Mikhail
A young man with a slight limp greets us, his somber expression ruthless despite his lack of agility. “Mikhail Ivanov.” He extends his hand. “I am Viktor Krasnov. I will be your contact during your stay.”
“Thank you.” My reply is more reflexive than sincere. “I appreciate your hospitality.”
Viktor nods slightly, and we instantly understand the circumstances that have brought us together. In our world, a guest is someone who needs to hide or is being hidden away. I look around in wonder at the country inn located outside of Twin Rivers. Inside, the building is relaxed and homey, not the over-the-top display of wealth I expect from someone of Andrei Barinov’s importance. I grin at the quaint pictures on the wall of farmers working and marvel at the fireplace made entirely of river stones.
“Does someone live here?” I ask, looking at a knitted throw tossed over a stuffed armchair.
“Not at this time of year,” replies Viktor. “It’s privately owned by Paige Barinov. When it’s not in use, it’s a safe house. Private quarters for our guests are here in the inn, and separate cabins for training are located further in the woods.”
Zakhar enters carrying a leather satchel over his shoulder. “I hid here while on the run before the Barinovs purchased it,” he informs us. “It’s a discreet place where no one would dare look. Not that anyone was in the mood to offend Vasily Barinov when he was alive.”
Our language is careful around each other, but Zakhar and I must discuss my relationship with Maria when she’s absent. So far, we’ve put aside our differences to save Mercy and the Bratva from being taken by deceitful goons without honor.
“You’re leaving?” Maria asks Zakhar as he pecks her on the forehead.
“You’ll be safe here,” he replies. “And it will be faster to find Mercy’s buyer if I’m physically searching. I want you safe, Maria.” He looks at me. “Stay with Mikhail.”
Silently, Maria and I watch from the front steps as Zakhar hops into an SUV. Pavel waves goodbye before getting in, and soon, the SUV kicks up loose dirt as it pulls out onto the main road. And I wonder how Maria feels. If that maddening weight lifted off her when the SUV disappeared out of sight.
“I’ll be in the first cabin with the rest of my men.” Viktor grins when I look at him with astonishment. He’s a young man, and his surname is common. “I took a bullet for my pakhan,” he replies plainly.
“Many good men have taken bullets for their pakhans,” I reply, offering him my hand again before he departs. I think of the men I was forced to kill to reach safety, my own guards, men that I thought were exemplary.
“Mikhail, don’t think about it tonight.” Maria strokes my back as she rests her head on my shoulder. “We may not get much rest in the days to come. Let’s take advantage of being alone.”
I pull her into my arms and press my lips against her neck. “You made me proud today,” I whisper against her neck. “When you told your father you love me.”
She giggles. “I was telling him the truth. And he’ll accept it … eventually.”
“We’ll marry after this is over.” I hold her tight, looking into her gleaming eyes. “And then we will tell your father about the baby.”
Maria nods. “I agree. Now wasn’t the time. Maybe I’m not as brave as you think.”
Upstairs in a private bedroom, a large fire crackles in a rustic stone fireplace and casts a warm light over the large bed as soft music plays on a speaker. Finally, we’re alone, and my breathing picks up as we stand facing each other. My hands run over her hips, pulling Maria close, then to her skirt, unzipping it slowly. Maria removes my shirt, peeling it off with a playful tug, and her fingertips trace the contours of my chest.
Our clothes hit the floor, making a careless pile. My mouth takes hers, hungry for a deep taste of her mouth, and the warmth of her tongue against mine makes me moan. It’s been hard resisting Maria all day.
“I should check if the door is bolted,” I sigh.
“It is.” Maria pulls back slightly and stares into my eyes. “While we’re doing this, we’re going to forget what’s out there, remember?” she whispers.
I grin and taste Maria again. I’ll take what I want while we have each other.
“I know,” I murmur against her neck. “I can’t stop wanting you. You must like hearing that.”
My fingers trace the indentation of her thighs. Maria moans softly, and the sound of her need makes me harder. It’s a rush of adrenaline mixed with desire that makes me ache. My hips grind against her. Our kiss deepens as we lose ourselves in the motion.
“This could be dangerous,” I whisper, unable to resist teasing her. “Being alone.”
“I know,” she whispers back breathlessly.
My tongue trails her neck, and I grip her waist tighter. I can feel her soft belly against my bare skin, and suddenly, wanting her becomes more intense. My fingers explore every inch of her I can touch, tracing the curves of her body. My hand moves between her thighs as I press her against the wall. She hisses as I stroke her, and Maria arches into my touch.
With one swift move, I lift her as she wraps her legs around my hips. The floorboards creak under our weight, heightening the moment’s intensity.
I lean in to kiss her again, our bodies pressed so close I can feel every beat of her heart against my chest. We fall onto the bed, and our limbs entwine as we laugh. She raises up on her elbow as I lie on my back. Her fingers drift over the tattoo on my chest-a skull with roses twined around it, symbolizing a love that defies death.
“Will we ever be alone in our own home again?” Maria whispers, her eyes filled with concern.
I pull her close, and my lips brush against her earlobe. “We will, but right now, we have all night.”
I murmur back, and my hand moves along her inner thigh. I pause, staring into her golden eyes. She trembles slightly, and I slide my fingers inside her, feeling her wetness and heat. She gasps, biting her lip as I move slowly, teasing her. Her breath hitches, and her moans fill the room, mingling with the soft music. Her hips move in rhythm with my fingers, seeking more. Maria pulls me towards her, our lips crashing together hungrily. Her lips are on my jaw, then her teeth gently nip at my earlobe. Her tongue darts out to taste me, exploring my mouth. She nips at my bottom lip, drawing a small amount of blood that mixes with our saliva.
“You like that,” I whisper as my erection tugs in my pants. “You play nice, but you like pain.”
Maria replies with a moan as we kiss again. I undo her bra, and it drops onto the bed. I touch her breasts, full and soft, before taking one into my mouth, sucking the stiff nipple gently. She moans loudly, her fingers raking through my hair. She arches her back, pushing herself deeper into my mouth. I linger on each nipple, flicking them with my tongue before moving down to her baby bump.
My woman. Always.