28. Xander

Katerina smiles at me devilishly before getting on her knees and stepping between my legs. I’m already hard, I have been since we woke up but instead of fucking her like I wanted to but I chose to get in some work before Nate woke up. It’s been two weeks since the start of our relationship and we’ve found a rhythm that works for us.

Right now it’s 6am and she’s tracked me down to the kitchen. I’m standing in place while she stares at my cock which she managed to work out of my pants. When she licks her lips, it sends a bolt of lust through me.

My cock thickens, already dripping with pre-cum.

“Baby, I’d honestly rather be inside of you,” I say, fighting back a groan as she places her hand on me.

Katerina looks up at me, brown eyes sensual and open. “Just shut up and let me do what I want to, okay?”

I smile, placing my hand on her cheek for a second. I have to let go quickly though. My eyes grow wide as she slowly take me down her throat. She takes me all the way to the hilt and stays there for a minute with her lips stretched wide against the base of my shaft. Her pace is slow at first, unhurried as she sucks me hard. My breathing turns erratic and I fight the battle to fuck her mouth hard.

I lets out a soft curse, before my hands tangle in her hair. She flattens her tongue and runs it along the underside of my cock before gently sucking the head and sliding me all the way down to her throat once again. My grip tightens in her hair.

“Fuck, you’re so good at this, Katerina,” I groan softly. “There you go. That’s it. You have no idea how perfect you look right now, baby.”

She moans at the praise and it spurs her on to go faster. When she gags around the base of my cock, my breath hitches and my muscles go taut. I tap her face gently trying to warn her that I’m about to come. She increases the suction, her hands continue to work me up and down my shaft.

My cock throbs in her mouth and I grip the granite countertop with one hand as I come with a loud groan. Katerina takes every last drop of my come down her throat. Swallows it all like a good girl. My legs turn to jelly for a second and I find it hard to hold myself up. Once she’s done, she gets to her feet, her lips stretched into a grin. I pull her closer, holding her tight around her waist.

“Fuck, princess,” I breathe. “That might be my new favorite morning routine. What did I do to deserve that?”

She places her head on my chest. “So much, Xan. You did so much,” she whispers softly.

Our relationship still has some hijinks it needs to work through. For example, she still hasn’t moved in here, despite spending all our nights at the penthouse. And it mostly has to do with the fact that we’ve yet to tell Nate about our relationship. I think Katerina’s nervous that if we cross that line then there’s no going back. It’ll be permanent because neither of us wants to hurt him. And considering she still hasn’t been able to tell me she loves me, it’s good we’re taking things slow on that front.

We’re also not sure where we want to live. It’s a topic we’ve both skirted around the past couple of weeks. I know she loves the penthouse but security wise, it would be better to move into her family’s home. I’m just not sure whether Nate would be comfortable there.

He went there for a visit last week. To officially meet Katerina’s family. Everyone was there. Her father, her sister, her uncle, his cousin. He met them all and I could tell he was a little overwhelmed. Everyone was on their best behavior though. Even her father, although he did pull me aside to threaten murder if I ever hurt his daughter. It was nothing more than I expected. Nate seems happy with such a big family. But I have no idea how he would react to moving into the mansion. I don’t think I have problems with it. But I am hesitant that it’s not the right time.

Katerina climbs onto the counter, watching me as I move to pull out the ingredients for breakfast.

“I’m going out later today on a date,” she announces and my movements fall to a stop.

I slowly place the cucumber down before turning to face my girlfriend, sure that I didn’t just hear her tell me that she was going on a date. The smile on her face is cheeky and gloating.

“Repeat that, Katerina,” I state, my voice low.

“I said I was going out on a date with a man,” she says confidently.

My eyes narrow. “You’re doing no such thing.”

She makes a face. “You know you can’t make me do something I don’t want to, right?”

“I can damn well try. Maybe I’ll tie you to the bed. And then spend a couple of hours reminding your body why I’m the only one it belongs to. You’re mine,” I say fiercely, stepping between her legs and looking up at her. She swallows softly. “Now, care to tell me who this man is so I can plan his murder?”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re such a caveman. The man is Roman De Luca. As in the Don of the De Lucas. We’re friends, remember?”

“Sure,” I mutter, still unhappy with what she said.

“He’s happily married, Xander. It’s not a date. I was just trying to mess with you.”

“Consider me messed with.”

She sighs, placing a hand on my chest. “We try to go out to a shooting range once in a while to talk. Roman’s one of the only friends I have. He’s a good man too and I like hanging out with him.”

“I’m sure the both of you will be able to hang out fine with me present,” I state.

Her lips part. “You’re kidding?”

“No, princess. I’ll be joining you on this ‘date’. It actually works out well. I’ve been meaning to continue to learn to shoot. You and Roman can give me some pointers.”

She frowns. “No one invited you, Xander.”

“Sure, but I’m going regardless.”

“No, you’re not,” she shakes her head.

One good perk to having the Don wrapped around your finger, is that I get to do whatever the hell I want all in exchange for a few orgasms. By the time afternoon rolls around, we’re stepping out of the door to meet Roman De Luca. Nate’s nanny has arrived to keep watch on him while we’re gone.

I sneak a glance at Katerina on the ride to the shooting range. She looks content, happy and I’m so glad every day that I get to see her like that. That I contributed to it. Every single day, I try my best to ensure that I’m able to fulfil at least one of her heart desires.

When we arrive at the rink, I’m surprised to find a couple of men already situated on the outside of it. Most of the time when Katerina has security following her or Nate, they’re inconspicuous, she gives them strict orders to blend in. I’m sure the men standing outside are Roman De Luca’s protection.

I arch an eyebrow as we pass them, heading inside the building.

“It’s a meeting between two Dons and while it’s completely friendly, there’s always an underlying threat that shouldn’t be ignored,” Katerina explains.

“A threat from the outside, or a threat of a fight that could occur between the both of you?”

“Both.”

Roman De Luca’s expression grows intrigued as we approach. He’s a tall man at nearly six foot three, with eyes so blue they’re practically black. His intrigue is bordering on amusement by the time we’re standing in front of him.

“So you can bring your boyfriend along but when your brother in law asks to tag along, it’s a no?” Roman asks the woman beside me.

Katerina shrugs. “My brother in law doesn’t give me orgasms now does he?”

That makes me grin, meanwhile Roman lets out a chuckle.

“True,” he says before looking towards me. He stretches his hand for a shake. “I’m Roman De Luca.”

“Alexander Steele,” I reply shaking his hand. His grip is firm. “Nice to meet you.”

The both of them give off the same aura. I’m guessing from having a shared reality.

“You too. But take it from you, Anthony’s going to be really pissed when he finds out you’re here.”

“He’ll get over it,” I say shrugging.

Katerina laughs. “He’s a child. He doesn’t get over anything.”

“Don’t be mean to my best friend,” Roman warns.

I like seeing her like this. Being somewhat free around people that aren’t her family, me or Nate. She glows even brighter when she’s not feeling weighed down by all her emotions and feelings of expectation.

“So, Alexander,” Roman drawls. “Do you shoot?”

“He doesn’t,” Katerina answers for me.

I give her a sideways glance. “Really, princess?”

“You tried it once and had beginners luck,” she states.

“You said I was a natural,” I shoot back. “And I know you’re only doing this because you’re jealous that I’m better than you.”

At that, Roman’s eyes shoot upward. “Better than Katerina? Now that I would love to see.”

“He’s not better than me,” Katerina insists. “Xander likes to think of himself as God’s gift to man.”

“It’s not like that’s completely untrue,” I state.

She looks at Roman in exasperation. “You see what I have to deal with every day. He’s insufferable.”

Roman chuckles. “But seriously, Xander, why don’t the two of us make a wager. We play and whoever makes the most shot on target, wins.”

I grin, liking the sound of that. “Sure let’s do it.”

Roman moves to get into position. I stand behind Katerina for a moment, leaning down to whisper in her ear.

“And when I win, I want something from you too, princess,” I murmur, kissing the shell of her ear softly.

I feel a shiver roll through her.

“When you lose, I’m going to gloat for days.”

“Trust me, baby. I’m not going to lose.”

I never say things I don’t mean and by the time I’m done shooting every bullet in the canister of the gun handed to me, it’s pretty clear that I really am God’s gift to man. Or at least to shooting. When I turn to my girlfriend, her eyes are wide with shock.

She really has no trust in me.

Beside me, Roman De Luca’s also similarly surprised. Although his is more muted.

“Mincetti, I think I’m just going to stop playing with anyone belonging to your family,” he calls out to Katerina.

“That would be advisable,” she retorts.

I smile. It’s the little things that matter and Roman referring to me as her family has a sort of easy feeling settling over my chest.

“You could be an ace shooter if you wanted, man,” Roman says to me visibly impressed. “You and Sophia are pretty gifted, huh?”

“Yeah, we get that a lot,” I quip.

I’ve only met Katerina’s little sister once, but she seemed cool. My type of person.

“So, what do you want?”

I don’t even have to think about my request. I tell him about my tech start up that’s launching in less than two months.

“I’m looking for investors,” I inform the Don.

Katerina has sidled up beside me, “Opportunistic,” she says under her breath.

I don’t miss it. I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

“It’s called being a business man, baby. I have to milk every chance I get.”

Roman nods in understanding. “I’ll get in touch with you. We can work out the terms for my investment.”

“Thanks man. You want to go another round with Kat?” I question.

“Actually, I think I’m just going to leave. My ego’s taken enough of a hit. It’s pretty humbling, the fact that I can’t seem to beat any of you.”

“How about Tony? I bet you could beat him.”

Katerina’s brother in law, while a great person, tends to take everything and anything as a joke. He’s never serious. It’s pretty endearing. I’ve only met him once, but I like him, despite the shadows of darkness I know lie beneath his character.

Beside me, Katerina snorts at my suggestion. Roman grins.

“What?” I ask.

“I once watched Tony throw a knife at someone and hit him right in the chest. That someone is Rico and Tony was somehow able to throw the knife with enough precision and calculation that it wouldn’t be a fatal wound,” Katerina informs me

“That’s insane,” I say, trying to imagine the incident.

Throwing a knife on target is a scary skill. One I’m sure not a lot of people possess.

“It’s Tony. Insane is practically his middle name,” Roman chuckles.

Katerina looks up at m, “Rico still has the scar to prove it.”

“I’ll ask him to show it to me some time,” I joke.

We talk for a few more minutes before Roman suddenly falls quiet.

“I almost forgot to tell you, Katerina. I received a report yesterday.”

“About?” Katerina prompts.

“Apparently a man claims to have sighted Sokolov in one of the underground boxing rings.”

As soon as he says the name, the smiles on our faces melt. Katerina stiffens and I notice her growing paler.

“He’s in New York?”

“That’s what this man claims but I’m not so sure. He’s still a Boss in the bratva, Katerina. What would he be doing in an underground boxing ring? And I looked into him a little, the man’s a little unhinged and he thrives on attention. If he was in the city, he would want us all to know. I’m not completely sure what the history is between the both of you but I don’t think we have anything to be worried about.”

“Of course,” Katerina nods. “Thank you for telling me, Roman.”

He inclines his head respectfully before saying good bye and leaving. Once he’s gone, I stand in front of Katerina, placing my hand under her chin to tilt her head up.

“Hey, you still with me?” I ask softly.

She inhales a shaky breath. “Yes. Yes I am. Roman’s right. If he was in New York, we would know. I have several programs up and running, alerting me about everyone of importance that arrives in the city from Moscow. He’s not here. If he was here, I would have known.”

She sounds like she’s trying to convince herself more than me. I lead her towards the car, because it’s clear she won’t be able to get anything else done today. When we arrive back at the penthouse, I go straight to the kitchen to make her a glass of hot chocolate.

I hate that she can be formidable in literally every other area, but when it comes to that bastard, she seems to crumble. Even the mere mention of his name has her shaken up. It’s clear she went through so much more during her time with him that she’s unwilling to talk about.

I marvel at the strength she possesses all the time.

“Where’s Nate?” she questions, looking around the house.

“His nanny sent me a text. They went to get some ice-cream and then he asked to go to the cinema to watch a movie.”

She blinks, her expression growing troubled. “I want him back here.”

I shift forward to press a kiss on her forehead. “He’ll be back soon, princess. Just relax.”

I wait quietly as she finishes her cup of hot chocolate.

“Do you want me to put you in bed?” I ask her, already knowing the answer.

She nods, stretching her arms out for me to carry her.

“Big baby,” I say affectionately as I move to lift her head, carrying her up the stairs.

Sleeping is Katerina’s coping mechanism. As soon as I tuck her in, she’s out like a light. I head back downstairs to try and get some work done but I’m on edge as well, discomfited at the news.

Still my worries are nothing in the face of Katerina’s when she wakes up less than two hours later.

“I think we should move into the mansion now,” she tells me, padding across the kitchen floors to the dining table where I’m seated.

I look up from my laptop to her face.

“Why?”

“Because it’s safer,” she says simply.

“Baby, we’re not going to upend our entire lives because there’s a slim possibility that man will be in the city.”

“It wouldn’t be upending it,” she says on a frown. “I just want us to be safe. Anything could happen in this house.”

“Katerina, I don’t think you’re looking at this clearly.”

“I also don’t think Nate should be going to school. At least for the time being.”

There’s science in the face of that proclamation. I stare at her, my jaw clenching.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“It’s not safe,” she repeats.

“Princess, you’re starting to sound like a broken record here,” I tell her getting to my feet.

“I’m just trying to protect you both.”

“So what? You’re going to move him out of his house into another one? And then keep him away from school? Why don’t you wrap him in some bubble wrap while you’re at it?” I question.

She places a hand on her forehead in frustration. “Xander, you’re not listening to me.”

“No, I need you to listen to me. You don’t get to tell me what I can or can’t do with my son.”

“Our son!’ she yells. “He’s our son and I have as much say in how we protect him.”

“He already has two men shadowing him everywhere he goes. Why can’t that be enough?”

“Because this is the Cosa Nostra,” she says in exasperation. “I’ve heard of too many child abductions to delude myself into thinking anything we do will be enough. I need to do this, Xander. Because I can’t. I can’t lose him. Please,” she says desperately.

I notice her breathing speed up and I’m immediately there, holding her in my arms. I rub comforting circles on her back in an effort to calm her down.

“Breathe, Katerina. You need to calm down.”

“Why isn’t he back yet?” she says, her breathing still erratic. “Something’s wrong. Xander I swear something’s wrong.”

My heart threatens to cave in on itself. I’ve never seen her like this. I’m about to grab my phone to ask the nanny to bring Nate back when it starts to ring. Katerina and I look at each other and I don’t know if it’s her hysteria rubbing off on me, but my heart skips several beats as I grab the phone to answer the call.

Katerina’s eyes are shut and I’m pretty sure she’s praying.

“Addison,” I say sharply, speaking to Nate’s nanny. “Where is he?”

As soon as she starts to cry, I feel my heart leap into my throat.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Steele. We were in the park. One minute I was holding his hand and the next a car was driving past us. They rushed towards me and snatched Nate from me. The men wore masks. There was nothing I could do to stop it. I am so sorry sir,” the woman explains in a rush.

Each words feels with even more dread than the last. Katerina’s back is against the wall. I can see the stark terror on her face as she sidles down to the floor, crouching as her shoulder shake with sobs. Numbly, I drop the phone to the ground.

“I told you, Xander. I told you something was wrong,” she says quietly.

My chest aches with the realization. “That bastard has our son.”