Chapter 19: Alexei

The bathroom is quiet except for the steady beat of the water hitting the tiles. The steam from the water clouds the mirror, and the heat from the shower seeps into my skin.

Irina is in front of me, her back pressed against my chest, her head tilted down, as she lets the water stream over her hair and shoulders. I had to pull her away from Ivan because she wouldn't leave him and wouldn't accept that he wouldn't wake up for hours.

I run the sponge over her back slowly, careful of the dark bruises left by Sergei's fists. I can still feel the sting of the bullet graze on my side, but that pain is nothing compared to the marks that cover her body.

Without a word, she turns to face me. Her eyes are tired, her lips parted like she's about to speak, but instead, she leans up and kisses me. Soft at first, just a brush of her lips against mine.

"Thank you," she whispers, her breath warm against my mouth, before she kisses me again, harder this time, her body pressing closer to mine.

Irina kisses me with a purpose, like she's trying to convey everything she can't put into words. Her lips are demanding, insistent, and I can taste the desperation in her kiss.

I pull away, my breath ragged. "Irina—"

She kisses me again, her hands gripping my arms. "Please, Alexei. Touch me."

I swear under my breath. I can't believe this is happening. "Are you sure?"

She nods, her eyes never leaving mine. "Please."

I growl low in my throat, unable to resist her any longer. "Come on, then."

I grab her hand and half-drag her out of the shower. It takes all my self-control not to take her right there against the bathroom wall.

In the bedroom, I lay her down on the bed, and she watches me with those big, dark eyes as I stand there, dripping wet. I lean over her, bracing myself on one hand, and kiss her slowly, deeply.

Her skin is warm and damp, and I can feel her heart pounding under my hand. I kiss my way down her neck, nipping and sucking at her delicate skin, loving the way she arches into me, gasping my name.

I want to taste every inch of her, brand her as mine.

Her skin is warm and damp, and beneath my hand, I feel the rapid thud of her heartbeat. As I kiss my way down her neck, nipping and sucking at her delicate skin. But then I catch sight of the bruises marring her side. My jaw clenches, and I trail my fingers over the marks, vowing silently to erase every trace of him. I kiss the bruises softly, as if I can somehow replace his violence with something better, something that's ours.

I kiss my way down to her breasts, sucking one tight peak into my mouth while my hand finds its way between her legs. She's already wet for me, and her thighs part to give me access. I dip one finger inside her, then add another, thrusting slowly as I suck and nip at her sensitive nipples.

Her breath catches, and her back arches as I work, thrusting my fingers deeper, curling them to find that sweet spot. I keep my mouth on her breast, sucking gently, my fingers moving in and out, loving the way her body responds to me.

Her hands are clutching at the bedsheets, her hips moving in time with my fingers. I can feel her getting closer, her breath coming in sharp gasps. I suck harder, and my fingers move faster.

And then, just as she's about to come, I pull my fingers out, denying her release.

"Alexei—" She makes a frustrated sound, her body twisting against the bed.

I smile against her skin, loving the way she's putty in my hands. "Patience, baby . I'm not finished with you yet."

I sit back on my heels, admiring the view. Her breasts are rising and falling rapidly, and her skin is flushed a pretty pink.

I lick my fingers, groaning at the taste of her, and she watches me with hooded eyes. "You like that, do you?"

I lean down and kiss her slowly, letting her taste herself on my tongue. Her hands come up to tangle in my hair, and she pulls me closer, opening her mouth to me. The kiss deepens, and I can feel her passion rising again.

I pull away, trailing kisses down her jaw and neck, nipping at the sensitive skin there. She moans, her hands gripping my shoulders, her hips arching off the bed.

I line myself up with her entrance, teasing her by rubbing the tip of my cock against her wetness. She makes a frustrated sound, her legs wrapping around my waist.

"Please, Alexei," she says, her eyes wild. "Now."

I chuckle low in my throat, loving how desperate she is for me. I grip her hips and thrust into her in one smooth motion, burying myself balls-deep.

She cries out, her nails digging into my shoulders, and I freeze, giving her a moment to adjust to my size. Then I start to move, slowly at first, withdrawing almost completely before slamming back into her.

Her head falls back, her breath coming in short gasps as I set a relentless pace. I kiss her, sucking her lower lip into my mouth, tasting her as I taste her everywhere. My hands are on her breasts, thumbs rubbing over her tight nipples as I move inside her.

She matches my thrusts, her hips lifting to meet mine, her breath coming in short, sharp pants. I pull her legs up around my waist, changing the angle, and thrust deeper, hitting that sweet spot that has her crying out my name.

I bite her nipple gently, loving the way she arches into me, her hands scrambling for purchase on the bedsheets. I suck and nip at her breast, my cock thrusting in and out of her in a steady rhythm that has her breath quickening, her body tensing beneath me.

I can feel her orgasm building, her inner muscles clenching around me, and I know I'm not far behind. I thrust harder, faster, loving the way she takes everything I give her and begs for more.

Her hands are on my ass, pulling me deeper into her, her hips moving in perfect sync with mine. I can feel my control slipping, the coiling tension in my gut tightening, and I know I'm not going to last much longer.

I thrust into her one last time, gritting my teeth as I feel her contract around me, her release triggering mine. I come with a hoarse shout, my cock pulsing as I spill myself into her, my body shaking with the force of it.

Afterward, we collapse in a hug. Her fingers trace lazy circles along my back, and I rest my forehead against hers, still feeling the aftershocks of what just happened.

I brush a strand of hair away from her face, looking into her eyes, still glazed with satisfaction, and in this moment, nothing else exists.

***

We step out of the bedroom, the air outside is cooler compared to the steam we just left behind. Irina walks beside me, still quiet, her hand brushing against mine. The silence between us is comfortable, but I can feel the weight of what's waiting on the other side of this moment—everything we have to face once we leave the safe house.

Katya is slouched on the couch, and her eyes flick up to us as we enter the room. She immediately scrunches her nose and lets out an exaggerated sigh.

"I hate lovers," she mutters, her lips twisting into a mock scowl. "You both stink of sentiment."

I let out a dry chuckle, shaking my head. "Jealousy doesn't suit you."

Before Katya can throw a snarky comeback, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Dmitri.

I swipe the screen and bring it to my ear. "We're ready," I say.

"The jet will be there in minutes," Dmitri says. "Get everyone on board."

"We'll be waiting," I reply, hanging up and slipping the phone back into my pocket.

Katya's watching us, already knowing what's coming next. "I'm not going," she says flatly before either of us can say anything.

"Your cover's probably already blown," I say, crossing my arms. "You can't stay here. Sergei's men will be coming for you next."

Katya waves a dismissive hand, leaning back into the couch. "I'll handle it. I'm not leaving this city just because things got a little messy. I'm fine."

Irina steps forward. "Katya, please. You know this isn't something you can handle alone. Sergei's men will be looking for blood, and they won't stop until they find it. This place is not safe."

Katya's eyes narrow, and for a moment, I can see the defiance in her—her refusal to be pushed around, her need to stay in control. But Irina keeps her gaze steady, waiting her out.

"Look, I get it," Irina says gently. "You don't want to run. You don't want to feel like you're giving up ground. But this isn't the time to stand alone. We need you with us."

Katya's silent for a moment, her eyes shift between me and Irina.

Finally, she exhales sharply, standing up and crossing her arms. "Fine. But I'm not going to enjoy it."

I smirk, shaking my head. "No one's asking you to."

Irina gives her a small smile, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit. "Let's just get out of here alive. Then you can hate us all you want."

Katya rolls her eyes but grabs her jacket, her usual sharpness returning. "You better make sure there's good vodka on that plane."

***

As the plane touches down, I feel the tension start to unwind from my chest. It's been a hell of a ride, but we're finally back. Through the small window, I can see Dmitri standing outside, flanked by some of his men. Next to him, Valentina stands with her hands resting on her heavily pregnant belly. She's glowing, even more beautiful than I remember, and the sight of her brings a smile to my face.

The hatch opens, and the men move quickly, dragging Sergei's bound body off the plane, with Ivan not far behind. I can't help but glance at Irina, who's watching Ivan's limp form with hope and heartache. She hasn't left his side since we took off.

I make my way down the steps, heading straight for Dmitri and Valentina. As I approach, I plaster on my usual grin. "Ah, Dmitri! Good to see you standing there with that scowl of yours."

Dmitri's lips twitch, the faintest hint of a smile breaking through his stern expression. "It's good to have you back, Alexei," he says

I turn to Valentina, my smile widening. "Val! You look more radiant than ever." I step forward, wrapping her in a gentle hug before pulling back to rub her belly. "And you," I say, speaking directly to her stomach, "I've got big plans for you when you arrive, little one. We're going to have a lot of fun."

Valentina laughs, a soft, warm sound. "Always the charmer, Alexei."

I give her a wink before waving Irina and Katya over. "Come on, ladies, there are some people you need to meet."

Irina walks up beside me, her expression a little guarded but steady. I place a hand on her back, guiding her forward. "Dmitri, this is Irina."

Before I can even turn to introduce Katya, Dmitri's eyes flick past me, landing on her. His face changes, something between shock and disbelief. "Katya."

Katya freezes for a second, her usual sharp wit silenced as she stares back at him. "Dmitri," she breathes.

Without a word, Dmitri steps forward, his hand reaching out to touch her face, as if he can't believe she's real. "I didn't know," he says. "I didn't know you were alive."

Katya's breath hitches, and for a moment, all the walls she keeps around herself come crashing down. She leans into his touch, her eyes glistening. "You're alive."

Dmitri pulls her into a tight hug, holding her like he's afraid to let go. "I'm sorry," he whispers into her hair. "I'm so sorry."