Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

C hantel

The chill in the air was refreshing, the setting sun even more beautiful than Brighton Beach.

I wasn't certain why, but I felt more peaceful here. The afternoon had gone quickly, Damien still happy as a lark. Thankfully, he'd fallen asleep in the blink of an eye, not fighting me on anything. He'd eaten like a horse, which was also a good sign.

I'd scoped out the supplies, even noticing a freezer in the garage. There was enough food to feed an army for a long time.

The wine selection was just as incredible, the liquor cabinet stocked. I could make almost anything for dinner, although I wasn't entirely certain what that should be.

As soon as I yanked the blanket more tightly around me, Nikolay walked out onto the porch. Or I should say he stormed out, heading directly to the railing. I'd seen him in the kitchen, very animated on the phone. He'd seemed perturbed, which likely meant additional issues. Whether or not he would tell me what they were remained to be seen.

He stood staring out at the ocean, the quiet aura surrounding him discouraging.

And in truth, a little frightening.

"Your father is frustrating as fuck," he finally said.

I was surprised and amused. "He's your brother."

"We're entirely different. Yes, a slightly different mixture of DNA but he's not astute."

"In business or in life?"

Chuckling, he tipped his head over his shoulder. "A little of both. He got himself into a bit of hot water. Not that he'll admit that of course."

"I figured as much."

Now he turned around. "Why?"

I shrugged, taking another sip of my wine. "You might not have paid attention, but my father was all glow and show at the dinner he required me to be at. I met some people he was going to have business with and they certainly seemed to know me. A little too well."

"I didn't see anyone there I recognized."

"Maybe you wouldn't. I gathered from my father's disappointment I overheard him share with my mother later that the bigwigs hadn't bothered to attend. Evidently the seconds in command or even lower had been sent. As a gesture of good faith. Whatever the hell that means."

"There was an Italian but the other three seemed entirely American men, from what I could tell," he said, far too contemplative. He'd been introduced to everyone and hadn't seemed bothered at dinner by who they were. Granted, the names of the firms they worked for had seemed oddly bland. Likely fake. Or maybe Nikolay was used to dealing with thugs from all over the world. I knew that wasn't fair given my mysterious lover wasn't like my father, but the two worlds could collide.

Maybe I had no clue what I was talking about.

"Honestly, my father mentioned the company the two parties were involved in, not the bigwigs he was meeting the next day. I bet that meeting was difficult given the dinner."

"Yeah, I'll bet. Do you remember the name of the company?"

"Something like Rossi Enterprises but I admit it, I was zoning out."

"You were, huh?" At least there was a bit less of an edge to his voice.

"Yes."

"Why?"

He had to ask that question now. Didn't he? "Let's just say a certain man I had no idea was coming, a man I almost didn't recognize. He flustered me."

Nikolay took a deep breath. "That wasn't my intention. I hope you know that."

"Oh, you just flirt with every girl standing alone on a balcony? Do you dare fuck them all too?" Yes, I knew I was pushing boundaries, but it remained like some elephant in the room.

"Don't do that, Chantel. Don't cheapen what we shared."

I hadn't realized I'd done that, but he was right. "I'm sorry. That night was magical to me, even after learning who you were. I'd never felt that way in my life. So amazing. So electrified." That was the truth. There was no sense of hiding it.

"I felt the same."

Still, there was tension between us. Would that ever dissipate? "I didn't want to be the prim and proper daughter acting like some mafia princess whose hero came to my rescue."

"I'm no hero, Chantel. You already know that. That night, you looked so forlorn, so out of place."

I shrugged. "I guess that's how I felt. Dad has never really asked me what I wanted, nor did he seem to care. I always had a feeling he was going to force me into some crazy arranged marriage with some old guy to create some financial empire. Maybe my mother refused to allow him. I don't know."

"That doesn't sound like Vissarian."

"Maybe you don't know him as well as you think you do. He's changed significantly the past few years. Becoming more distant. More… into himself. There were additional business meetings, more stress. He and my mother argued. It wasn't a fun time, but I was finishing grad school and honestly, did my best to stay out of the house."

He was thoughtful again. "Well, at this point it's nothing for you to worry about."

"I guess not. Any luck on the traitor inside your organization?"

"No. I could be wrong. This could be a very old enemy. There are several variables."

"Tell me about your life," I suggested as I patted the chair next to me.

He laughed. "All the glorious details?"

At least he came and sat next to me, turning his chair so he could face me a little better. The dim lighting was spectacular, allowing for stargazing while providing enough light to enjoy whoever you were talking to.

"Dreams. Hopes. Whatever." I sensed no one had ever really asked him the question. I also had the distinct feeling he'd never been close with anyone.

"I was born into this life, Chantel. Just like you were. I had thoughts like any kid. I wanted to be an astronaut, and a merchant sailor at one point. I was just a kid. But as soon as the life was presented to me, I couldn't look back. It's not what you do when born into a Bratva situation."

"But Vadim isn't family."

"No, but you're right in that various alliances are formed, often with business transactions alone. That's what happened. My father ended up making one with Vadim's father. They worked together for years while Vadim and I became friends." Nikolay studied me, obviously curious why I was delving into his past.

Maybe he didn't understand how much I wanted to get to know everything about him. The good, the bad, and the ugly if necessary. "And you didn't hate it?"

"No. The horror stories you might have read or seen in movies aren't always accurate. I was lucky and so was Vadim. We grew up with fathers who cared very much about their families. We grew up. We took over."

"What about Damien?" I asked. "Do you want him to have the same life?"

"A very good question and one that's bothered me. No. I would prefer he chose his world, his profession. Everything. But he will never be able to leave the shadow of who I am. That's the way it works. That will always place a target on his back."

"So sad but I do understand. Maybe that's why I tried so hard to live a normal life. Whatever normal is."

He took a deep breath, glancing out at the sky. "Come here for a second."

As he stood, he held out his hand like a gentleman, pulling me toward the railing. "What am I supposed to be seeing?" I asked.

"Look up at the stars. They're bright. They're beautiful. They are a part of the unknown world that people have been wishing on for hundreds of years. Sometimes stargazers believe they get the answers they need. Maybe about the love of their life or perhaps a job they're contemplating. It gives them hope, a little something different than religion or family values. Just like I want my son to be anything he wants to be. I think you can and should be as well."

"But I'll always have a target on my back."

"Yes, but with time it will become less."

I threw him a look. He was so close, his body heat explosive. I wanted so much for him to take me into his arms, kissing me as if his life depended on it. Somehow, I could feel he was mostly business tonight, the anxiety weighing heavily on his shoulders. "I have many wishes and always have. I was the kid lost in books and dreams. Fantasies I guess you'd call them. My mother used to make fun of me but I didn't care. Being locked away like Rapunzel didn't leave me room for doing much else."

"Now, you're free," he said, daring to get closer to me. "Look up at the stars. Find the brightest one then close your eyes. Make a wish."

I glanced at the stars, finding the perfect one before closing my eyes.

I wish I may, I wish I might, wish upon a star tonight.

My mind had already grasped the perfect life, the perfect profession. Exactly what would make me happy. I found myself nuzzling against him, maybe something he hated but I needed to feel him. I craved being closer. Much closer.

"I'm curious. What did you wish for? You have a marketing and advertising degree. Is that what you would love to do?"

"If I told you," I whispered, "then it might not come true and I really want it to."

He spun me around quickly, wrapping his free hand around my throat. There was no threat, no intention of harm. His hold was all about possession and I almost burst into tears.

"I will do everything in my power to help make those dreams come true," he whispered.

"Why? Why?"

"Haven't you figured it out yet, my little minx? Because I have no intention of allowing you out of my life. Not now. Not ever."

There were moments in time when a kiss was as powerful as making love. This was one of them. The possessiveness remained even as he slipped his arm around me, pulling me close. His lips were softer tonight, his tenderness unexpected. After our previous round of hot sex, I'd thought him far too intense to allow for romance. Maybe I was wrong about so many things about him.

That filled me with so much more than just lust. I was eager to spend time with him, so happy at what he'd said.

The kiss became more intense yet remained soft and special. It was as if we were doing our best to try to get to know each other just like I wanted. I slipped my free arm around him, struggling with emotions more than I had before. But I finally knew what I wanted in every aspect of my life. I was shocked how fitting it was, how perfect and something I hadn't thought of in a very long time. With Nikolay at my side, I knew we could accomplish anything.

And face any danger thrown our way. That's how much I cared about the man.

He swept his tongue inside, finally crushing his mouth over mine. He was a force to be reckoned with, a man with such prowess and playfulness that the thought of spending the rest of my life with him was better than anything. Anything.

He was growling into our moment of intimacy just like I was mewing like some kitten in the wild. But I could tell he loved it by how hard his cock had gotten.

The moment he broke the kiss, I felt a little bit of loss. Or maybe it was from being lightheaded, stars now drifting down from the sky to sparkle in my eyes.

His tenderness continued as he cupped my face, brushing his thumb back and forth. "You are such a beautiful, talented woman. You can do anything you want. I will certainly support you in whatever you'd like. But I want you in my life. I need you in my life. Yeah, I know what we'll face with your father, but you deserve to live your life exactly as you want."

"I want this, Nikolay. More than you know. I just…" I tried to lower my head but he refused to allow it, lifting my chin with the same thumb.

"Just what?"

"Nothing. This right here is my wish. This house. Damien. You. Everything."

"You can't not want something for you. I won't allow that." His grin was so adorable I was swooning all over again.

"You'll make fun of me."

He swatted me on the butt without hesitation. "You deserve another spanking."

"Not this girl. I'm so good I squeak."

His laugh was boisterous and one that could easily turn me into mush. "Um, I hate to tell you this but you are a brat. A solid brat."

I nipped his chin and bit down on his lip, unable to help myself. He swatted me again in response. So I ground my hips back and forth.

"Oh, you are so going to get it," he growled all over again. "But you're not getting out of telling me what you want in life."

He forced us apart once again, which I hated. "I want to write and illustrate, to a point anyway, children's books. I used to write them when I was younger but forgot all about it. I even drew. I had all these sketch pads full of designs. Dragons. Bears. Doggies. You name it. They were only pen and pencil, but I thought they were damn good. I put like three I think to stories and I was so excited with one, I finally showed my mother."

"I'm sure she was delighted."

I laughed, the memory just another one I'd done everything to shove aside. "Unfortunately, I'd already been called a mafia princess by then, which meant I would have certain responsibilities in the future as the daughter of a prominent, powerful man. At least that was fully explained to me as she tore my story into little pieces."

"Jesus fucking Christ. What the hell?"

"She told me she loved me but that I was far too much of a dreamer and that I had no real talent."

"Why marketing? All that time spent."

Shrugging, I hid behind my wineglass. "Because I finally found something that my father approved of, likely to share my expertise with his company. So I lost my dream, longing to just get the hell away from the life I'd been born into. Isn't that sad and weak?"

"Not weak at all, my love. You don't need to worry about that again. You tell me what you need and I'll buy you the world. You will have your dream one way or the other."

"Mmm… I love that and I might take you up on it. I have another dream maybe you can help me with." I couldn't help brushing my finger down his chiseled face. He'd left the stubble, likely for three days and honestly, it made him look even more rugged.

"I can try. Dream maker to the rescue."

First, I rolled my fingertip around his lush lips, laughing when he pulled my finger all the way into his mouth, acting like some beast and he was going to bite it off.

"Down, big boy. Down."

There were so many complex aspects of the man, but one thing continued to catch me off guard. I never would have believed a big-time mafia dude could act playful. Not in a million years. I had to remind myself that he was very human with likes, dislikes, needs, and wants just like Joe the accountant.

Maybe I'd mistakenly compared him to my father, who always seemed to be on edge.

"I'll be the savage later. Watch out, little girl. The big, bad wolf is coming tonight."

He could make me smile even in the middle of danger and fear.

"I'll keep that in mind."

"What dream can I provide?" he asked roughly.

"Help me figure out a delicious, savory, and fun-filled dinner." I pushed away from him, laughing before backing toward the door.

He groaned as if trying to prepare food was ten times worse than killing a man in cold blood.

The craziness of my thought caught me off guard as I headed into the kitchen. I'd talked about needing normal in my life. My normal was knowing bad men such as Nikolay had and would kill people. It was a product of the profession, men becoming greedy and traitorous.

What troubled me the most was that I knew in my heart, someone close to him was plotting and planning his demise and that of others.

Maybe it was time for Supergirl to come out. I wasn't a princess any longer.

Or was I?