Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

A leksander

With my lack of compassion and humanity, I was surprised I could see clearly how distraught Raphaella was. I had to remind myself she was being stripped from what had to have been a happy point in her life.

The apartment reminded me of the first one I'd lived in after moving out. I'd only had one roommate, but we'd gotten into some shit over the two years we'd lived together. Sadly, the memories I'd had weren't all good ones, my roommate gunned down accidentally because he'd looked remarkably like me.

It was the first and only time I'd allowed myself to care about anyone. It wasn't worth risking their lives.

With everything secure in the two vehicles, I moved toward Ivan and Kristoff. "Have at least two of our men watching the apartment above at all times."

"Yes, sir. For how long?" Ivan asked.

"I don't know yet. However, with the unrest on the street, I think we will be going through a rough patch. We'll make a plan later. Just spend time when we get back on the security system. Tomorrow it's business as usual."

"You got it, boss," Kristoff said and they both headed back to the SUV.

I scanned the street before returning, jumping into the driver's seat and immediately starting the engine. I'd noticed the ratty stuffed bear before, but the way she was holding it tightly against her chest told me it was one of the few items she'd kept from her childhood.

Raphaella noticed me looking at her and shuffled the bear even closer. "Don't make fun of me. Don't you dare make fun of me. I wasn't allowed to have friends, pets. Nothing. My mother couldn't care less when I had nightmares. Mr. Bear was there through thick and thin, including my night terrors. He's going to stay."

I checked the rearview mirror and pressed down on the accelerator. "My lovely fiancée, while I savor being a real monster to pricks who deserve it, never to something or someone that makes people happy. Mr. Bear. Welcome to my rather unique world." At least that garnered me a partial smile.

She was still holding him so tightly I was afraid she was going to fall apart. Given I had no idea what to say to her at this point, I remained quiet.

"That was very nice, what you told Jackie," she said far too quietly.

"Your friends are important to you, which means they are a part of your life. And I don't trust your father."

"I don't either. He's lied to me my entire life."

What the hell could I say to that? As we rode through the city, I was beginning to wonder if it wouldn't be better if I took her out of a town for a little while. Unfortunately, with the trial and the need to determine a wedding date, it wasn't the best decision. Plus, if the unrest on the street continued to grow, I'd need to have Vadim's back.

I'd decided to head through a smaller part of Brooklyn, which would lead me to the interstate. I couldn't be too careful and the busy streets weren't always the best for keeping track of my surroundings.

Raphaella leaned forward suddenly, peering out the window at something on her right. She even laughed.

"What is it?"

"Oh, nothing. Just a little ice cream place Angie, my other roommate introduced us to. It was one of those few treats we could share. That and decent Chinese food. We've been so broke but it's amazing what you can make with macaroni and cheese."

The sound of her voice was entirely different and I made a quick decision just after passing what had to be the place. Cutting the wheel, I made a fast turn and found the closest parking space. I knew Ivan would be pissed but so be it. I'd made a commitment to making her life as good as possible and I intended on keeping it.

Maybe I wasn't such a bad man after all.

"What are you doing?" she asked, a sparkle already in her eyes.

"Well, I can't remember the last time I had ice cream so what the heck?" At least no one had followed us that I'd been able to see and the area of town wasn't designated as territory for any mafia group.

"Well, you're too busy eating caviar." She laughed and opened the door, climbing out onto the sidewalk. Just the way she lovingly placed the bear on the seat was a testament to how caring she was. I could see her rescuing a puppy off the side of the road.

Ivan had to drive past me but found a spot. His ability to park easily in crowded spaces was a real art form. I climbed out, forced to remove my shoulder holster. Scaring all the little kiddies would only draw attention to us. I had a smaller weapon attached to my leg if absolutely needed. I'd learned a long time ago to always come prepared.

I took her by the elbow, leading her toward the building.

"Is there anywhere in this city you consider safe?"

I had to think about her question. "The courtroom. There are enough police officers around, no one would dare try anything."

"How sad." She linked her arm with mine and I found that strange since she'd been so standoffish. "This is a really adorable area of town. They've tried to make it as quaint and inviting as possible. There's a craft store and a gallery, a couple bistros and jazz clubs along with an adorable bookstore."

"Very nice."

"You should leave your highbrow area more often. You might be surprised what you find." Her somewhat mischievous expression had returned although the haunting appearance of her dazzling eyes continued to trouble me. Her father was a real piece of work. If I had the chance to kill him, I would.

She led us inside and I made sure both men were right behind, remaining just outside the door.

I wasn't surprised the location was busy or that it was so bright and colorful. Yet I honestly couldn't remember the last time I'd even been to an ice cream parlor. I wasn't even certain what they called it any longer.

"What's your favorite flavor?" she asked as we moved into line.

It was impossible not to laugh. "I have no clue. None."

She gave me a look that could burn a person into the ground. "You're kidding me? Chocolate? Vanilla? Chunky Monkey?"

"Nothing."

I must have had a funny look on my face because she wrinkled her nose. "Leave it to me."

"That I can do." While we were waiting, I scanned the small establishment as well as glanced outside. It was an old habit but one I'd gotten out of.

We were up to the counter before I managed to turn around.

"Hi. Do you still serve banana splits?" Raphaella asked.

"Yes, of course."

"This man here, as suave as he is, doesn't have a favorite flavor. How about two boat containers with three different selections each? Your best ones."

The girl behind the counter seemed ecstatic. "Oh, that's fabulous. Let me grab the most delicious choices for you."

Raphaella turned back to me, gripping my shirt with both hands. "You will sit for a few minutes and enjoy. Unless you want a sticky mess all over that nice car of yours."

I had to laugh. "Of course we can."

The woman truly thought I didn't live any kind of normal life. Given the very limited information I'd just heard about her childhood, I couldn't say I blamed her. Sharing an apartment with girlfriends was likely the most normal world she'd known.

I was only vaguely aware of the flavors being selected. The truth was I didn't care. The fact she was letting her guard down even a little meant she was starting to relax.

When she had both containers, she gave me a look expecting I'd pay for it. The girl could make me smile more than just about anybody. I happily paid, leaving a huge tip and followed Raphaella to a table near the window. She hadn't been advised window seats were mere attractions to shooters but today, I could breathe. After this? I had to wonder.

She placed both ‘boats' in the center of the small table, handing me a tiny plastic spoon. "Okay, so we have cherry Garcia, pistachio, French vanilla, butter pecan, chocolate Oreo, and I think that's strawberry. Dig in."

She was staring at me, waiting for me to choose. I had to scratch my head as I stared down at the variety. "Whew, where to begin." I didn't hesitate, knowing how much this meant to her. I dug into one then another, a third and fourth, and the final two. A cold wave hit my sinuses so hard I winced.

"Brain freeze."

"What?"

"That's called brain freeze. You can't inhale something that cold so quickly. Do you not know anything normal?" She was teasing me as she dug in, choosing the Oreo first. I was trying to make mental notes of choices she made.

"I guess I've been missing out."

She winked. "Well, that is something I can show you how to do."

She started chatting, something else new, talking about the few places she used to go with the girls, the work the others did. They'd made a family out of the three of them and that added a hint of guilt to the way I was feeling. But in the end, there was no other choice.

I found myself enjoying every flavor, digging in even as our spoons collided. It was good to hear her laugh. Surprise hit me when we finished both. In record time. "That was amazing."

"Ha. You might learn something from me."

Laughing around her was also easy. "You ready to go?"

"I am." She dumped the containers and napkins into the trash and followed me to the door. Then she stopped. "Give me fifteen bucks."

I forgot her father had frozen her account. God, I loathed the man. I pulled out my wallet and she snatched the twenty before I could hand it to her. When she headed back to the counter, I shook my head. What was the girl doing?

It only took a few seconds and she returned with two ice cream cones in her hands. "If you think I can eat more, you're nuts."

She rolled her eyes. "Not for you, big boy. Open the door for me. Will ya?"

I shouldn't have been surprised when she presented the colorful swirls to my men but damn if the gesture didn't make me smile. Meanwhile, my two guys peered up at me in shock. No one, including me, had offered them something so simple but with such a heartfelt thought before. I nodded so they knew it would be okay.

I'd need to explain to her later that they were bodyguards, which meant they'd need to concentrate on driving but right now, making headway was just as important.

"Chocolate and French vanilla. It gives you the best of both worlds. I didn't think about sprinkles. I'm sorry." Even her apology was adorable.

They were still hesitant to grab the cones, but I could swear the moment they both did, their frigid Russian hearts melted a little.

"Home from here," I said absently, guiding her toward the car.

"Let me know what you think," she yelled back.

When I had her settled into the seat and the door closed, Ivan headed up to me. "I hope you don't mind me saying, boss, but she's a keeper."

He was right. My lovely girl who just might drive me bananas was definitely a keeper.

God help anyone who dared try to take her away from me.

Raphaella

Surprises.

There'd been several of them throughout the day, including the fact he'd ordered in Chinese food. I knew the rugged man was trying, hoping he could make his home feel like one to me. Or maybe his kindness was his way of asking me to wipe the slate clean between us. It was tough to continue with the same level of hatred as before. Now we sat in the living room. He was working on something, his laptop on the coffee table. I was pretending to read a book I'd found, although I found it impossible to concentrate.

He'd remained tense, more so since we'd returned, but the fact he'd let his guard down had meant so much. Plus, his men had placed the items they'd brought from my tiny studio in my much nicer one. The entire situation remained surreal, but I was beginning to come to full grips with what was happening. That made me edgier, and angrier with my father for putting me in this position.

I placed the book and my wine on the table, sliding to my feet. It was natural to want to be close to him or maybe his heavy sexual prowess was becoming too powerful to resist. Either way, he wasn't the man I'd thought he was and getting closer seemed to be the thing to do.

He wasn't paying any attention when I moved behind him, but when I placed my hands on his shoulders, he almost jumped out of his skin.

"Relax," I breathed. "Soon this place is going to be a fortress. Plus, I won't hurt you." It had been a long time since I'd given anyone a massage. Hell, I used to do it with my father, which would now forever leave a bad taste in my mouth. But Aleksander was not my father. Not in any way.

"You're sure about that?" he asked as he pushed the laptop further back on the table.

"Well, if you steal my ice cream or my pillow, all bets are off." He hadn't said a single word when I'd placed Mr. Bear on my bed. It had been a strange moment, as if I was fully accepting my new position. At least it was a nice place to be.

"Okay. I'm glad you told me."

I started really giving him my famous massage, digging my fingers into his shoulders, shifting down his arms to include both. I could tell he was enjoying my actions. Even the way he craned his neck back and forth meant I was doing something right.

When I started to knead his back with my fisted hands, daring to pump him a few times, I could tell his breathing had changed.

Without warning, he threw his head back at the same time he reached for me, somehow easily pulling me halfway over his head and into his lap. I had no idea he had that much strength but he made me laugh. "You are very bad."

I'd adored the way he'd cupped my face from the beginning, even if I'd never admitted it to anyone, including myself. This time felt different. Even the way he was looking into my eyes brought an entirely different set of emotions. The man had a way of making me feel special, which I hadn't believed possible.

Now I was the one whose breathing was labored.

"You haven't seen anything yet, lady."

There'd been one man in my life who'd kissed me as if both our lives were depending on it. But that had been right before I'd learned he was cheating on me so I didn't count that one. When Aleksander captured my mouth this time, I had a feeling he was going to consume all of me.

And that was just fine.

I wanted the passion, intimacy with a man I really didn't know yet it almost seemed as if we'd known each other a lifetime.

The kiss was just as powerful as the man, maybe more so. He immediately swept his tongue inside, dominating my entire mouth. I was instantly lightheaded, already caressing his chest through his shirt with one hand.

He took his time, yet there was a true urgency to what he was doing, pushing his needs to the point where he would ravage me. I was tingling all over, my pussy throbbing. I found myself tearing at his buttons, longing to touch his heated skin. He didn't stop me. Yet his hold became more possessive. He slipped his other hand to the back of my neck, gripping with just as much possessiveness as I'd felt before.

Only this time, his hold made me thrilled, excited to be in his arms. The way his cock was throbbing, pushing against the inset of my thighs only added to the building firestorm happening in my pussy. My core was throbbing, my heart racing. Having this kind of reaction after the way we'd come together might seem abnormal, but I didn't care. I was finally reaching the point of being able to share something more than anger or sadness.

As soon as I managed to touch his skin, he broke the kiss long enough to growl. I was already panting. The desire was so strong, so intense I couldn't see straight.

He took my bottom lip into his mouth, biting down until I shuddered visibly.

I was blown away by his masculinity, the intoxicating scent of leather and spices, citrus and some exotic wood. But it was the tingling in my fingertips and the extreme jolts of electricity I would never be able to get over. The man had more than just a powerful hold over me. It was almost magical, already a dip into ecstasy.

He dragged his tongue from one side of my jaw to the other, making animalistic sounds the entire time. When he stood, keeping me pressed close to him, I was already swooning. How was this even possible? Sure, he was sexy and made my pussy quiver, but I should still hate him. Right?

Nothing seemed normal, right or wrong.

But being held in his arms, lost in the moment, was amazing. He took long strides from the room, heading to the stairs. He even took them two at a time. When he moved to my room, not his, I found that curious. For a man so pushy, so in need of full domination, I had a feeling it had absolutely everything to do with trying to make me more comfortable.

It was working.

I was melting.

My thoughts were mush, although I sensed some of them were very naughty.

He wasted no time tossing me onto the bed. I stared down at Mr. Bear, realizing he'd never been there when I'd been with a man. As if that had been very often. He was going to need to sit this one out. I rolled over, placing him on the nightstand further away. I was barely able to do that when the rough and tumble man grabbed me by the ankles, yanking me to the side of the bed. As he'd done before, he tugged off one tennis shoe then the other, tossing them behind him in a bit of a flair mode.

I was in a playful mood, pushing one of my feet into his chest. He was too fast for me, grabbing and cocking his head, giving me a playful yet stern look.

"Be very careful, princess. You will never be in charge." He didn't give me any time to react, reaching for the fastener on my jeans.

I wiggled for the heck of it. Tormenting him was great fun. I'd never known anyone who'd indulged so little in the simpler things in life. However, he was an anomaly. I had to remind myself of that.

This time he easily maneuvered the tight material over my hips, dragging my jeans to my ankles. I thought at first, he was going to leave me that way, shackled completely differently. I could tell he was contemplating it and I kicked him again, although it was a rather clumsy action.

He acted as if he'd been pitched backward, his back hitting the closet door.

The bastard. He knew exactly how I'd react.

"Are you okay?"

The deception continued when he acted like he was forced to slide down to the floor.

"Aleksander."

He lunged toward me so fast I was caught off guard, screaming involuntarily. He took that time to rip off the jeans, my panties next, even managing to yank the shirt over my head. That left me in my bra and nothing else. I don't know why a self-conscious feeling washed over me. I'd never hated my body, although I should, given what my father used to say. Sure, I had curves, lots of them, but men liked that. Right?

"You need to go to Weight Watchers or something. You won't be able to attract a decent suitor the way you look."

My father had no idea how much his comment had hurt me. Granted, he'd been intoxicated at the time, which was rare for him, but I cried myself to sleep that night. Even now, it was tough to look at myself in a mirror without criticizing every inch.

"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

Tears immediately rushed to my eyes. Aleksander had no idea what his words did for me at that moment.

Noticing my tears, he leaned over, running a single finger through the salty bead. "Someone hurt you, destroyed your self-confidence." His voice was low, comforting.

I hated feeling weak. I'd worked so hard to regroup, to pretend I was a gorgeous woman. I knew I was smiling but no words seemed good enough. The look of carnal lust returned to his eyes and I almost forgot about all the nasty things my father had said.

Almost.

There was no stopping my fiancé as he crawled onto the bed, reaching behind me to unfasten my bra. It was strangely a romantic gesture, but I was still shaking all over.

He was good at everything, removing it easily, taking a step back seconds later.

When I lifted my head, I was shocked at the way he was peering at me. He was even dragging his tongue across his bottom lip in appreciation.

" Vy absolyutno krasivy. Ideal'nyy. Vse moye ."

"What did you say?" God. I sounded like I was eighteen.

"I said," he growled as he moved closer, "that you are absolutely beautiful. Perfect. All mine. I have no issue reminding you of both often."

I had no doubt he would.

The way my bottom lip was quivering was disturbing yet a rush of sensations tore through me, the feeling almost like bottle rockets.

He crawled onto the bed again, only this time straddling my closed legs. As soon as he cupped my breasts, he pinched my nipples. Hard.

"Oh. Oh. Oh!" Another series of stars floated in front of my eyes. The pain was glorious, the hunger for him increasing dramatically. He twisted my already aching buds several times as he forced me into an arc.

I scrambled to place my palms on the comforter before I fell over. Of course, I didn't doubt he was going to push me down soon enough.

Even his scent seemed more intoxicating, which kept my mind in a fog. I threw back my head, finally uttering several moans. Very slowly he lowered down, immediately taking one nipple into his mouth as he continued pinching the other.

The combination was almost too much to bear, my entire body covered in goosebumps. Now I was panting like some animal while he was growling. All I could think about was how primal we sounded. However, this was what passion was supposed to be like.

He took his time as he'd done before, brushing his lips to my other hard bud, sucking with an exaggerated sound. I couldn't believe vibrations were dancing down my spine. There were so many thoughts in my mind, pretty much all of them dirty.

I could suck on his big, fat cock for hours.

I couldn't wait until he feasted on my pussy like he'd done before.

But most of all, I wanted him to fill me with his shaft, pushing me beyond ecstasy.

I tossed my head back and forth, fighting to stay right where I was. He continued to shift from one to the other until juice trickled from my pussy, covering both my inner thighs. The scent wafted between us and another flush of embarrassment washed through me. But he had a way of making me feel completely comfortable, acting as if I was the most incredible woman on earth.

After another few seconds, he eased back, immediately ripping off his shirt with the back of his collar. "Stay right there. Or else. My rules."

I waited until he'd removed his shoes, trying to debate what to do. Why not tempt the man in every way I could.

Instead of being a good girl, I did exactly the opposite, lunging from the bed to my knees. "Remember, darling. I never said I'd follow those rules."