the entire middle section had collapsed. If they hadn’t gotten out when they did, they’d be dead. Nik’s arms tightened around her and she held onto him fiercely.

“Expect a bumpy ride due to snowstorms, not due to my lack of skill. So buckle up and prepare to be dazzled by this former Night Stalker’s impressive flying. Tips gratefully accepted upon our imminent successful landing.”

Mia choked back a laugh. “Who is this guy?”

“Eric Finn, sweetheart. Your pilot extraordinaire,” he responded with a sexy grin.

Nik growled, his hold tightening, and Braxton rolled his eyes.

“He’s Dash Slater’s pilot,” Nik finally said. “Just ignore him and he’ll eventually stop talking.”

Finn burst out laughing. “Let your girl breathe, Lennie. Before she suffocates.”

Braxton chuckled and Nik lifted his middle finger in response. “I forgot how funny you think you are, Finn,” Nik said in a flat voice. “You’re lucky Ivy puts up with you.”

“My wife adores me,” he said easily, tossing them another bright-white smile.

As entertaining and distracting as Finn was, Mia turned her full attention on Nik, guilt washing through her. What happened was her fault and she had to tell him. He cupped her face and brushed his lips against hers. So soft and gentle. She remembered back when he’d claimed he didn’t do either. Sweet lies. Her man could be more gentle than he realized and he was nothing like the character from Of Mice and Men like Finn had suggested.

“I need to tell you something,” she whispered. He pulled back, still holding her face, and nodded. “Back at the cabin, I called my dad while you were asleep. I was trying to be objective and I wanted to hear his side of the story. I didn’t think he could track us down. I’m so sorry, Nik. I put everyone in danger and—”

“I understand why you did it.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “We always hope to find redemption in the people who hurt us most, huh?”

She nodded, covering his hands with hers, and felt dried, crusty blood. “Oh, my God.” Pulling back, she saw his broken fingernails and the dark red stains covering his skin. “What happened?”

“I couldn’t get out of the box,” he said simply, softly, meeting her eyes.

“Oh, my love,” she whispered and kissed him. “We need to take care of this.”

Braxton found the First Aid kit and Mia carefully began to clean his fingers. She hated knowing how he’d been trapped, alone and battling his claustrophobia, but he’d fought hard and made it through. They both had, and she couldn’t have been more grateful.

“Who’s Jade?” he asked quietly while she carefully bandaged each one of his fingers.

“My mom,” she revealed. He gave a small nod, but didn’t ask more.

After she was done, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her into the warmth of his embrace.

◆◆◆

After landing safely, Mia felt like she could finally breathe. They’d made it and she was elated and beyond thankful. Once her feet were on solid ground, she hugged each member of Nik’s team, Finn included.

“I can’t thank you enough,” she murmured.

“We’re just glad you’re both okay,” Inda said.

Beside her, Ryland grinned. “Yeah, and did you think we’d miss seeing this big bastard find his match? No fucking way.”

“Shut up, Rip,” Nik responded, but he was grinning and they bumped knuckles.

“Enjoy the fall,” Gray added.

“I’m enjoying it,” Nik said, wrapping his arm around Mia’s shoulders. “Tremendously.”

She smiled up at him as he led her over to the waiting vehicle. Nik had made contact with Nadia when they’d been in the air and she gave them the address of a bigger safehouse where Braxton, Gray, Ryland and Inda could stay. Meanwhile, she and Nik would return to their cabin. On the ride over, they cemented plans to leave Russia bright and early the next morning. She was more than ready to return to the States.

They arrived at the small cabin first and said their goodbyes for the night.

“See you in the morning,” Ryland said in a sing-song voice, and Mia blushed to her roots. His whole team was watching them and grinning from ear to ear.

Nik shook his head and waved them off. They walked up to the door, and the moment they were inside, he grabbed her, kissing her so thoroughly she nearly forgot her own name. When he finally released her mouth, she was trembling from head to toe. Need filled her.

“I almost lost you,” he whispered, pressing his forehead against hers, holding her face in his bandaged hands.

“But, you didn’t. I’m not going anywhere, Nik. I mean…as long as you’ll have me.”

“As long as I’ll—” His voice cut off and he pulled back, searching her face. “Woman, you couldn’t get rid of me if you tried. I’d hunt you down and cuff your ass to my bed.”

Her mouth edged up. “Glad to know we’re on the same page.”

“You’re mine, Mia,” he growled, “and I’m never letting you go.”

“Promise?”

“Hell yeah.” He sealed his promise with another heated kiss, rounding his hands over her ass and squeezing. “Go grab the bedspread. I’m going to make a fire and then I’m going to fuck you in front of it all night.”

A series of tingles sizzled straight down to her core. She could get on board with that plan. Yes, she still had questions, but they had time.

Mia retrieved the comforter and spread it out on the floor while Nik built a roaring fire. Soon it crackled and popped, its heat filling the room. He stood back up and turned to her.

“Clothes off,” he rumbled, working his shirt over his head.

Mia let her clothing fall to the floor, watching as Nik removed his so quickly, she had to laugh. “Are you in a hurry?” she teased.

“Yes.” He stalked over, pulling her against his hard, naked body, dark gaze locking with hers. “I need to be inside you, kotyonok .”

Hot, needy desire took hold and then his mouth caught hers. All rational thought disappeared as they dropped to the blanket, exchanging feverish kisses. She’d never been so desperate for anyone like she was for Nik. She needed him on a deep, primal level.

“Nik,” she moaned, writhing as he lowered his head and pulled a taut nipple into his mouth. While his mouth licked and sucked, he ground his palm against her clit and she arched up, wanting more.

With a low curse, he tore the wrappings off his index and middle fingers then dipped them back between her legs, stroking and teasing with the callused pads.

And Mia was in heaven.

Passion raged between them, as it had before, but this time felt different. She was more aware of the ways he touched her, as if her nerve endings were exposed and raw. The words he whispered weren’t all dirty. Rather, they were sweet, and Mia’s heart twisted. She never would’ve pegged Nik Valentine for a sweet talker. Filthy, yes. But her dragon, despite all the black ink, scars and muscles, kept calling her his kitten and telling her he was going to take care of her.

Mia hoped he was sincere about this being more than just this one night. Because she could see a future with Nik. A beautiful tomorrow where there was no more danger and The Agency was a mere memory. She saw many more nights like this in front of the fire. There was a wedding…babies…a dog…a home they built together.

As she imagined how wonderful it would be to have a home with him, Nik positioned himself at her opening and sank his big, hard cock inside her. She gasped, jolted back to the present. The feel of him stretching her body to its limit, filling her to capacity, left her world spinning. It was divine and delicious. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and rose to meet his thrusts.

Propped on his elbows, he pulled almost all the way out then sank back inside. Slow, dragging thrusts that had her crying out as he hit her sweet spot over and over.

“Look at me, kotyonok. ” She focused on his charcoal eyes, so full of intensity and something else. Something she couldn’t quite identify, but it looked a lot like…love.

Her inner muscles began to tighten and the oncoming orgasm was going to be one for the ages. Nik’s fingers found her clit and he applied the exact right pressure to make her shatter. Calling out his name, her release tore through her body.

“So damn beautiful when you come,” he rasped, shifting her slightly and pumping his hips harder, chasing after his own release.

Mia clung to him, their gazes still tethered, and she watched him break a few moments after her. His jaw tightened, his body locked, then a shudder ripped through his big frame as he spilled deep inside her.

She drew his face down to her chest, cradling him against her breast as she pressed her lips against his short, black hair. They held each other for a long time, until their breathing evened out and hearts stopped galloping. Eventually, he pulled out and she missed the feel of him between her legs, seated deep inside her. The oneness that happened when their bodies connected on every level.

It was more than just their bodies, though. Something between them had shifted.

Nik pressed a kiss to her shoulder, rolled off her and headed for the bathroom. He returned with a warm washcloth and gently cleaned between her legs. She wasn’t on birth control and he knew that because she’d mentioned it during their late-night whisperings over vodka-infused cocoa. As she tried to process what exactly that meant, he tossed the washcloth, grabbed pillows off the couch and dragged her closer. Wrapped in his strong arms, she watched the fire’s flames leap and spark.

Was she silly to be imagining a future with him? Drowsy, her eyes fell shut as worry filled her. A man like Nik who went from one adventure to the next might grow bored of her fast. She wasn’t as exciting or worldly as Nadia. No, Mia was a boring good girl.

Would she be enough?