Chapter 19

NINETEEN

Hollis

Collapsing against the sheets, I let my legs flop. The orgasm had killed me. It didn't seem to slow Dimitri down. He was shedding clothes, and suddenly, my interest was reignited, my jellyfish legs trying to find some semblance of dignity.

Dimitri was all hard angles, tattoos covering his entire chest, a work of art — dark art.

"You're beautiful, Dima," I said as he kicked off his pants. He looked at me for a moment with a slow smile as he shoved down his boxer briefs .

"You think I'm beautiful?" he gave a low chuckle, stroking his cock as he watched me. "This is all for you, malysh ." Precum glistened at the tip, pearly white.

I wanted that. I wanted him. For a moment there, when he had pulled down my panties, I'd been taken to that place where Gregor was talking about whether I'd been "groomed," but Dimitri had pulled me right back to the present and said the perfect thing.

He moved back to the bed; hooking my legs around him, I opened eagerly for him, pulling him towards me. "Do you want me to wear a condom? I will," he asked. A foil packet lay on the bed, several. My, he was confident, but I didn't want him to wear one. I liked that velvety smoothness of him. "I've never taken a woman bare before." He stroked me himself while he spoke, watching me with his dark eyes.

"No. I have an implant. Hurry." Pushing up against his cock I tried to gain some friction for myself, restless .

"Patience." He caressed my opening with his cock, rubbing my slit slowly, teasing, circling my clit with the tip. I watched, mesmerized. The only man I'd ever been with had been Chad, and that had been fumbling and inexperienced on both our parts. It hadn't been this.

Grasping the globes of my ass, he pulled me closer and pushed himself to the hilt, the sensation so good that I almost came again just from that. I had no idea sex could be like this outside of the pages of romance novels. "Harder. Don't hold back," I begged. I wanted him to fuck me until I broke. Like he meant it. Like he wasn't going to say goodbye.

He gazed down at me with his eyes burning, then leaned down and withdrew slowly, excruciatingly his breath hissing. "Oh, goddamn. I'll make it up to you; I swear, malysh ." Then he slammed into me, angling his pelvis so hard into my clit that I could feel his bones mashing into mine, his breath against my throat as he heaved over me, and the world exploded, and I felt him emptying into me .

Dimitri leaned off me after a few moments. "Shit, did I hurt you?" The look of concern in his eyes made me laugh.

"No, Dima. That was …" I searched for the words. "Earth-shattering and just what I wanted, truly. Stay just like this. Inside me." I liked the feeling of his semi-hard cock inside me. If we could always stay like this, I wouldn't object. I wiggled, and he grinned.

"Look at you, dirty girl. Filled the brim and looking for more," he smirked. "I like you like this. I could oblige. Fill you with my cock all the time." To my surprise, I could feel him growing hard as he put a hand down and began to play with my clit and rocked against me. The words, the dirty talk, only turned me on more and drew a moan of longing out of me. "You like that? Hmmm," he groaned and pressed harder. "I'm going to find everything out that you like, every fantasy," he promised.

Surprisingly, he rolled, so I was on top. Sitting up, I moved my hips, watching him, feeling his cock inside me swell. Already, I was so close to coming again, the sensation rising as I looked at the perfection of him before me and felt the fullness inside me.

"That's right, baby, ride me the way you like," he encouraged. "Any way you want. Fuck." I kept my pace slow and unhurried, grinding at the base of his cock in small strokes, his balls up against my ass. Opening my eyes, I peeked at him. His eyes were locked on my face, his hands clutching me as I rose and fell. His fingers reached my clit and pressed between us, sliding. I was so close, thinking of how wet I was, how sloppy.

"Oh, God." Then his hand was there, and he was surging upwards, thrusting hard, helping me. Before I knew it, I was back on my back, and Dimitri was pounding into me in steady thrusts until he shuddered again, jets of heat coating my insides. Sweat shone on his brow as he slumped over me.

"I want to stay like this," I said. How long could a plane circle? His thumb played with one of my nipples. We hadn't discussed where we were going. I'd just gotten on the plane. He'd gotten in the shower, and I'd changed and fallen asleep. There had been plans in play because our bags were here and the plane was ready, but I trusted Dimitri when he said we were going to the States. The ‘after' was something I'd have to handle.

"I'd like that, but we must regretfully clean up." He was a mind-reader. "The plane will be landing soon, malysh , and I know that as much as I'd like you to smell like me when we land, you'll want to shower first."

I groaned as he rolled away, not only because of the sensation of his cock leaving my body but because I didn't want it to end. "Can we both fit in that fancy shower?" I asked to cover the awkwardness.

"Sadly, no. You go first." He smiled at me gently. "We have about forty minutes left, so we'll have to hurry. San Diego isn't far, and then a quick car ride to Santee," he winked at me as my eyes widened. We were going to Santee?

I squealed and threw my arms around him. "Home to Olive, oh my god. Dima." Kissing him with feeling was easy. I poured all my gratitude and joy into it. "Thank you. "

"No need, malysh . Hurry now." Giving me a swat, he hustled me towards the small airplane shower.

The shower was very basic, but I got in a quick rinse. I didn't bother washing my hair since it would have taken forever to dry, but cleaning up before seeing my daughter was nice. Hopping out, I turned it over to Dimitri so that I could get dressed and put a little makeup on. I was coming apart at the seams. I was so excited.

The morning sun was beginning to rise as the plane descended into San Diego, the horizon painted in soft hues of gold. The city below came into view, and I felt a mix of anxiety and excitement bubbling up inside me. We were almost home.

Luka had thankfully been asleep when we'd exited the main cabin. I'd been two shades of embarrassed after realizing that all the noise we'd made had probably been heard by not only Luka but the cabin crew. I was coming to realize, though, that life was short, and I didn't want to waste it.

These experiences only proved that my circumstances could be altered radically in the blink of an eye. I could still be stuck in Colombia in a horrible situation if it weren't for Dimitri.

The plane touched down smoothly, and relief washed over me. Dimitri exchanged a reassuring glance with me as we gathered our belongings. The anticipation was palpable, but a question gnawed at me beneath it all: What would happen next? I didn't even have any of my documents or a phone. The logistics of even getting to my apartment building were daunting.

I wasn't sure what Dimitri's plans were, but I couldn't imagine they would involve me and my nine-year-old, no matter how much I wished they did.

Outside, the morning air was crisp and refreshing. Two sleek black cars waited on the tarmac at the bottom of the stairs. What did this mean, I wondered? Luka and Dimitri chatted in Russian as we walked down, Dimitri's hand on my elbow—steadying me on the narrow steps.

"It was nice to meet you, Hollis; I believe this is where we part ways," Luka said, gesturing towards one of the vehicles.

"Bye, Luka. Thanks for your help." I was still confused as he placed his suitcase in his suitcase in the vehicle.

"Don't think you won't hear from your brother, mudak ," Luka said in parting to Dimitri, and then he was gone.

Turning to Dimitri as he loaded our bags into the other car, I asked, "Dimitri, are you staying?" I asked, my voice tentative.

He glanced at me, his eyes softening. "Yes, Hollis. I'm staying. I want to meet your daughter. Be here for you." He leaned forward and stole a kiss .

I was floored. Really? He was staying, coming to meet Olive? Okay … that was good, right? I'd never brought a man to meet her before. How did I feel about that? I tried to think through my thoughts. Did I trust him with my daughter? That was the actual root question in the end. The answer was a definite yes. There was a part of me that felt like I knew him deep down in some faraway part of myself. I wondered if this was something connected to him playing a part in my rescue, but I didn't think so. Sending him a smile, I said, "OK then."

He opened the door, and I slid into the passenger seat. The familiarity of the surroundings began to soothe my anxieties. We were out of Colombia, which was definitely a step in the right direction. I was almost home. As Dimitri got in and started the car, I turned to him, unable to hold back my curiosity. "I'm glad you're here, but why stay?"

He took a deep breath and focused on the road ahead as we merged onto the freeway. "I've spent much of my life in the shadows, Hollis. Being with you and seeing your strength and resilience made me realize that I want something different. I want to be a part of your life, get to know Olive, and build something real and lasting. Make a family," he paused. "There is a lot about me that you don't know. The Bratva... It's not who I am or what I want to be. I've always left it behind." He looked over at me thoughtfully. "I have a whole family, a chosen family in Arizona. A motorcycle club that I ride with. I have a house there near the property. It's got a yard," he added the last with a hopeful note. "I'd never hurt you or your daughter. I promise I'd keep any violence away from her. I'd treat her like a princess, and you like the queen you are."

Was he talking about what I thought he was? That maybe he wanted us with him? Motorcycles? Motorcycle Club? I'd been so used to him in the suits and with Luka that it seemed like a different life.

"I want to hear all about you and everything that made you who you are." I didn't want him to doubt that. "I want to hear more about Arizona and this motorcycle club." I glanced at him and added, "But let's start with this here. I want you to meet Olive, okay? I've never brought anyone to meet her. That's a big deal. I'm not worried about you around her. I trust you. "

"Sorry, malysh . I'm just a little eager." He gave me a grin that was a little sheepish. "I'm getting ahead of myself."

I liked his eagerness, but I had Olive to think about. We weren't in Colombia anymore, though. This wasn't a place where we would be killing people. I wasn't sure I'd ever get over what happened there, but meeting Dimitri — I wouldn't change that. But this was the world where I cut coupons and tried to pay bills, and … Groaning, I jammed my head against the seat. Fuck, my jobs that I probably lost. I'd been gone for over a week, ghosted them without notice. Starting to panic a little, I tried to breathe evenly.

Dimitri's hand covered mine, "You're okay. It'll be okay. Take some breaths." I did as he said, focusing on his voice and trying to compartmentalize.

The drive to my apartment was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts. As we pulled into the parking lot, my heart began to race again. This was it. Inside, Olive should be just about ready to wake up for school. I hadn't seen her in what felt like forever, and the anticipation of our reunion was almost overwhelming.

Dimitri had barely parked the car, and I already had the door open. I led the way up the stairs to the second floor. The apartment complex was small but well-kept, and the landlord was reasonable with the rent. I'd always found the individually owned places were a little more willing to work with me on rent. This place had been pretty good to us. It was a little worn down, the familiar creak of the steps bringing a wave of inescapable familiarity. I took a deep breath, steadying myself before using the key under the planter to unlock the door. I stepped inside, ignoring Dimitri's disapproving glare at my lack of security measures.

"Mommy?" Olive's voice rang out as she ran towards me, her face lighting up joyfully. I dropped to my knees, catching her in a tight embrace. Tears streamed down my face as I held her, feeling her warmth, her life. Her blond hair was still fuzzy from sleep.

"Hollis, oh my gosh. Thank goodness you're home," Mrs. Hooper stood in the little kitchen in a housecoat, her grey hair in curlers. She looked behind me, her eyes wide.

"Oh, Olive, I missed you so much," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.

She pulled back a bit, gazing at me with wide, curious eyes. "I missed you tons, Mommy. I missed you. I was super worried." She gestured towards Dimitri, standing a few steps behind me, his expression soft and friendly. "Who's that?"

I looked at him and then at Olive. "Olive, meet Dimitri. He's a friend of mine. He's been such a big help to Mommy, so I wanted you to meet him."

Dimitri took a step closer, getting down to Olive's eye level. "Hi, Olive. I'm so glad to meet you finally."

Olive looked at him for a moment, then smiled shyly. "Hi."

I watched Dimitri extend his hand, and Olive shook it, her tiny hand dwarfed by his. There was a warmth in that moment, a connection that felt natural and right. Dimitri looked adorably out of his league. It was nice to see him without his usual confidence.

"Mrs. Hooper, we couldn't have managed without you," I expressed gratefully before embracing her. Undoubtedly, she had gone above and beyond in caring for Olive while I'd disappeared. So many things could have happened. She looked utterly exhausted, if I were being honest.

"It was my pleasure, Hollis. I would have felt terrible if something had happened to her, and I could have helped. I'm just so happy that things turned out okay." She looked hesitantly at Dimitri. "You are okay, right?" She gave Dimitri a skeptical glance.

"More than okay," I reassured her. I could see why Dimitri might seem intimidating to someone who didn't know him well. With his tattoos and demeanor, he could come across as a bit scary. But as I watched Olive proudly guide him to her coloring station, her tiny hand nestled in his large tattooed one, something inside me shifted. I felt at peace at that moment, realizing he was the perfect fit for me and Olive.

"Well, dear, I'm just going to let you carry on. You can take over, I'm sure. I think I'll go back to my apartment for a bit of a nap," she said with a slight wink. Giving me a peck on the cheek, I thanked her profusely before letting her out of the apartment.

"Mommy, I don't want to go to school. I want to stay home with you." Olive's arms wrapped around my legs. "Do I have to go?"

We had always had a strict agreement about school, but there may be a time for concessions. This was an extreme circumstance.

"Maybe just for today," I conceded, stroking her hair. "We'll spend the day together."

Olive's face lit up. "Yay! Can we make pancakes? "

Dimitri chuckled. "I think pancakes are a great idea. What do you think, Hollis?"

"I think pancakes sound perfect," I agreed, feeling a sense of contentment settle over me. "Let's get started."

As we moved into the kitchen, the sunlight streaming through the windows made me hopeful.

The kitchen buzzed with activity as we gathered ingredients for pancakes. Olive was chattering about everything she wanted to do today, her excitement infectious. Dimitri and I exchanged smiles, both of us grateful for the simple joy of this moment.

"Mommy, can I help mix?" Olive asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"Of course, sweetheart," I replied, handing her the spoon. "Just be careful not to splash too much."

Dimitri stood beside her, scraping the sides of the bowls and then handing her back the spoon to stir the batter. It was heartwarming to see how naturally he interacted with her. Any earlier worries faded away.

"So, Olive," Dimitri began, his tone light, "what's your favorite kind of pancake?"

"Chocolate chip!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up. "Can we make those?"

Dimitri glanced at me, his eyes twinkling. "What do you say, Hollis? Do you have any chocolate chips?"

If we played hooky, I could go all in on the sugar. I rummaged through the pantry, finally finding a bag of chocolate chips at the back. "Looks like we're in luck," I said, handing the bag to Olive. "You can add them in. "

Olive eagerly poured the chocolate chips into the batter, her concentration adorable. As she did, I watched Dimitri, noting how he smiled at her and the gentleness in his movements. He was so different from the hardened man I had met in Colombia. Was it just a few days ago?

We finished cooking and sat at the small kitchen table; plates piled high with fluffy chocolate chip pancakes. Olive took a big bite, her eyes widening with delight. "These are the best pancakes ever!"

I laughed, my heart feeling light for the first time in weeks. "I'm glad you like them, sweetie."

Dimitri and I continued talking, sharing stories and dreams as we ate, and I could feel our bond growing stronger. Olive chimed in with her own stories, her laughter filling the room. At that moment, everything felt right.

As the day wore on, I felt grateful for the unexpected twists and turns that had brought us here. Despite the hardships, we had found something precious—each other. And as long as we faced the future together, I knew we could handle whatever came our way.

In the afternoon, as Olive napped in her room, exhausted from showing Dimitri her favorite playground, she insisted he play tag with her. To my surprise, I watched him engage immediately, racing around the park after her until he caught her in a hug.

Olive liked him. I could see that she enjoyed the interaction that he was providing. The male figure that I hadn't thought she needed.

After laying beside her small body in her twin bed, measuring her breaths and smelling that scent that could only be a mix of sunscreen, grass, and childhood exertion, I thanked my lucky stars that I could be next to her again. She'd been amazing and resilient, only breaking down once in tears, telling me I needed to promise not to disappear again. I wasn't sure she was okay, but I would do everything possible to ensure she was.

I returned to the living room. Dimitri was casually texting on his phone, relaxed on the couch like he belonged there. After breakfast, he carried our bags upstairs and changed into jeans and a t-shirt, proudly displaying the tattoos I admired.

"Dimitri," I began, my voice soft, "thank you for staying and being here with us. I'm glad you stayed."

He turned to me, his eyes filled with warmth. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be, Hollis. Come here, malysh ." His hands reached for me, pulling me over his hips. "I just want to feel you against me. It's been all day. I've had to look at you and keep my hands to myself."

That wasn't entirely accurate. He'd brush up against me in the most innocuous ways when Olive wasn't paying attention, rubbing against me in the kitchen while I was rinsing the dishes, pushing his cock against me, letting me feel that he was hard. Still, I appreciated that he was aware of my concerns in front of her. But she was sleeping … I had checked .

Straddling him, I snuggled against his chest, releasing a sigh as his arms came around me. He smelled of grass and sunshine right now from the park. It made me happy to think of him there with her. I also wasn't sure I would have felt completely safe without him.

"What are you thinking about, malysh ? You're all tense." He rubbed a hand along my spine. "Share with me," he coaxed.

Since Olive was little, I'd raised her alone. I hadn't dated. There weren't any men or anyone who supported me. The closest I'd come was Mrs. Hooper, who had been an absolute godsend these past ten days.

"Tell me what's worrying you. Then I'll tell you what's worrying me. I think that's how this goes," he said. Tipping my face to his, I tried to read everything I needed to. I ran my hand over his face, the bristles of his five o'clock shadow, the bridge of his nose. How was he so sweet? I was a mess.

"I lost my jobs while I was gone. The rent is going to be due. I don't know where my car is." With a sigh, I rested my forehead against his, trying not to let everything overwhelm me. It just seemed impossible right now. Things had been tight before I got kidnapped. Money was always rough, but after a week with no pay … I was spiraling and didn't realize that Dimitri was speaking.

"Hollis— malysh . I can fix this. Let me fix this." He'd been rubbing circles on my back, cradling me against his pelvis where he was unmistakably he was hard against me. Could I accept his help?

"I'm not sure, Dimitri," I hedged. "I don't want to be that girl." Of course, I knew that Dimitri had money, but I didn't want to be the person who took advantage. "I've always worked hard for what we had. "I'm not here for a handout."

"Look, baby. Let me tell you what I'm worried about, okay? Maybe that'll help? Some things come with me. Like a package deal, baggage. "

This was something I understood—a package deal. While Olive wasn't what I considered baggage, she and I came together. I also came with my share of baggage, especially now. There was no way that I would be interested in giving a blowjob anytime soon, even to Dimitri.

"My brother is the pakhan of the Volkov Bratva; you know this. While I may not be actively involved, there may be times he could call on me to do something. My life is in Arizona with the Brotherhood. I would prefer to live there and continue my work there with them. I think you and Olive would like it there if you'd be willing to try it," he looked at me hesitantly. "That's part of the package. But with that, I have plenty of money, lots and lots of it. More than I could ever spend. More than you could spend. You don't have to work if you don't want to. If you wanted to stay home, you could. Pop out babies for me." He rocked against me, pushed a palm against my clit. "I'd love to make your belly round and full. I'm convinced that you and Olive are my future. And I'm committed to making that future as bright as possible. I would, as part of this package deal, give you plenty of orgasms." He kissed me lightly, licking at the seam of my lips. "Worship you. Protect you. Provide for you. "

The thought of a future together in Arizona began to seem less daunting and more like an exciting new chapter. What was keeping me here? I'd only picked this location at random. I'd wanted to live in San Diego, but it was too expensive. What would I lose? It seemed like I had so much to gain. I gave myself over to the moment of his mouth and his fingers.