5. Lucia

5

LUCIA

I'm so cold.

My body shivers uncontrollably, and I hug my knees to my chest in an attempt to keep my body heat, but it does little to stop my teeth from chattering.

"Help!"

I've been screaming for what feels like hours, but it's no use.

No one is coming.

I swallow, but my throat is so dry that I wince.

How long has it been since I've had any water? Hours? Days?

If someone doesn't bring me water soon, I'm going to die of dehydration. That is unless they decide to murder me first…

Footsteps sound outside the door, and I flinch, backing myself up against the wall as he appears. I try to muffle the sounds of my whimpering as he crosses the room to crouch in front of me.

He reaches out his fingers, trailing them down my neck as he gazes at my mouth with those dark, piercing eyes .

"What's with all the noise, beautiful?"

My eyes fly open, and I'm gasping for breath.

My body is covered in sweat, and my heart is hammering in my chest.

It's been months since I've had a nightmare. I had hoped they were gone for good, but it seems I'll never escape them. I'm destined to relive those moments time and again…

I bolt from my bed and dart into my bathroom to turn on the shower. I've found the only way to rid myself of the memories is to physically wash them away.

Stepping under the hot water, I reach for the soap and begin to lather my skin with the sweet smelling bubbles.

I sigh as one by one my muscles loosen, and I start to relax as the remnants of the nightmare slowly fade away.

Once I'm finished, I climb back into my bed and curl up on my side, trying my best to fall back asleep, but my mind has other ideas.

I glance at my alarm clock, and I groan when it flashes three A.M.

This is ridiculous.

I'm not in the slightest bit tired, but I have a very busy day planned tomorrow, and I'm going to need my energy.

Letting out a frustrated huff, I shift onto my back and force my eyes closed.

There's one trick that never fails to send me back to sleep, and after tonight, I have plenty of scenarios that can help me get there.

"This means nothing," I state to myself before I let my mind become flooded with memories of Mikhail Koslov. Specifically, a naked, dripping wet Mikhail Koslov.

My fingers trail over my breasts, my body arching into the touch as I picture him standing there in the water in all his glory. He really is insanely hot, and the endless tattoos and muscles give him the ultimate bad boy vibe that I love. That, mixed with the memory of his gloriously thick cock, has my pussy instantly wet.

I knead my breasts as I wait for the ache to build between my thighs, knowing that once I start fingering my clit, I'll be orgasming within seconds, and I want to prolong this a little longer.

I'm very much enjoying picturing Mikhail's impressive cock.

I ached to touch him last night, to wrap my hand around his length and pump it hard until he was close to spilling all over my hand.

The image has a rush of wetness flooding between my thighs at the thought of him climaxing.

"Oh god."

Unable to wait any longer, I dip my fingers between my thighs to start working my clit, and I bite back a cry of pleasure as my pussy starts to clench.

Desperate to be filled by him, I'm whimpering at the feeling of emptiness.

I sink two fingers inside my pussy as my thumb brushes over my clit, but it's not enough.

I need more.

I need him.

From the look in his eyes, I know he would have happily fucked me right there and then in the water.

HIs hands would have gripped my ass, lifting me around his waist so he could thrust his cock deep inside me, hitting that sensitive spot that has me crying out with release? —

"Mikhail…" My back arches off the bed as I ride out my orgasm.

I'm so spent after that I collapse back against the pillows, sleep claiming me almost instantly.

Glancing at my phone, I wait until the time reaches seven A.M. before pocketing it again and wrapping my knuckles against the door to Mikhail's townhouse.

"Rise and shine, cucciolo !" I bite the inside of my cheek as I catch the sound of Mikhail's footsteps thumping down the stairs. "Three… Two… One…"

The door flies open, and I'm met with Mikhail's very bare, very muscular chest.

I glance up to notice his hair is a little disheveled, and he's wearing nothing but a pair of workout shorts.

My cheeks warm as I think of what I did last night, and I wonder if perhaps he did the same…

The thought has me clenching my thighs together.

"What do you want?" He is almost snarling, which only makes me grin.

I don't miss the way his eyes roam over my body.

Perfect. My clothes are meant to cause a reaction from him. I'm wearing a dark burgundy knit dress that clings to my curves and knee high black leather boots. I left my hair loose around my shoulders to dress down the outfit.

"Oof, someone's a grump in the morning." My eyes flick down to admire the tattoos covering his chiseled abdomen.

I'm tempted to glance lower, remembering all too well what he's packing beneath those gym shorts, but we have places to go and things to do, and the clock is ticking.

There will be plenty of time to ogle later .

"Thought you'd return the goods you stole?" Mikhail folds his arms across his chest as he eyes the G Wagon behind me.

" Technically , I only borrowed it."

"You think you can get away with this on a technicality?"

"No." I bat my eyelashes a little. "I thought my killer personality and the promise of a fun day out would be enough to wipe the slate clean."

Mikhail's scowl only deepens. "You left me stranded… Naked ."

"I know." I chuckle, biting my lip. "You were so very, very naked."

A deep rumble builds in his throat as he catches me staring at his chest.

A warm sensation starts to build in my lower belly as I remember what it was like to press my breasts up against his skin, to have his hands digging into my waist?—

"Did it ever occur to you that a cold, naked person, with no possibility of heating, could die of hypothermia? Did it ever occur to you that if my phone hadn't fallen from my clothes, I could now be dead?" He narrows his eyes at me. "Or maybe that was your plan all along, which is cause for this all agreement to be out the door with you to blame for."

Oh my god, he's right. At the time, all I'd wanted was to have some fun at his expense, but not at that cost.

"I-I'm…"

"I think I need to call my brother right now and let him know you tried to kill me."

"No! That's not…" I take a deep breath. "Look. I was just having a little fun. I didn't think?—"

"And that is exactly your problem, isn't it? Do you ever stop and think about the consequences of your actions? No, because you are a spoiled little princess who thinks she can do anything and get away with it. Well, you can't, so grow up already."

This is all my fault. All my fault for the way I've been acting and living my life. But, if only he knew the truth…

Still, he is right that I could have killed him. That was too far, even for me.

"Look, I'm sorry about last night. Here, I bought you coffee as a peace offering."

"I didn't pick you as the morning type," is all he comments as he steps aside to let me squeeze past him.

Does that mean apology accepted?

"I love mornings. Though usually I'm going to bed, not getting up." I smile. "Plus, I have a very busy schedule planned for us today, so we better get going if we're going to fit it all in."

"Can't wait," Mikhail grumbles. "Just a word of warning. Try another stunt like that again, and we're done. Your father will know, and my family will demand compensation. I can promise you your father will not be happy about that."

I nod, holding out the coffee.

"I figured you take it black like your mood."

He scowls but doesn't deny it. He grabs the coffee and takes a few gulps.

"Now go and get dressed, unless you're planning on going out like this?" I signal at his bare chest.

"Would you like me to go out like this?"

I would. Very much. Eye candy all day long. But I just shrug. "All I care about is my bucket list."

"Stay here and don't move."

I sip on my coffee as Mikhail disappears upstairs. I itch to take a look around, wondering if his place gives anything away about him, but I already messed up big time, and he is being a sport going through with my demand after last night, so I don't push my luck.

The look on his face as I drove away was priceless. But he is right. I put his life at risk, and that is wrong. Too far.

I'm still quietly biting my lip with guilt when Mikhail re-appears, wearing a tight fitting black shirt with the sleeves rolled up and black pants that hug his muscular thighs perfectly. He has a black jacket slung over his arm, and his dark hair is neatly styled. He certainly knows what works for him, I'll give him that.

"Ready?" I practically choke as I try not to stare. I don't give him a chance to answer before I turn on my heels and head out onto the street. Time to go back to being my happy, bubbly, reckless self. Just not as reckless as last night.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Mikhail barks as I go to open up the driver's side door of his car.

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm getting in the car." I pull on the handle. But before I have a chance to open it enough to climb inside, Mikhail appears behind me and slams the door shut.

"What the hell?" I spin around to find myself caged in by his muscular arms, his hands on either side of my head.

He backs me up against the door, and my breath catches as I stare up into his dark eyes.

"This is my car." His growl sends a shiver of pleasure coursing through my body.

"So you like to keep reminding me." I roll my eyes. "Can't you let a girl drive? Pretty please?"

His eyes narrow as he lowers his head until his mouth is only inches from my own.

"It wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me if I let you drive," he murmurs, his warm breath tickling my skin .

"I-I didn't realize you cared about stuff like that." I try not to stare at his full lips.

"I might not be your biggest fan, kisa , but I still know how to treat a woman right. So, I suggest you give me back my keys so we can get started with this bucket list."

"I just want to be clear, I'm not looking forward to this one bit." Mikhail pulls up outside the movie theater, which is the first stop on our list.

"What, you don't like movies?"

"I have a feeling it's not just a movie."

"Glad to see you're catching on fast, Koslov." I wink at him before climbing out of the car.

Mikhail follows me into the movie theater, and his jaw flexes as he glances at all of the poster boards.

"What do you fancy seeing? Action? Romance?"

"Horror."

"Ah see, that's where you've made a mistake." I jab a nail into his rock hard abs. "Because now I'm going to force you to sit through two hours of the sappiest love story out there."

"Why?"

" Because today is all about making you do things you would never normally do."

"You're infuriating."

"Oh, Mikhail. I promise by the end of today, you'll find me endearing."

"I highly doubt that."

"Now, do you prefer candy or popcorn?"

"Is there even any point in answering?"

As soon as our snacks are secured, I grab hold of Mikhail's hand and start to make a run for it toward our designated screen.

"What the fuck?" he hisses, popcorn spilling everywhere as he tries to keep up with me.

"I wasn't planning on actually paying for the tickets. I might be rich, but fifteen bucks to see a crappy rom com is steep even for me."

"Are you serious?"

"I didn't think you would be so opposed to a little criminal activity."

I will say, what I hadn't planned for was how hard it would be to sit beside Mikhail in a darkened movie theater for two hours.

He kept spreading his thighs wider and wider, brushing up against mine in a way that had my heart hammering in my chest.

If I wasn't so intent on sticking to the day's scheduled activities, I would have put my hand on his thigh and perhaps let it trail a little higher.

Now, I know that's definitely not something Mikhail Koslov would have done before, but I keep reminding myself that the tension only adds to the experience.

Though, by the time the movie's over, I'm so hot and bothered that the next item on the list will be a welcome relief.

"We won't be needing the car," I state as Mikhail goes to unlock his G Wagon.

"Why? Where are we going?" He frowns.

"We're taking the subway."

If looks could kill, Mikhail Koslov would have me bleeding out right here on the trash covered floor of the subway cart.

It's a stark contrast to his immaculate appearance that oozes nothing but wealth. But I've had some of the best times laughing and singing with strangers after a night out on the subway, and I want Mikhail to experience just that.

I start singing the chorus of Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi as if my life depends on my performance.

Mikhail's eyes look like they're about to pop out of their sockets at the sound of my very loud, very terrible singing, and his hand clamps around my mouth, cutting me off.

"Lucia," he hisses, glancing around at all the people now watching us.

But I don't care. Right now, all I care about is trying to have him to loosen up and show him what it feels like when people start having a little fun.

My tongue darts out to lick his palm, and his eyes flame with lust, but he doesn't lower his hand.

"You need to stop that."

I ignore him, letting out a soft moan as I lick him again.

" Lucia ."

I continue to ignore him until he has no choice but to lower his hand.

I watch with delight as his throat bobs, eyeing my mouth.

But I don't give him a chance to act on it before I throw my head back and start belting out the chorus to Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus.

"Oh, my god," he groans, rubbing at his jaw with his hand, and I grin.

"I take requests."

It seems Mikhail is not the biggest fan of the subway, though I can't imagine why.

By the time we get off at Rockefeller Center, and he eyes the ice rink, he looks like he's reaching his breaking point .

"Surely, you know how to skate?" I ask as I watch the color drain from his face. "You're Russian, aren't you? There is a lot of snow and ice in Russia, right?"

"Uh…"

Turns out, Mikhail has no fucking idea how to skate.

As I drag him across the ice, it feels like I'm taking Bambi for a walk.

My cheeks are wet with tears from laughing so hard as Mikhail flails, his limbs splaying in all directions as he does his best to stay on his feet.

"All that muscle and no idea how to use it," I choke, wiping my eyes as Mikhail falls flat on his ass.

It's hard work dragging a six-foot-four hunk of muscle around an ice rink for a few hours. By the time we're handing over our skates, I've worked up a considerable appetite. Thankfully, the next stop on our list is a fast food burger place that makes the most insane double cheeseburgers in the city.

"What can I get for you guys?" the server asks as we approach the counter.

Mikhail wrinkles his nose as he glances at the menu.

Before he has a chance to speak, I lean over the counter.

"We'll take one of everything."

"You're crazy," he mutters before taking a bite of his cheeseburger.

I glance around at all the food that covers our table and shrug.

"Perhaps. But I figure that as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, then who cares? You only get one life."

"You sound like you were given six months to live or something."

My body tenses.

More like six days …

"You should hurry up and finish your burger," I state, changing the subject. "You're going to want to give it time to settle before our next stop."

My body is practically buzzing as we reach Bryant Park. It's the last weekend of the carnival and there's nothing more fun than carnival rides.

"You have got to be kidding me," Mikhail grumbles as I lead him toward the Helter Skelter.

High on adrenaline, I drag Mikhail from ride to ride.

We spend hours exploring every inch of the carnival, enjoying copious amounts of cotton candy and pretzels while playing all the arcade games too. The sound of laughter mixed with the music and lights has me smiling so hard my cheeks ache.

Nothing feels better than this.

It seems Mikhail might finally be loosening up after the final ride.

I glance over to him as we climb out of our bumper car and the corners of his lips are pulled up into a smile.

A smug sense of satisfaction fills me as I lead him toward our final stop of the evening.

"There's one more thing on the list." I try to hold back my smile as I glance up at Mikhail.

His eyes narrow. "And what's that?"

I smile at him, then reach up onto my tip toes so I can whisper in his ear.

"You're going to fuck me right here in this haunted house."