SERGEI

HerRussianProtector,Book5

ByRoxieRivera

Ireallyhatedweddings.
Sippingmychampagneandnibblingontherichlyflavoredandexquisitely

decoratedweddingcake,Isilentlyacknowledgedthethoughtwasdamnnear
blasphemyinmyfield.Adressdesignerandweddingboutiqueownerwho
groanedeverytimeanembossedandgildedinvitationdroppedintohermailbox?
Itwasn'tgoodforbusiness.

Pokingatmycake,Iconcededitwasn'ttheactualweddingceremonyI

disliked.Earlierintheevening,IhadcriedlikeababywhenIvanandErin
exchangedvows.Seeingthepairmakepromisestoeachotherforthelifethey
intendedtobuildtogetherhadtouchedmesoverydeeply.Thetendermomentsthe
newlymarriedcouplehadsharedthroughoutthenightleftmeyearningforthe
samething.

Itwasthereceptionsthatreallyruinedweddingsforme.Nowenteringmy

mid-twenties,Iseemedtohavereachedapointwhereitwasnolongeracceptable
toattendaweddingsolo.Withoutaplus-oneonmyarm,Isuddenlyearnedthat
pityinglook.Itmademydamnskincrawl.

"Youlookawfullypensive,"VivianKalasnikovremarkedassheslidinto

theemptyseatnexttome.Dressedinoneofthestrapless,chiffonbridesmaid
gowns,myfriendlookedabsolutelystunning.Herdarkhairandlighteyespopped
againstthevibrantshadeoffuchsia.Thediamondaccentsunderthebustglintedin
thelightcastofffromtheflamelesscandlesandchandeliersdecoratingthegrand
ballroomofthedowntownHoustonhotel.

Withmylongtimefriend,Idaredtobehonest."I'mjustthinkingthatIneed

tofindsomemorementoaddtomydatingpool.Thisbusinessofattending
weddingsaloneisforthebirds."

Shearchedoneofthosewing-shapedeyebrows."Maybeit'stimeto

considerdoingtheopposite."

"How'sthat?"
"Maybeyoushouldthinkaboutwhittlingdownthatlistofmentotwoor

threethatyoumightgetseriouswith,youknow?Ormaybeit'stimetostartall
overandfindsomeonenewandexcitingwithrealpotential."

Themerementionofsomeonenewandexcitingfilledmyheadwithimages

ofoneextremelytemptingman.Evennow,sittinginthiscrowdedballroomand
surroundedbyhundredsofrevelersdancingthenightaway,Iinnatelysensedhis
presence.Heloomedsomewherebehindme,nearoneofthetableswhereagroup
ofrowdymenhadcongregatedtoexchangewildtales.Everynowandthenaburst

oflaughterpunctuatedbyaloudlyspokenRussianphraseortwowoulderuptfrom
thatgeneraldirection.Eachtime,Iburiedtheintensedesiretosneakaglanceat
him.

Asifreadingmymind,Viviansmiledknowingly."Youknowhe'sdyingto

askyoutodance,right?"

Eventhoughshe'dnailedme,IfeignedconfusionasIreachedformyfluteof

champagne."Who?"

Sherolledthosebrightblueeyesatme."Thatmightworkonsomeoneelse,

Bianca,butitdoesn’tworkonme.You'vehadyoureyeonSergeisince
December."

HercommentspurredthememoryofthechillynightVivianandNikolaihad

beenattacked.Learningmyfriendhadbeenkidnappedhadbeensuchapunchto
thegut.Thememoriesofthepanic-filleddaysthatfollowedasIwaitedforany
newsonVivi'sreturnwereshovedasidebythoseofSergeishadowingusthat
nightduringdinnerandlateratFaze,Houston'shottestnightspot.

ThegiantRussianwithdarkhairanddarkeyeshadtakenmybreathaway

fromtheveryfirstmomentI'dspiedhim.Inhighschool,Ihaddatedacoupleof
basketballplayerssoIthoughtIknewtallmenbutthatwasbeforeSergei.With
thebroadest,sexiestshouldersIhadeverseen,hehadtobenearlysevenfeet
high.Hehadastrongaquilinenoseandasinfulmouththattemptedmelikeno
other.

Andthatwasbad.Really,reallybad.
FeelingVivi'spointedstare,Ishruggedandsippedmychampagne."I'll

admittolookingatthemerchandise,butI'msureashellnotabouttotryitonor
takeithomewithme."

"Idon'tknow,"shesaidabitconspiratorially."Ithinkmycuriositywould

getthebetterofme."

Isnortedratherindelicately."Please!Thosemoon-eyesofyoursforNikolai

havemadeyoublindtoeveryothermanincreation!"

Smilingandnotevenattemptingtodenymyassertion,sheglancedjusttoher

rightandeasilyzeroedinonherhusband.Asifconnectedbysomesixthsense,the
devastatinglyhandsomeRussiancastasmolderinggazeherwaybeforereturning
tohisconversationwithtwomenIdidn’trecognize.

Alongingpangsqueezedmyheart.God,Iwantedthat.Iwantedamanto

lookatmeasifIwashisentireworld,asifhecouldn'tbreathewithoutme.

Besideme,Viviantookadrinkfromtheglassofclear,fizzysodashe'd

broughtwithher.I'dneverknownhertobeafanofthelemon-limeflavoreddrink

andtickedanotherboxonthelistinmyhead.Earlierthatmorning,Ihadrushed
overtoherhousetoletoutthebustofherbridesmaiddress.InalltheyearsIhad
knownVivian,herweighthadn'tfluctuatedonceyetthismorningherbosom
seemedtohaveswelledafullcupsize.

I'dbeentakinginandlettingoutweddinggownsandbridesmaid'sdresses

sincehighschoolsoIhadeasilyputtwoandtwotogether.Morethanone
panickedbridehadcalledeithermeormymotherintoherdressingroomonher
veryspecialdaytomakeadjustmentsforababybellythatjusthappenedtomake
itsdebutatthemostinopportunemoment.

AsfarasIcouldtell,Vivian'stummyremainedflatandtonedbutthatfullC-

cupshenowsported?Oh,thatwasanundeniableclue.Addtothattheglassof
wineshehadn'ttouchedduringdinnerandthecaffeine-freesodainherhandnow?
Thereweren'tmanyscenariosotherthanpregnancythatfitthebill.Evenso,I
didn'taskhertoconfirmmysuspicion.Certainshehadherreasonsforkeepingthe
newsquiet,Itampeddownmycuriosity.

ThesightofBennyStepanovwaddlingtowardourtablebroughtatwitchof

amusementtomylips.Theempirewaistofthebridesmaiddressandwispy,light
chiffonenhancedherroundedfigure.Heavilypregnantanddueanyday,thepetite
Latinaloweredherbodyintoachairwithaloudsighandrestedahandonher
belly."Mydogsarebarkingtonight!"

"Well,whyareyouwearingheels?"Vividemandedwithahumorousglintin

hereyes."Erintoldyoutowearflats.Shewantedyoutobecomfortableandto
takeiteasy."

"Haveyouseenhowtallmyhusbandis?"Shegesturedtowardtheimposing

blond.Armscrossedandagrinonhishandsomeface,Dimitriexudedraw
sexualityandpower.Iwasn'tsurprisedshewasalreadyexpectingtheirfirstbaby.
Withamanlikethatheatingupthesheets,howcouldanywomanresisthis
charms?"I'dlikeforustohaveapictureortwowherebothofourheadsareinthe
shot,youknow?"

"Sosittogether,"Vivipointedouttheobvious."IbetDimitriwouldloveto

haveyousittingonhislap."

Bennylaughedandpointedtoherbelly."I'mprettysurethat'showIgotinto

thispredicament."

Amidourgiggling,excitedshoutsdrewmygaze.YuriNovakovskyhad

snatchedupErinrightunderIvan'snose.Shesquealedwithlaughterasthe
billionairemagnaterushedoffwithherandDimitri,SergeiandNikolaiblocked
hispath.Thecustomofstealingawaythebrideandransomingherbacktothe

groommademegrin.Ihadbeentosomanyweddingsovertheyearsandhad
assumedI'dseenitall—butIhadtogiveittotheseRussians.Theircustomsand
celebrationsweresosweetandlightheartedandtheyreallyknewhowtothrowa
party.

"Erinlooksgorgeous,Bianca.Thatdesignisperfectforher."Bennyshotme

anapprovingsmile."Thelaceisamazing."

"Thankyou.Thattouchwasoneofmymother'ssuggestions."Iconsidered

thegownhuggingErin'swillowyframe.Thedesignhadbeenatrickyonebecause
Erinhadwantedsomanydifferentthings—asweetheartneckline,droppedwaist,
chapeltrainthatcouldbebustled,beadingandlace."Shewasn'taneasybrideto
pleasebutI'msothrilledwiththewaythegowncametogether."

"Willthisdesignbeavailabletootherbrides?"
IshookmyheadatBenny'squestionandletmygazedrifttotheintimidating,

tattooedfighterwhohadwonErin'sheart."No,IpromisedIvanthatnoother
womanwouldeverwearadresslikehers.Hewantedthisonetobeespeciallyfor
Erinandalwayshers."

"Aw,"Viviansaidwithasappysmile."Couldthatguybeanyfreaking

sweeter?Imean,youlookathimandhe's,like,thescariestmanontheplanetand
thenhedoessomethingsoromanticlikethat!Erinissoluckytohavehim."

"Yes,sheis,"Imurmuredabitenviously.
Outonthedancefloor,IvangatheredErin'ssmallerbodytohisand

wrappedthosebrutallystrongarmsofhisaroundherinthemostprotective
embrace.IsensedshemissedheroldersisterRubysomethingfiercebutthe
incarceratedpilladdictandthiefhadpoppedpositiveonarandominmatedrug
testafewweeksearliersoanychanceofherearningearlyreleaseandprobation
hadbeenscuttled.

Erinhadbeenatmyboutiqueforanearlymorningfittingwhenshe'd

receivedthecallfromhersister'slawyer.Thoughwewerefriends,wewere
nowherenearascloseasIwaswithVivian,butIhadn'tletthatstopmefrom
huggingherandlettinghersobonmyshoulderastheyearsofpent-upfrustration
andhurtheroldersisterhadcausedrushedtothesurface.

IstillrememberedthepainedlookonIvan'sfacewhenhehadsuddenly

appearedinthefittingroom.Apparentlytheirlawyerhadcalledhimwiththe
updateonRuby'ssituation.HehadinstinctivelyknownthatErinwouldneedhim
andcomerighttoher.Whenhesweptherupintohisarmsandcalledherhisangel
inthatgruff,accentedvoiceofhis,IhadunderstoodwhyErinlovedhimsomuch.

AsIvan'sthick,heavilytattooedfingerssiftedthroughherhairwhilethey

danced,IdecidedtheywereprobablythemostmismatchedcoupleI'devermet,
buttherewasnodoubtingthedeepandunshakeablelovetheyshared.Flushed
withhappiness,ErinburrowedagainstIvan'schestandclosedhereyesasthey
swayedtogether.

WhileItriedtosuppressthesadnessthatthreatenedtoruinsuchagreat

night,theuniverseseemeddeterminedtodashalittlemoresaltinthatwound.
DimitriandNikolaistrodetowardthetableandjoinedtheirspouses.Nikolai
actuallyslidhisarmsaroundVivianddraggedherontohislapsohecouldnuzzle
herneckandwhisperlovinglytoherintheirsharedlanguage.

Acrossthetable,DimitrihauledBenny'sachingfeetontohislapand

removedherhighheelswhilegentlyscoldingherandmassaginghercalves.
Bennysmoothedherhanddownthecurveofherbigbabybumpandremarkedthat
theirlittlegirlwaskickingupastorm.WhenDimitrireachedouttofeelhis
daughter'skicks,theexpectantparentssharedalookthatmademyheartfreaking
acheinmychest.

DecidingI'dhadjustaboutenoughoftheuniverserubbingmyfaceinthe

onethingmyotherwisehappylifelacked,Ireachedformyclutch.BeforeIcould
evenopenmymouthtobideveryonegoodnight,ashadowfelloverme.Ididn't
havetoglanceuptoknowthatitwashim.

AllsevenfeetofSergeiSakharovdroppedintotheemptychairnexttome.

Instantlymytraitorousbodyreactedtothetremendousamountofbodyheat
radiatingfromhishugeframe.Thefaintsmellofeucalyptustickledmynose,andI
hadtofighttheurgetoinhaledeeply,toimprinttheveryscentofhiminmylungs
andbrain.

Castingastealthysidewaysglance,Itookinthesightofhiminthattuxedo.I

didn'tthinkthatanymanhadevermadetheclassicblackandwhiteensemblelook
sogood.Histailorhadfithimtosheerperfection.

NikolaiaddressedhiminRussianandSergeiansweredbackwithalaugh

whiletuggingfreehisbowtieandunbuttoninghiscollar.Inspiredbythesightof
himundressingjustthattinybit,Irefusedtoletmymindtravelalongtherather
naughtypathitwantedtofollow.

Myheartstutteredwildlywhenheslidhismassivearmalongthebackof

mychairandleanedcloser.Unabletoavoidmeetinghisgaze,Ishylyglancedat
him.Thosedarkeyesofhisensnaredme,mademewanttoslidealittleclosersoI
couldcounttheamberflecksinhisirises.Hissensualmouthcurved,anditwas
allIcoulddonottofinallygiveintothedesperateurgetokisshimjusttoseeifit
wouldbeasamazingasIexpected.

"Youhavinganicetime?"Thatdeepbaritonevoiceofhismadethe

womanlycoreofmeclenchwithdesire.

"Yes.You?"SomehowImanagedtogetouttwowordswithoutstumbling

overthem.

"Iloveweddings."
"Really?"Iletalittleskepticisminvademytone.
Hegesturedaroundus."Whenwasthelasttimeyousawpeoplehavingthis

muchfun?"

Iconsideredhisquestion."Vivian'swedding."
"Exactly."Hisfingersbrushedmybareupperarm."Wouldyouliketo

dance,Bianca?"

God,thewayhesaidmyname,hisRussianaccentstretchingoutthe

syllablesandrollingoverthevowelsounds,mademewanttogiveinandbreak
mynumberonedatingrule.Iwantedtohearhimsayingmynameallnightlong—
butIdidn'tdarecrossthatline.Mylatebrother'sfaceflashedbeforeme,
remindingmeofexactlywhySergeiwasallwrongforme,andIgentlyshuthim
down.

"Ican't."Liftingmyclutch,Igaveitalittlewave."Iwasactuallyonmyway

homewhenyousatdown."

"Sosoon?"Vivipipedupfrombesideme."Butthenightisstillsoyoung,

andErinhasn'ttossedherbouquetyet."

Iturnedmyheadandgaveheralookthatmadehersmileguiltily.Iknew

exactlywhatshewasdoingbutitwasn'tgoingtowork."IhavetopickMamaup
forchurchinthemorningandgetthereearlyenoughtogetintomychoirrobes."

Sergei'sfingersdrewaslashacrossmyskin."Yousingatchurch?"
Iturnedbacktowardhimandtriedtoignorethewayhistouchmademe

throbinalltherightplaces."Yes."

"ThenI'llhavetocomelistensometime."
MyeyebrowsarchedtowardmyhairlineasItriedtoimagineSergeiinone

ofthepewsofmychildhoodchurch.Boy,wouldhestickoutlikeasorethumb!

"Ifyou'rereadytoleave,I'lldriveyouhome."
"No,thanks."IhadabadfeelingIwouldn'tbeabletofendhimoffwitha

handshakethewayIhadwhenhe'dtakenmehomethatfrigidDecembernight
whenhewasVivian'sbodyguardanddriver."Ihavemycarhere."

"Maybeyoushouldlethimtakeyou,Bianca,"Vivianinterjectedvery

unhelpfully."Hecouldcheckyourhouseandyardforthatprowler."

Sergeistiffenedandtheflirtatiousslanttohismouthvanished.Hisjaw

visiblytightenedandhisbighandcuppedmyarm."Issomeonebotheringyou?"

Ifhehadbeenawolf,hishackleswouldhaveraisedasheturnedfiercely

protective…ofme.Surprisedbyhisreaction,Iquicklyexplained,"It'snothing.
Really."Judgingbythehardsetofhisjaw,hewasn'tbuyingit."Look,Ijust
thoughtIsawsomethingtheothernight."

"AndMondaynightandlastThursday,"Vivibuttedinagain."The

neighborhoodwatchguyknockedonherdoortoletherknowhe'dseensomeone
runningoutofherbackyardtoo."

IfVivihadn'tbeensittingonherhusband'slap,Iwouldhavepinchedherfor

beingsodangintrusive.Instead,IhadtofaceSergeiwhoworeanexpressionof
utterirritation."It'snothing."

"Itdoesn'tsoundlikenothing.Itsoundslikesomeoneistryingtobreakinto

yourhomeorattackyou."

"It'sfine.IcalledKevan—"
"WhoisKevan?"
Ididn'tmisshisgruffness."He'saguyIdatesometimes.Apoliceofficer,"I

added.

Sergeigruntedwithannoyance.Loweringhisvoice,heslidalittlecloser

andasked,"Whydidn'tyoucallme?"

Myeyeswidened.Washeforreal?Notwantingtoleteveryoneinonmy

personalbusiness,Iwhisperedabitharshly,"WhyintheworldwouldIcall
you?"

Somethingflashedinhisdarkeyes.Hurt?Frustration?Whyintheworlddid

thethoughtofhurtinghisfeelingmakemystomachachesobadly?

"We'refriends,"Sergeiinsisted.
Werewe?Itriedtodecideifourrelationshipfitthatcategory.Sure,Ispent

alotoftimeinhiscompanybutthatwasonlybecauseNikolaitrustedSergeito
keepViviansafe.IcalledSergeihershadowforareason.Theywerepractically
joinedatthehipwhichmeantthat,technically,overthelastfewmonths,I'dhad
dinnerwithSergeimoreoftenthanIhadanyofthemenIhaddated.

And—ifIwasbeingcompletelyhonestwithmyself—Ihadenjoyedthose

eveningswhenhewassittingnearbyordrivingusaroundHouston.Beneaththat
roughexterior,hecouldbesuchasweetheart.Thatscaredmemorethananything.
HepossessedsomanyofthequalitiesIwantedinamanbutthepackagewasall
wrong.Hewasmuchtoodangerousformeandtoodamnsexyforhisowngood.

Evennow,Icouldn’tfathomwhythisman—thisoutrageouslyhandsomeand

sculptedmodelofmaleperfection—seemedsointentongettingclosertome.The

experiencesofmyteenageyearswarnedmethataguylikeSergeionlywantedone
thingfromagirllikeme.Somepartofmefearedthiswasallasetupforsome
colossaljokeorevenworse.

MaybeIwassimplyanitchthatneededtobeascratched,acuriositythat

demandedtobesatisfied.Ididn'tthinkmyheartcouldhandlegettingtrampled
underthathugefootofhisifitturnedouthewassimplywonderingwhatitwould
beliketodateafatgirlorifhewastryingtofigureoutifthestereotypesaboutbig
girlsinbedweretrue.

"Bianca?"Sergeiprompted,hisvoiceevenlowerandsofter."Aren'twe

friends?"

Meetinghisquestioninggaze,Icouldn'tlie."Yes,we'refriends."
Thetightlinesaroundhismouthrelaxed."Thenletmehelpyou."
CertainhisbrandofhelpwastheverylastcomplicationIneeded,Ireached

outandpattedhischeek."I'mabiggirl,Sergei.I'vegotthis."

Hecoveredmyhandwithhis,theheatofhispalmsearingmyskin.I

marveledatthewayourhandslookedtogether,histanskinafewshadeslighter
thanmineandhisfingerssolongandthickandmean-looking."Thisisn'tagame,
Bianca.Youcouldgethurt."

HisgentlewarningscaredmebutIrefusedtobackdown."Iwon't."
Tuggingmyhandfree,IrosefrommychairandbentdowntopeckVivian's

cheek.Whisperinghotlyagainstherear,Isaid,"Youareonmylist."

Shegavemeahug."Ihadtotry.Besides,webothknowyou'llforgiveme."
"We'llsee."Icaughtherhusband'samusedgazeandtouchedhisshoulder.

"Goodnight,Nikolai."

"Goodnight,Bianca.Besafe."
"Iwill."
AfterbiddingfarewelltoDimitriandBenny,Iskirtedtheedgeofthebusy

danceflooronmywaytowardtheexit.Evertheglamorous,jet-settingcouple,
YuriandLenahappenedtowhirlbyme.LenasteppedawayfromYuriand
engulfedmeinabighug.Thediamondsdrippingfromherearsandadorningher
neckfeltsocoldagainstmyskin.Asofnow,herringfingerremainedbare,butI
hadafeelingYuriwouldbechangingthatverysoon.

Ivisitedthevaletstationandheadedoutsidetowaitformycar.ThoughI

hadleftthereceptionearlytoescapethesightofsomanycanoodlingcouples,it
seemedfutilenow.EverywhereIlooked,couplesheldhands,laughed,madeout
andwhisperedsweetlytooneanother.Bythetimemysilversedanrolleduptothe
curb,Iwasreadyforaglassofwineandahotshower.

Aftertippingthevalet,Islidbehindthewheelandfastenedmyseatbelt.

Throattight,Ieasedonthegas,pulledawayfromthehotelandtriednottothink
abouttheemptyhousethatawaitedme—andyetanotherlongnightalone.

***

SergeileanedbackinhischairsohecouldwatchBiancaleave.Despitehis

frustrationatherconstantrejection,hehadtoadmitthatthisviewwasincredibly
nice.Thecurve-huggingdresssheworehighlightedsomeofherverybestassets.
Evennow,hisfingertipsburnedwiththememoryofcaressinghersilkybrown
skin.Hehadwantedtodosomuchmorewhenheslidclosetoherchairbuthe
hadn'tdaredtopush.

Everytimehesawher,BiancaBradshawblewhimaway.Thisgirlwas

classalltheway.Shemanagedtolooksofuckingsexybutwithoutevercrossing
thelineintotrashyorcheap.Tonight,sheworeasimpleandunadornedblack
dressthatshesomehowmadehotterthantheskimpiestlingerie.Didshehaveany
ideahowdamnedbeautifulshewas?

Hebithislowerlipasheimaginedwhatitwouldbeliketopeelthatdress

fromherbodyanddiscoverallthesoft,warmdelightsbeneaththefabric.That
sweet,plumpassofhershadbeenmadeforabigmanlikehim.Thoseswinging
hipsmadehimachewithdesire.Heimaginedherstraddlinghislap,hishands
cuppingthatamazingasswhileherthickthighscushionedtheircoupling.

Hewantedher.Hewantedhersobadlyhecouldfuckingtasteit.Sincethe

momenthe'dspiedhercomingintotherestaurantthatlateDecembernighttomeet
withVivian,Sergeihadbeenblindtoeveryotherwomanontheplanet.

ButBiancawantednothingtodowithhim.
WatchingherembraceLena,Sergeiwonderedwhatthehellitwasgoingto

taketoconvinceBiancathathewasdeadseriousabouther.Shewasn'tapassing
fascinationforhim.Hehadplayedthefieldenoughinhisthirty-oneyearstoknow
thatshewasdifferent,thatwhathefeltforherwasreal.

HerubbedthebackofhisneckandrememberedVivian'swarningafew

monthsbackthatBiancawouldn'tgoforhistype.Fullyawarethatshehadlosther
brotherinasenselessactofviolence,heunderstoodwhyBiancashiedawayfrom
menwhoweren'tstrictlyontherightsideofthelaw.Thoughheownedpartofa
successfulconstructionbusiness,SergeiremainedfirmlyinNikolai'spocket.He
didwhateverhisbossaskedofhimwithoutquestion—andthatwasn'tgoingto
workforBianca.

Shewasunlikeanywomanhe'deverdated.Therewastheobviousissue—

shedidn'twantanythingtodowithhim.Grudgingly,headmittedhisegohadtaken

quiteahitoverthatone.He'dgottenusedtowomentrippingoverthemselvesto
gooutwithhim.Therightglance,therightsmileandafewsweetlyspokenwords
andhewasassuredofadatewithanywomanhewanted.

ButnoneofthatworkedonBianca.
He'dalwaysacknowledgedthatshewasoutofhisleague.Maybeitwas

timetoacceptthatshewastoofaroutofhisleagueandwouldneverseehimas
anythingotherthanthebig,dumb,mobbed-upbodyguardwhowatchedoverher
friend.

"Seryozha."
HearingViviancallhimbyhischildhoodnicknamemadehimsmile.Over

thelastfewmonths,theyhadgrownincrediblyclose.Hethoughtofherasthe
littlesisterhehadneverhadandshehadadmittedtoviewinghimasanolder
brothernow.

TearinghisgazeawayfromBianca'sbackside,heglancedatVivianand

asked,"Yes,Mrs.Boss?"

Shegrinnedathisteasingreplyandwavedasmartphoneathim."Ithink

Biancaleftthisbehind."

NikolaisnortedsoftlyandrubbedVivian'sarm."No,Ithinkmywifemeans

thatshestoleitoutofBianca'spursewhiletheywerehugging."

Viviannarrowedhereyesatherhusband."Stoleissuchaharshword,

Kolya.Iborrowedit."

Nikolaiswepthisfingersalongherjaw."Because?"
"BecauseBiancahassomecreeppeekinginherwindowsandshe'stoo

stubborntoletanyonehelpher."Vivianslappedthephonedownonthetable.
"Takeit,Sergei.Ridetoherrescueonyourwhitehorse.Imean—SUV."

SergeistaredatthephoneVivianhadtakenfromBianca.Itwasan

underhandedtrickbuthewasamanoutofoptions.Beforehereachedforthe
phone,heglancedatNikolaiwhogaveasmallnodofencouragement.Feelinga
flutterofhopeinhischest,hesnatchedupthedevice."Thankyou,Vivian."

Sheshooedhimwithherhands."Well—goon.IfIknowBianca,she'sgoing

tocrackopenabottleofwineabouttwentystepsinsidethatfrontdoor.Ifyou
catchherafterthatfirstglass,she'llbeinagoodmoodandmighteveninviteyou
inside."

HelaughedasViviansuggestivelywaggledhereyebrows."I'mnotgoingto

getmyhopesup.I'llbeluckyifshedoesn'tslamthedoorinmyface."

"Shewon't."
"IwishIhadyourconfidence."

Ashorttimelater,hedrovethestreetsofthehistoricneighborhoodwhere

Biancalivedandreplayedtheirshortconversation.Hecouldn'tbelievehowblasé
shehadbeenabouttheprowlersituation.Herefusedtoeventhinkaboutthis
Kevanguyshehadaskedforhelp.

Apoliceofficer.Ofcourse.AmanwhowaseverythingSergeicouldnever

beforher.TheverythoughtofBiancaseekingaidfromsomeothermanfrustrated
him.Hewantedtobetheoneshethoughtofwhenshewasfrightenedorneeded
help.Hell—atthispoint,hewouldtakebeingthemanwhomowedherlawnor
fixedaleakypipe!

Navigatingtheoldstreets,heconcededBiancamightberightaboutthe

prowlersituation.Maybeitwasnothing.Itcouldbeateenagercuttingthroughher
yardtosneakintohishouselateatnightorsomethingelseequallyasinnocent.

Ormaybeitwasn't.Shewasasinglewomanlivingaloneinaneighborhood

knownforitsspacioushomesfilledwithantiques.Granted,shehadpurchasedher
homeinataxsaleatadeepdiscountasafixer-upper.Hedoubtedshehadmuchin
thewayofexpensivefurnishingsandknickknacksbutathiefmightnotknowthat.

Ifsomeonewascasingherplace,Biancamightbeonashort-listofmarks

foranupcomingrobberyrun.He'dknownenoughmenwhoranintheB&E
crowdstoknowthatmanyofthempreferredtohitastringofhigh-endhousesina
nighttoimprovetheiroddsofsuccessandevadingthepolice.

ThethoughtofBiancabeingterrorizedbyahomeinvasionsouredhis

stomach.Hepressedalittleharderonthegasandmadeuphismindthathewould
askaroundinthemorningtoseeifanyoftheusualsuspectswereplanning
somethinginthisneighborhood.Hedidn’tcarewhatitcostorhowmanyfavorshe
hadtocallinorextend.HewoulddoanythingtoprotectBianca—whethershe
wantedhishelpornot.

Pullinguptothesidewalkinfrontofherlargecornerlot,Sergeikilledthe

engineandstudiedherhome.TheQueenAnneneededanewroofandsomepaint
butithadgoodbones.Hehadneverbeenfartherthanthefrontdoorbutwhathe
hadglimpsedoftheinteriorneededalotofwork.Fromtheconversationshehad
overheadbetweenVivianandBianca,itseemedshewastryingtodomostofit
herself.HehadafeelingBiancawasinwayoverherhead.

Heunlatchedandpushedopenthegate,runninghisfingersovertheiron

scrollworkwithappreciation.Itclangedshutbehindhim,thesoundsoveryloud
inthisstill,quietneighborhood,andhewinced.Headingupthesidewalk,he
notedthepaversthatneededreplacingandthespottylandscaping.Anideabegan
toform,onethatmightprovetoBiancathathewasworthmoreasamanthanhis

shadyconnections.

Atthedoor,herangthebelltwiceandknocked.Whilehewaitedforherto

answer,hetriedtothinkofsomethingwitty.Hewouldn’tlietoherabouthowthe
phonehadcomeintohispossession.Vivianwouldprobablykickhimintheshins
beforetheirnextrunforrattingherout,buthe'dbeenonthereceivingendof
worse.HewantednothingbutthetruthwithBianca,evenwhenitwassomething
assmallasthis.

Whenshedidn'tanswer,heknockedagain,louderthistime,andstartedto

reachforthedoorbell.Justashisfingertippressedthebutton,apanickedscream
rippedthroughthehouseandturnedhisbloodcold.Anothershriekofterror
followedasecondlater.

Grippedbyhisprotectiveinstinct,Sergeitriedthedoorhandlebutitwas

locked.DesperatetoreachBianca,hetookastepbacktoexaminethesolidwood
dooranditsframe.Hejudgedtheweakestspot,inhaledadeepbreathandplanted
hisfootagainstthespotjusttothesideofthelock.Asatisfyingcruncheruptedso
heslammedhisfootagainstittwicemore.Thedoorflewinwardandnearlyoffits
hinges.

AsheracedintoBianca'shouse,heheardaloudthumpupstairs.Rushing

towardthestairs,heleaptupthemtwoatatime."Bianca!"

ChapterTwo

Ishouldn’thavewaitedtohavethatglassofwine.Thenicebuzzfrommy

favoriteShirazmighthavesoftenedtheblowofjusthowbadmyattemptat
renovatingthisbathroomhadreallygone.Standingthereunderthespotty,
stutteringsprayoftepidwaterandexaminingmyembarrassingfailuresasaDIY
homeremodeler,Ijustwantedtocry.

Therainfallshowerheadleakedhorrendously.I'dclearlymissedastep

duringtheinstallation.Eyingtherattlingfaucetwithtrepidation,Iwonderedhow
manymoreusesithadbeforeitfinallydied.Thelowtempandpitifulamountof
pressuresnakingthroughthepipesconvincedmeaplumbingproblemwas
brewing.Icringedatthethoughtofhowmuchitwouldcost.

Runningmyfingersalonganunevenseamofgrout,Ireluctantlyadmitted

thattheprettytileIhadpainstakinglyappliedearlierintheweekwouldprobably
havetoberippedoutandredone.Notthatitwouldtakemuchworktotearthetile
fromthewall.Justtouchingthatsectionnowmadeitwiggleprecariously.

Withasigh,Isteppedforwardtorinsethesoapylatherfrommybody.When

Iturnedtorinsemyback,Iaccidentallyknockedmyelbowagainstthewall—and
dislodgedthatentirestripoftile.Igaspedandtriedtocatchthetileshooked
togetherbyameshbackingbuttheylandedrightonmyfoot.Ishriekedwithpain
andyankedmyfootfree.

Badmove!
Losingmybalance,Iflailedwildlyforanythingtostopmyfall.Grabbing

theshowerhead,Imanagedtosteadymyselfforafractionofaninstantbeforethe
damnthingcamerightoffinmyhand.Ablastoflukewarmwatersplatteredmy
face.Ilurchedbacktoescapethesprayandbegantotumbleoutofthetub.

Panicked,Iscreamedandgraspedtheshowercurtainandlinerinonefinal

desperateclutchbutitwasn'tenoughtosavemyself.Theplasticringspopped
loose,andIwasinfreefall.

"Oof!"Ihitthefloorhard.Thankfullytheplushbathmatcushionedmyfall

butIstillwincedaspainlancedmybottomandback."Ow!"

Overthewhirringrushofwaterspillingintothetub,IthoughtIhearda

crackofthunder.Thesoundconfusedmebecausetheskieswereclearandthere
hadn'tbeeneventheslightestchanceofrainintheforecast.Anotherloudboom
andthenanothermetmyears.Whatinthehell?

AndthenIheardtheunmistakablesoundofSergei'svoice.
"Bianca!"
Stilldazedbymyfall,IwonderedifIwashallucinating.WhywouldSergei

beyellingforme?Whywouldhebeinsidemyhouse?

"Bianca!"Itsoundedasifabullwasrunningupthestairsandbarreling

downthehallway.Thoseheavyfootstepsechoedinmybedroom.Without
warning,thebathroomdoorflewopenandsuddenlySergeiappeared.Iblinked
andtriedtoreconcilethesightofhiminmyhome.

Hishandsomefacescrewedupwithconcern,hescannedthesceneinfront

ofhimbeforeexhalingwithwhatseemedtoberelief."ThankGod.Ithought
someonewastryingtoattackyou,milayamoya."

"Notsomeone,"Igroanedmyreply."Justmyshower."
Tootalltocomethroughthedoorwithoutducking,Sergeialsohadtoturn

hisshouldersbecausetheyweretoobroadtofitthroughtheframe.Hecrouched
downnexttomeandbrushedhisscarredknucklesalongmycheek."Areyouall
right?DoIneedtotakeyoutotheemergencyroom?Didyouhityourhead?"

"No,onlymyprideiswounded."
Sergeigentlygraspedmyupperarmsandhauledmeintoasittingposition.

Themovementmademecringewithdiscomfort."Ow.Okay.Mybottomis
probablybruised."

Amischievoussmilecurvedthatsinfulmouthofhis."I'dbehappytotakea

lookatitforyou."

Remindedofmyscandalouslyunderdressedstate,Ituggedtheshower

curtainthatwaswrappedaroundmybodyalittlehigher,justtomakesuremy
cleavagewastotallycovered.IgnoringSergei'sflirtatiousoffer,Ipointedtothe
door."Wouldyoupleasegrabmyrobe?"

"Later,"hesaidsoftlyandslidhisarmsundermybody.Showingmejust

howstronghewas,Sergeiliftedmeupoffthefloorandcradledmetohischest.

Eyeswide,Istiffened."Putmedown!You'regoingtobreakyourback."
"Don'tbesilly."Heactuallysmirked.Pivoting,hecarriedmeouttothe

bedroomandcarefullyplacedmeonthebed."Don'tmove."

Huggingtheshowercurtainaroundmynakedbody,Iwatchedhimreturnto

thebathroom.Hedisappearedbehindthedoorforaminute,probablytosurveythe
damageintheshower,beforereturningwithmyfluffyrobeandafoldedtowel.
Chuckling,heheldthemouttome."SoIguesswe'velearnedavaluablelesson
aboutchoosingthepropergroutandpreparingoursurfacebeforetiling."

Scowlingathim,Igrumbled,"Inmydefense,thoseDIYblogsmakeitseem

soeasy."

"That'stheirjob."Hecrossedthosemassivearmsofhis."Ididwarnyou

thatthiswastoomuchworktobedonealone."

Tryingtoforgethowgoodithadfelttohavethosearmsholdingmetight,I

concentratedonthatJanuarymorningatmyboutiquewhenhehadhelpedmepin
thehemonVivian'sweddinggown."No,yousaiditwasman'swork.Inavery
condescendingtone,"Iaddedforgoodmeasure.

Hissmilefaded."Thatwaswrongofme.Ishouldn'thavebeen

condescending.I'msorry."

Ishrugged."It'sokay.Imean—Iguessinawayyouwereright."Dropping

mygazewithembarrassment,Igesturedtomythrobbingfoot."MaybeIaminover
myheadhere."

Sergeisteppedcloserandkneltdowninfrontofme.Hecuppedmyfootin

hisbighandandmypulsesprinted.Hisfingertiptracedtheswollensplotchthere.
"You'llhavetowearsomesensibleshoesforafewdays,butyou'llbefine."

Swallowinghard,Imurmured,"Youhaven'tseenmycloset.Asensibleshoe

cannotbefoundinthere."

Hesnortedsoftlyandgentlyloweredmyfoot."I'mnotsurprised."His

thumbdrewacirclearoundmyankle."Butyoudomakethoseimpracticalshoes
looksogood."

Hiscomplimenttookmebysurprise.Mouthdry,Itriedtothinkofsomething

tosay.Sergeididn'tseemtonoticehowhehadaffectedme.Risinguptohisfull
height,hepattedtheshowercurtain."Youshouldgetintoyourrobenow.Doyou
haveatoolset?"

Inodded."It'sintheguestroomacrossthehall."
Afterhelumberedoutofmybedroom,Ishookmyselffromthetemporary

stuporofbeingtouchedbyhimandquicklyunwoundtheshowercurtain.Iwas
tyingtherobe'ssashwhenhereturned.Thecomicallookonhisfacemademe
smile."What?"

Heheldupatoolbagandthehotpinkhammer."Pinktools?Really?"
"They'redesignedforawoman'shand,"Isaidratherdefensively.
"Theyfeelliketoysinmine."
"Well,you'relikeasevenfoottallgiant.Allsortsofnormal-sizedthings

probablyseemliketoystoyou."

Sergei'slipspartedbuthesnuffedoutthewittycomebackburningthetipof

histongue.Icouldn'thelpbutwonderwhatitwasthathehadn’tsaid—andwhy.

Heinclinedhisheadtowardthebathroom."I'llgetyourshowerfixedand

thenwe'lltalk."

"About?"
Sergei'sburninggazesweptoverme."Us."

Notgivingmeachancetopipeupwithmyusualrejectionofthevery

thoughtoftherebeinganus,hespunonhisheelanddisappearedintothe
bathroom.Feelingtotallyoff-kilterwiththatbigsexybeastofaRussianputtering
aroundinmyhouse,Idabbedatmywetskinwiththetowel.WhatdidIdonow?

Therehadtobeaneasywaytogethimoutthefrontdoorwithoutmakingit

tooweird.AsIrubbedonsomelotionandtriedtofigureoutwhattosaytohim
next,aterribleclattereruptedfromthebathroom.SergeisworeroughlyinRussian
andEnglish—andwasthatSpanishtoo?

Curious,Iapproachedthedoorandcaughthimstrippingoutofhissoaking

wetshirtandtoeingoffhisshoes.Mybreatharrestedinmythroat.MyGod—Ihad
noideaamancouldlookthatfine.

Hewasalllean,smoothmusclewithoutevenahintoffat.Icountedthe

ripplingridgesofhisabdomenandwonderedwhatitwouldfeelliketorunmy
handsoverhispowerfulbody.Oh,Iwoulddefinitelytakemytimetracingthose
tattooshekeptcarefullyhiddenunderhisclothes.Thesmallgoldmedallion
danglingfromathinchainaroundhisneckinterestedme.

ImagesofSergeileaningovermeinbed,mythighswrappedaroundhis

waistashethrustintomyslick,womanlyheattormentedme.Thetemptingsightof
himmeltedtheicywallIhaderectedbetweenus.Suddenly,Istartedtoquestion
whyhewassowrongforme.

Asifhefeltmyintensegaze,Sergeiglancedatme."Whereisyourwater

shutoffvalve?"

"Mywhat?"Hismundanequestionthrewme.
"Thewatershutoff,"herepeated."Haveyoubeenhavingproblemsturning

yourwateronandoffhereattheshowerfaucet?"

"Oh.Well…yeah."Ilookedtotheshowerwhereablastofhotwater

spewedfromthebrokenpipethere.Itseemedevenstrongerthanearlier.Nodoubt
thathadbeenthecauseofSergei'scursing."Iboughtareplacementfaucetandthe
toolstofixit,butIwasn'tsurehowtostart."

"Youneedtoshutoffthewaterandbleedthelinefirst.There'snolocal

shutoffheresowe'llhavetodoitoutside."

"Wait.Isthatthefunnylittlehandlethinginthatboxoutside?"
Sergei'smouthslantedtooneside."Yes,sweetheart,it'sthefunnylittle

handlething."

Therewasonlywarmamusementinhisvoiceandnocondescensiontobe

found.Irefusedtoallowmyselftodwellonthewaymybellyquiveredatthe
soundofhimcallingmesweetheart.Flickingmyfingers,Iturnedawayfromhim.

"Thatshutoffisoutsideinbetweentherosebushes."

"Ofcourseitis,"hegrumbled."Wait.Here.Ibroughtthisforyou."
Spinningtofacehim,Iwatchedhimretrievemycellphonefromthepocket

ofhistuxedojacket."Howintheworld—?"

"Vivian,"hesaid."Sheborroweditfromyourpurse."
"Borrowed,huh?"Irolledmyeyesatherinterfering."Ilovethatgirlbutshe

knowshowtopushmybuttons."

Sergeichuckled."Tryguardingher.She'simpossibletokeepoutoftrouble."
"Soundsstressful."IshudderedtothinkwhatNikolaiwoulddoifVivian

waseverhurtunderSergei'swatch.

"Youhavenoidea."Heheldoutmyphone."Isupposeweshouldthankher.

IfIhadn'tbeenatyourdoorwhenyoufell—"

"Hey,waitasecond."Iheldupmyhandasanotherthoughtstruckme."How

thehelldidyougetinsidemyhouse?"

"Aboutthat…"Sergeirubbedthebackofhisneckandmadeanapologetic

face."Iknowaguywhobuildscustomhomes.Heusesalotofantique
reproductions.I'llcallhimfirstthinginthemorningtogetyouanewdoor."

"Anewdoor?"Mouthagape,Ileftthebathroom,crossedmybedroomand

strodeouttothelanding.Leaningagainstthehandrail,Igazeddownintothe
entrywayofmyhometoseewoodrnshardsandsplintersscatteredacrossthe
floor.Thedoorhunglopsidedonitshinges.Agoodbreezeprobablywouldhave
knockeditover."Oh.My.God."

"I'msorry."
Startledbytheclosenessofhisvoice,Iglancedbackathiminawe.Henow

stoodlessthantwofeetbehindmeinjusthistuxedopants."Howdoyoumoveso
quietly?"

Heshruggedthosebroadshouldersofhis."It'sausefulskill."
Idecidedtonottoaskhimwhyheneededthatparticularskill.Lookingback

towardmydestroyeddoor,Iasked,"Didyouuseasledgehammer?"

"No,myfoot."
"Areyoufreakingserious?"Iturnedaroundandexaminedhishugefeet.

Theyweresurprisinglynicewithneatlytrimmednails."Youcanteardownadoor
withyourlegs?"

Hesmiled."Icandoalotofthingswithmybodythatwouldamazeyou."
"Uh-huh."Ididn'teventrytostopthegrinthattuggedatmylips."Younever

quittrying,doyou?"

Sergeiclosedthedistancebetweenusandplacedhisbigpawsoneither

sideofmeonthehandrail.Boxedinbyhismassive,half-nakedbody,Igulped.
Theamountofbodyheatpulsingoffofhimstunnedme.Heloweredhisfaceuntil
wewerebreathingeachother'sair."Notwhenitcomestoawomanasspecialas
you."

Me?Special?Foramoment,Iconsideredthiswaspartofhisgame,butthen

Irealizedhewasdeadserious.HereallythoughtIwassomethingspecial.

Mybellytrembledashismouthdescendedtowardmine.Heartracingwith

anticipation,Iheldmybreathandwaitedforthetouchofhislips.Atthelast
second,hedivertedhislandingandplayfullypeckedmycheek.Eventhoughit
wasn'tthekissIwanted,Istillfeltanelectricjoltofcontact.

Hemusthaveseentheslightdisappointmentinmyeyesbecausehesmiled

sweetlyanddraggedhisfingeralongmyjaw."I'mgoingtoheadoutsideandshut
offyourwater.Ifyou'llputabroomanddustpannearthedoor,I'llcleanupthat
mess."

"I'lldoit."
Sergeishookhishead."Imadethemess.It'smyresponsibility."
Hebackedawayfromme.ImmediatelyImissedhisclosenessandwanted

himback.AsIwatchedhimheaddownstairsandoutthedoorhehaddemolished
withthosetreetrunklegsofhis,IfinallyunderstoodthatSergeiwasmuchmore
dangeroustomethanIhadeverimagined.

I'dfinallygottenatasteofhowsweetandgentleandprotectivehecouldbe

—andalreadyIwantedmore.

***

Grunting,Sergeireopenedthewatervalvetothehouseandswipedhis

sweatyforeheadwiththebackofhishand.Thestifling,muggyMayheatmadethe
simpletaskshe'dundertakenseemtolasttentimesaslong.Wonderingwhyhe
hadn'timmigratedsomeplacecoolanddry,hereplacedtheheavymetalcover
protectingtheshutoffvalveandtrudgedbacktotheporch.

Heusedthekitchentowelhe'ddrapedovertherailingtocleanoffthe

muckystickingtohistoesandthesolesofhisfeetbeforeenteringthehouse.Once
insideBianca'shome,hesurveyedthequickfixhe'ddoneonherfrontdoor.He
hadfoundsomeextralumberinoneofthebedroomsshehadturnedintoa
workspaceandhadusedittopatchupthesplintereddoor.Thelockwasalost
causesohenailedaboardintoplacetokeepthedoorshutforthenight.

"Alldone?"
"Almost,"Sergeirepliedandcheckedtheboardtomakesureitwouldhold.

Whenheturnedtofaceher,astreakofheatracedthroughhisstomach.Hisdick

throbbedatthesexyvisionbeforehim.Cladinasilkrobe,Biancaleanedagainst
thedoorwaybetweenthelivingareaandtheentryway.Herbarelegspeekedout
frombeneaththemodesthemtoteasehim.Thethoughtofpushingherupagainst
theclosestwallandkissinghiswayfromtheverytipsofhertoestothehidden
veebetweenherthighshithimhard.

Sheheldoutanicecoldbeer."Ithoughtyoucouldusethis."
Surprisedbytheoffer,Sergeiacceptedthechilledlongneckandtookaslow

drink.Theflavorofitpleasedhimandheglancedatthelabel."Thisisgood.It's
notabrandIrecognize."

"Afriendofminerunsamicrobreweryattachedtohisrestaurant.I'mnot

normallyabeerdrinkerbutI'llsiponeofhisanyday."

Hehatedthatthemerementionofamalefriendsentdartsofirrational

jealousyrightthroughhim.Hehadnorighttofeelthatway.Biancawasn'this.She
wasfreetodateanymanshewanted,butthatdidn'tmakeiteasytostomachthe
thought.

Afteranotherdrink,hegesturedupstairs."I'mgoingtochecktheshower."
"Okay."Shedidn'tmakeamovetofollowhim.Wassheafraidtobecloseto

him?

Headingbackupstairs,hemadeamentallistofallthethingsheneededto

pickupatthehardwarestore.Hewasrelievedtofindtheshowerturnedonand
offwithoutissue.Ashereplacedtheshowercurtainandputtherodbackinto
place,hestudiedthepoorlydonetile.Itwouldallhavetoberippedout.Infact,
thetubandshowersurroundneededtogotoo.

Leaningbackagainstthecounter,hescannedthebathroomandstartedto

mentallysketchsomeideasforrenovatingthespace.Itwaslargerthanmost
bathroomsinhousesthisold.Awalk-inshowerwouldgobeautifullyinthecorner
andaclawfoottubwouldfitperfectlyinaspotrightoverthere.Heenvisioneda
crisp,cleanhoneycombtilepatternonthefloor,anewsetofcustomcabinetsand
marblecountertops.

SergeiwouldjumpatthechancetohelpBiancarestoreherhometoits

formerglorybutwouldsheallowhimtoworkwithher?Heknewforafactthat
shehadbeentakingbidsfromothercontractorsforvariousprojectsaroundthe
place.Evenifhecameinwitharock-bottombid,she'dprobablylaughinhisface
andsendhimonhisway.

Facingthemirror,hefrownedatthedirtandgrimemarkinghishandsand

chest.He'dsmearedrustonhisfacewhileworking.Mudandflecksofgrassclung
tohispants.Wantingtogetcleanedup,heshuckedhispantsandboxerbriefsand

steppedintotheshower.Thetepidwaterblastinghisskinmadehimmoveanew
hotwaterheatertothetopofhisshoppinglist.Hegrimacedatthefloralscentof
hersoapbutlatheredupwithitanyway.

Afterdryingoff,hewrappedthedamptowelaroundhiswaistandexamined

histuxedo.Therewasnowayhewasgettingbackhisdepositnow.Infact,he'dbe
luckyiftherentalplacedidn'tcomeafterhimfordamages.Therewasnowayhe
wasslippingbackintothewetfabrictonight.HeconsideredaskingBiancatorun
outtohisSUVtograbthegymthatheldtwochangesofclothing.Thesoundofher
movingaroundinherbedroomgavehimanotheridea.

Herearlierreactiontotheteasingkisshe'dplacedonhercheekemboldened

himnow.Whatifhewentforit?Nomoresweetandplayfuloverturesthatshe
couldsoeasilyshootdown.Itwastimetobebraveandmaybeeventheslightest
bitbrash.

Wearingonlythetowel,heopenedthebathroomdoorandsteppedintothe

bedroom.Shehadherbacktohimasshearrangedanoutfitonthebackofher
closetdoor.Hecouldtellbythemodestcutoftheprettygreendressthatshe
plannedtowearittochurch.Hehadn'tbeenjokingearlierwhenhe'dsaidhe
wantedtohearhersing.

Judgingbythelookshe'dgivenhim,Biancamusthavethoughthewascrazy.

He'dlongagostoppedcaringwhatotherpeoplethoughtofhim.Whenhewanted
something,hewentafterit.Thehellwithotherpeople'sopinions.

"Iguesstheshowerworks?"Shedrapedawidebeltoverthehangerholding

thedress.

"Yes."
"Great.Ireallywantedtothankyoufor…"Herwordsdriftedoffwhenshe

pivotedtofacehim.Herdarkeyesflashedopen,andshegesturedwildlytohis
mostlynakedstate."Whereareyourclothes?"

"They'rewetanddirty."Hedidn'tevenbringupthejeansandT-shirttucked

intohisgymbagoutside.Hewantedtoseehowfarthiswouldgo.

"Soputthemon,gohomeandthrowtheminthedryer."Hervoicehadrisen

toaslightlyhigherpitch.Whatwasshesoafraidof?Wasithissizeorhis
criminalties?Orwasitsomethingelse?Wassheafraidofhowgoodtheywould
betogetherandhowharditwouldbetopushhimbackoutsidethatfenceshe'd
builtaroundherself?

"I'mnotgoinghometonight."
Sheblinked."Excuseme?"
"Ibrokedownyourdoor."Hegesturedinthatdirection."I'mnotleavingyou

aloneinahousethatcan'tbeproperlysecured,especiallywhenyouhavea
prowlerbotheringyou."Hetiltedhishead."Unlessyouwanttocomehomewith
me?"

"No!"Shehastilyshotdownthatoption.
"ThenI'mstayinghere."Hetookasteptowardherbedandstartedto

removetheplush,decoratedpillows.Shehadthesortofbedroomthatlookedlike
itwasstraightoutofadesignercatalogue.Thoughwhyonewomanneedednine
pillowsonherbedperplexedhim!

Sheheldupherhands."Whatareyoudoing?"
Hetossedafringedpillowontothefloorbehindhim."It'slate.I'mtired.I'm

gettinginbed."

"Notinthisbed,"sheretortedsharply."Youcangosleepintheguestroom

downthehall.Pickupthosepillowsandstackthemneatlyonthatbenchonyour
wayout."

Gatheringthefluffy,girlypillowsinhisarms,hecartedthemtothe

upholsteredbenchshehadindicated.Hecarefullylinedupthepillowsasshehad
askedbutdidn'tleaveherbedroom."There'snowayIcanfoldmyselfintothat
daybed."

Theirkedexpressiononherfacesoftened.Withasigh,shereachedforone

ofthenormal-sizedpillowstuckedinsideruby-redsilk."I'llgo.Youstayhere."

"Isthatreallywhatyouwant?"
Shegulpedandhuggedthepillowtighter."Yes."
"Youareaterribleliar,Bianca."
"Ihaven'thadmuchpractice."
Holdingthepillowlikeashield,sheskirtedtheedgeofthebedandheaded

forthedoor.Inthreequick,longstrides,Sergeiinterceptedandblockedher.She
gazedupathim,amixofapprehensionandthefaintestflashofexcitement
brighteningherdarkeyes.Hegrippedthepillowandtuggeditfromherhands.

Shelickedherlips,betrayinghernervousness."Whatareyoudoing,

Sergei?"

"Nomore,Bianca."Hetossedthepillowontothebedbehindher."We're

doneplayingthisgame."

"Whatgame?"
"Theoneyou'veperfected."Hesteppedcloser,andhersmallerhandsflew

tohischest.Hecouldhaveeasilyoverpoweredher,butheimmediatelyhaltedhis
forwardmotion."Bianca,Iwouldneverusemysizeorstrengthagainstyou."

"Sergei…"

"No."Heplacedagentlefingertohermouth,silencingherrejection."One

kiss,Bianca.Youletmekissyouproperlyonetime.Ifyoudon'tfeelanything—if
youreallydon'twantme—I'llgodownstairsandsleeponthecouch.AfterIfix
yourdoorinthemorning,I'llneverbotheryouagain."

Herperfectwhiteteethdugintoherlowerlip.Finally,shenodded."Okay.

Onekiss."

Grinningtriumphantly,heslidhishandalongthenapeofherneckand

draggedheragainsthim.Hewasdeterminedtomakethisakisstheywouldnever
forget.Ifheonlyhadonechance,hewasgoingtomakeitcount!

ChapterThree

Whatthehellareyoudoing?
IsilentlychastisedmyselfwhilewarilywatchingSergei.Toweringover

me,heseemedsomuchmoredangerous—anddelicious.

"Comehere.I'mtootalltodothiscomfortablywhilestanding.Itwillbe

betterifI'msitting."Hegraspedmyhandandtuggedmebacktowardthelow,
wideclubchairandottomaninthecornerofmybedroom.Sinkingdownontothe
soft,wornleather,Sergeipulledmebetweenhisknees.Thetowelwrapped
aroundhiswaisthadclimbedupratherscandalously,butIdidn'tdareletmygaze
lingeronhislap.

Whenhishugehandsglidedalongmythighsandcuppedmyhips,I

swallowedhard."Whatareyoudoing?"

"WhatdoesitfeellikeI'mdoing?"Sergeinuzzledmyneck,hishotbreath

waftingacrossmyskin.

"Everythingbutkissingme."Delightfulshiverscoursedthroughme,rushing

throughmybellyandintomychest.

"I'mgettingthere,"hepromised.
IhadthedistinctfeelingIhadbeenhoodwinkedbyagreeingtolethimhave

onekiss.SomethingtoldmethatIwouldsoonbeagreeingtomuchmorewithhim.

Hishandsslippedundermyrobeandtheshortnightgownunderneath.He

hadtheroughestpalmsI'deverfelt.Afterdatingonlyprofessionaltypes,itwas
somethingofanoveltytohavesuchincrediblymanlyhandsglidingovermy
curves.HewhisperedsomethinginRussianthatIdidn'tunderstand.Asif
rememberingwedidn'tsharethatcommonlanguage,herepeated,"You'resodamn
soft,Bianca."

Igaspedwhenhegrabbedmybottominhisbighandsandgaveitan

appreciativesqueeze.Ashortlaughescapedhisthroatasheranhispalmsover
mypanties.Bendinglowhisdarkhead,Sergeigrippedthelooselytiedbeltofmy
robebetweenhisteethandgaveitatug.Thesidesofmydressinggownfellopen,
andheletthebeltfallfromhismouth.Dragginghislipssidetosidealongmy
collarbone,hewhispered,"Takeofftherobe."

"Ireallyshouldn't."
Hesmiledatmyquaveringvoice."ThenI'lldoitforyou."
Abandoningmybackside,Sergeipushedtherobedownmyarms.Thesilky

fabricflutteredaroundmyfeet.Evensitting,hewassodamntallthatwewere
eye-to-eyewhileIstood.Hisheatedgazeburnedmeasitroamedmybody.

Withouttherobecoveringme,Ifeltincrediblyexposedinthethin,tooshort

nightgown.ThoughIprojectedconfidenceandwasnormallycomfortableinmy
skin,Isuddenlyexperiencedawaveofinsecurity.AllIcouldthinkaboutwerethe
imperfectionsmarringmybody.Washecomparingmetoalltheotherwomenhe'd
dated?IfearedIwouldn’tmeasureupwell.

Cuppingmychin,Sergeipeeredintomyeyes."You'reevenprettierthanI'd

imagined."

Hiscomplimenttookmebysurprise."You'vebeenimaginingmelikethis?"
Sergei'smouthquirkedtotheside."Well…I'vebeenimaginingyouinmuch

less."Hefingeredthespaghettistrapofmynightgownandstartedtoslideitdown
myarm."Much,muchless."

"Wait."Breathless,Iputmyhandsonhisshoulders."Weneedtoslow

down."

"Fivemonths,Bianca."Heremindedmeofhowlongwe'dbeendoingthis

will-we-won't-wedance."That'sslowenough."

Concedinghehadapoint,Ipressedmyforeheadtohis."Sostopmessing

aroundandkissme."

Helaughedandwoundthosemassive,tattooedarmsofhisaroundme.

Relishingtheheatandpowerofhim,Iclosedmyeyesandwaitedforthefirst
touchofhislips.Hislongfingerssiftedthroughmyhairjustashismouthbrushed
mine.Hisotherhandrodethecurveofmyspinetosettleonmylowerback.

Withalowgroan,Sergeikissedme.Itwasthesweetest,mostchasteof

kisses,buttherewassomethingincrediblyeroticaboutit.Perhapsitwasthe
knowledgethatsomuchmoreawaitedus.Itwastheteasing,easybeginningtoa
nightthatpromisedtobeamongthebestofmylife.

Thetipofhistongueflickedtheseamofmylips.Droppingallpretensesof

notwantinghim,Isurrenderedtohisseekingkiss.Ourtonguestouchedtimidlyat
firstandthenwithmoreconfidenceaswegrewaccustomedtothetasteandheat
ofeachother.Cradlingthebackofmyhead,Sergeideepenedthematingofour
mouthsuntilmykneeswerewobbling.Iclutchedhisshouldersforsupportand
whimperedunderhissensualassault.

Provinghewasanattentivelover,Sergeiclaspedthebacksofmythighsand

heftedmeoffthefloorbeforemylust-weakenedlegsgavewayandIcrumpledto
thefloor.Igaspedagainsthislipsandstartedtoprotestthecavemanmovebuthe
silencedmewithanotheramazinglyperfectkiss.Straddlinghislap,IwasgladI
hadpickedsuchawide,comfychairforreading.

Thecaressofhishandsleftmeachingwithsuchincrediblesexualhunger.

Hemademefeelsoalivewithanticipationandexcitement.Allthoseneatly

collectedreasonstokeephimatarm'slengthwereslowlybeingwipedawayfrom
thelistI'djotteddowninmyhead.Thiswasbad.Thiswasso,sobad.

Except—ohmyGod.Itjustfeltso,sogood.
Hishandssneakedundermynightgown,andIgiggledattheticklishswipe

ofhisfingertips.Hechuckledagainstmylipsbutcontinuedhisexploration.
Palmingmybreast,hebrushedhisthumbovermynipple,andImoanedasmy
throbbingfleshtightenedtoapeak.Helightlypinchedit,andIrockedagainsthim.
"Sergei."

"Iwanttoseeyounaked."Heburiedhisfaceagainstthecurveofmyneck

andnippedatthesensitiveskinthere."Iwanttoseeallofyou."

Istartedtosaythatweneededtoturndownthelightsbutstoppedmyself.

Sergeididn'tseemtomindtheextraweightIcarried.Therewasnofakingthe
attractionanddesirereflectedinhiseyesandcarriedinhisadmiringtouch.He
wantedme—justthewayIwas.

Embracingmyinnersexkitten,Ireachedforthetowelbetweenusandgave

itaplayfultug."Onlyifyougetnakedfirst."

"Asifyouhavetoask!"Sergeinibbledmylowerlip."I'mgoingtomake

lovetoyoutonight."

Ihastilyappliedthebrakes."No."
Heleveledalookmyway."Don'tmakemebeg,Bianca."Massagingmy

breast,hemurmured,"Iwantyou,andI'vewaitedsolong."

Somethinginhisvoicepiquedmyinterest."Whenwasthelasttimeyou

wentoutonadate,Sergei?"

Heheldmygaze."Ihaven'tbeenwithanotherwomansinceaweekbeforeI

metyou."

Mylipspartedwithshock."Areyouserious?"
Hebrushedhisknucklesdownmycheek."AfterIsawyouthatfirsttimein

December,Iknewnootherwomanwouldevercomeclose.Itseemedpointlessto
wastemytimewithotherswhenallIwantedwasyou."

Hissinceritystunnedme.Guiltrockedme."Areyoumadatme?"
Hisbrowcreased."Forwhat,milayamoya?"
"Datingotherguyswhileyouweresittingonthesidelines,"Iexplained

nervously.

Hewrappedafewstrandsofmyhairaroundhisfinger."Iwon'tsithereand

lietoyou.Ididn'tlikeseeingyouwiththoseothermen."Hehesitated."Iwas
relievedyoudidn'tbringanyonetonight—butthatdoesn'tmeanI'mmadatyou.
Annoyed,maybe,"hesaidwithasmile."Butnevermad."

Icapturedhismouthinalingeringkiss."Forwhatit'sworth,Ihaven'tbeen

intimatewithanyonesinceVivian'swedding."Decidingtobetotallyhonest,I
admitted,"Noothermanhasmademefeelevenatenthofwhatyou'vemademe
feelsofartonight."

"It'searlyyet,Bianca."Heteasedhismouthagainstmine."Ihavesomuch

moretoshowyou."

Tappingmyfingertohisnose,Ishookmyhead."Youstillcan'tmakeloveto

me."

"But—"
"Idon'thaveanyprotectioninthehouse.Unlessyouhavesomethingtucked

awayinyourtuxedopants…"

"Idon't."Then,withacarelessshrug,hesaid,"WhatIreallywanttodoto

youdoesn'trequireprotection."

Mycoreclenchedwithanticipation."Andwhat'sthat?"
"You'llsee.Now—youdecide.Hereontheottomanoronthebed?"
"Iguessthatdependsonwhatyouhaveinmind."
"First,I'mgoingtotearthisoffyou."Hegrippedthefrontofmynightgown.

"ThenI'mgoingtousemymouthtotraceeverylastinchofyou."Hishandslipped
betweenmythighssohecouldcupmysex."I'mgoingtospendmostofthenight
withmytonguerighthere."

Oh.Sweet.Jesus.
AwickedflarescorchedmewhenIimaginedeverythinghehaddescribed.

Shakinginsideanddry-mouthed,Imanagedawhisperedresponse."Weshould
probablymovethistothebed."

"Goodchoice.Butfirst…"Fistingthefrontofmynightgown,hejerkedhard

onthedelicatefabric,shreddingthelaceandsilkblendinhisfearsomehands.His
alphadisplayofstrengthleftmemomentarilyspeechless.

WhenIrecoveredfromtheshockofhavingmyclothesrippedoffofme,I

sputtered,"Sergei,youcan'tjusttearmyclothes!"

"I'llbuyyousomemore."Hesaiditasifthatwastheonlyissueatplayhere

andbrushedtheruinedgownbackfrommybodytoseemybarebreasts.Hishands
movedtomypantiesbutIclaspedhiswriststostophim.

"Don'teventhinkaboutit."
"Thenstandupandstripforme."Hewasdeadserious."Now."
Istartedtotellhimoff…buttherewassomethingincrediblyarousingabout

theideaofit.Onlimbsasshakyasanewborncolt,Islippedoffhislapandstood
infrontofhim.

"Ontheottoman,"heorderedandleanedbackinthechair.
Nomanhadeverhadthestonestogivemeanorder.Evenasayounger

woman,I'dalwaysbeenthebossy,intimidatingandtotallyincontrolgirl.Sergei
seemedtobeattractedtothosequalitiesinme,butIsuspectedthathere,inthe
bedroom,hewantedtobetheonegivingordersanddrivingtheaction.

Mycouragebolsteredbythelustflashinginhiseyes,Isteppedontothe

ottoman.Standinguphere,Ihadaclearviewoftheimpossiblyhugehard-on
tentingthetowel.Holy.Hell.FromwhatIcouldtell,hiscocklookedlikeitran
halfthelengthofhisthigh.Apparentlyhewasreallybigallover.

Heranhishandalongtheoutlineofhiserection."Showme,Bianca."
Mybellyflip-flopped,butIdidasheinstructedandpeeledthetorngown

frommybody,baringmyplus-sizecurvestohim.Theburningglintofdesirethat
crossedhisfacetoldmethatSergeilikedwhathesaw.Justassomepeople
preferredvanillaicecreamtothemorecomplicatedflavors,thisoutrageously
sexyRussianseemedtoenjoybiggirls.

AndIwantedtofalltomykneesandthanktheheavensformystrokeof

luck.

Hemurmuredsomethinginhisnativetonguewhilehishungrygazeroamed

mynakedbody.Iwasn'tsureifthatwasanotherdirection."Um…what?"

Heglancedatmeandmadeanapologeticface."Sorry.I'musedtobeing

abletoslipinandoutofRussian."

"Vivianhastriedtoteachmehowtospeakit,butIonlyknowhowtosaya

fewthings.Greetingsandthingslikethat,"Iexplained."Ididn'tunderstand
anythingyoujustsaid."

"Youlookmagnificent."
Myeyebrowsarchedathiscompliment."Magnificent,huh?"
"Sexy,"headded."Perfect."
"Well,Idon'tknowaboutthat."
"Ido."Hespokewithauthority."SomedayIwantyoutodanceforme."
"Areyoucrazy?"
Helaughed."Aboutyou?Yes."
Butterfliesswarmedinmybelly.Theideaofdancingandstrippingforany

manhadneverbeenoneI'drelishedbutIfoundmyselfunabletotellSergeino.
"Maybesomeday."

Hedidn'tpush.Instead,hemadeaspinninggesture."Turnaroundandtake

offyourpanties."

Tummyaflutter,Ispunawayfromhim,broughtmyshakyfingerstothe

waistbandofmyundiesanddraggedthemdownmyhips.WhenIreachedmy
thighs,Sergeigrufflyordered,"Bendover,Bianca.Iwanttoseeallofyou."

Faceaflame,Ispreadmyfeetalittlefartherandwiggledmyhipswhile

drawingmypantiesdowntowardmyfeet.Idroppedthemonthefloortothesound
ofSergeipushingoutofthechair,theleathercreakingashislargeframeleftthe
cushionedcomfort.Asecondlater,hisbighandsgraspedmywaist.Hepulledme
upright,mybackagainsthishot,hardchest.Brushingasidemyhair,hestarteda
longtrailofticklishkissesthatfollowedthecurveofmyspineandendedonmy
leftbuttock.Withoutwarning,hismassivepawsmackedmyplumpcheek.

"Sergei!"Igaspedandtriedtoslideawayfromhimbutheheldtight.
"Thisassofyourshasbeentemptingmeformonths.Theleastyoudeserve

isthatsinglespanking."

Somethingprimalignitedwithinme."Doyou…Imean…isthatsomething

youliketodo?"

"Notinthewayyou'reprobablythinking,"hesaidandsuckedhardonmy

neck.Iprayedhewouldn'tleavealovebitebutdecidedthatIwasn’tgoingtostop
himfrommarkingme."ButwhenIfuckyoufrombehind,I'mgoingtomakesureI
leavemyhandprintrighthere."

Ishiveredwithneedwhenhepattedmybottomandgaveitaloving

squeeze.Iunderstoodthathisstyleoflovemakingwouldberougherandmore
intensethananythingIhadeverexperienced—andIcouldn'twaittogetstarted.

Apparently,Sergeisharedmydesire.Hesweptmeupintohisarmsandshot

mealookthatwarnedmenottoprotest.ShowinghimthatIlikedthewayhe
carriedme,Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhisshouldersandbrushedmylipsagainst
hischeek.

"Potzluymenya.Kissme."
Hisdeepvoicedidcrazythingstome.Ipressedmymouthtohisashe

placedhiskneeonthebedandtookmedowntothemattress.Ourtonguestangled
wildly.Hecrawledovermeonthebedandplantedhishandsoneithersideofmy
head.Wantingtofeelhisskinonmine,Ijerkedfreethetowelandreached
betweenourbodies.Themomentmyfingerstouchedhiscock,Sergeicursedin
Russianandsmashedhismouthtomine,stabbinghistonguedeepandgroaningso
loudlythevibrationsrattleddownmythroat.

Marvelingatthesizeofhim,IrealizedIcouldn'tevenwrapmyfingers

aroundhisshaft.Istrokeddownthelengthofhiserection.Hiscockjustkeptgoing
andgoingandgoing.Mypussythrobbedattheveryideaofhavingallofthis
buriedinsideme.Itwouldn'thappentonight,notwithoutasinglecondom

available,butsoonIhoped.

Careful.Asmallvoiceinmyheadwarnedmenottostartmakingplanstoo

farintothefuturewithhim.IhadalreadydecidedtohavehimtonightbutI
couldn't—wouldn't—letmyselfthinkofhavinghimanyothernight.Thishadtoa
one-timething,amomentaryindulgence,andnothingmore.

Caressingme,Sergeiworkedhiswaydownmybody.Hesuckledmybreast,

pullingmynipplebetweenhislipsandlavingitwithhistongue.Hereleasedmy
fleshwithanoisypopbeforebitingdowngentlyandmakingmeyelpatthe
quicksilverflashthatpiercedme.Soothingthetinyhurtwithhistongue,he
tweakedmyothernipple,andImoanedatthewickedsensationsrockingme.

Eyesclosed,Iranmyhandsoverhismuscledshouldersandupperarms

whilehelickedandnibbledme.Nomanhadeverawakenedthesekindsof
feelingswithinme.Ifeltsoalive,theelectriccurrentsofarousalanddesire
vacillatingthroughme.HetouchedmeasifIweresomeincrediblypreciousthing.
Hisfingersglidedovermybodyandpausedtoenjoyinterestingspotshe
discovered,theplacesthatmademesighandrockmyhips.

Whenheslidtothefloornexttothebed,Iknewthemomenthehadearlier

describedtomehadfinallyarrived.Istruggledtodragafullbreathintomylungs.
Clutchingmywaste,Sergeidraggedmerightdowntotheedgeofthemattress.He
claspedmyanklesandplacedmyfeetintothepositionhewanted,spreadingmy
legswideopenandswipinghispalmsupanddownmyinnerthighs.

"Bianca."Hebreathedmynamewithatouchofaweandranhisthumbalong

theseamofmypussy.Showingmehowgentlehecouldbe,Sergeicarefullyparted
mylabiawiththoselong,thickfingerssohecouldgazeuponthedewycenterof
me.HegrowledsomethinginRussianthatsoundedsuspiciouslynaughty,butI
didn'thavethecouragetoaskhimtotranslate.Heranhisfingersthroughmyslick
foldsandheldthemuptoshowmetheglisteningevidenceofmyarousal."Lookat
howwetyouareforme,baby."

Thelow,rumblingwayhepronouncedbabymademypussyclench.

Lightheaded,Ishiveredwithanticipationashisdarkheadloweredtowardthat
secretpartofme.Ididn'tknowwhattoexpectbutIhadafeelingSergeiwasn't
goingtoshowmeafewhalf-heartedflicksofhistonguebeforeabandoningmeto
resentmentandfrustration.

Helickedmerightfromthesoakingentrancetowardmythrobbingclitand

repeatedthemotiontwicemore.Drawingamoanfrommythroat,heflutteredhis
tongueovermyclitoris.Igrippedthecoversundermeandreveledinthe
wondrouswayheexploredmypussy.Withleisurelylicks,hepaintedmewiththe

tipofhistongueandgavemetimetoacclimatetohisintimatetouch.

Byslowdegrees,heincreasedthetempoofhisflutteringandflicking.He

zeroedinontherhythmandpressurethatdrovemewild.Runninghishandsalong
mysides,Sergeiusedthatincrediblytalentedmouthofhistopushmerightover
theedge.Theintense,deliberatecircleshedrewaroundmyclitmademedigmy
toesintothemattress.

Whenthosefirstshudderyburstsstartedtorockmycore,Iclappedmyhand

overmymouthtostifletheloudcryIfearedwouldsoonerupt.Withoutmissinga
beat,Sergeireachedupandtuggedmyhandawayfrommymouth.Ourgazes
clashedasheatemypussy—andIcameapartrightinfrontofhim

"Sergei!"
Hegroanedhungrily,thenoisesoexcited,andbegantofeastonmypulsing

flesh.Asheattackedmypussywiththatskillfultongue,Irolledmyhipsandrode
thewondrouswavesofmyorgasm.Thejoyfulexplosionsrockedme,makingme
shouthisnameagainandagain.

Shakingandbreathinghard,Itriedtocomedownfromtheeuphorichigh

he'dinduced,butSergeiwasn'tdonewithme.Usinghisfingers,hepartedthe
slicklipsofmypussyandexposedmyclit,drawingitoutfrombeneaththehood
toteasethesuper-sensitivebudwithhistongue.Icriedoutandtriedtowiggle
freefromhimbutSergeiputahandonmybreastandcaughtmygaze."No."

"Please,"Ibeggedpitifully.
Heshookhishead."No."
Andthenhefastenedhislipsaroundthepinkpearlpeekingoutthereand

suckedhard.Inearlydied,myheartstutteringinmychestandtheairrushingout
ofmylungs.Sergeitonguedmelikesomesortofhumanvibrator.Itwas
unbelievable,andIfoundmyselfpressingmypussyagainsthiminadesperate
searchformore.

"Ah!"Myhipsshotoffthebedasmysecondclimaxslammedrightintome.

Sergei'sbighandsslidunderme,grippingmyasswhilehewentwildbetweenmy
thighs.IcamesodamnhardIstartedtoseespotsdancingbeforemyeyes."Oh!
Oh!Oh!"

Growlinglikeabear,Sergeifinallyshowedmesomemercybuthedidn't

abandonmypussyyet.No,hestabbedhistongueinsidemychanneltotastemein
thewickedestway.Mouthagape,Itriednottopassoutashedidunimaginably
wantonthingstome.

Limpandoverwhelmed,Iexhaledloudlywhenhefinallydraggedhismouth

awayfromme.Hereplacedhistonguewithtwofingers,workingfirstoneand

thentheotherintomyslickpassage,andthrustingthemintomeatatorturously
slowpace.

Crawlingoverme,Sergeitrappedmebetweenhisthighs,puttinghisknees

oneithersideofme,andcapturedmymouth.Iknewhefeltmyreactiontothe
sinfulkisswesharedbecausehegroanedagainstmylipswhenmyinnerwalls
clenchedhisinvadingfingers.Hemadelovetomymouthwhilepenetratingme
withthoselongdigitsofhis.

AllalongIhadsuspectedtherewasthiskindofpassionlockedupinsideme

butIneversuspecteditwouldtakethisoutrageouslysexybeastofamanto
releaseit.Sergeireadmelikeanopenbook.Itwasasiftheinstructionsto
showingmeextremepleasurewerewrittenonmyskinininkonlyhecouldsee.

Mythighsfellwideopenwhenheshiftedhispositionoverme,puttinghis

kneebetweenbothofmineforbetteraccesstomybody.Helatchedontomy
nippleandthrustintomefasterandharder.Hisfingerscurvedinsidemypussy,
andmyhandsflewtohisshoulders.Holdingonfordearlife,Ihowledlikea
bansheeasheforcedanotherpowerfulorgasmfromme."Sergei!"

Hecapturedmymouthandswallowedmycriesofpassion.Isurrenderedto

hiswonderfulkissesandtheintensefeelingshe'darousedwithinme.Aftercoming
sohard,somanytimes,Icouldn'tevenformcoherentthoughts.Deflatedand
aching,Igazedupathiminsuchwonder.

Hegrinnedwolfishlyandstunnedmewiththeeroticvisionofhimsucking

myglisteningnectarfromhisfingers."Youtastesofuckinggood,Bianca."

Myfaceburnedwithsuchembarrassmentathisfrankcomment."Thethings

yousay!"

"They'retrue."Henuzzledmelovinglyandkissedmyneck.Hoveringabove

me,Sergeismiledandtracedmycheekwithhisfinger."Youlooksoprettyafter
youcome."

Ireacheduptocaresshisproud,strongfaceandfeltmyselffallinghardfor

thisimpossiblycomplicatedman.Mybrainscreamedformetoputonthebrakes
butmyheart?Oh,God.Myheartwasalreadyentangled,andIdidn'tknowifIhad
thestrengthtocutawayfromhim.

OrifIevenwantedtoanymore.
"Whatareyouthinkingabout,milayamoya?"
Refusingtogetcaughtupintroublingthoughts,Ipushedonhisshoulders

andpressedhimontohisback.Uponmyknees,Ileanedforwardandteasedmy
mouthagainsthis."I'mthinkingit'syourturnnow."

ChapterFour

Finally!
Headpoundingandheartracing,SergeiwatchedBiancacrawloverhim.

Shebrushedhermouthtohisandnippedathislowerlipbeforeflickingtheir
tonguestogether.Hiscockthrobbedintimewithhispulseashewonderedwhat
shehadinmindforhim.Lookingatthoseplumplipsofhers,heprayedshe
plannedtowrapthemaroundhisdickverysoon.

Grabbingapillow,hetuckeditbehindhisheadsohehadaperfectviewof

herlusciousbodyandgorgeousface.Thetasteofhersweetcuntstillteasedhim.
Thosewhimperingsighsandherhigh-pitchedcriesasshecameagainsthistongue
echoedinhishead.HewasalreadythinkingofallthewayshecouldmakeBianca
screamhisnamewhenhewasfinallyabletomakelovetoher.

Herheavy,fullbreastsrubbedagainsthischest.Wantingtofeeltheir

weight,hecuppedthem.Thedarkdiscsofhernipplesenticedhim.Helightly
pinchedherflesh,drawingthepointstopuckeredpeaks.Shesighedwithsuch
pleasure.Straddlinghisthigh,sherockedatophimandherwetpussydragged
againsthisleg.HebattledtheprimitiveurgetohaulBiancaupalittlehigherand
thrustupintotheslick,feminineheatofher.

Buyingthebiggestboxofcondomsavailablejumpedtothetopofhisto-do

list.He'dalwaysbeenverycarefulwiththewomenhesleptwith,nevertrusting
birthcontroltoprotectagainstapregnancyorrelyingonanythinglessthanthat
latexbarriertopreventanSTD.Theundergroundfightingclubwherehe
competedrequiredthefighterstobetestedregularlybecausethematchesusually
leftthefloorssobloody.Hetrustedtheresultsprovidedbytheclubdoctorbuthe
wouldneveraskBiancatorelyonthem.He'dneverputheratrisklikethat.He'd
havetogetproofsoshewouldbelievehetookhersafetyseriously.

"Relax."Biancaplacedhersmallerhandsonhischestandsweptthem

acrosshispecsanddownhisbiceps."It'smyturntomakeyoufeelgood."

Hegroanedasherhandglideddownhisabdomen."Youalreadyare."
Shesiftedherfingersthroughthenestofcurlstherebeforegraspingthebase

ofhisdick."Lookathowbigyouare,Sergei."

Hiscockhadalwaysbeenapointoffascinationforwomen.Hesuspectedit

wasoneofthereasonssomanyofthemthrewthemselvesathim—andusedhimto
satisfytheircuriosity.HearingBiancaremarkonhisimpressivelengthand
thicknesstouchedonaweaknessinhisemotionalarmor.Hedidn'twanttothink
shewaslikethatbut…

Eyesnarrowedwithconcern,Biancatouchedhisjaw."What'swrong?DidI

—?"

Framingherfacebetweenhishands,hesatupandpeeredintothedarkorbs

thathadensnaredhimthosemanymonthsago."Whyareyoulettingmehaveyou
tonight?"

Herexpressionsharpenedtooneofannoyance."Whatkindofquestionis

that?"

"Iwanttoknowifyou'relettingthishappenbecauseyouactuallywantme

orifI'maboxyouwanttotickoffsomelist."

"DiditeveroccurtoyouthatI'mwonderingthesamething?"
Hewastakenabackbyherquestion."Whywouldyou—?"
"Haveyoulookedatus?"sheinterrupted."You're,like,thisridiculously

sexyAdonisofaman,andI'mthisshort,fat—"

RefusingtolistentoBiancacutherselfdown,hecorrectedgruffly,

"Beautiful,smart,talented,successfulbusinesswoman."Heshookhishead."You
couldhaveanymanyouwant.I'mtheonewhohadtochaseafteryou,remember?"

Shestudiedhisface."Why,Sergei?Whyme?"
"Ifyouhavetoaskthatquestion,Ihaven'tdonethisright.MaybeIneedto

takeanotherturnrightdown—"

"No."Smiling,shegraspedhiswristandstoppedhishandfromslipping

betweenherthighs."IthinkIgotthemessage."

Sergeilacedtheirfingerstogether.Eventhoughhetypicallydespisedany

signsofweakness,heallowedthathardmaskhe'dwornsincehisteenageyearsto
slipmomentarily."Doyoulikemeatall,Bianca?"

Shecaressedhischeekbutdidn'tanswerimmediately.Eventually,she

admitted,"I'vetriednottolikeyou.Ireallyhave….butIcan'tstopwhatI'm
feeling.I'mherewithyourightnowinmybedandnotintheguestroomor
downstairsonthecouchbecauseIwanttobeherewithyou.BecauseIwantyou."

Biancakissedhimthen,hermouthsosoftandsweetagainsthis.Shetrailed

herfingertipsdownhisface,thepressureaslightasafeather,anddeepenedtheir
kiss.Theerotictangleoftheirtonguesmadehisstomachclenchandhisballs
ache.Withalittleshoved,shepressedhimbacktothemattressandbegan
pepperingkissesdownhischest.Herlipsdancedaroundhisnavelbefore
travelingovertheindentationsathiships.

Theteaserefusedtoputherlipswherehereallywantedthem.Shewiggled

downthebed,positioningherselfbetweenhisspreadlegs,andstrokedhiscock.
Shepalmedhissacandkissedallaroundhisshaftbutdidn'ttouchit.

Groaning,hepumpedupintoherhandandbegged,"Useyourmouth."

Biancadidn'tmakehimpleadagain.Whenshesuckedhimbetweenherlips,

hebitoffacurseandclawedatthebedding.Herhotmouthenvelopedhim,the
suctionjustperfect.Hervelvetytonguesentshiversthroughhim.Shemoaned
aroundhiscock,andSergeiknewhewasn'tgoingtolastnearlyaslongashe
wanted.

Usingherhandstotormenthim,Biancabobbedupanddownonhisshaft,

herpliablelipsglidingovertheheadofhiscock.Shemassagedhisballswhile
takinghisdickdeeperintohermouthandusingthatwonderfultongueofhersto
stimulatehim.Grippingthecomforterunderhim,Sergeitriedtomaintaincontrol.
Hedidn'twanttoscareorhurtherbythrustingupintohermouth,evenifevery
maleimpulsewithinhimdemandedit.

"Turntowardme,"hesaid,hisvoicehuskyandbreathless."Letmetouch

you,Bianca."

Shelickedherlipsandstaredathimforafewsecondsbeforedoingashe'd

asked.Thoughhewouldhavelovedthechancetosixty-nineher,heunderstoodthe
differencesintheirheightmadethatpositionanunlikelyoneforthem.Instead,she
movedtothesideofhim,puttingherkneesnexttohisrighthipandpresentingthat
unbelievablygorgeousassofhersrightwherehewantedit.

Afterwettinghisfingerswithhistongue,Sergeibegantoprobehersilky

depthswhilesheresumedherincredibleblowjob.Hertightpussysqueezedhis
digitsasheslowlyfuckedherwiththem.Whenherubbedhisthumbagainsther
clit,hercuntflutteredaroundhisfingers,tellinghimthatshereallylikedthat.

Mesmerizedbyherpussy,Sergeidecidedtosurrendertotheintense

sensationsshecausedwithhermouthandhands.Allthatsuckingandstrokingand
fondlingwasmakinghisballsdrawupagainsthisbody.Thesolesofhisfeet
begantobuzz,andthemusclesinhislegstightened.

"Thatfeelssogood,Bianca."Heusedhisotherhandtolovinglypether

plumpbottom."Don'tstop,baby."

Shewhimperedaroundhiscockandpressedbackagainstthefingersburied

inherpussy.Smiling,hegaveherwhatshewanted,thrustingintohercuntalittle
fasterandharder.Sherewardedhimbyeagerlyslidinghermouthupanddownhis
shaftandsuckinghimwithsuchenthusiasm.

Whisperinghername,heflexedhisfeetandtriedtostaveoffhisimpending

orgasm.Whenshetookhimevendeeperintohermouthandmoaned,theerotic
vibrationshurtledhimovertheedge.Atthelastsecond,hewonderedifshewould
beangrywithhimforspillinghisseedinhermouth.Tryingtogiveherwarning,in
caseshewantedtopulloff,hehurriedlygrunted,"Bianca!I'mco—"

Hedidn'tgettherestofitout.Hersoftlipstightenedaroundhiscockand

shesuckedhimhardwhilerubbinghertonguerightthereagainstthecrownofhim.
Thedambuiltaroundthosemonthsofpent-upsexualfrustrationdetonatedthen
andheletgo.Growlinghername,hecamelikeafuckingfreighttrain,hiships
rockingandhislegsshakingasshemilkedeverylastdropofcumrightoutofhim
andswallowed.

Shudderingandpanting,Sergeigroanedwhileshelickedhimclean.When

shepushedupontoherkneesandshiftedtofacehim,hekepthisfingersburiedin
herpussy.Hereyebrowsarchedquestioninglybuthedidn'ttakehishandaway.
Hermouthfellopenwhenhestartedtothrustintoherandstrumherclit.
"Sergei…"

"Comeforme,baby.OnemoretimeandthenI'llletyousleep."
Clutchinghisforearm,shelethimhavewhathewanted.Hereachedupto

palmherbreastandgaveitasqueezewhilehisotherhanddrovehercrazy.Wetter
thananywomanhe'deverbeenwith,Biancabuckedagainsthisfingers,swiveling
herhipsandgrindingherpussyonhim.Hecouldn'twaittogethismouthonthat
juicyslitofhersagain,topullherswollenclitbetweenhislipsandcircleitwith
histongue.

Ashemadeherlosecontrol,Sergeienjoyedthesightofherclimaxing.He

couldn'tbelievethiswasactuallyhappening.Heexpectedtowakeupanyminute
now,aloneinhisbedandfeelingsoempty.

Butitwasn'tadream.Thiswasreal.Tonight,Biancawashis.
Whenshefellontothebednexttohim,Sergeitrappedherinplacewithhis

legandtookhistimelovinghermouthandstrokingherbody.HewantedBiancato
knowthiswasn'tjustaone-nightstandtohim.Heneededhertoknowthathe
wantedsomethinglong-termwithher.

Eventually,hefoundthestrengthtodisentangletheirbodies.Shedartedinto

thebathroom,tossingthestill-damptuxedopantshe'drequestedathim.He
slippedintothemandwentdownstairstocheckthehouseonelasttime.Usingthe
sideentrancetoherhouse,hewalkedouttohisSUV,grabbedhisgymbagand
gun,andlockedthevehicle.Hedidn'texpecttrouble,butwithaprowleronthe
loose,hecouldn'tbetoocareful,especiallywhereBiancawasconcerned.

Satisfiedthehousewassecure,heclimbedupstairsandfoundBianca

alreadyinbed.Hepausedinthedoorwaytoappreciatethescene.Shewascurled
onhersidewithherhandrestingontheemptyspaceshe'dleftforhim.Hischest
constrictedattheimageshepresentedandtheteasingglimpseofalifehe'd
alwayswanted,ofawomanofhisownandanicehome.

Ofafuturethatseemedsomehowalwaysjustbeyondhisreach.
Feelingabitshakenupbythethoughtsinvadinghismind,Sergeidropped

hisgymbagontheottomanandcrossedtheroom.Hestrippedoutofthetuxedo
pants,switchedoffthelampandslidintobednexttoBianca.Themomenthe
openedhisarmstoher,shecuddledupagainsthimandpeckedhisjaw."Good
night,Sergei."

Hislipscurvedinapleasedsmileatthegentlemomenttheyweresharing.

"Goodnight,Bianca."

Shehookedherlegacrosshisandrestedhercheekonhischest.Onceshe

hadsettledintoacomfortablespot,hepressedatenderkisstoherforehead.
Despitetheexhaustiongrippinghim,hefounditimpossibletodriftofftosleep.
Contenttostrokeherhair,Sergeistaredupatthedarkceilingandconsideredall
thewayshecouldconvinceBiancathatshecouldtrusthimandthathewasworth
breakingherrule.

He'dchasedafterherforfivemonthswithoutsomuchaslookingatanother

woman.Ifshewasn'timpressedbyhisdoggeddeterminationtowinher,thenhe
wouldsimplyhavetotryharder.

Sergeihadfinallytastedhispersonalheaven—andhewasn'tgivingherup

withoutafight.

***

WhenIcamedownstairsthenextmorning,Ihesitatedjustoutsidethe

entrancetomykitchen.Feelingabitnervous,Itouchedmyhairandthefrontofmy
robe.SergeihadalreadyslippedoutofbedandoutofsightbythetimeIfinally
draggedmygroggybacksideintothebathroomtogothroughmymorningprimping
routine.Ihadnoideahowhecouldwakeupsodangearly,especiallyafterthat
torridnightwe'dshared.

Myfaceburnedwiththememoriesofallthedirtythingswe'ddonetogether.

Icouldn'tremembereverbehavingsowantonly.Isureashellhadnevergoneall
thewayonafirstdate.Notthatwe'devenhadarealdate.Icringedatthe
realizationIhadfallenintobedwithhimsoeasily.Whatintheworldmusthe
thinkofme?

Hopinghewouldn'tmistakemyembarrassmentforshame,Ischooledmy

featuresandsteppedintothekitchen.WearingagrayT-shirtandblackshorts,
Sergeistoodwithhisbacktomewhilehetendedsomethingonthestoveand
listenedtoaRussianlanguageradiostation.Ihadn'tknownthatchannelexistedso
thesoundofittookmebysurprise.

Judgingbythescentsfillingthekitchenandtheingredientsonthebigisland

behindhim,Sergeihadfixedpancakes.Impressedbyhissweetgesture,Idecided
toshowhimsomethingequallyassweet.Itriedtorememberexactlyhowto
pronouncegoodmorninginhisnativetongue.Vivian'svoiceechoedinmyhead.I
wasn'tsureifIcouldgetitoutcorrectlybutIwasgoingtotry.

"Um…dobroyeutro."
Spatulainhand,Sergeispuntowardme.Helookedamusedasherepeated

thegreeting.Then,withateasingslanttothatsexymouthofhis,headded,"I'llbe
suretotellViviantogiveyouhighmarksonyournextreportcard."

Irolledmyeyesandheadedforthecoffeepotonthecounter."Veryfunny."
Sergeisteppedclosetome,woundhisarmaroundmywaistandhauledme

againsthim.Stoopingdown,heclaimedmylipsinasinfulkiss."Ihopeyoulike
blueberrypancakes."

Myinsidesquakingfromthepossessiveswipeofhismouth."Ido."
Hereleasedmeandgavemybottomapatbeforereturningtohispostatthe

stove."Ihopeyoudon'tmindmeusingtheblueberriesinthefridge.AfterI'd
dumpedthemintothebowl,itoccurredtomeyoumightbesavingthemfor
somethingspecial."

"Inormallyjusttossthemintomyyogurtinthemornings."Pouringcoffee

intoacup,Isaid,"Cookingbreakfastformeisprettyspecial,Sergei."

Heshrugged."Iwashungryandthoughtyouwouldbetoo."
Ididn'tmissthewayhewouldn'tmeetmycuriousgaze.Hesaiditwiththe

faintesthintofdefensiveness.Washefeelingasemotionallyexposedasmethis
morning?WashequestioningwherethisthingbetweenuswasgoingorifI'd
simplyusedhiminthewayIhadafeelingalotofotherwomenhad?

Rememberinglastnight'sglimpseatthechinkinhisemotionalarmor,I

abandonedmycupofcoffeeandwrappedmyarmsaroundhiswaist.Heglanced
downatme,hisgazealmostwary."I'mreallygladyou'reherethismorning."

Sergeivisiblyrelaxedanddroppedakissonthetopofmyhead."I'mglad

youletmestay."

HeturnedbacktothepancakesandIfinishedfixingmycupofcoffee.Atthe

roundtablenearthebaywindowoverlookingthebackyard,Idiscoveredthe
newspaperandtwoplacesettings.Hecarriedoveraplatepiledhighwith
steaminghotpancakesaswellasabutterdishandtheorganicsyrupIpreferred.
AfterturningtheradiotoanEnglish-languagenewsprogram,heduckedintothe
refrigeratortofindsomejuicebeforerejoiningme.Soon,wewereeating
breakfastandtradingsectionsofthenewspaper.Tosayitwasasurreal
experiencewasanunderstatement.

"Whatisthat,sweetheart?"
Secretlylovingallthelittlepetnamesheusedforme,Ilookedinthe

directionhewaspointingwithhisfork."Oh.That'smydesignboard.It'sthespot
whereIcollectallthepiecesthatinspiremeforredoingthehouse."

"It'snice."Hesplashedmoreorangejuiceintohisglass."Whattimedoyou

leaveforchurch?"

Ipattedmymouthwithanapkin."Ten.It'snotthatfarfromherebutIhaveto

pickMamaupfirstandthattakesawhilethesedays."

"Howisyourmotherdoing?Isrehabhelpingher?"Hemusthaveseenthe

surpriseonmyfacebecausehequicklyadded,"Viviantoldmeaboutthestroke
yourmotherhadlastyear."

"Oh.Well,rehabisgoingwell.It'salifelongprocess,Iguess."
Hehesitatedbeforeasking,"Theytookherleg,yes?"
"Itwasthediabetesandhighbloodpressurethatcausedthestrokeinthe

firstplace.Then,whenshewasintheICUrecoveringfromthestroke,she
developedabloodclotinherlegthatcausedsomeproblemswithherfeet."I
shookmyheadsadly."Basically,thosefirstfourmonthsafterherstrokewerea
nightmare.Everytimetheywouldsolveoneproblem,anotherwouldpoprightup.
Theytookherrightlegwhentheycouldn'tgettheinfectionundercontrol,andshe
hadanothermini-strokewhileinsurgery."

Sergeisworesoftlyandreachedformyhand."I'msorry,Bianca.Thatmust

havebeendifficulttogothroughalone."

"Iwasn'ttotallyalone.Ihadmyextendedfamilyandthechurchandthe

boutiqueemployeesandVivian.Sheusedtogorightfromhermorningclassesto
theboutiquetoruntheregistersandhelpwithbridesallafternoonandthenshe'd
gostraighttoSamovartowaittablesuntiltenatnight.Sometimes,she'dletherself
intomymama'shouse—whereIwasstayingatthetime—todomylaundryor
cleantheplace."

"I'mnotsurprised.Viviandoesn'tdoanythingbyhalf-measures."Hepulled

anotherstackofpancakesontohisplate."Yourmotherhaslive-inhelpnow?"

"No.She'sinanassisted-livingcommunity."
Theknifehe'dstabbedintothebutterstoppedmidwaytohisplate."Youput

yourmotherinanursinghome?"

Takenabackbyhistone,Ibristleddefensively."It'snotanursinghome,and

Ididn'tputherthere.Shechosetogothere."

"Ifindithardtobelievethatanypersonwouldchoosetogointoaplace

likethat."Hegesturedaroundthekitchenwiththeknife."Yourmothershouldbe

herewithyou."

Istartedtotellhimoffbutthenitoccurredtomethatmaybethiswasn't

aboutmeatall.Leaningbackinmychair,Iasked,"Wheredoesyourmotherlive,
Sergei?"

Hisjawtightened,andhesmashedthebutterontothepancakesinfrontof

him.Finally,hegrowled,"Ihadtoleaveherbehind."

Thepainetchedintohishandsomefaceslashedatme."Why?"
Heglancedawayfrommeandfixedhisgazeontheoppositewall.

"SomethingverybadhappenedbackinRussia,andIhadtogetout—fast.There
wasn'ttimetomakearrangementsformymotherormybrother—"

"Youhaveabrother?"
Hedraggedhisgazebacktome."Ihadtwobrothers.Now,I…Ionlyhave

one."

"WhydoIgetthefeelingwehavemoreincommonthanI'dever

suspected?"

"Becausewedo,"Sergeisaidwithasigh."Butit'smuchtooearlytoget

intoallofthatugliness."

"Yeah,you'reprobablyright."Ididn'tfeellikediggingintothepainful

memoriesofmypasteither."SoyourmotherandbrotherarebackinMoscow?"

"Yes."
"And…youhaven'ttriedtobringthemover?"
Hisexpressionturneddark."I'vebeentryingfortwoyears.It'sa

complicatedandveryexpensiveprocess."

Anotherthoughtsuddenlystruck."Um…areyoulegal?"
Sergeisnortedandslicedhisforkthroughhispancakes."Yes.Ihaveagreen

card.I'mapermanentresident."

"Oh.Okay."
"Why?WouldyounotdatemeifIwasn't?"Hepoppedatriangleof

pancakesintohismouth.

"Iwouldbehesitanttogetinvolvedwithsomeonewhocouldbedeportedat

anymoment."Ifiddledwithmyforkandpokedatthesliverofpancakesleftonmy
plate."Isthatwhatwe'redoing?Dating,Imean."

Heswallowedhismouthful."Ithoughtweweregoingtostart.Afterlast

night,I'mnotgoingbacktothewayitwasbetweenus.Weeitherbegintodateand
givethingsbetweenusatry,oritendsherewithbreakfast."

Despitemyreservations,Icouldn'tbearthethoughtofsendinghimaway.

Theconnectionbetweenuswastoorealtodeny."I'dliketotrydating."

"Good."HeateanotherbitewhileIsippedmycoffee.Sighingagain,he

reachedoutandtouchedmyknee."Ishouldn'thavesnappedatyouaboutyour
mother.That's…that'smybaggageandmybullshit.I'msurethatyourmotheris
veryhappywheresheisnow."

"It'saniceplace.Really,"Iaddeduponseeingtheskepticismthatflashedin

hiseyes."Shehasherownapartmentandround-the-clockaccesstoskilled
nursingandon-siterehab.There'sachefandhousekeepingandanamazing
recreationcenterwhereshegetstogetherwithotherresidents.Sheevenplays
videogamesnow!"

Sergeilaughed."Areyouserious?"
Igiggled."Yeah.It'spartofdevelopinghermotorskills,Iguess."
"MaybeI'llhavetochallengehertoagame."
ItriedtoimagineSergeiandmymotherplayingvirtualtennis.Theimage

wasjusttoocomical."She'dprobablylikethat."

"Iwanttomeether."
Iswallowedhard."We'llsee."
Hesmiledknowinglybutdidn'tpushtheissue.Wefinishedbreakfast,andI

startedtoclearawaythetable.WhenIbegantoloadthedishwasher,hecalledout
tostopme."I'lldothatafteryou'regone.Comehere,Bianca."

Wonderingwhathewasplayingat,Ineverthelessreturnedtothetable.He

claspedmyhandsanddraggedmebetweenhiswideopenthighs.Theheatofhis
caressinghandssearedrightthroughthesilkyfabricofmyrobeandthethincotton
nightshirtI'ddonnedearlier.Hecapturedmymouthinaslow,easykiss.Thetaste
ofblueberriesandthesugarysweetnessofsyrupteasedme.

Whenhishandglidedalongmythighandslidtowardmypanties,Igasped

andpulledawayfromhismouth."Sergei,whatareyoudoing?"

"Sh."Hegentlyhushedmewhileslippinghisfingersunderthecotton

guardingmypussy."Letme."

EventhoughIcouldthinkofadozenreasonswhyweshouldstop,Islidmy

feetapartandwelcomedhissensualtouch.Sergeinibbledmyearlobewhile
probingmyfolds.Whenhecuppedmybreast,Iarchedintohimandgroaned,
encouraginghisexploration.

Withaneedygrowl,Sergeiliftedmerightupandplacedmeonthetable.

Hesweptthenewspaperontothefloorandshovedasidetheremainingdishesand
breakfastitems.Amanonamission,heopenedmyrobe,pushedupmynightgown
andjerkedmypantiesdownmythighs,throwingthemoverhisshoulderand
lettingthemlandheavenonlyknewwere.BeforeIrecoveredfromtheshockof

beingsohastilyundressed,Sergeifreedthatmassivecockofhisandstrokedit
fromthebasetothetipandbackdownagain.

Breathless,Iremindedhimofourlackofprotection."Sergei,wecan't—"
"Wearen't,"heassuredme.Leaningoverme,thebig,sexyRussiankissed

meuntilIwasdizzy."I'mnotgoingtomakelovetoyouonatable."Hismouth
curvedimpishly."Well—notourfirsttime,atleast."

Stillwonderingwhathehadinmind,Igaspedwhenhedraggedtheblunt

crownofhisfatcockbetweenmylabia.Hegatheredsomeofthewetnessatmy
entranceandusedittoeasethefrictionbetweenourbodies.Whenhecircledmy
throbbingclitwiththeheadofhispenis,Ifinallygotit.

"Ah!"Fallingbackagainstthetable,Ibroughtmyfeetuptorestagainstthe

woodenedge.Sergei'sfreehandslidundermynightgowntotormentandteaseme.
Hecontinuedtorubhiscockbetweenthepetalsofmysexandmadesuretobump
againstmyclitwitheverystroke.

Icouldn'tbelievehowgooditfelt.Unlikethepressureandfirmnessofhis

fingers,thetipofhiscockwassofterandyieldingbutsohotandsmooth.The
widthofhisthickshaftstimulatedsomuchmoreofme.Wantinghimcloser,I
hookedmyfeetagainsthisbacksideandhauledhiminalittletighter.Hegrinned
downatmeandspedupthepaceofhisthrustingcock.

Clutchinghisforearm,IwasshockedbyhowcloseIwastocoming.

SomehowSergeihadfiguredoutthecombinationtomyorgasmlock.Heswirled
theheadofhisdickaroundmyclit,andIcamewithaloudcry.Theintensewaves
ofpleasurerolledthroughmewhileherubbedagainstmefasterandharder.

Stillshakingwithjoyfulbursts,Iwrappedmyhandaroundhiscockand

startedtocaresshim.Sergeigrippedmythighsinthosebighandsofhisand
pumpedagainstmypalm.Suckinginair,hethrusttowardmeandclimaxed.The
firstsplashofhisseedhitmylowerbelly,followedquicklybyanotherand
another.

Sergeislumpedovermeonthetableandcrashedhismouthtomine.

Gatheringmeinhisarms,hedroppeddownintothechairandhauledmeontohis
lap.Hesmoothedbackmyhairandwhisperedsweetlytomeinbetweenhiserotic
kisses,tellingmeIwasbeautifulandsexy.Icouldfeelthepearlybeadsofhiscum
coolingonmyskinandreacheddowntowipethemawaywiththehemofmy
nightgown.

"Don't,"hechidedsoftly."Ilikethelookofmycumonyourskin."
Ishouldhavebeenoffendedbytheremarkbutthepossessiveglintinhis

eyesmademequiver.Withaquirkedtilttomymouth,Iasked,"What?Areyou

markingyourterritory?"

"Asprettyasyouare,Iprobablyneedto,"herepliedwithahuskylaugh.
"Thatgoesbothways,"Imurmured,thinkingofhowdamnsexyhewasand

howmanyotherwomenwouldkilltohavehim.

"YouthinkI'mpretty?"
Irolledmyeyesandpinchedhisarm."YouknowwhatImeant."
"Ido."Chuckling,hebrushedourmouthstogether."EventhoughIwantto

takeyoutobed,IknowIhavetoletyougo.Youneedtogetmovingifyou'regoing
togettochurchontime."

"Consideringthesinfulthingswe'vebeendoing,Idefinitelyneedmydose

ofthegospelthismorning."

Sergeigesturedtowardtheceiling."Ihearhe'sratherforgiving."
Slidingoffhislap,Ipeckedhischeek."Foroursakes,let'shopeso."
Laughing,hepoppedmybottombeforeImovedoutofreach."I'llhavethat

doorfixedinafewhours."

"Iwon'tbehomeuntiltheearlyevening.MamaandIgooutforanicelunch

afterchurchandthenshelikestogoovertotheshopforafewhours."

"I'lltakecareofdinner."
Myheartracedattheideaofspendinganothernightwithhim.WasIready

forthat?Wehadagreedtotrydatingbutthisdidn'tfeelexactlylikedating.We
werechartingnewterritoryforme.I'dneverallowedamantostayoveratmy
place,andthisbreakfastthingwasafirst,too.Nowhewantedtomakemedinner?

"Unlessyou'dratherIgiveyousomespacetonight?"heaskedcarefully.
"No."ThewordwasoutofmymouthbeforeIhadachancetooverthinkthe

situation.Idecidedtogowithmyinstinctsonthisone—andmyinstinctsurgedme
tokeephimclose."I'dliketospendtimewithyoutonight."

Stillseated,hegraspedmyhandandtuggedmebacktohisside.Cupping

mynape,hepeeredintomyeyes."You'reafraid."

Iswallowedandnodded."Iblewoffallthattalkofmyprowlerduringthe

receptionbuthonestly?Itscaredmetohearsomething—someone—walking
aroundmyyardinthedark.Ilikedhavingyouherewithmelastnight.Itmademe
feelsecure."

Asifmakingavow,hepressedhislipstomybaredneck."I'llkeepyou

safe,Bianca."

Embracinghim,Iinhaledhismasculinescentandrelishedhisheat."Iknow

youwill."

ChapterFive

"Well,whatdoyouthink?"Georgewipedhishandsonaragandgesturedto

thebeautifulwoodendoortheyhadjustfinishedinstalling.

Sergeisteppedbacktoadmirethestainedglassinsetinthepolishedand

richlystainedwood."It'sperfect.She'sgoingtoloveit."

"It'sdamnclosetothepictureyoubroughtdowntomywarehouse."
Eerilyso,Sergeithoughttohimself.HehadgonetoseeGeorgehopingthe

mastercarpenterwouldhavesomethingleftoverfromoneofthosemulti-million
dollarbuildsthatmightfitBianca'shouse.Hehadbeenfullypreparedtowalk
awayemptyhandedandinneedofatemporarydoorfromahardwarestore.The
secondGeorgehadtakenalookatthephotoSergeihadborrowedfromBianca's
inspirationboard,theoldermanhadsimplylaughedandbeckonedSergeitojoin
himinthatmassiveworkshopofhis.

"Youknow,"Georgeleanedhisshoulderagainstthehouse,"Iactuallyputin

ajobbidhereafewmonthsago."

"Forwhat?"
"Fullbathroomandkitchenremodelandthecarriagehouseoutback.Igot

thefeelingshewasn'texpectingnumbersthathigh.Shewasreallysweetaboutit
butdeclinedtohireus.It'sashame."Georgerananappreciativehandalongthe
sideofthehouse."It'sabeautifuloldplace.Istillcan'tbelieveshegotitfora
songatthattaxsale."

Sergeisuppressedtheannoyancethatflaredwithinhimatthediscoverythat

Biancahadprobablygonetoeverysinglecontractorinthedamnedcityexcepthim
forhelp."Doyoustillhaveacopyofthatbid?"

"Sure.Youwantit?"
"Yes."
George'sbrowlifted."Youthinkingoftakingonthework?Ithoughtyour

guysonlydidretail."

"Theydo.Itwouldn'tbemyguys.Itwouldbemealoneonsomeprojects

andhiringoutforothers."

AftersettlingupwithGeorgeforthecostofthedoor,hetidiedupthefront

porchandentrywaybeforewashinghishands.Thelukewarmwaterpouringover
hishandsremindedhimthatheneededtogetaplumberoutheretolookinto
replacingthatwaterheater.TherewerecertainjobsSergeididn'tmindtacklingon
hisownbutplumbingwasn'toneofthem.

Hisphonebegantoringsohedugitoutofhispocketandglancedatthe

screen.ThenumberherecognizedasKostya'smadehischesttighten.Acallfrom

thecleaneronaSunday?Thatwasneveragoodthing."Yes?"

"MeetmeatSugar's.Wehaveaproblem."
Thecallendedjustasabruptlyasitbegan.Theverylastplacehewantedto

visitonaSundayafternoonwasoneofKostya'sstripclubs,buthedidn'tquestion
theorder.Withatiredsigh,SergeipocketedhisphoneandleftBianca'shouse.It
wasn'tuntilhe'dbeendrivingfornearlytenminutesthatherememberedthenew
keystothefrontdoorwerebothinhispocket.Thankfully,Biancacouldstillgetin
thesideorbackentrances.Hehopedtobeatherhomebecausehewantedtosee
herfacewhenshefirstnoticedthenewdoor.

Bythetimehemadeittothestripclub,Sergeihadtheemotionlessmaskthat

heworeatworkfirmlyinplace.WhateverKostyahadcalledhimheretoseewas
probablygoingtobeterrible.AfterhisamazingnightandmorningwithBianca,
SergeibegantounderstandhowdifficultitwasforNikolaitoseparatethetwo
halvesofhislife—andwhytheirbosswantedtomovethefamilyintocleaner,
easierearning.

ParkinghisSUVintherearofthejoint,hemadesuretolockthedoors.

Unlikesomeofthehigher-endclubsKostyapartlyowned,Sugar'swasina
seedierareaandservedalow-rentclientele.Atthebackdoor,hebangedtwiceon
thedentedmetalwithhisballed-upfistandwaitedforananswer.Ascrawnykid
wholookedtobemaybetwentyopenedthedoorandwavedhiminside.

Sergeisteppedbythekidandheadeddownthenarrowhallway.Theheavy

hip-hopbeatsfromthestageareaandmainfloorreverberatedthroughthethin
wallsofthebackstagesectionofthebuilding.Acoupleofwomeninbikinistwo
sizestoosmallstruttedbyhim,theirbodiesdustedwithglitterandtheirfaces
coveredinathicklayerofmakeup.Here,inclosequarters,hewasabletosee
whatthemakeupandonstagelightingcamouflaged—thetiredlinesaroundtheir
mouthsandeyes,thesubtlesignsofagingandthedeadnessintheirgazes.

Huggingthewall,hegavethemawideberthbutsmiledkindly.He

understoodonlytoowellwhatitwasliketobestuckinajobthatseemedtosuck
theliferightoutofyou.UntilNikolaihadtransitionedhimtoVivian'skeeper,
Sergeihadbasicallyspentthelastfewyearshurtingorintimidatinganyonewho
steppedoutoflineorthreatenedthefamily.Itworeonhim,tearingathis
conscienceandworse.Intheend,hisloyaltyhadbeenrewardedwithastakein
theconstructionbusinessandthecushierjobprotectingtheboss'mostprecious
possession—butheremainedfirmlyunderNikolai'sthumb.

Strippingforfat,gropingfuckswithhandfulsofwrinkleddollarbillsona

Sundayafternoonwasn'tadreamjobforthesewomen.Theyweren'tshakingtheir

assesandrubbingtheirtitsinthefacesofmenthatsouredtheirstomachsbecause
theyenjoyedit.No,theywantedtokeeparoofovertheirheadsorfoodintheir
children'sbelliesorbuymedicinefortheirsickparents.

Theblondeclosesttohimplayfullyrubbedhisstomachasshepassed.He

didn'tbatawayherhand,thoughtheurgewasstrong.Inaworldwhereflirtation
wenthand-in-handwithapaycheck,hecouldn'tblameherfortrying,buthisentire
bodyrebelledatthealiensensationofanotherwomantouchinghim.Withher
kissesandgentlecaresses,Biancahadbrandedhimashers.Asifalreadymated,
itwasonlyherscentandheatthathecraved.

Thewomencontinuedontheirway,andSergei'snosetwitchedatthesmell

oftheircheapclashingperfumes.Hisbrainconjuredthepleasantscentsthat
swirledaroundBianca.Everythingshechose,fromhersoaptoherperfumeand
hairproducts,complementedoneanothersonicely.Shejustsmelledsodamned
good.

Kostyasteppedoutofadoor.Thegrimlookontheman'sfacedidn'tbode

well.Sergeijoinedthecleaner,glancedthroughtheopendoorwaybehindhimand
wassurprisedtofindNikolaicrouchedinfrontofablackcouchwhereacouple
ofwomenweresobbingsoftlyintotheirhands.Thesightofhisbossinastrip
clubknockedSergeiforaloop.Aslongashehadknowntheboss,hehadnever
onceseenhiminaplacelikethis.

Uponcloserinspectionofthewomen,herealizedtheyhadbeenbeaten—or

worse—overnight.Afteryearsoffightingformoney,Sergeihadcometo
recognizethecolorshiftsinbruisesthatformedafteraboutofviolence.The
maroonsplotchesandpurplestreaksmarkingtheirarmstoldhimtheoldestblows
hadhappenedsometimelastnight.Someofthenewer,freshermarksontheir
necksandbellieswereonlyafewhoursold.Furybubbledinthepitofhis
stomachwhenhebegantocountupthebruises.

MovementinthecorneroftheroomcaughtSergei'seye.HespottedBesian,

therecentlypromotedheadofthelocalAlbanianoutfit,leaningagainstthewall
andlookingmurderous.Glancingbackatthewomen,Sergeitriedtofigureout
whatthehellwashappeninghere.Hecouldn'tmaketheconnectionbetween
Kostya'spieceofactioninSugar's,thetwostrippersandthetwobossesuntil
NikolaiaddressedoneofthewomeninRussian,tellingherthathewasgoingto
takecareofeverything.Itoccurredtohimthatthewomanwasoneofthem,partof
theirtight-knitcommunityofimmigrantsandex-pats.Whateverterriblethinghad
happenedtoher,Nikolaihadtakenitasapersonalaffront.

Risingtall,thebossglancedathim.Thebriefesthintofsadnessflashed

acrosstheotherman'sface.Washethinkingofhowniceandeasyitwaslastnight
atIvan'sweddingandhowmessythingswereprobablygoingtoturn?DidNikolai
feelsomeguiltatwhateverhewasgoingtoaskofSergei?

Besiansteppedforward,laidagentlehandontheotherwoman'sshoulder

andspoketoherinAlbanian.Thesoundoficerattlingagainstplasticcaught
Sergei'sattention.Heleanedbackforabetterviewofthehallanddiscoveredthe
scrawnykidbringingabucketoficefromthebarandahandfulofplasticbagsand
towels.

Withthewomenoccupiednursingtheirinjuries,Nikolaigesturedtothe

hallway.SergeifellintostepbehindthetwobosseswhofollowedKostyatoan
office.WhenBesiandroppedintothechairbehindthedeskandlookedinstantly
comfortable,SergeirealizedtheAlbanianownedpartoftheclub.Itwasn'tthe
firsttimeKostyahadcrossedpartylinestomakeabusinessdeal,andNikolai
obviouslydidn'tmind.Still,Sergeidoubtedtheirbosswouldhaveletanyoneelse
intheircrewgetawaywithsoboldamove.

Closingthedoor,Sergeitookupasentry'spositioninsidetheoffice,

automaticallyputtinghisbodybetweenNikolaiandanydangerthatmightcome
throughtheportal.Aftersettlingintoachairacrossfromthedesk,thebossrubbed
hisfacebetweenhistattooedhandsandexhaledroughly.He'dseemedtenser
latelyandshort-tempered.Sergeihadn'taskedwhatwasbotheringNikolai
becausequestionslikethatwerenoneofhisbusiness,butthatdidn'tstophimfrom
worryingaboutthemanwhohadsavedhislifenotsolongago.

"Lastnight,thosewomenwerepickedupabyacoupleofguyswhoturned

outtoberecruitsfornochniyevolki."Nikolaisaidthewordswithadisgusted
sneer.

NightWolves.Itwasthenameofthelocalskinheadgang.Theyweren't

majorplayersintheHoustonunderworld,especiallynotafterbackingGrishain
hisfailedcoupagainstNikolai.Mostoftheirganghadbeenroundedupon
chargesofmurderandhumantrafficking.Themenwhohadavoidedthelegal
entanglementsseemedtobeonarecruitingdriveforracistassholes,something
thatHoustonsadlyseemedtohaveinabundancethesedays.

"Apparently,thegirlsthoughttheywereworkingaprivatebachelorparty,

butasyoucansee,itturnedouttobeanythingbutthat.Thosetwogotawayand
hidatafriend'shouseuntilthisafternoon.Therewasanotheronewhowasn'tso
lucky."Nikolaishookhisheadashecontinuedthegruesometale."Thismorning,
theyfoundherbodybehindBesian'ssocialclub."

Sergeiinwardlywincedbutdidn'tallowasinglechangetohiscool,

collectedfaçade.Hisgutroiled.Whathadthosetwowomenintheotherroom
survived?Whatabouttheonewhohadn'tbeenabletogetaway?Whathadshe
endured?Nodoubtthoseracistbastardshadbeenexceedinglycruel.

Thebossspunhisweddingringaroundhisfinger.WasNikolaithinkingof

thehorrificordealVivianhadsurvivedwhenshehadbeenkidnappedand
preparedfortrafficking?Orwashethinkingabouttheyounggirls—mostofthem
underage—whohadbeenheldcaptivewithVivianandlaterrescuedfromthe
clutchesoftheNightWolvesgangthatwassellingthem?

"I'vegotthepolicesofarupmyassIcantastedonuts."Frustrationfilled

Besian'svoice."Theyknowthewomanworkedheresothey'reconvincedIhad
hertakenout.It'ssostupid.Shawntellewasoneofmybestearners!WhywouldI
hurther?"

Nikolai'sirritatedgazeslidtoKostya."ThisisexactlywhyIkeepusoutof

thislineofwork."Hegesturedaroundtheoffice."Yousithereinthisniceroom
andrakeinallthemoneywhileotherpeoplehavetodegradethemselves."Helet
thatcold,terrifyingstareofhislandonthetwobusinesspartners."Ihopethe
thousanddollarstheypaidyouupfrontforthatbachelorpartywasworthit."

Kostyavisiblyflinchedbutdidn'tutterawordinhisdefense.EvenBesian

squirmedabituncomfortably.Thinkingaboutthewomenintheotherroom,Sergei
decidedtobreakthesilence."Whatarewegoingtodoaboutthegirls?"

Nikolaiglancedathim."Dannyisonhisway.Takethemtoseethedoctor.I

wouldhavepreferredforthemtogotheofficialroute,throughtheemergency
roomandthepolice,butthey'rerefusingsothisisthebestwecandoforthem."

Sergeididn'tliketheideaofcoveringthisup,butthewomencouldn'tbe

forced.Theylikelythoughttheywouldbesaferrelyingonstreetjusticefor
protectionthanthepoliceordistrictattorney.Sergeiwishedtheirinstinctswere
wrong—butheconcededtheywereprobablyright.Knowingwhattheyhadbeen
through,hewouldbeextragentlewiththem."I'lltakecareofthem."

"Iknowyouwill."Clearly,Nikolaihadhandpickedhimoutofeverymanat

hisdisposalforareason.Thiswasataskthatrequiredsomesensitivity."When
they'vebeentreated,takethemtotheapartmentcomplexwejustrenovated.They
hadtheirwalletsstolensothey'reafraidtroublewillfollowthemhome.The
managerisexpectingthematthecomplex,andDannywillhandlewhatever
movingarrangementsneedtobemade."

Sergeihadafeelingbothwomenwouldbothbegivenbetterjobstogowith

theirnewhomes,probablyatBesian'sexpense.Notthatnewjobsandmore
moneymadeupforthebeatingstheyhadtaken."AndwhenI'mdonewiththem?"

Nikolai'sshouldersliftedinacareless,easyshrug."Gohome.It'syourday

off."

ThedirectionsurprisedSergei.He'dcomehereexpectingtoputhisskillsto

useandnowthebosswasassigninghimglorifiedbabysittingduties."Aren'twe
goingafterthem?"

Nikolai'sbrowliftedwithsomesurpriseathisquestion."Onmyterms,

yes."

Hisstatementputanendtothediscussion.Aheartbeatlater,aknock

soundedatthedoor.Danny'svoicecarriedthroughthewood,andSergeiwas
dismissedtohandlethetaskshehadbeenassigned.Gettingthewomenmedical
treatmentandtakingthemtotheapartmentcomplextookupthenexttwohours.

WhileDannygotthemsituatedintheirnewhousing,Sergeidrovetothe

nearestbig-boxstoreandpickedupsomebasics.Pushingthecartdowneach
aisle,hecouldn'tshakethoughtsofBianca.Inhismind,theimagesofthose
bruisedwomenmeldedwithhersweetface.Hisstomachchurnedattheveryidea
ofherbeingtouchedbysuchviolence.Hehadneverkilledaman—buthe
wouldn'tevenblinkattheideaofdoingsomethingsobrutalindefenseofBianca.

Backatthecomplex,heseparatedthegroceries,toiletriesandhousehold

itemsandcartedthemtotheapartmentsthewomenhadbeengiven.Hespotteda
handfulofBesian'smenloiteringintheparkinglotanddeducedtheyhadtakenon
thetaskofguardingthewomen.

Nikolai'sremarkaboutsettlingthisonhisowntermscircledroundand

roundinSergei'shead.WashethinkingofinvitingDarrenBlake,theleaderofthe
NightWolves,toasit-down?WhentheHermanos,aLatinstreetgang,andthe
Albanianshadbeenateachother'sthroatsearlierintheyear,Nikolaihad
brokeredapeacebyofferingthemsomeoftheillegalactionhe'dwantedtoshed
inlieuofsaferearningavenues.Ithadbeenanelegantsolutionthathadyielded
surprisingresults,especiallywhenGrishahadpulledhisshitandmurdered
anyonewhogotinhiswayofusurpingNikolai'sposition.Bothoutfitshadstood
side-by-sidewithNikolaiandprovidedatremendousamountofhelp.

Sergeisuspectedthetwobosseswantedtofindawaytoavoidanall-out

warwiththeskinheads.Bloodshedandviolenceweren'tgoodforbusiness,and
nowadaysNikolaiandBesianwerebusinessmenfirst.Whethertheskinheads
weresmartenoughtotakeadealremainedtobeseen.Theywerenewenoughon
theblockthattheymightthinkshowingtheirstrengthwasaneasywaytobuild
theirreputationasmenwhoshouldn'tbecrossed.

Andtheycouldn'tbemorewrong.

"HowmuchdoIoweyouforthis?"ThewomancalledKatyapokedthrough

thebagshehadplacedonthesmalldiningtablethatcamewiththesparsely
furnishedunit.

"Nothing."
Sheshotadubiouslookhiswayandhuggedheroversizedshirttighterto

herbody.Hedidn'tmissthewaysherakedherappraisinggazeupanddownhis
bodyandtookthesmalleststepbackward.Therealizationthatsomethingabout
him—hissize,hisdemeanororsimplyhisconnectionswiththeunderworld—
frightenedherlefthimfeelinghollowandpained.Itwasastarkreminderofthe
reasonsBiancawantedtokeephimatarm'slengthandhowmanyobstacleshe
stillhadtosurmounttoconvincethewomanhewantedtolethimstayinherlife.

Withatired,resignedvoice,shesaid,"Ican'tpayyoubacktoday.It…it

wouldn’tbeanygoodforyou.Comebacklaterthisweek,andI'llmakeitworth
yourwhile."

Aghastthatshethoughthewantedtotradesexforfoodandshelter,Sergei

slashedhishandthroughtheair."No.WhenIsaidnothing,Imeantnothing.You
don'thavetotradefavorsforanythingthatyou'vebeengiventoday.Doyou
understand?Ifanymanbothersyou,cometoseemeortheboss.Theywon'tbother
youagain.Thisisallfree.Nostrings."

Sheseemedskepticalbutnodded."Allright."
Gladtohavethatoutoftheway,hebidherfarewellandlefttheapartment.

Hardandbrutalashewas,Sergei'sskinstillcrawledattheideaofforcingsome
womantoblowhimforthepromiseofprotection.Hisstomachclenchedashe
consideredthewayhehadmaneuveredhiswayintoBianca'sbedlastnight.He
haddefinitelyoversteppedthelinewhenhe'dcomeoutofherbedroominatowel
andwhenhehadcajoledherintolettinghimhaveonekiss.

Buthehadn'tforcedBianca.Hehadflirtedoutrageouslyandwonhischance

fairandsquare.Thismorning,shehadcometohimofherownaccord,hugging
himandkissinghimandenjoyingtheirsensualplaytogether.Shewasan
incrediblystrongwomanandwouldn'thaveallowedhimtotakeanylibertieswith
her.Overthelastfivemonths,shehadproventhatshehadnoqualmsabout
shuttinghimdown.

SergeinoticedNikolai'scarrollingintotheparkinglot.Surehisbosswould

wantaword,heleanedbackagainstthedoorofhisSUVandwaited.Kostya
climbedoutofthedriver'sseatoftheoutrageouslyexpensivesportscarbut
headedstraightfortheapartmentsinsteadofmakingthedetourtoSergei'svehicle
withNikolai.

"Yougotthemsituated?"Hisluckylighterclampedinhishand,Nikolai

fiddledwiththesouvenirhehadcarriedsincehisteenageyears.AsfarasSergei
knew,thebosshadn'thadasmokesinceJanuary,butanunopenedpackof
cigarettesstillsatinhisdeskatSamovar.Nomatterhowstrongtheurgemust
havebeentolightupandgiveintoalifelongaddiction,Nikolaiseemedtobe
beatingit.

"Idid.Thedoctorpatchedthemupbuttheydidn'thaveanyseriousinjuries.

It'sallbruises."

Hisbosshesitatedbeforeasking,"Weretheyhurt?"
Sergeiunderstoodhemeantrapedandshookhishead."No.Theyseemto

haveescapedtheworstofit."

"Asmallmercy,Isuppose."Nikolaituckedhislighterbackintohispocket.

"Areyougoingtoaskmeornot?"

Sergeiconsideredtheinvitation."Whatarewedoing?Whyaren'twegoing

afterthemrightnow?"

"We'rewaitingfortheperfectopening.Thisisn'ttherighttimetoriseto

provocation."

"Becausethey'reonlystrippers?"
Nikolai'seyesnarrowedtoslits,andSergeirealizedhehadoverstepped.

"Lastnight,itwastwodancers.Tomorrow,itmightbeoneofourwives…ora
girlfriend,"headdedpointedly."Thesemenaren'tplayingbytherules."

"Iunderstand."
Nikolaitiltedhishead."DoyouknowwhyIdidn'tsendyoutobeattheshit

outofthoseskinheadstoday?"

Sergeitookamomenttostudyalltheangles.Finally,hesaid,"BecauseI'm

fightinginlessthanthreeweeksandIcouldhurtmyhands."

"That'spartofit,"thebossagreed."Beforeheleftonhishoneymoon,Ivan

mademepromiseIwouldkeepyououtoftroublebeforethistournament.He
worriesaboutyoubecauseheknowswhatit'sliketobeinsidethatcage.Ineed
youhealthyifwe'regoingtowin."

HismouthslantedwithamusementatthewayNikolaisaidwe.Thelasttime

Sergeihadchecked,hewastheonlyonetakinghitafterhitandkickafterkick
insidethatcage.Sure,themoneyheearnedwasnice,andNikolaimadesureto
payhimafatbonusaftereverymatch,butthepunishmenthisbodyhadtakenover
theyearswasbeginningtoshowitstoll.

AfterstudyingthewayIvanandAlexeiSarnov,anothernotorious

undergroundfighter,hadusedtheirskillsandwinningstoescapetheclutchofthe

mob,Sergeihadmadehisownexitplans.Itwouldn’tbeeasyanditwould
probablycosthimsomefriendshipsheheldverydear,buthecouldn'tdothis
forever.Hehadtogetoutbeforeheendedupinprison—ordead.

NowthatBiancahadlethimintoherlife,hewasgoingtofightforthe

chancetostayinitpermanently,tobuildsomethingnewandcleanwithher.

"Howdiditgolastnight?"
Nikolai'squestionsurprisedSergei.Themanneverpriedintohisprivate

life."Fine."

Thebossdidn'tmissabeat."I'llhavetotellVeeherployworked."
"Notthewayshehadplanned,"herepliedgruffly.
"DoIevenwanttoknow?"
Sergeiglancedawayandadmitted,"Ikickeddownherdoor."
Theotherman'seyeswidenedfractionally,betrayinghisshock."Sinceyou

didn'tcallmetobailyououtofjaillastnight,Iassumeyouhadagoodreasonfor
it."

"Ithoughtshewasbeingattacked,butshehadfallenoutofhershower."
"Isee."
Sergeishrugged."Itwasaninterestingnight."
Nikolai'smouthtwitchedwithahintofasmile."I'msureitwas."He

paused."Youlikethisgirlverymuch."Hewasn'taskingbutSergeiconfirmedit
withanod."That'swhyIdidn'tsendyoutoday."

NowitwasSergei'sturntofrownwithconfusion."Whatdoesthatmean?"
"Itmeansthatyou'remoresensitivetothatwhitesupremacistbullshitthan

theothers.Iwasconcernedyoumighttakethatmorepersonallyandreactinways
Icouldn'tanticipate,especiallyonceyourealizedthewomantheykilledlastnight
wasblack."

Sergeistartedtoprotestbutclampedhislipstogether.Nikolaiwasright,of

course.

"Butit'smorethanthat,Sergei.Weliketopretendthatourworldisjustlike

theworldthatVeeandBiancalivein,butit'snot.Thisthingwithnochniyevolki?
It'snotgoingtoendquicklyorpeacefully.It'sgoingtobemessy.I'mtryingto
mitigatethecollateraldamage,butImakenopromises."Nikolai'scoldstaresent
achillthroughhim."YouunderstandwhatI'mtryingtotellyou?"

"Da."Sergeigotthemessage.Itwasonlyamatteroftimeuntilthe

skinheadslearnedthatamemberoftheboss'innercirclewasdatingablack
woman.Afterthat,allbetswereoff.Biancawouldbecometheperfecttargetfor
strikingattheirfamily—anditwasentirelyhisfaultforpursuingherandputting

herinthatprecariousposition.

"WhenyouconsiderBianca'shistorywiththeseassholes—"
Sergeihelduphishand."Whathistory?"
Surprised,Nikolaigesturedtowardhim."Veetoldmethatsheexplainedto

youaboutBianca'sbrother."

"Shesaidhewaskilledinarobberyataconveniencestore.Shesaiditwas

abunchofgangpunks."

"Yes—awhitesupremacistgang.TheleaderoftheWolves,DarrenBlake,

istheolderbrotheroftheguywhokilledBianca'sbrother.Theywereattackinga
storeownedbysomeimmigrants.Pakistani,Ithink."

Reelingfromthatrevelation,Sergeibegantograsphowincredibly

dangerousthissituationwas.Hewipedhishanddownhisfaceandexhaled
roughly.Seekingadvicefromamanwhohadseenandsurviveditall,heasked,
"WhatdoIdo?"

Nikolaididn'thesitate."Walkawayfromher."
Aninvisiblebandconstrictedhischest.He'dneverhadaheartattackbutthe

thoughtofwalkingawayfromBiancamadehimhurt."Ican't."

"Iknow."Thebosssoundedsadaboutthat."ItriedwithVeeforyears

but…"Hishandbrushedchest,rightabovehisheart,andheshookhishead."If
youcan'tleaveheralone,youhavetokeepherclose."

"Atnight,that'snotaproblem,butduringtheday,I'mwatchingVivian."
"Sohireitout,"Nikolaisuggested.
Hethoughtoftheyoungerguyswhowereslowlyworkingtheirwayinto

Nikolai'screw.AhandfulofthemtrainedatIvan'swarehouse.Theywerestrong,
smartandhungryformoreopportunitiestoearn.Itwasagoodcompromise,buthe
wouldhavetobecareful.Biancawouldhatebeingguardedsohewouldhaveto
giveclearinstructionstostayoutofhersight.Thelastthinghewantedwasto
upsetorterrifyher.

Nikolaiclappedhisshoulderandturnedtowardtheapartmentcomplex."Go

home,Sergei.Enjoyyourwoman."Heglancedbackandadded,"Veewantedme
toremindyouthatshe'srunninginthemorning.Shewantstodothefull10K."

Thebossdidn'tseemhappyaboutthat.Lastweek,Sergeihadoverheard

Vivianarguingwithherhusbandabouthermorningrunsandthecharityhalf
marathonsheplannedtocompleteinJune.Hehadsmartlystayedoutofit,butit
hadlefthimwonderingaboutthestateofthingsbetweenthecouple.

ForreasonsSergeicouldn'tfathom,Nikolaiseemedtobetighteninghishold

onhiswife.Hewasafraidofsomethinghappeningtoherbutwhat?Sergeididn't

thinkitwastheskinheads.Itseemedsomehowmorepersonal,butSergeiwasn't
boldenoughtoaskfordetails.HetrustedthatthebossorVivianwouldtellhim
whenthetimewasright.Untilthen?Hewaskeepinghisheaddownandminding
hisownbusiness.

Sergeiacknowledgedtheorderwithawaveofhishandandslippedbehind

thewheelofhisSUV.He'dbarelygottenoutoftheparkinglotbeforehisphone
startedtoring.Vivianhadbrokenhimofhisbadhabitofjugglinghiscellphone
whiledrivingbyinsistinghelearnhowtosynchisphonewiththeentertainment
systemmountedinthedash.

"Hello?"
"Seryozsh?"
Hearinghismother'svoicemadehimsmile.He'dforgottenthatitwastime

forherweeklycall."Ma!"

Sheimmediatelylaunchedintoherusualrundownofthepriorweek,telling

himwhathisbrotherhadbeenuptoandwhatwashappeningaroundherblockof
flats.Helistenedintentlyasshetoldhimstoriesofpeoplehehadn'tseeninyears
orinsomecaseseverevenmet.Someofthesnippetsofgossipshesharedmade
himchuckle.

"But,Sergei,you'resoquiettoday,"shecommentedknowingly."What's

wrong?"

Thestrongestsensationofreliefspreadthroughhim.Ifanyonecouldbe

trustedwiththeproblemsburdeninghim,itwashismother.Shewouldgivehim
theadviceheneeded,nottheadvicehewanted.

Certainshewouldwantthewholestory,hesighedandstartedatthevery

beginning."Imetthisgirl…"

ChapterSix

"Whatdoyouthinkofthisone,Mama?"Ihandedherasketchfrommypile

ofnewdesigns.ItwasastraplessA-linegownwithanasymmetricalwaistand
ruching."Idesigneditwithaplus-sizedbrideinmind,butIthinkitwouldlook
greatonasmallerwomantoo."

WhileIhadbeenforcedtosetasidemydreamofhavingmyveryown

bridaldesignlabeltotakeoverthefamilybusiness,Ihadn'tstoppedsketching.I
hadmanagedtodesignandproduceahandfulofgownsthathadbeenincredibly
well-receivedinthelocalpressandevenafewofthenationallycirculatedbridal
magazines.Ifiguredmygoalofabridaldesignempiremighttakeafewmore
yearstoattainnowthatIwasrunningBradshaw's,butIwasn'tgivinguponit.

Shegraspedthepaperinherrighthand,theonewiththefailinggrip,but

didn'tdropit.Everyday,shepushedherselfharderandharderinhopesof
regainingasmuchofherphysicalabilitiesaspossible.Herfighttowardrecovery
neverceasedtoamazeme.Yetagain,she'dshownmejusthowdeepthatwellof
innerstrengthwasandmademesoincrediblyproudofhavingherasmymother.

Afteraminuteofdeliberatestudy,shefinallygaveheropinion.Ihadgotten

sousedtoherslow,drawnoutwayofpronunciationthatIhardlyevennoticedit
thesedays."You'llbeusingsilk?"

"Yes."
"Andthetrain?"
"Iwasthinkingchapel."
"It'sanicebalance,"sheagreed.Brushingherfingersoverthedesign,she

remarked,"It'sverybeautiful."

"But?"
Shehesitated.Whetheritwasherspeechdelayfromthestrokeoramother

tryingtocarefullychooseherconstructivecriticism,Icouldn'ttell."Thisisa
dressforagirlwithcurves.Doyouthinksheneedstoshowoffallthis?"Her
shakyhandgesturedtoherbosom."Thisneckline?Toomuchofaplungefora
church!"

Ifoughttheurgetorollmyeyesatherold-fashionedideas."Mama,notall

bridesgetmarriedinachurch.Someofthemareproudofallthis."Imotioned
towardmyowngenerousbust."What'swrongwithputtingthegirlsupon
display?"

Sheclickedherteeth."Really,Bianca!"
Ilaughed."Comeon,Mama.Noteverybridewantslacefromnecktotoes."
"I'mjustsayingthatsomegirlsmightliketokeepalittlemystery.Showa

littlemodesty,"sheadded."Drawasecondbustoption.Somethingwiththesame
cleanlinesbuthigher.Givethebridesachoice."

Trustingherinstinct,Itookthesketchbackandplaceditinadifferentpile

onmydesk."Yes,ma'am."

Shepointedtothemagazinesstackedonthecorner."Bridesmaids

catalogues?"

Ishookmyhead."No,they'reactuallyquinceañeragowns."
Mymother'seyebrowsarchedtowardherhairline."Isee."
"Mama,"Isaidcarefully."Idon'tknowifyou'venoticed,butthe

neighborhoodaroundhereischanging.TheLatinopopulationisbooming,and
theirfifteenthbirthdaycelebrationsareabigdeal.Wealreadycarryfourracksof
SweetSixteenandpromdresses.Whynotaddarackortwoofgownsthatwould
workforaquinceañera?"

Alwaysabusinesswoman,sheasked,"Haveyourunthenumbers?"
"Mostofourvendorsalreadyhavelinesspecificallyforthissowe're

guaranteedsomefantasticdiscountsandwholesaleprices.Ifthesalesvolumeis
highenough,Imightseekoutsomedifferentdesignerstoofferawiderselection."

"Whataboutmarketing?Promotions?"
"YouknowmyfriendBenny?TheonewhorunsthatMexicanbakeryafew

blocksover?"

"Yes."
"She'sofferedtoletmeputpromomaterialsinhershopandtheconsultation

roomthere.She'salreadyputmeintouchwithsomeeventplannerswhodolotsof
theseparties."

"Andtheadvertising?"
"I'mthinkinggirlsinCinderelladresseswithbigpoufyskirtsandgorgeous

tiaras.I'vealreadychattedwiththephotographerweusedforthelastpromoshoot
aboutputtingtogetheraprintpackageandacommercialforthelocalnetworks.
She'sdoneplentyofquinceañerassosheknowsthemarketwellandhasahuge
listofcontactsformetouse."IsqueezedMama'shand."Thiswillbegreatforthe
business."

Shesmiledatmeandgavemyhandapat."Itrustyourinstincts.You

practicallygrewupinthisboutique.Youknowthebusinessinsideandout."Her
gazeturnedwistfulassheglancedaroundtheoffice."Doyourememberwhenwe
startedandwereinthattiny,crampedshopspaceonthecorner?"

"Notreally,"Iadmitted.Thebusinesshadcomesofarsincethenandnow

occupiedanentirerowofprimeshoppingrealestateinathree-storybuilding

wherewedideverything—fromdesigntocreationtoalteration—onsite.

"Well…youwereonlyfourbutmygoodness!Youwereintoeverything."

Shechuckledsoftly."I'llneverforgetthedayPerryzippedyouupinthatgarment
bagafteryoucutuphisbaseballjerseytomakeadressforyourdoll."

"NowthatIdoremember.Iwassix?"
Shenodded."Thatsoundsaboutright.We'djustbroughtinMaggieasa

seamstress,Ithink."

Reminiscingabouthappiertimesmademychestache.Mamamusthave

sensedmysadnessbecausesherubbedmyarm."Idon'tknowwhytheysayitgets
easierbecauseitdoesn't."

Iplacedmyhandoverhersandtriedtoimaginewhatitmusthavebeenlike

toloseherhusbandandson,onetodrunkdrivingandtheothertoasenselessact
ofhatredandviolence.Tothinkshe'dovercomeallofthatgriefonlytobehitwith
astrokethatnearlykilledher!Lifewasjustsounfairsometimes.

"It'stenyearsnextmonth."
Theslightwarbletoherquietvoicebroughttearstomyeyes.Iglanced

awayandquicklyblinkedtoclearthestingingwetnessthatthreatenedtospillonto
mycheeks.Thinkingofthatawfulafternoonwhenthatmonsterhadshotmybrother
inthechestbroughtbacktheworstmemories.Irefusedtoletthemresurfaceand
ruinourafternoon.

Clearingmythroat,Iasked,"Didyouwanttodosomethingspecial?"
"Thereverendmentionedthepossibilityofamemorialservice.Ithoughtwe

mightseeifsomeofPerry'sfriendsmightliketocome.You'vekeptintouchwith
Kevan,haven'tyou?"

Ishotheralook."Youknowwe'vedatedonandoffforawhile."
"IthoughtyoutwowereoffsinceFebruary?"
"Weare."
"Sowhogaveyouthatlovebite?"
MyfaceflamedasIreacheduptotouchthespotIhadthoughtwaswell

hiddenbythecollarofmydressandthedoublestrandsofpearls."Well!Thisis
embarrassing."

Mamagrinnedslyly."So,what'shisname?"
"Sergei."
Shelookedsurprised."ThatRussianboyyoutoldmeabout?"
IlaughedatthenotionofSergeibeingcalledaboy."He'squiteabitbigger

thanyouraverageboy,Mama."

"Andmoredangerous?"

Isighedandrubbedthesideofmyface."Idon'tknow.IthoughtIknewwho

hewasbutnow?"Ishookmyhead."I'mnotsosure."

"Itsoundslikeyoumightbemorefocusedonwhatheisinsteadofwhohe

is."

"Maybe."
"Youlikehim?"
Therewasnopointindenyingwhatshecouldsee."Yes."
"Maybeit'salittlemorethanjustlikinghim?"
"Maybe."Iwasn'treadytocommittoanythingelse."He's…tenacious.I'm

honestlysurprisedhe'skeptaftermeforsolong.Ithoughtforsurehe'dfind
someonebetteror—"

"Better?"Mamapuffedrightup."Andwhointheworldisbetterthanmy

babygirl?"

"YouknowwhatImean,Mama."
"No,Idon't.You'repretty,smart,successfulandtalented.Showmeanother

womanwhocandesigndresses,runabusiness,beltoutgospelmusicandtake
careofhermotherlikeyoudo."

"Well…"
"There'snowelltoit,honey.There'sareasonthisboyhasbeentenacious.

Heknowsawomanworthcatchingwhenheseesone."

Iranmyfingeralongtheedgeofthedesk."HowdoIknowifI'mreadyto

becaught?"

Shesatforwardandheldmygaze."Isthatwhatallthisis?Isthatwhyyou

nevergetseriouswithanyoftheseniceboys?Areyouafraidofcommitment?"

"It'snotcommitmentthatscaresme.IwantwhatyouandDaddyhad."
"Butyou'reafraidofbeingleftbehind,"sheguessed.
Asusual,shehadhitthenailrightonthehead.EverymanIhadeverloved

hadbeentakenfromme.Theideaofgivingmyhearttoanymanscaredthe
daylightsoutofme."IwatchedwhatitdidtoyouafterDaddywaskilledbythat
drunk."

Mamareleasedalong,slowexhale."Losingyourfatherwasterrible.The

painwasindescribable."Shegraspedmyhand."Buteverythingbeforethat?Oh,
honey,youdon'twanttomissoutonallthatloveandhappiness.Ifmylifehas
taughtmeanything,it'sthatIhavetoliveeverydaytothefullest."Shetouchedmy
cheek."Noregrets,babygirl."

Shehadneversteeredmewrongwithheradvice,butIdidn'tknowifIwas

readytotakeityet.

"ThisboySergei?"
"Yes?"
"He'sagangster?"
"Heseemstohavesomelegitimatebusinessinterests,andIguessasfaras

hispossiblecriminaltiesgo,he'smostlyaboveboardbut…"

"Isthatallhewantsoutoflife?"
Ishrugged."Idon'tknow.Igetthefeelinghewantssomethingelse,

somethingmore."

"ThenIsupposeyouhavetomakeadecisionaboutwhetheryou'rewilling

towaitforhimtomakethechangesyouneed."

Shewasright.Afterlastnight,though,itwasn'tgoingtobeeasytobreakit

offwithhim.Thatwasn'tsimplytheafterglowfromallthefantasticsexwe'dhad
talkingeither.Irecognizedthatthetwoofussharedaconnectionthatwas
impossibletoignore.Therewassomuchpossibilityinourfledglingrelationship
ifIwasbraveenoughtogiveitachanceandpracticalenoughtoacceptwhoand
whathewasrightnowandnotwhathemightbeinayearortwoorthree.

TheurgetocallVivianwasstrong.Ifanyonecouldhelpmesortoutmy

conflictedfeelingstowardSergeiitwasher,buttheRussianbehemothwhohad
ensnaredmeinhislovetrapwasalwaysguardingher.HowintheworldcouldI
finaglesomeprivacywithVivian?

Perplexedbythatlittlequandary,Itookmymotherbacktoherapartment

andmadesureshehadeverythingsheneededfortheevening.Iwaitedforher
nursetocomebytocheckinwithherbeforeleaving.EventhoughIknewshewas
inextremelycapablehandsandhappyinhercurrentlivingsituation,itstill
saddenedmetowalkawayfromher.

Earlierthatmorning,Sergeihadshakenmybeliefthatthiswasbestforher.

Intruth,Ihadsharedhisdistasteforthearrangementwhenitbegan,butMamahad
convincedmethatthiswaswhatshewanted.Ihadbeensoskepticalthosefirst
fewweeks,butthenIhadnoticedthatsheseemedmorerelaxedandateasewitha
professionalstaffatherbeckandcall.Ihadfinallyunderstoodthatsheneeded
andwantedthatsafetynet.

IdecidedtogiveSergeiagoodwhackthenexttimeIsawhimformaking

mefeelguiltyaboutMama'slivingarrangement.EvenasIconsideredwhereto
thumphim,Icouldn'tshakemysympathyforhissituation.Hehadbeenlessthan
forthcomingaboutthereasonhe'dhadtoleaveRussiainahurry,butIdidn'tneed
allthedetailstoseehowbadlyhemissedhismotherandbrother.

Butwhathadhappenedoverthere?Wasitsomethingreallybad?Itmust

havebeen,right?Whyelsewouldhehavelefthishomelandinarush?Andwhat
wasallthatbusinessabouthavingonlyonebrothernow?

Iwantedanswers.ItwouldhavebeenonlytooeasytocallVivian.She

wouldhavetoldmeanythingIwantedtoknow,butIwantedtohearthestoryfrom
Sergei.Ineededtositacrossfromhimandstareintohiseyesashecameclean
abouthispast.Ididn'tthinkhewouldlietome,butIhadtoconcedethatIdidn't
reallyknowhimwellenoughtomakethatcall.

Butthatwasn'texactlytrue,wasit?MaybeIdidn'tknoweverysingle

minutedetailofhislifebutIknewhim.Itwasalmostasixthsensethatallowed
metoreadhiminthesamewaysheseemedtobeabletoreadme.Wereweonthe
samewavelengthbecausewehadbothsurvivedsomethingdarkandterrible?

Yearsago,beforeanythingevenremotelyromantichadoccurredbetween

them,VivianhadtriedtoexplaintheconnectionshesharedwithNikolai.Ihadn't
understoodtheirintensebondthenanymorethanItrulyunderstooditnow.That
theylovedeachotherwasplainenoughtoanyonewhosawthem,buttheyseemed
tobebondedonanearlysoulfullevel.

EventhoughIworkedintheweddingindustry,Ihadalwaysscoffedatthe

ideaofsoulmatesandconsideredtheideafantasticandfanciful.Watching
NikolaiandViviantogetherhadcuredmeofthosedoubts.Somepeoplewerejust
meanttobetogether.Somecouplessimplycouldn'tbebrokenapart,nomatter
whattheworldthrewatthem.

Ididn'tdarehopethatsomethingsoincrediblywonderfulawaitedme.After

thelonglineofho-humdatesandrelationshipsthatfizzledafterafewmonths,I
wasn'texactlyaprimecandidateforanepiclovestory.Ihadallbutgivenupon
theprospectofmeetingamanwhomademeachewithdesireorthrobwithneed.

UntilSergei…
ThatnightatFaze,whenhe'dstoodwatchingmefromthecorneroftheVIP

sectionwiththoseoutrageouslystrongarmsofhiscrossedinfrontofhisbroad
chest,Ihadtingledwiththemostdeliciouslysinfulawarenessofhim.Nomanhad
everlookedatmelikethat.Helookedatmeasifhewantedtojuststripmenaked
andworshipeverylastinchofmybody.

Andhehaddoneexactlythatlastnight,hadn'the?Sergeididn’tneedto

makeelaboratespeechestotellmewhathefeltaboutme.Hehadshownmehis
feelingsinawaythathadleftmeshudderingwithecstasyandfeelingbeautiful
andspecial.

Okay.So,kickingdownmydoorwasabitoverthetop,butIunderstood

whyhehaddoneit.Realizinghewasthatprotectiveofmehadthrownmefora

loop.HehadbeenwillingtodoanythingtogettomewhenhethoughtIwasin
trouble.Aftersomanyyearsofbeingindependentandonmyown,therewas
somethingawfullyenticingabouthavingsuchastrong,protectivemaninmylife.
Withoutashadowofadoubt,IknewIcouldcountonSergeiforanything.

IwasstillthinkingaboutthepossibilitieswhenIturneddownthenarrow

alleythatprovidedaccesstotherearofmyproperty.Thegatenoisilycreaked
open,remindingmeIprobablyneededtohavesomeoneoutheretoserviceit,and
Ipulledontothehalf-moongraveldrive.Eventually,Ihopedtobeabletousethe
carriagehouseasagaragebutthedilapidatedstructureneededalotofwork.

"Whenwasthelasttimetheslidechainonthatgatewasgreased?"
Sergei'sdeepvoicestartledmeasIsteppedoutofmycar.Jumping,Ispun

aroundandfoundhimstandingnexttotheramshacklecarriagehouse.Handonmy
chest,Igrouchedathim."Youalmostgavemeaheartattack!"

Heofferedanapologeticsmile."Prostite.Sorry,"headdedquickly."I

didn'tmeantoscareyou."

Iclosedmycardoorwithabumpofmyhipandlistenedforthelocksto

engage."Whatareyoudoingouthereanyway?"

"Iwastakingalookatthisstructure.It'sinterribleshape,Bianca."
"Iknow.Ihadacoupleofcontractorswhodohistoricalrenovationscome

outheretotakealookatit,butmostofthemsuggestedIsalvagewhateverIcan
andthentearitdown.Onlyoneguyhadaplanforfixingitup,buthisbidwasso
lowIhaddoubtshecouldfinishthejobonbudget."

Sergeimadethatlow,gruntingnoisethatseemedtoaccompanyanythinghe

founddistasteful."Hewasprobablytryingtocheatyou.He'dhavegottenhalfway
done,madeyourlifemiserableandthenaskedformoremoneythanevenyour
highestbidder."

"Idon'tknowaboutthat."Heshotmeadubiouslook."No,really.Marcus—

thecontractor—saidhegrewuparoundhereandwantedtoseethisplacerestored
tothewayitwaswhenhewasakid."

"Thatsoundslikeabullshitstorytosoftenyouupandmakeyousigna

contractwithhimsohecouldripyouoff."

"Wow!"Isaidwithanexaggeratedhuff."Aren'tyoujustgrizzlythis

evening?"

Sergeiwincedandrubbedthebackofhisneck.Themovementstretchedhis

blackT-shirttightacrosshisbroadchest.Theflexingofthecrazyhugemusclesin
hisarmsmademefeelabitwoozy."I'msorry,Bianca."

Sensingsomethingwaswrong,Iclosedthedistancebetweenusandreached

forhishand.Iinterlacedourfingersandstaredupatmybig,sexygiant."What's
upwithyou?"

"It'sbeenalongdayforme.Ihadtotakecareofsomethingugly."
Iswallowed."Areweevergoingtotalkaboutwhatyoudo?Aboutwhat

youare?"

Hisfingerstightenedaroundmine."IthinkyouknowwhatIamandwhatI

do."

"Idon'tknowspecifics."
"Andyouwon't,"hewarned."Iwillnotinvolveinyouinthatpartofmy

life."

"Don'tyouthinkIdeservetoknowwhatI'mgettingintoif—"
"If?"Heseizedontheword."AmIstillonprobationwithyou?"
"Idon'tknow,Sergei.Youcan'tstandhereandtellmethatyouhadtodo

somethinguglytodayandthenrefusetogivemedetails.WhatI'mimaginingis
probablyathousandtimesworse."

"Whatareyouimagining?"WhenIdidn'tanswer,hepromptedmewiththat

rumblingvoiceofhis."Bianca,whatdoyouthinkIdoallday?"

"IknowthatyouguardVivian."Aftersomehesitation,Iadded,"I'veheard

thatyoufightformoney."

"Ido."
"Andthatyoumaybe,youknow,beatpeopleupsometimes."
"There'snomaybetoit,Bianca.Whensomeonestepsoutofline,I'mtheone

whopersuadesthemtogetbackintoformation."

"Byhittingthem?"
"Idon'thavetohitthemthatoften."
Sizinghimup,Ifiguredthatwasprobablytrue.IfSergeiwalkedthroughmy

doorandIwasonthebadsideofhisboss,I'dtoethecompanylineprettydamned
quick."Doyoulikedoingthat?"

Hevisiblyflinched,hischeekstighteningandhislipspursing."Doyou

reallybelievethatIenjoyhurtingpeople?"

Ishookmyhead."Butwhydoit?"
Hiswideshouldersbounced."WhatthehellelsecouldIdo?WhenIcame

here,Ihadveryfewchoices,Bianca.IworkedattheSamovarasadishwasher
untilNikolaisawmefighting.HesentmetoIvantobetrained,andeventuallyI
wasbroughtinashisenforcer.Thiswasn'tthelifeIwanted,buttherewasno
otherchoiceforme."

"Idon'tbelievethat.Therearealwayschoices."

Hisjawtensedasherubbedhisthumbacrossmyknuckles."You'reright.I

couldhavetakenadifferentpath,butIdidn't.ThisiswhereIamrightnow,
Bianca.Ifyouwanttobewithme,thisiswherewestartourjourney."

"Whereareweheaded?"
Hegulped,hisAdam'sappleslidingupanddownashecarefullychosehis

words."Ihaveadestinationinmind…andittakesusfarawayfromthispointto
someplacemuchbetter.ToaplacewhereyoucouldbeasproudofmeasIamof
you."

Hissweetcomplimenttouchedme.ThepromiseofwhatwemighthaveifI

justhadalittlefaithinhimtemptedmeagreatdeal.Iwantedtobelievethat
Sergeicouldfindawaytodeftlyextracthimselffromthemobbed-uplifeheled.

MythoughtsturnedtoErinandIvan.FromwhatVivianhadtoldme,Ivan

hadbeeninaspotalmostidenticaltoSergei'sonce.Hehadgottenoutandmade
somethingofhimself,becominghugelysuccessfulandwealthy.Ifithadbeendone
before,perhapsSergeicouldfollowinIvan'sfootsteps.

GraspingthefrontofSergei'sshirt,justabovehisbelt,Idraggedhimdown

forakiss.Beforeourlipsmet,Icaughtawhiffofcheap,nastyperfume.Itwasthe
sortofalcohol-tinged,tooheavyonthemuskdrugstoreconcoctionthatthegirlsI
wenttohighschoolwithusedtowear.Ihadanideaofwhatsortofwomenmight
stillwearit,andIwasn'tpleased.

Recoilingfromthestinkofit,Isteppedbackandletgoofhisshirt.That's

whenInoticedtheglitterdustingthefrontofhisshirtandnowstucktomypalm.
Holdingupmyhand,Idemandedangrily,"Whatthehellisthis,Sergei?"

"Look,it'snotwhatyouthink,Bianca."
"Ithadbetternotbe,"Iwarned."Becauseyoulookandsmelllikeyou've

beenhangingoutastripclub!"

"Okay,"hesaidcarefully."Iwasatastripclubthisafternoon.But,"hecut

inquickly,thwartingmyoutragedoutburst,"Iwasn'tthereforpleasure.Itwas
business."

"Business?"
Hewaveredbeforeconfessing,"Acoupleofdancerswerebeatenupata

privateparty.Theclubispartlyownedbyafriendofmine,andheneededsome
help.Itookthedancerstoseeadoctorandthengotthemsituatedinasafeplace.
That'sit,Bianca.That'sallthathappened."

Istudiedhishandsome,sincereface.Hewastellingthetruth,butIsensed

therewaswaymorebackstorytothesituation."Ibelievethatnothinghappened
withthestrippers."

Heseemedrelieved.Slidinghishandalongmynape,hepeeredintomy

eyes."Idon'twantanywomanbutyou,Bianca.SometimesIhavetogoplacesthat
aren'tverynicetoconductbusiness,butI'mnotinterestedinanythingthose
womenhavetooffer."

Grippingthefrontofhisshirtagain,Ihauledhimdownwithasharptug.

"Convinceme."

Andhedid.Withakisssoeroticallysensualthatmypantiesgrewdamp,

Sergeistakedhisclaimonmeandprovedthathewantedmeandonlyme.His
tongueflutteredagainstminebeforedippingdeeper.Hesuckedmylowerlipand
gaveitalightnibble,makingmeriseuponmytoesandclutchathisbrawnyarms.

ThoughIwantedthekisstogoonforever,heendeditgentlyandlethishand

glidedownmyspinetorestonmybottom.Hegavemybacksideapatandgrinned
boyishly."Iwanttoshowyousomething."

"Okay."
Holdingmyhand,heledmedownthesidewalkthatcurvedthroughthe

backyardandalongonesideofthehouse.Outfront,IspottedhisSUVpulledup
againstthecurb."Youcanparkoutback,ifyou'dlike.There'splentyofspace
behindmycar."

Hesmiledatme."Isthatyourwayofinvitingmetostaythenight?"
Glancingawayfromhim,Ifeltsuddenlyshy."Well,Imean,ifyouwantto

stay..."

Hecurvedhisarmaroundmyshoulders."I'mstaying."
Ihadasneakingsuspicionhemeantformuchlongerthanonenight.
Whenweroundedthesideofthehouseandturnedtowardthefrontporch,I

immediatelyspottedthenewdoor.Mylipspartedwithshock."Thedoor!You
foundmydoor!"

Sergeichuckledhappilyandbrushedhisfingertipsalongthesideofmy

neck."Itookthepicturefromyourinspirationboard.Myfriendhadadoorthat
lookedalmostexactlyliketheoneyouwanted."

"Thisisoneissomuchbetter!"Ihurriedupthestepsforacloserlook.

Unabletohelpmyself,Iranmyhandsalongthehighlypolishedwoodandtraced
thegorgeouspanesofstainedglass."It'ssobeautiful,Sergei."

Hiswarmhandssettledonmyshoulders.Amomentlater,hepresseda

ticklishkisstothesideofmyneck."I'mgladyoulikeit."Anotherkissmademe
shiverwithanticipation."Comeinside.Dinneriswaiting."

Ilethimleadmeinsidethehouse,allthewhilewonderingwhatthisnight

heldinstoreforme.

ChapterSeven

Laterthatevening,Iflickedthroughmyclosetinsearchoftheperfectoutfit

forthemorning.Thebathroomdooracrossthebedroomwascrackedjustenough
formetokeeptabsonSergei'sshower.Ihadmanagetoevademostofhis
amorousadvances,includinghisattemptstoclimbintotheshowerwithme
earlier,butmydefenseswerequicklyfailing.Oncehecameoutofthatshower,I
wasgivinginandlettingmyselfhaveexactlywhatwebothwanted.

Bumpinghipsasweplatedasimpledinnerhadbeenthebeginningofour

flirtation.Hehadcaressedmyhandwhilewesippedwineonthecouchafter
dinnerandtalkedaboutmyplansanddreamsforthehouse.Ihadslippedawayto
takemyeveningshowerwhilehemovedhisSUVaroundbackandpeekedatmy
waterheater.

CravingSergei'sheatandtouchlikecrazy,Isettledonmyfavoritewrap

dress.Thetopsportedaboldgiraffeprintthatcomplementedthedeeprust-
coloredskirt.Ilikedthewayithuggedmyhipsandnippedinmywaist.Butwhich
shoes?Ipulledoutapairofgoldstrappyheeledsandalsandnudepumps.

"Thegoldones,"Sergeisaid,comingintothebedroom."They'reprettier."
Glancingathim,IfoughttheurgetolickmylipsasIogledhisnearlynaked

body.Hehadatowelslunglowaroundhiships,butthelooselytuckedend
threatenedtofallfreeatanymoment.Soon,Ihoped.

Liftingthegoldsandals,Isaid,"Prettier,yes,butnotascomfortable.

Mondaysarealwaysbusyaroundtheshop,especiallyinMay."

Heshrugged."Sowearthepumps."
Iheldthepumpsupagainsttheskirtandcomparedthemtothesandals.They

lookedfine,buttheydidn'tpop."No,IthinkI'llgowithpretty."

"Goodchoice."Hecametowardmeandbentdowntopeckmycheek."Your

legslookamazingwhenyouwearthose."

Mybrowsknittedtogether."You'veseenmeintheseshoesbefore?"
Henoddedandstrodeacrosstheroomtowardthegymbaghehaddropped

ontotheottomanearlier."YouworethemafewweeksagowhenyouandVivian
wenttothatartshowforthatBrazilianpainter.Youhadonapurpledressandbig
hoopearrings—butyourlegs?"Hepracticallygrowled."Theylookedsofucking
sexy."

Iturnedmygazetowardmylegs."Really?"
"Yes."Hetouchedhisear."Youshouldwearthoseearringsagain.Iliked

thewaytheylookedonyou."

Takenabackbyhisrecollectionofmyoutfit,Ineverthelesssmiledathim.

"Okay.Iwill."

"YoucanwearthemonFriday."
"What'sFriday?"
"We'regoingoutonaproperdate."
"Isthatso?"
"Yes."Hestarteddiggingthroughhisbag,totallyoblivioustomyfrustration

withhim.

"Don'tyouthinkyoushouldaskmefirst?"
Heglancedatme."DoyouwanttogooutonFriday?"
"Yes,but—"
"Sowhat'stheproblem?Iwanttogoout.Youwanttogoout.Imadeplans.

It'sdone."

Irolledmyeyes."It'snotjustdone,Sergei.Idon'tknowhowyoudidthings

withotherwomen,butI'mnotthekindofgirlwholikestobetoldwhattodo."

"Youseemedtolikeitlastnight."Hisgazedartedtothechairwherehehad

satlastnightandorderedmetostripforhim.

Myfaceflamedwithembarrassment."Thatwasdifferent."
"Butyoulikedit,"Sergeicountered."Youweresoakingwetformebythe

timeIgotyouintobed.Youlikedbeingtoldwhattodo,didn'tyou?"

Hewasn'tgoingtostopuntilIadmittedthathewasright.Evennow,ashe

describedhowwetIhadbeen,Icouldfeelmynipplesgrowinghard."Yes,Iliked
itverymuch."

"Butyoudon'tlikeitwhenItakecontroloutsideofthebedroom?"
Ifidgetedwiththecuffofmysilkdressingrobe."Idon'tknow.I'musedto

doingthingsmyway.Ilikeyourwayofdoingthingsinhere,butI'mnotsureI'll
everbethetypeofwomanwhojustnodsherheadwheneverhermanmakesa
decision."

Sergeistudiedmeforafewunnervingseconds."Okay."
Iblinked."What?Justlikethat?You'reokaywithit?"
"I'mnotanogre,Bianca,butIamamanandIlikebeingincontrol."
"But?"
"Butoneofthethingsthatattractedmetoyouisyourconfidenceandthe

wayyourunyourlife,"heexplained."You'reperfectlycapableoftakingcareof
yourself."

"Yes,Iam.Idon'tneedaman."
"No,youdon't."Hestaredexpectantlymyway,asifwaitingformetosay

something.

Iswallowednervouslyanddecidedtobehonestwithhim."Iwouldlikea

manIcouldcountoninmylife.Someonewhowantstotakecareofme,Imean."

"Iwanttotakecareofyou,Bianca.Iwanttobethemanyoucountonfor

everythingandanythingyouneed."

"Iknowyoudo,"Isaidquietly.
"And?"
Holdinghisgaze,Imurmured,"IknowIcancountonyou."
"Anythingyouwant,I'llgiveyou."
Hewasn'ttalkingexpensivetrinketseither.Hemeantanything.Hewas

offeringmeeverythingIhadeverwantedbuthadbeentooafraidtoseekout.AllI
hadtodowasask.

"Iknow."Turningawayfromhim,Ifinishedpickingouttheaccessoriesfor

myoutfitwhilehedrapedrunningclothesacrossthearmofmyreadingchair.
WhenIclosedtheclosetdoor,Icaughthimretrievingthebiggestfreakingboxof
condomsIhadeverseen.Unabletohelpmyself,Ibustedoutlaughing."Ohmy
God!Areyouserious?"

"What?"Sergeicarelesslytossedtheboxontothebed."Iwantedtobe

prepared."

"Forwhat?Sixmonths?"
Hesnortedandstartedtoprowltowardme."Sixmonths?Bianca,we'llbe

luckyifthatlaststheweek."

Myjawdropped."You'reoutofyourmind."
Sergeiheldupfivefingersashewalkedtowardme."Countthem,Bianca.

Forfivemonths,I'vegonewithoutsex."Hestoppedrightinfrontofmeand
peereddownintomyeyes."Forfivemonths,I'vewaitedforyoutoletmeinto
yourbedroom."Heslidanarmaroundmywaistanddraggedmetighttohishot,
hardbody."Iintendtomakeupforallthatlosttime."

Tremblinginside,Iranmyhandsalonghismusculararmsandacrosshis

impressivechest.Ifingeredthegoldmedalliondanglingfromhisneck."Whatis
this?"

"Hmm?"Henuzzledmyneckandnippedatmyskin."It'sSaintSergius,my

namesake.MymothergaveittomewhenIwasyounger."

"Forprotection?"
"Isuppose."
Iletthemedalliondropfrommyfingers."Areyoureligious?"
"Notparticularly,"hereplied."NothinglikeVivian."Hetracedtheveinin

myneckwheremypulsebeatwildly."Bianca,you'restalling."

Iglancedupathimfrombeneathflutteringeyelashes."AmI?"
"Yes."Hetuggedonthebeltofmyrobeanddraggedthegarmentfrommy

arms.Heletitfalltothefloorandshoveditasidewithhisbarefoot.Hisfinger
followedthelacyshellsadorningthebodiceofmychemise."Doyoualways
sleepinthingslikethisorareyouchoosingthemforme?"

"Ilikesexy,prettythings,butIdugthisoneoutofmydrawerjustforyou."
"Iappreciatethethoughtfulness."Graspingthebottomofmyflimsychemise,

hepulleditupandovermyhead."Doyouapproveofthisremovalmethod?"

Smilingatthememoryofhimrippingmynightgown,Ipattedhischest."It's

nicetoknowyou'renotatotalcaveman."

Hechuckledagainstmylips."YoumightwanttoseewhatIhaveplanned

foryoubeforeyousingmypraises."Puttingthosebighandsonmyshoulders,he
pressedgently."Kneel."

Likelastnight,myentirebodyvibratedathisgrufflyspokenword.Iwasn’t

surehowhewieldedsuchpowerovermeorevenwhyIlikeditsomuch,butI
chosenottoquestionit.Iembracedthisnew,sensualawarenessandslowly
loweredmyselftothefloor.

Lickingmylips,Igazedupathim,takinginhiswonderfullysculptedframe.

Hepeereddownatmeandcaressedmycheek.Takingoffhistowel,hetossedit
asideandgesturedtohishalf-erectcock."Getmehard,Bianca."

Withshakyfingers,Istrokedthelengthofhim,allthewhilemarvelingathis

size.Ialmostwantedtorunacrossthehalltograbatapemeasurefrommytoolkit
tosatisfymycuriosity.Evenwithbothhandswrappedaroundhisthickshaft,Istill
neededatleastonemorehandtocoverallofhim.Mypussypulsedattheprospect
ofhavinghishugedickburiedinsideme.

Lavishinghiscockwithmytongue,Irelishedthelowgroanshemade.I

suckedtheblunttipofhimintomymouthandhummedwithappreciation.He
growledsomethinginRussianbeforethreadinghisfingersthroughmyhairand
shiftinghisfeetwiderapart."Suckme,Bianca."

White-hotfrissonsofexcitementquiveredthroughmeattheroughdemand.

Bobbingupanddownonhisshaft,Itookhimdeeperwitheverydownstrokeand
hopedIpleasedhim.GivingheadhadneverbeenasexactIenjoyed,buttheway
Sergeiencouragedandcomplimentedmewassoexciting.Relaxingmyjaw,Iput
myhandsonhisthighsandsilentlyaskedhimtotakemymouthbypullinghiminto
me.

Breathinghard,Sergeislidforwardonlyaninchortwo.Mylipsstretched

widetoaccepthisgirth,buthedidn'ttrytotakeittoofar.Instead,hetappedmy

noseandordered,"Lookatupatme."

Withhiscockinmymouth,IgazedupatSergei.Theutteradorationetched

intohisfacetookmebysurprise."You'resofuckingbeautiful."Hepulledfree
frommymouthandbentdowntocapturemylipsinapassionate,roughkiss."So.
Fucking.Beautiful."

Andthenhesweptmerightupoffthefloorandtossedmeontothebed.

Bouncingonthemattress,IsquealedwithshockbutthengiggledasSergei
crawledoverme,pinningmetothebedandkissingmeintosubmission.Closing
myeyes,Ireveledinthewickedsensationsheevokedwithhismasterfulhands
andmouth.Henibbledandkissedandlickedallthewonderfullysensitivespots
onmybodyuntilIwaspantingandclutchingathim.

Sittingbackonhisheels,Sergeireachedfortheboxofcondomsandripped

intothem.Hegrabbedastrip,toreonepackagefreeandsplitopenthefoil
wrapper."Openyourlegs."

Swallowinghard,Ididasinstructed,partingmythighsforhimandletting

himgazeuponthedewy,womanlycenterofme.Hismassivecockstoodat
attention,theruddytippointrightatme.Heranhishandsoverhisshaftand
cuppedhissacbeforerollingonthecondom.Scootingbetweenmylegs,heputhis
handsonmyinnerthighsandpushedthemevenfartherapart."Showmewhereyou
wantmycock,Bianca."

Embarrassed,Ihissed,"Sergei!"
"Showmewhereyouwantmycock—orelseI'llchooseandyoumightnot

likeitasmuch."

GulpingattheideaofhisthickpenisintrudingintotheonespotIhadnever

letanymantouch,Ihurriedlyreacheddowntotouchmypussy."Iwantyouhere."

"Letmesee.Openyourselftome."
Lightheadedwithdesire,Iseparatedtheslick,hotpetalsofmysextoshow

himexactlywhereIwantedthatbigdickofhis."Here.Sergei,Iwantyouright
here."

Grippingthebaseofhisshaft,myRussianloverpulledthefatcrownofhis

cockbetweenmylabia.Flashbacksofournaughtyplayonthetablethismorning
poppedbeforemyeyes.IwonderedifIwouldeverbeabletohaveabowlof
cerealtherewithoutthinkingofthedirtythingsthisunbelievablypassionateman
haddonetome.

"Unnhhh."ImoanedloudlywhenSergeifinallythrustintome.Mypussy

hadnevertakenanythingsobig,anditprotestedthesuddeninvasionofhis
monster-sizedshaft.Myhandsflewtohischestasheboredownonme."Wait!

Oh!Wait!"

Sergeiwentstill.Concerndarkenedhisface."AmIhurtingyou?"
Ishookmyheadandbitmylowerlip.Slidingmyhandstohisshoulders,I

pulledhimdownforakiss."Easy,"Ipleaded."Justgoeasy."

"Anythingyouwant,"hewhisperedandclaimedalovingkiss.Rocking

slowly,hethrustdeeper,thenretreatedandthrustintomeagain.Hetookhistime,
increasinghispaceandforcegradually.

Ourforeheadstouched,andheletlooseaneedfulgroan."Baby,you'reso

fuckingtight.It'skillingme."Histonguetangledwithmine."Sogood."

Ididn'tthinkIwouldevergettiredofhearingSergeicallmehisbaby.

Clutchinghisshoulders,Iwrappedmythighsaroundhimandheldontightforthe
rideofmylife.Hesnappedthosetrimhipsofhisandranhishandsovermy
breasts.Whenhepinchedmynipple,Icriedoutandarchedupagainsthim."Oh!"

Heburiedinhisfaceinthecurveofmyneckandwhisperedmyname.His

handtraveleddowntomybellytothespotwhereourbodieswerejoined.He
framedmyclitbetweentwofingersandstimulatedthethrobbingnubuntilI
shatteredbeneathhim.Headthrownback,Ihowledandshudderedwithutter
ecstasy."Sergei!"

Hislipsdraggedalongmyneckandacrossmycheekbeforesettlingagainst

mine.Stillthrustingintome,hefuckedmymouthwithhistongue,mimickingthe
wayourbodiesundulatedtogetheratopthebed.JustasIstartedtocomedown
frommyorgasmichigh,hetoreawayfrommymouthandbegantorubmyclit
faster."Again,Bianca.Comeformeagain."

Itriedtobrushawayhishand.Iwassosensitive,andhisswirlingfingers

mademetrembleandgasp."Ican't."

"Youcan."Henibbledmylowerlip."Come,Bianca.Squeezemewithyour

pussyandcome."

Staringintohisdarkeyes,Irealizedhowcompletelyhecontrolledme.

Here,inmybedroom,Iseemedtobetotallyathismercy.TherewasnothingI
wouldn'tdoforhim,especiallynotwhenhecommandedmeinthatbaritonevoice
ofhiss.

God,everythinghedidtomejustfeltsogood.Mybodyhummedbeneath

his.Thoseswirlingfingertipspushedmerightovertheedgeagain.Mythighs
tensedashepoundedintome.Hiscockstretchedandfilledmeandbroughtmeto
amind-blowingclimax."Sergei!"

HerockedintomeuntilIsaggedagainstthebed,limpandbonelessand

unabletomove—buthewasn’tdonewithmeyet.Withdrawingfromme,Sergei

fellontohisback,reachedoverandhauledmerightontopofhim.Igaspedwhen
hegrippedmyhipsandpushedmeintothepositionhewanted.

Suddenlyanxiousaboutmyweight,Ishookmyhead."No,I'mtooheavy.

Thisisn'tagood—"

Hepoppedmybacksidewithbothhands,hisflattenedpalmscrackingmy

bottom."Hush."

"Ow!"
Hesoothedthestingwithhislovinghands."I'mabigman,Bianca.Ican

takeeverythingyougiveme."Hethrustupintomyslick,wetheat."Woman,you
weremadeforamanlikeme."

Heartracing,Igazedintohissincerefaceandrealizedhemeanteveryword

ofit.Hegraspedmyassinbothhands,pulledmeforwardandthenpushedme
backonhislap."Fuckme,Bianca.It'syourturntomakemecome."

Withoutanyexperienceinthisposition,Imovedawkwardlyatfirst.Sergei

seemedtosensethatIneededsomehelpsoheguidedmymovementswithhis
stronghands.Itdidn'ttakemelongtofigureoutwhatheliked.Igrewmore
confidentinmyabilitiesandrodehiscocklikeadamnedcowgirl.

Beneathme,Sergeigroanedandmassagedmybottom.Whenhisfinger

driftedbetweenmycheeks,Itensed,mypussyclutchingathiscockashebrushed
apartofmethathadneverbeenbreached.

"Haven'tyouever—?"
"No!"Iinterruptedhimbeforehecouldevenfinishthatthought."Anddon't

getanydirtyideas,Sergei.Youarenotputtingyour—"

"Cock?"
"Yes."
"Inthisperfect,tightass?"
"No!"
Heshotmeoneofthosesinfullymischievoussmiles."We'llsee."
"No,wewon't."
"Later,"hesaidandsatuptokissme."Rightnow,I'mmoreinterestedin

cominginsidethissweetpinkcuntofyours."

"Sergei!"Icouldn'tbelievethewayhesaidthewordwithsuchease.YetI

couldn'tdenyhowfreakinghotitsoundedandhowmuchIlovedthethingshedid
tome.

"Givemymouthsomethingelsetodo,andI'llstopusingthesedirtywords

thatmakeyoublush."Hehuggedmetightandflickedhistonguetomine.Withhis
cockfullysheathedinmychannel,wetradederoticallychargedkissesuntilwe

werebothpantingandshaking.

Sergeifellbacktothebedandthrustupintomeagain.Plantinghisfeeton

themattress,hecradledmybottomwithhisbentlegsandstartedtojackhammer
mypussy.Mouthagape,Icriedoutagainandagainasheshowedmeexactlywhat
hismagnificentlytonedbodycoulddo.

Ihadn'texpectedtoclimaxagain,butSergeirippedashockingly

unanticipatedorgasmfrommejustsecondsbeforehethrustupintomesohardit
nearlybuckedmeoffhislap.Withthosesteelyarmsencirclingme,hegrowledmy
nameandjerkedbeneathmewhileheenjoyedhisrelease.

Sweatingandhuffing,wecollapsedtogetherinthecenterofmybed.Sergei

brushedthedampstrandsofhairfrommyfaceandkissedmesweetly.Wesmiled
ateachotherandenjoyedafewmomentsofafterglow.Whenhepulledawayfrom
meandheadedforthebathroom,Irolledontomysideandenjoyedtheviewofhis
fine,tautass.Gigglinglikeafool,Itriedtoconvincemyselfthatthiswasn'ta
dreamandthatheactuallybelongedtome.

Hepickedupthedestroyedboxofcondoms,switchedoffthelampsand

rejoinedmeinbedafewminuteslater.Ihadn'tmissedthewayhehadtakenthe
sideofthebedbetweenmeandthedoor.Theoldschoolactionofplacinghis
bodybetweenmineandanydangerassuredmehehadprobablycheckedevery
doorandwindowinthehousewhileIshowered.Itseemedhemeanteveryword
aboutprotectingmeandkeepingmesafe.

Despitehavingjustmadelovetome,Sergeididn'tseemsatisfiedwith

merelycuddlinguntilwefellasleep.Inthedarkness,hecaressedmybodyand
kissedmeuntilIvibratedwithdesire.Hiscockdidn'tremainsatedlong.The
blazinghotlengthofitnudgedmybellyandrubbedagainstmythigh.

WhenIheardhimslappingaroundonthebedsidetableforthestripof

condomshehadplacedthere,Icouldn'thelpbutlaugh."Sergei!Wejusthadsex.
Youcan'tseriouslywanttogoagain."

"You'llbeluckyifIletyougetfourhoursofsleeptonight."
"IthoughtyouweregoingrunningwithVivianinthemorning.Don'tyou

needtorest?"

Thecrinklytearofthewrapperechoedinthestillnessofmybedroom."I'd

ratherbeburieddeepinyourpussythangetanextrahourofsleep.Nowcome
here."

"No!"Iplayfullytriedtoevadehisclutchingpaws,butSergeieasilywon

themockbattle.Giggling,Ipushedagainsthischest,butitwasimpossibleto
movehissolidframe.Heswoopeddownforakiss,hisfacehighlightedbythe

moonlightstreamingthroughmywoodenblinds,butIturnedmyfaceatthelast
second,denyinghisprize."Noway!I'mtired."

"Hush."
Thinkinghewastryingtoshushmyhalf-heartedprotests,Iturnedback

towardhim.Ifullyexpectedhimtokissmenow,butinsteadIfoundhimstaringat
myopenbedroomdoor.Hisentirebodyhadgonerigid."Whatis—?"

Ididn'tgettherestofmyquestionout.Heplacedhisfingertipsagainstmy

mouth,gentlysilencingmeashelistenedforsomething.Holdingmybreath,I
strainedtohearwhateveritwasthathadkilledhisamorousmood.

Along,whiningcreakpiercedthenight.Myheartleaptintomythroatasthe

unmistakabletapoffootstepsmetmyears.Someonewaswalkingacrossback
porchdirectlybeneathmybedroom!

Inaflashofmovementsofastitstartledme,Sergeimovedoffthebed.He

heftedmeupoffthemattressandhurriedlypushedmetowardthebathroom.After
droppingaquickkissonthetopofmyhead,heshovedmeinsidetheroom."Lock
thedoor."

Itclickedshutsoftlybehindhimashedisappeared.Stunnedbythewayhe

hadswitchedfromlovertoprotectorintheblinkofaneye,Istaredattheclosed
door.Afewsecondslater,IshookmyselffromthestuporandwonderedwhatI
wassupposedtodonow.

LockingthedoorandwaitingforSergei'sreturnwasprobablythesafest

courseofaction…butwhatifhegothurt?Whatifthecreepprowlingaroundmy
housewasarmed?ThethoughtofSergeibeingshotorstabbedmademesick.

DisobeyingSergei'sdirectorder,Ileftthebathroomandscurriedacrossmy

bedroominsearchofmyphone.Slippingbackintomychemiseandrobe,Idialed
9-1-1andprayedthepolicewouldgetherebeforeanythingbadhappened.

ChapterEight

Outforblood,Sergeislowlyunlockedthefrontdoorandslippedontothe

porch.Thenewlyinstalleddooropenedwithbarelyawhisperofnoise,
permittinghimtoleavethehousewithoutalertingtheassholecreepingaround
Bianca'sproperty.Stickingtotheshadows,heedgedthefrontofthehouseand
carefullyroundedthecornerofthewraparoundporch.

Ashecreptalongtherightsideofherhome,helistenedcarefullyforany

indicationthattheprowlerwaswalkingtowardhim.Hearingnothing,he
wonderedifthemanhadgoneoffintothegrassorifhe'dalreadymadehiswayto
theleftsideofthehouse.Overthesoundtrackofcricketsandcicadas,Sergei
detectedalow,creakinggroanasweightsettledonanoldwoodenstep.Asecond
later,woodcrunchedandsplinteredandagruntofpainfilledtheair.

Gotyou!
Earlier,whencomingbackfromparkinghisSUV,Sergeihadnoticedthe

stepalongthebackneededtoberippedoutandreplaced.Hehadactuallybeen
surpriseditborehisweightwithoutsnapping.Apparently,theprowlerhadn'tbeen
solucky.

Runningaroundtheporch,Sergeispottedthelumpyshadowofaman

crouchedontheground."Hey!"

Theprowler'sheadpoppedup,butitwastoodarkinthebackyardfor

Sergeitogetagoodlookathim.Heseemedtobeamedium-sizedman.The
bastardhadquickreflexesandleapttohisfeet,dashingaroundthesideofthe
houseanddisappearing.

AsSergeimadechase,herealizedthemanknewtheneighborhoodwell

becausehehadtakenashortcutfromBianca'syardthatspithimoutontheside
street.Irritatedthathehadlosttheman,Sergeireliedonhisinstinctsandtooka
hardleft.

Wearingonlyhisrunningshortsandsneakers,hesilentlyscoldedhimselffor

notgrabbingsomethingtodefendhimself.Hehadlefthisguntuckedawayinhis
vehiclebecausehehadbeenmoreinterestedingettinginsidetheshowerwith
Bianca.IfNikolaicouldseehimnow,hewouldsurelymakeaquipaboutthinking
withhislittleheadinsteadofthebiggerone.

Comingtoacorner,Sergeislowedhispace.Hefollowedthecurve

cautiouslyandspottedanalleyupahead.Thedarkroadwaybetweentallprivacy
fenceswastooshadowyforhimtoscoutproperly.Themanhewaschasinghad
probablytakenupapositiontheretoambushhimandinflictaninjury.

Thesoundofrunningfootstepsricochetedofftheprivacyfences.Thesound

grewlouderandsharper,tellingSergeithemanwasheadedrightforhim.Hugging
theclosestfence,Sergeipreparedtoattackthemanwhenheburstoutofthe
protectiveshadows.Handsclenched,heliftedhisarmshighandcounteddownthe
secondsuntilhestruck.Thefootstepsdrewnearer,andSergeiswunghisarms
towardtheoncomingman,fullyintendingtoclotheslinethecreep.

Butwhenthemanburstoutofthealley,Sergei'seyeswidenedwithshock.It

wasn'taprowler.Itwasapoliceofficeronafootpursuit!

Hestoppedthedownwardmotionofhisarmsbeforeitwastoolate,

reactingwithlightningspeedtoavoidhittingamanwhocouldmakehislifevery
miserable.Theofficerspottedhimandjumpedback,drawinghisweaponand
pointingitrightatSergei'schest."Handsintheair!"

Shit.
Complyinginstantly,Sergeithrewuphishands."Ithoughtyouwerethe

prowlerbotheringmygirlfriend.Iwasn’ttryingtohurtyou."

Theofficerdidn'tlowerhisgunevenafractionofacentimeter.Withthe

businessendtrainedonSergei'sheart,theofficersteppedforwardintothelight.
HewasclosetoSergei'sageandhadskinthesameshadeasBianca's.Notoneto
fuckaround,themanbarkedanorder."Turnaround.Handsonthebackofyour
head.Spreadyourfeet."

Irritatedwiththebullshitpat-down,Sergeineverthelessdidascommanded.

Hehadalwaysmanagedtostayontherightsideofthelawandwasn'taboutto
riskthattonight.TheofficerroughlyfriskedSergeibutfoundnoweapon."Face
meagain."

Staringdownatthecop,Sergeikepthishandsonhishead."Didyouseethe

manIwaschasing?"

"Idid.Funnything.Helookedsortoflikeyou."
"No."Sergei'sinternalalarmsclanged.Itwouldbeacolddayinhellbefore

heletthepolicepinthisonhim."IfIwasaprowler,wouldIbedressedlikethis?
No!TheguyIwaschasingwasshorterthanmeandnotasbig.Ifollowedhimout
ofmygirlfriend'syardandoutthisway."

"Right."Theofficerwasn'tbuyingSergei'sstory."I'msupposedtobelievea

mobbed-upsonofabitchlikeyouhasagirlfriendwholivesinthis
neighborhood?IthoughtyouguysalldatedstrippersfromSugar'sandwaitresses
fromSamovar?"

Sergei'seyesnarrowed.Notbotheringtodenyorarguewiththeman,he

continuedtoplaynice,butitwasobviousthecophadhisnumber.Thefactthata
beatcoprecognizedhimonsightmadehimslightlynervous.Thiswassomething

Nikolaiwouldwanttoknow.Wastheresomenewlegaltroublebrewing?

"Takemebacktomygirlfriend'shouse.She'lltellyouthetruth."
"Yeah?Andjustwhoisthisgirlfriendofyours?"
"BiancaBradshaw.Shelivesat—"
"IknowwhereBibilives,"thepoliceofficerinterjectedsharply."AndI

knowthatshedoesn'thaveanythingtodowithlowlifeslikeyou."Stepping
towardhim,hisgunstilldrawn,thecopgrowled,"Wereyoutryingtorobher?
Rapeher?Maybeyou'retryingtostrong-armherintosellingherbusinessbecause
youRussianmobprickswantherbuilding?"

Bibi?Jealousthatthiscophadanicknameforhiswomanandthattheprick

wouldeveninsinuatethathewoulddoanythingsocrueltoher,Sergeisnarled,
"You'recrazy.She'smygirlfriend.Iwastryingtoprotecther."

"We'llseeaboutthat."Thepoliceofficerpulledhiscuffsfreefromhisbelt

andgesturedforSergeitolowerhishands."I'msureyouknowthedrill."

Clenchinghisteeth,Sergeiturnedaroundandpresentedhiswriststobe

cuffed.Thecopmadesuretotightenthemanotchtoofar.PushingSergei'sthumbs
intoastresspositionthatsentpainshootinguphisarms,theofficerperp-walked
himbackdownthealleytoanidlingcruiser.HeshovedSergeiintothecramped
backseatandmaderadiocontactwithhisdispatchcenter.

"Idon'tsupposeyou'vegotyourlicensetuckedintoyourshorts?"
Withhiskneesshoveduptowardhischestandhisshouldershunched,

Sergeiglaredatthepoliceofficer'sreflectionintherearviewmirrorandrattled
offhisname,address,birthdateanddriver'slicensenumber.Thecopshowed
surprisewhenthedispatcherrelayedthatSergeihadnooutstandingwarrants.
Checkingthecomputerscreenmountedjustabovetheconsole,theofficervoiced
hisdoubtwhenhesawthatSergeihadneverevenhadaparkingticket.

Keepinghismouthshut,Sergeistaredoutthewindowasthecopdrovehim

backtoBianca'shouse.Whoeverthisguywas,heseemedintentonembarrassing
Sergei.Hewasgoingtohavetodoalotworsethanthis.NotthatSergeirelished
theideaofshowinguponBianca'sdoorstepinhandcuffs.Aftertryingtoshowher
thathewasbetterthanhiscriminalties,thisepisodewasn'tgoingtohelphiscase.

Thecruiserrolledtoastopatthecurboutsideherhouse.Thelightsinthe

masterbedroom,livingroomandentrywaywereonwhichmeantshehadgone
againsthisorderandleftthatbathroom.Hehadputherthereforareason.Hehad
neededtoknowshewassafelytuckedawayincasehecrossedpathswiththe
prowlerinsidethehouse.Ifhe'dstruckoutblindlyatashadowyfigure,hewould
havebeenconfidentthatitwasn'tBiancagettingcaughtinthecrossfire.

Thecopdraggedhimoutofthebackseatandmarchedhimupthesidewalk.

Theyhadn'tevenreachedthetopstepbeforethefrontdoorjerkedopenand
Biancaappearedinawhirlofblushpinksilk.Shehadaphonetoherearand
hurriedlyendedthecall.Steppingontotheporch,shecastshockedeyesonhim.
"Sergei!"

Beforehecouldexplainhiscuffedstate,thepoliceofficersteppedintothe

lightbesidehim.Bianca'ssharpintakeofbreathwarnedSergeihewasaboutto
hearsomethinghedidn'tlike.

"Kevan!"
Thenamespurredamemory.Ofcourse.Hadn'tshementionedtheex-

boyfriendshehadgonetoforhelpwhentheprowlerfirststartedbotheringher?
Nowtheperfect-for-herexhadhimcuffed.Great.Just.Fucking.Great.

"Hey,Bibi."Kevanwasallcharmnow."Sorrytobotheryousolate."
"It'sfine."Wringingherhands,sheasked,"IsthereareasonSergeiis

cuffed?"

"Iwastheclosestguytoyourhousewhenthe9-1-1reportofaprowler

cameacrosstheradio.IsawthesuspectduckintoanalleysoIchasedhimand
thisguyjumpedoutoftheshadowsandtriedtopunchme."

Mouthagape,BiancastaredatSergei.Hischesttightenedashewaitedfor

hertojumptothewrongconclusion."No,thatdoesn’tsoundlikeSergeiatall.He
wouldn'thitapoliceofficer."

ThecornersofSergei'smouthliftedwithapleasedsmile.Oncehehad

discoveredshehadhistorywiththecop,Sergeihadbeensureshewouldtakethe
officer'swordoverhis.Itwasn'toftenthathewasprovenwrong,butherelished
theunnaturalfeelingthistime.

"Doyouknowwhothisguyis?"Kevandidn'tsoundveryhappy."He's

trouble,Bibi."

"I'mnottwelveyearsold,Kevan.Idon'tneedalecture."
Thepoliceofficersteppedforward,movingcloseenoughtoBiancathat

Sergei'salphainstinctsscreamedforhimtoreact.Shovingthemdown,herefused
totakethebait.Instead,heglaredmurderouslyatthecop'sbackastheman
whisperedtoBianca.

"Perrywasmybestfriend,andIknowhe'dwantmetolookoutforyou."
BiancareachedouttotouchKevan,softlyrubbinghisupperarminakind,

alltoofamiliargesturethatmadeSergei'sstomachlurch."Iappreciateyou
keepinganeyeoutforme,butI’mabiggirl,Kevan."Loweringhervoice,she
addedquickly,"We'vetalkedaboutthisbefore,remember?"

Theofficerwentramrodstraight,hisreactionsimilartoamanwhohadjust

beenslapped.Sergeiwonderedattheinterplaybetweenthetwoacquaintances.
Why,exactly,hadBiancacutthingsoffwithherbrother'sfriend?Fromwhat
Sergeicouldtell,theguywasbasicallyherdreamman.Kevanfitintoherlife
muchmoreneatlythanheeverwould.

SteppingbackbesideSergei,Kevandugouthiskeys."Sinceyou'reinmy

territory,I'vebeenaddingextrapassesbyyourplacewhenI'monshift.I'llmake
suretheothersguysonthisbeatdothesamething.We'llcatchthisguy,Bibi."

"Thankyou,Kevan."
"It'snoproblem,Bibi.I'malwayshereforyou.Allyouhavetodoiscall,

andI'llcomerunning."

"Iknow.Iappreciatethat."
Kevanunlatchedthetoo-tightcuffsandremovedthem.Ashetuckedthe

manaclesintotheholsteronhisbelt,heturnedtoBiancaandofferedaslysmile.
"I'mgladIfinallygottoseeyouinthatpinksilk.Iknewitwouldbebeautifulon
you."

TheknowledgethatBiancawaswearinglingeriethismanhadboughtfor

herhitSergeilikeafisttothegut.Sherefusedtomeethisgazebutsmiledtimidly
atKevan."Um…thanks."

"Yourbirthdayiscomingup.MaybeI'llhavetogetyousomethinginred."
Sergei'snostrilsflaredasthemanblatantlycameontoBianca.Ifhehadn't

beenwearingauniform,thesmuglittlebastardwouldhavefoundhimselfonthe
receivingendofSergei'sfist.Theguyhadcrossedthelinetoomanytimes.
PresentinghimatBianca'sdoorinhandcuffshadbeenbadenoughbuttostand
thereandflirtwithher?Itwastoomuch.

AsifsensingthatSergeihoveredontheedge,Biancagraspedhishandand

tuggedhimtowardher.Sheshothimapleadinglook,andheexhaledthepent-up
breathpuffingouthischest.Slidinghisarmaroundhersmallershoulders,he
publiclystakedhisclaimonher.Sheputagentlehandtohisbarestomachand
pettedhiminslowcircles.

HoldingKevan'sirritatedgaze,SergeiremindedthemanwhoBianca

wantednow."Comeon,Bianca.Let'sgobacktobed."

"Okay."Smilingatthepoliceofficer,shebidhimfarewell."Night,Kevan."
"Goodnight,Bianca.IhopeI'llseeyouatLuluandCorey'swedding.Ifyou

needarideoranything—"

"She'sgotarideandadate."SergeisteppedinfrontofBianca,blockingher

fromKevan'sview."Goodnight,Officer.I'msureyouhavecriminalstochase."

"Yep."Kevanbackedawayfromthehouse."Infact,I'vegotmyeyeonone

rightnow."

Sergeiwatchedthepoliceofficerreturntohiscruiseranddriveawayfrom

thecurbbeforeturningtowardBianca.Grippingherrobeinherhands,shelooked
upathimwithapprehension—andfear.Exhalingwithexasperation,heasked,
"Areyoureallyafraidofme?"

Shecloselyexaminedhisface.Whatevershesawcalmedhernerves.Her

shouldersrelaxed,andshereleasedthetightgrasponherrobe."No."

"Iwouldneverhurtyou.Never."Sweepingthelong,blackcurlsfromher

faceandtuckingthembehindherear,headded,"Especiallynotafterthewayyou
defendedme."

"You'retoosmarttohitapoliceofficerandmuchtoocarefultoswing

blindly."Shetuggedonhishand."Comeinside."

Hefollowedherinsidethehouseandlockedthedoor.Facingher,heleaned

backagainstitanddecidedtojustgetitalloutthereonthetable."Sothiscop
Kevan?"

Tohercredit,shedidn'tdrophergazeoravoidlookingathim."Heandmy

brotherwerebestfriends.AfterPerrywasmurdered,hesteppedintothatolder
brotherroleforme.Eventually,ourrelationshipchanged,andwetrieddating."

"But?"
Sheshrugged."He'sagreatguybuthe'snotrightforme."
"Because?"
"Idon'tknow.Itdidn'tfeelright."Shepausedandthengesturedbetweenher

bodyandhis."Itneverfeltanythinglikewhatwehave."

HisirritationwithKevanfled."Whatwehaveisbetter?"
Shenodded."Stronger.Deeper.Real."
Tryingnottobreakoutintoagoofygrinatheradmission,heglancedaway

briefly.Hisgazesettledonthefullyilluminatedlivingroom."Whydidyou
disobeyme?"

"I’msorry.Areyoumyfathernow?"
Hemetheraggravatedgazehead-on."No,butIwastryingtokeepyou

safe."

"Well,Iwastryingtokeepyousafe.Youwentrunningoutofthehouse

withoutanyshoesorashirtoraweapon.Youcouldhavebeenshotorstabbed!"

Sergei'sheartswelleduponhearinghersaythatshehadwantedtoprotect

him.Evenso,sheneededtobemorecautious."We'llgetacheapburnerphonefor
yourbathroomandkeepitpluggedinthere.Thatwayyou'llalwayshaveaphone

tocall9-1-1,evenifyou'rehidingbehindalockeddoor."

"Seriously?"
"Yes."Uponfurtherconsideration,hesaid,"Actually,weshouldprobably

lookintoconvertingthatmasterbedroomclosetintoapanicroom.Wecouldput
inareinforceddoorand—"

"Sergei,thisisHouston,notwar-tornSomalia!Idon'tneedapanicroomin

myhouse."

"Everyhomeneedsasafeplace,"hecountered.
"Sergei…"
Heslashedhishandthroughtheair."It'slate.We'lldiscussittomorrow."
Sherolledhereyesbutdidn’targuewithhim."Fine.Let'sgotobed."
"Notyet,"hesaidandpushedoffthedoor.Touchingthepinksilkrobe,he

experiencedafreshwaveofjealousy."Takethisoff."

Herdarkeyesflashedwithsurprise—andexcitement."Areyouserious?"
"Now,Bianca."
Shegulpedanddidasheordered.Peelingoutoftherobe,shehandedit

overtohim.Withouthavingtobeasked,sheremovedtheprettychemisetoo.
Whensheplaceditonhishand,shedidn'timmediatelyletgo.Hewonderedifshe
washavingsecondthoughtsabouthispossessivereaction,butsheseemed
curious.

"Didyoumeanit,Sergei?"
"Meanwhat,milayamoya?"
"Thatyou'retakingmetoLuluandCorey'swedding?"
"We'retogethernow,aren'twe?"
"Yes."
"Sowegotoweddingstogether,"heansweredsimply."Ofcourse,Ishould

probablyaskwhothesepeopleare."

Shesmiled."Luluismycousin,andCoreyisoneofPerry'sfriends."Her

mouthsettledintoanervousline."Kevanwillbethere.He'soneofCorey's
groomsmensoifthisisgoingtobeaproblem…"

"Itwon'tbeaproblem.I'llbeonmybestbehavior."Hedrewacrossover

hisheart."Promise."

"I'mholdingyoutothat."Shereleasedthechemiseintohishand."Sonow

what?Areyougoingtotearthatupandburnit?"

"No."Hepausedtoreconsiderherquestion."Well—I'mdefinitelynotgoing

toburnit."

Shelaughedsoftly."You'resomethingelse,youknowthat?It'sjusta

nightgown.Itdoesn'tmeananything."

"ItmeantsomethingtoKevanwhenhepickeditoutforyou."Evensaying

thewordsgavehimheartburn."Wasitaspecialgift?"

"HegaveittomebeforeValentine'sDay,rightbeforewebrokeup.I…uh…

wasn'treadyforthatstepwithhimandgettingtheboxwiththeprettynightgown
sealedthedealforme.Iknewitwastimetoputanendtoourrelationship."

Learningthatshehadn'tsleptwithKevansoothedhisrawnerves.Itwasa

completelyprimitivereaction,buthecouldn'thelpit.Helikedknowingthatshe
hadtrustedhimmorethanthecop.

Steppingforward,Biancacaressedhischest."Ireallydidn'tmeantohurt

yourfeelings,Sergei.Itwasjustaprettychemiseinthebottomofmydrawer.
That'sit.Ihonestlydidn’teventhinkaboutKevanwhenIpickedit.Ijustthoughtit
mightlookprettyonme."

"Itdid."Heleaneddownandcapturedhermouth."Fromnowon,Ibuyall

ofyoursexy,prettythings,okay?Ifthere'sanythingelseinyourclosetordrawers,
getridofit."

Shedrewashapeonhispec."Ishouldbereallyannoyedbythispossessive

streakofyours."

"But?"
"Isortoflikeit."
"Sortof?"
"Okay.Ireallylikeit."
"Good."Kissingheragain,heswattedherplumpass.Shejumpedand

pressedthoseluscioustitsofhersagainsthim.Whenhemassagedherbottom,she
mewledlikeakitten.Breakingawayfromhermouth,hegrinnedandbrushedtheir
nosestogether."Goupstairsandwaitforme.I'mgoingtogiveyouaheadstart
whileIturnoffthelightsdownhere."

"WhydoIneedaheadstart?"shebreathlesslyasked.
"Soyoucanthinkofawaytomakethis,"hegavetheclothesalittleshake,

"uptome."

Withasquealofexcitement,Biancadashedupstairs.Stillampedupwith

adrenalineandsoeasilyarousedbyher,Sergeigroanedatthesightofher
voluptuousbodystreakingtowardherbedroom.Chucklingathowmuchfunthey
werehavingtogether,Sergeiswitchedoffthelightsandcheckedthewindowsand
doorsagain.

Pausinginthesunroom,helookedoutoverthedarkbackyard.Hisgaze

settledonthedilapidatedcarriagehousethatsomehowseemedsoominous.That

prowlerwasstilloutthere.WhathewantedwithBiancawasanyman'sguess—
butSergeiwouldbedamnedbeforeheletthatfreakgetanywherenearher.

Thedaytimedetailhehadplannedtoputonherstartingtomorrownolonger

seemedenough.Itwasn'tjustthoseracistassholeswhoposedathreattoBianca.It
wasthisnameless,facelessbeingwhoskulkedinthenight.

Sergeicouldn'tdecidewhowasmoredangerous.

***

Puttingonefootinfrontoftheother,SergeitrailedVivianalonghermorning

joggingroute.Notfarbehind,DanilaCherevin,oneoftheNikolai'strustedmen,
followedinablacksedan.Sergeithoughttheescortwasoverkill.Theyhadnever
encounteredanyproblemswhilerunning,butthebosshadveryspecificorders
whenitcametoguardinghiswife.Ratherthanriskhiswrath—orVivian'slife—
theyworkedinpairsandmadesureshewascloselywatched.

AlthoughhehadassuredBiancahewouldrathermakelovethansleep,

Sergeiwasfeelingtheeffectsofthatchoicethismorning.Notthathewouldhave
changedanything.Evennow,hedaydreamedaboutgettingballs-deepinhersilky
wetheatagain.Thoughtheireveninghadstartedoffwithhershyandunsure
participation,ithadendedwithBiancaunleashingtheconfidentsexgoddesshe
hadalwayssuspectedlurkedwithinher.

Pushingasidethoselustythoughts,heconcentratedonVivian'sbouncing

ponytail.Typically,shewaswhippinghisassbythispointintherun.Although
Ivanrequiredhimtojogaspartofhistrainingregimen,Sergeihadalwaysbeen
betteratshortsprintsthanlongdistance.That'swhereVivianexcelled.Litheand
spry,shehadbeenrunningcross-countryandmarathonssinceherteenageyears

Buttodaysheseemedtobelosingsteammuchearlierthanhehadeverseen

her.Hethoughtbacktotheirlastrun.Herpacehadbeenbadenoughthathe'd
caughtupwithherbythetimetheyreachedtheirusualcooldownpoint.Worried
abouther,Sergeikickeduphisspeed.

Ashedrewnear,Vivianstunnedhimbyboltingoffthepathandracing

towardthenearesttrashcaninthepark.Grippingthesidesofthebin,shemadea
terriblesoundandbegantovomit.Sergeicringedandputhishandonherupper
back,rubbingbetweenhershoulderbladesasherstomachemptied.Justasshe
nearedtheendoftheeruption,shebegantodryheaveviolently.Thesoundmade
himwincewithsympathy.Whatevershehadeatenforbreakfastmusthavebeen
bad.

Unless…
Hehastilypiecedtogetherthesigns.Hersickness,thewayshehadn'tbeen

orderingaglassofwinewithlunch,herearlybedtimes,Nikolai's
overprotectiveness—theyallfittogethertoformoneveryclearresult.

"Hey!Issheokay?"Dannyranacrossthegreengrasstojointhematthe

trashcannearthebenchandtree.Inhishands,heheldabottleofwateranda
packageofwetwipes."Here.Ithoughtshemightneedthese."

Sergeitwistedopenthecaponthewaterandpresseditintoherhand.

"Here,sweetheart.Takethis."

Sheacceptedthebottleandrinsedhermouthbeforetakingafewslowsips.

DannyhandedhimacoupleofwetwipesthatSergeiusedtoswipeherfaceand
thebackofherneck.

"Thecarisrightoverthere."Dannygesturedtothespotwherehehad

illegallyparked."Weshouldgetherhome."

Drinkingsomemorewater,shewaggedafinger."Ineedtocooldownand

walkorelseI'llstarttocramp."

"Idon'tthinkthat'sagoodidea.You'resick.Youneedtogohome."
ShefrownedatDanny."I'mnotsick.I'llbefine."
SergeipursedhislipsasVivianshovedbythemandheadedforthepath.He

tappedDanny'sshoulder."Takethecarthreeblocksandwaitforus."

"Ifshesaysno?"
"I'llpickherupandthrowherinthebackseatmyself."Pushingawayfrom

Danny,SergeijoggedtowardVivianandfinallycaughtupwithher.Shehadher
handsrestingonherheadasshewalked.Henoticedherpallorandthedrawn
linesaroundhermouth."Youshouldgetinthecarandrest.Youdon'thaveto
proveanything,Vivian."

Sheglancedupathim."YousoundlikeKolya."
"He'sright.Ifyou'repregnant,youshouldbecareful."
Vivianstoppeddeadinhertracksandnarrowedherbrightblueeyesathim.

"Didhetellyou?"

Sergeishookhishead."Iputtogethertheclues."Curious,heasked,"Why

thesecrecy?"

Shestartedwalkingagainsohematchedherpace."Ijustwantedsomething

thatwasoursandonlyoursforalittlewhile.Nooffense,"sheglancedathim,
"butwithyouandDannyfollowingmeeverywhere,Inevergettokeepanythingto
myself.Iwantedthistobeforusandonlyusforafewweeks."

"Igetit,"heassuredher.
"Andthen,youknow,ErinandIvanwereabouttogetmarried,andBenny

andDimitriarestillwaitingfortheirbabygirltobeborn,"shecontinued."Ididn't

wantustoannounceourhappynewsandtakeanythingawayfromthem.They
deservetohavetheirspecialmomentsinourgroupoffriendswithouthavingto
competewithnewsofanotherbaby."

Sergeiwasn'tsurprisedthatshewasthinkingofErinandBenny'sfeelings.

Sometimesheworriedthatshethoughtaboutotherpeopletoomuch.Considering
someofthediscussionshehadoverheadbetweenNikolaiandhiswife,theboss
thoughtthesamething.

"Also…."Shedrewoutthewordandseemedtobewaveringbetween

completingherthoughtandkeepingittoherself.

"Also?"Hepromptedcarefully,certainsheneededtogetwhateverwas

botheringheroffherchest.Theyhaddevelopedacloseenoughfriendshipthathe
couldreadherthateasilynowadays.

Shefinallyansweredhim."IthinkNikolaiistryingtoshoreupdefensesto

makesureI'mprotectedwhilepregnant.Igetthefeelinghe'suneasyabout
blowbackfromthatmessinJanuary.Iwanttokeepthisquietaslongaspossible
sohehastimetodowhateveritisheneedstodo."

Sergeiwasn'tfullyapprisedofthearrangementbetweenthemarriedcouple

whenitcametotheboss'privatebusiness,butheassumedNikolaiwasn'ttelling
hereverything.Vivianwassmartenoughtofillinmostoftheblanks.Withafather
likeRomeroValero,oneofthemostinfamousandviolentmenoftheunderworld,
shehadlearnedaboutthedarknessintheworldthehardway.

HowmuchdidsheknowabouttheNightWolvesproblemsheatingupright

now?Afterthewaytheskinheadshadbeatupthetwodancers,itwasclearthe
NightWolvesknewBesianandNikolaihadbeenbehindframingthemforthe
murdersGrishahadcommitted.DidtheyalsosuspectVivianhadbeentheoneto
handovertheincriminatingevidencethatcausedtheFedstoraidthemandfree
thosetraffickedgirls?

Suddenly,Nikolai'sbehavioroverthelastcoupleofweeksmadesense.

Sergeicouldn'tevenimaginehowmuchstressthemanhadbeenundertryingto
makesurehiswifeandunbornchildweresafe.Aftertheupheavalduringthe
winter,Nikolaicouldnolongerpretendthatthepeoplehelovedwere
untouchable.Grishahadshatteredtheoldrules.Everyonefeareditmightsoonbe
openseasononthefamiliesofthemenmiredinHouston'sseedyunderbelly.

AnunexpectedvisionofapregnantBiancadancedbeforehim.Beforethat

moment,consideringanywomanpregnantwithhischildhadsenthimintoapanic.
Hehadalwaysbeenextremelycarefulinhisdalliancestoavoidexactlythat
outcome…buthecouldn'tdenythattherewasn'tsomethingoddlyintriguingabout

sharingsuchaconnectionwithBianca.

Hecouldjustimaginehersweet,smilingfaceandround,highbelly.

Enjoyingthedaydream,hepicturedthetwoofthemkickedbackonthatbig,
comfortablecouchinfrontofthedenfireplace.Shewouldhaveherheadresting
inhislapwhilehecaressedthecurveofherbellyandtheytalkedabout
decoratinganurseryorpickingbabynames.

Anotherthought,thisonemorehorrifying,struckhimcold.Amanwitha

shavedheadanddarktattoosattackedBiancaoutsideherbridalboutique.
Pregnant,shewouldbetooclumsyandslowtoescape.Hiseyesclosedbriefly,
andheswallowedhard,forcingdownthebilethreatingtoeruptfromhisthroat.

God!NowonderNikolaihadbeenonedge.Sergeiwasn'tevencloseto

reachingapointwherethegoodpartsofhisdaydreamcouldbecomeareality—
butNikolaiwaslivingit.NikolailovedViviansodeeply.Nodoubthelovedthat
babygrowinginsideherjustasmuch.Thebossmusthavebeenconsumedbythe
needtokeepthembothverysafe.

"Iwon'tsayawordtoanyone.Thissecretstayshere."
Shesmiledgratefully."WhataboutDanila?"
"We'lltellhimitwassomethingyouhadforbreakfast.Hewon'tquestionit.

Evenifhedoesguess,heknowsbetterthantosayasingleword."

Shenodded."Itrusthim."
"We'lltakecareofyou,Vivi.Youdon'tneedtoworry.Justconcentrateon

thebabyandwe'lldotherest."

Vivianslidanarmaroundhiswaistandhuggedhisside."Listentoyou!You

big,softRussianmarshmallow!"

Hesnortedandpulledherponytail."Marshmallow,huh?IfI'msosoft,you

bettertellyourhusbandtopullthemoneyhe'llbebettingonmeinacoupleof
weeks."

Herarmfellfromhiswaist."DoesBiancaknow?"
Hisjawtensed."No.Ihaven'ttoldheryet.Ihadtheweekendofffrom

training,butIstartthisevening.She'llwonderwhatI'mupto."

"Youneedtotellher,like,tonight."
"Shewon'tapprove."
"No,shewon't,"Vivianagreed,"butshereallylikesyou.Ifyou'rehonest

withhernow,shecanprocessherfeelingsbeforethetournament.She'llwantto
bethereforyou."

"Likehell!"Sergeishookhishead."Idon'twantheranywherenearthat

place."

"Okay,so,maybenotphysicallythere,butshe'llwanttosupportyou,

especiallyconsideringthereasonsyoufight."Shemusthavecaughtthewayhe
shifteduncomfortably."Sergei,youdidtellheraboutyourmomandbrother,
right?"

"Imentionedthem,yes,butIdidn'tgointodetails."BeforeViviancould

pushhimontheissue,heremindedher,"Youdidn'ttellmethatBianca'sbrother
waskilledbyaguywithtiestonochniyevolki!"

Sherolledhereyes."Youdidn'taskforspecifics.Ifyouwantallthose

gruesomedetails,youneedtotalktothegirlwhowasactuallytherewhenit
happened."

Sergeididn'tenjoythethoughtofbaringhissecretstoBiancaoraskingher

tocomecleanabouthers,butitneededtobedone.Theywereearlyenoughin
theirrelationshipthatthefoundationsneededtobebuiltonsolidground,notona
bedofshaky,shiftinglies."I'lltellhertonight."

"Good."Theywalkedinsilenceforafewminutes."Soit'sgoingwell

betweenthetwoofyou?"

Helaughed."Asifyouhaven’tbeencallingandtextingherfiftytimesaday

toask?"

Shethumpedhisarm."Ihavenot!Idecidedtostayoutofit—"
"Byaskingmehowit'sgoingrightnow?"
"Forgivemeforbeingcuriousabouttwoofmyfavoritepeople."
"Okay,"hesaidwithachuckle."It'sgoingwell.We'remakingitwork."
"I'mreallyhappytohearthat.Youtwolookgoodtogether."
"Iliketothinkso."
Danny'sidlingcarcameintoview,buthetappedVivian'sshouldertostop

herbeforetheygotanycloser.Sheglancedupathimexpectantly."Yeah?"

Henervouslyrubbedthebackofhisneckandfinallyworkedupthecourage

toaskhersomethingabitawkward."WherewouldIgotobuysomereallynice,
likeextremelyclassy,lingerieforBianca?"

AnamusedsmilestretchedVivian'smouth."Oooh!Thissoundsexciting!"
Hegroaned."Comeon,Vivian.Don'tmakefunofme."
"I'mnot."Shepattedhisarm."I'lltakeyoutomyfavoriteshopafterwe

showerandchange.I'vegonetherewithBiancasoIknowtheyhaveher
measurementsonfile.It'saveryhigh-endplace.You'llfindplentyofbeautiful
thingsforher."

ConsideringNikolaionlyallowedViviantobuytheverybest,Sergeiwas

assuredofthefinestqualityforBianca.Hehadnodoubtitwasgoingtobe

outrageouslyexpensive,butshewasworthit.Besides,hehadpromisedtoreplace
thenightgownhe'dtornfromherbodythatfirstnight.AfterthatmesswithKevan,
heneveragainwantedtothinkofanyothermanwhenhepeeledawaythefrilly,
silkythingsshelikedtowear.Hewantedtoknowthatitwassomethinghepicked
especiallyforBiancathatsheworeforhim.

WhileheguidedVivianacrossthestreettoDanny'sidlingcar,hewondered

attheoverwhelmingpossessivenesshefelttowardBianca.He'dhadplentyof
girlfriendsbeforeherandneveroncehadheexperiencedsuchasurgeof
greediness.Itsurprisedhimconsideringhehadsharedwomeninbed—sometimes
withotherwomenandsometimeswithothermen—onatleasthalfadozen
occasions.Hehadn’texperiencedtheslightestbitofjealousyduringthose
encounters.

TheideaoflettinganotherpersontouchBiancathewayheenjoyedtouching

hermadehisheartseize.Hisfingerscurledintotightfists.Hell.Fucking.No.

HerememberedIvanoncetellinghimaboutthemomentErinhadwalked

intohislife.HistrainerandmentorhadconfessedthatErinensnaredhimwithone
simple,easysmile.Ivansworehehadknownthemomenthebrushedtearsfrom
herfacethatshewouldbehis—alwaysandforever.

ButSergei'sintensereactiontowardBiancaperplexedhim.Fromhisvery

firstdateasayoung,innocentteenagertonow,hehadonlyeverfeltthislevelof
possessionwithBianca.Hehaddatedsomebeautiful,sweet,lovelywomenover
theyears,butonlyBiancamadehimfeelthisway.

Deepdowninside,hesuspectedtheanswerwassimpleenough.Infact,it

wasafour-letterwordthathe'dneverutteredtoanyoneexcepthisfamily.Instead
ofgrippinghimwithdreadorpanic,therealizationsettleduponhimlikeawarm
embrace.

FairlycertainthatBiancaneededmuchmoretime,Sergeidecidedtokeep

thisdiscoverytohimself.Hedidn'tdareconfessthedepthofhisaffectionjustyet.
Shewasstillsoskittishandmightrejecthimoutright.

Thingslikethiscouldn'tberushed.Afterwaitingfivemonthsforhertolet

himintoherlife,hecouldfindthepatiencetowaitalittlewhilelonger.Thelast
fewdayshadproventhatBiancawaswellworththewait.

ChapterNine

Checkingmyrearviewmirror,Iswitchedofftheignitionandslidoutofmy

car.Iglancedaroundthequiet,upscaleandincrediblyprivateneighborhood
whereVivianlived.IexpectedtoseethemaroonsedanortheslatebluetruckI
sworehadbeenfollowingmeallday,butthestreetwasclear.Decidingthatthe
visitfrommyprowlerhadputmeonedge,Ichalkedituptoparanoia,headedup
thesidewalkandrangthedoorbell.

WhentheornatelycarveddoorswungopentorevealNikolai,Ismiled

nervously.Althoughhehadneverbeenanythingbutkindtome,hehadan
intimidatingairabouthim.Thesleevesofhiscrispdovegrayshirtwererolledup
tohiselbows,revealingaswathoftattoosIhadneverbeforeseen.Acoupleof
themweresimilartothemarksdecoratingSergei'sskin,butIsuspectedNikolai
haddozensmorethantheRussianheatingupmysheets.

Doingmybestnottostareathisarms,Imethisinvitinggaze."Hi,Nikolai."
"Hello,Bianca."Hesteppedasideandgesturedtowardtheentryway.

"Pleasecomeinside.Veeisinherstudio.She'swaitingforyou."

"Great."Iwalkedbyhimbutdidn'tgoanyfartherthanafewfeetbehind

him.Heprobablywouldn'thavemindedifIhadheadedstraightbacktothe
recentlyconvertedhomestudiospace,butIwouldn'thavefeltcomfortablegetting
toocasualinhishome.

Afterhelockedthedoor,Nikolaimotionedformetowalkwithhim."How

isbusiness?"

"Weddingseasonisinfullswingsoit'sprettywildaroundtheshop."
"We'refullybookedatSamovarwithrehearsaldinnersandcateringorders.

Icanimaginewhatyourschedulemustlooklike."

"I'dratherbeworkingmytailoffthanbeggingforbusiness,youknow?"
"Oh,Iknow."
ThefaintthumpofelectronicmusicfilteredthroughtheclosedFrenchdoors

sealingoffthestudio.Hereachedforthehandlebutdidn'timmediatelyopenit.
Instead,heglancedatmeandasked,"Howlonghaveyouhadthisproblemwith
theprowler?"

Surprisedbyhisinterest,Ireplied,"Um,youknow,justafewweeks.

Why?"

Hisshouldersbouncednonchalantly."You'reoneofVee'sbestfriends.She

caresaboutyou,andit'simportanttomethatthepeopleshecaresforaresafe."

"Oh.Well…thanks."
Hetiltedhisheadinacknowledgmentandrappedhisknucklesagainsta

glasspanebeforeopeningthedoor."Vee?Biancaishere."

Sheappearedwithpaint-stainedfingersandasmocksmudgedwithold,

driedpaint.Twirlingapaletteknife,shewavedmeinside."Hey!I'mjustfinishing
up.Youwanttohelpmecleanbrushes?"

Iissuedalittlelaugh."Sure."
"Vee,"Nikolaicutincarefully,"I'lltakecareofthatforyoulater."He

gesturedaroundthestudio."Thefumes,solnyshkomoyo."

Sohewasworriedaboutthefumesfrompaintthinner?Itickedanotherbox

onmyrunninglistofpregnancysymptoms.NowIwasallbutcertainVivihada
littleNikolaibuninthatovenofhers.

Vivianplacedherpaint-splatteredhandatopherhusband'sonthedoorknob

inalovinggesture."Allright,Kolya.I'llleavethebrushesforyou."

Hebentdown,kissedhercheekandthenbrushedhislipsalongthecurveof

herthroatinasensual,intimateway.Smilingatus,Nikolaibackedawayfromthe
door."Bianca,willyoubestayingfordinner?"

"Oh,Iwouldn'twanttointrude."
"You'renot,"heassuredme."I'llsetathirdplacefordinner."
"WhataboutSergei?"Vivianasked."Ishefreetonight?"
"No,he'sstayinglateatthegym.Hetoldmehewasgoingtogrababite

withsomeoftheguysfromthewarehouse."

"Wouldyoulikeaglassofwine,Bianca?I'dbehappytobringonetoyou,"

Nikolaioffered.

"No,butI'llhaveonewithdinner."Iheldupafinger."It'smyoneglasslimit

whenI'mdriving."

"Smartgirl,"hesaidandleftus.
Vivianloopedherarmthroughmineandbroughtmeintothestudio."I'm

tryingtofinishupafewnewpiecesformyLondonshow."

"Oh!Right!"AfterherspectacularlysuccessfulshowinJanuary,Vivihad

networkedherlittlebacksideoffandsnaggedamajorbenefactorinthe
internationalartworld.NielsMikkelsen,theDanishbillionaireartcollectorand
magnate,hadfalleninlovewithherartandhadmassagedhiscontactsabroadto
getheraninvitationtoshowherpiecesinoneofLondon'sbestgalleries.Itwasa
hugeaccomplishmentforher,andIcouldn'tbeprouder.

"Areyougoingtocome?"
"ToLondon?"
"Yes."
"Um…"

"Comeon!Youknowyouwanttogo."
"Well…"
"YouandSergeicouldmakeitaromanticgetaway."Shesuggestively

waggledhereyebrows."Youbothneedavacation."

TheideatemptedmeenoughthatIdidn'timmediatelyshootitdown."We'll

see."

Smirkingtriumphantly,shedroppedherdirtypaintbrushesintoaplasticbin

andputthelidsbackontothetubesofopenedpaint.Iexaminedthecanvases
proppeduponeasels.Uponcloserinspection,Irealizedshewasrevivingold
techniquesIhadn'tseenherusesincehighschool."You'redoingmixedmedia
withthiscollection?"

"I'mbuildingoffthetattoohistoriesforthiscollectionanddoingmy

interpretationofallthis."Shewhirledapaletteknifearoundherhead."Youknow,
thisbizarrelifeofmineandthejuxtapositionofniceHoustonwith,well,the
darkersideofthecity.Itfeltrighttogobacktosomethinggrittier,moretextured."
Shestudiedherworks."Layers,youknow?Inartandlife."

"Igetit.Ilikeit."
"Iknewyouwould."Shesmiledatme."So…tellmeaboutSergei."
Ileanedagainstherworktableandfiddledwithapapertowel."It'sreally

good."

"Ihearhekickedinyourdoor."Shestartedtogiggle."Iwouldhaveloved

tohaveseenyourfacewhenyousawthatdoorhangingoffitshinges."

Icouldn'thelpbutlaughwithher."Hemadeitallrightbyreplacingthe

door."

"Andrunningoffyourprowlerlastnight?"
"Yes.Didhetellyouaboutgettingsortofarrested?"
"No!Whathappened?"Shepeeledoutofhersmock."ShouldIbeworried?"
"No.ItwasastupidthingwithKevan.Sergeiwaschasingtheprowler,and

Icalled9-1-1.Kevanwastheclosestpoliceofficersotheyranintoeachother.
Kevandidn'tbuyhisstorysohecuffedSergeianddrovehimtomyhousetoprove
thathewasaliar.Honestly,IthinkheprobablyrecognizedSergeiasoneof
Nikolai's,um,employees.KevanknowsthatI'mfriendswithyousoIthinkhewas
tryingtomakeapointaboutSergeibeingthewrongtypeofguy."

Shegavemealook."Wellthat'sawkward."
"Youhavenoidea."IdecidednottotellheraboutSergeistrippingmeofthe

giftedclothingandmakinglovetomeuntilIthoughtIwasgoingtopassout.I
figuredshewouldn'tappreciatethedetailsofSergei'sskillsasalover,especially

sincesheconsideredhimalmostabrother."WhateverKevanwastryingtodo,it
didn'tworkonme."

Viviancametomeandtookmyhand.Shedidn'tsayanythingatfirstand

seemedtobechoosingherwordscarefully."Iknowit'sreallyhardforyouto
breakyourrule.Iunderstand,andIrespectyourreasonsforit."

Wonderingwherethiswascomingfrom,Ifrowned."Iknowyoudo."
"SoI'mnotgoingtostandhereandtellyouthatNikolai'smenaredifferent

thanthemenwhotookyourbrotherawayfromyou.I'mjustgoingtosaythat
Sergeiishands-downoneofthefinestmenI'veeverknown."Sheheldupher
hand."Okay.Yes,sohesortofcrossesthelineeverynowandthen,butIknow
thathe'snevercrossedthoselines."

"Buthe'sdonesomanyillegalthings."Ivoicedmyfears."HowdoI

overlookthat?"

Sheswallowedhard."IacceptNikolaiforwhatheis—andwhatheisn't.I

lovehim,andI'mwillingtotakethiswalkwithhim,whereveritleadsus."

"YousoundlikeSergei,"Isaidsoftly."Hesayswehavetostartourjourney

here,wherewearenow."

"Andwhereisthejourneygoing?"
"Idon'tknow,Vivi."
"That'sokay."Shesqueezedmyshoulder."You'restillfeelingoutthe

parameters.It'saverynewrelationship."

"Isit?"IspokealoudathoughtIhadbeenhavingallday."SergeiandIhave

beendancingaroundthisformonths.Let'sberealhere.I'vebeeninlustwiththat
mansincethefirstmomentIsawhim.WhatIfeelforhimnow?Itscaresme.It's
thatstrong."

"Yousaythatlikeit'sabadthing."
"It'sunsettlingforme."
"SotalktoSergei,"shesuggested."He'sagoodlistener.Ichathisearoffall

daylong.HealwaysgivesgoodadvicewhenIneedit."

"Really?"
"Yep."Shesqueezedmyhand."IknowSergeilookstoughandscary,but

he'sagentlesoul.Ifyouwanthim,lethimknowthatyouneedsometime.He'll
waitforyou."

"Ialreadymadehimwaitfivemonthsforasinglekiss,Vivi."
"Andhewashappytodoit,"sheinsisted."Listentome.GuyslikeSergei

andNikolai?Youknowwhattheywant?Theyjustwantastrong,sexy,smart
womantheycanlove,spoilandpamper.Ifyouthinkthat'ssomethingyoumight

want…"

"Itis.Just…notyet."
"Sotellhim."
"Iwill."
Nikolaiknockedatthedoorandpoppedhisheadinsidethesunroom-slash-

studio."Dinnerisready."

Sittingdownwiththecouplefordinnerwasapleasantexperience.Ihadno

ideaNikolaicookedsowell.PerhapsIshouldhavesuspectedasmuch
consideringheownedoneofthefinestandmostpopularrestaurantsinthecity.I
noticedthewayhepouredahalfglassofwineforVivianandthewayshedidn't
touchit.Isowantedtoindulgemycuriositybutheldmytongueandcommenton
theirruse.

Whileenjoyingmydessertandacupofcoffee,Icaughtheryawningand

woundupmyvisit.Theybothwalkedmetothedoor,butNikolaiactuallycame
outontothesidewalk,almostasifhewantedtomakesureIgottomycarallright.
Ifounditslightlystrangebutchalkedituptohisoverprotectivestreak.

WhenIgottomycar,Iglancedupanddownthestreet—andsawthat

damnedmarooncarsittingfartherdownthestreet.Frustrationwelledinsideme.
Whatthehell?

Hikingmypursehigheronmyshoulder,Iabandonedmycarandmarched

acrossthestreet.Ihadhadjustaboutenoughofweirdostryingtoscaremethis
week.Whoeverthiscreepwas,hewasabouttogetanearfulfromme.

"Bianca!"Nikolaicalledoutmyname."Stop!Comeback!"
ButIwasalreadyatthepassengersidedoor.Pissedoff,Iknockedhardon

thedarklytintedglass."Hey!Jackass!Lowerthiswindowrightnow!"

Insteadofloweringthewindow,thedriver'ssidedooropened,andthevery

lastpersonintheworldIhadeverexpectedsteppedout.ItwasEricSantos,
Vivian'scousinandadetectivewhospecializedinHouston'sgangs.

"Eric?"Isputteredhisnamewithsurprise.
Heofferedaboyish,lightheartedgrin."Ipreferthattojackass."
Thrownforaloopbyhisappearance,Iasked,"Whatareyoudoinghere?"
Eric'sgazeslidtoNikolaiwhohadfinallyreachedus."I'monbusiness."
IglancedatNikolaiandimmediatelyrecognizedthattautexpression.There

wassomeveryold,verycomplicatedhistorybetweenthesetwo,andIreally
didn'twanttostepinthemiddleofit.

"Santos."
"Nikolai."

Withanaggravatedsigh,Nikolaisaid,"Santos,I'vemadeitabundantly

clearthatyouarewelcomeinmyhome."

"Yourhome,huh?"
Nikolai'smouthsettledintoatightline."Ourhome."
"Uh-huh."
"Youdon'thavetoskulkonmystreeteverytimeyouwanttovisitVee."
"Yourstreet?"Ericlookedupanddowntheroad."Iwasunderthe

impressionthesestreetsbelongtothecityofHouston."

Nikolaididn'ttouchthatone.Instead,hesaid,"Veewouldliketoseeyou.

It'sbeenafewweekssincethetwoofyouhavehadlunch.Youshouldcomein
andsayhello."

Ericlookedlikehewantedtosayyes,butheshookhishead."Ican't.I'mon

theclock."

"Outsidemyhouse?"
"No.I'mnotsittingonyourhouse."
Ifhewasn'tsittingonNikolai'shousethatmeant…
Nikolai'sgazesnappedtome,andacoldchillcreptupmyneck.Mouthdry,

IaskedtheobviousquestionofEric."Whyareyoufollowingme?"

Ericseemedtobeweighinghiswordsverycarefully."Ihavesome

concernsaboutyoursafety."

Mystomachdropped."Whatdoyoumean?"
"You'vehadmultipleprowlerreportsinthelastfewweeks.Thetenyear

anniversaryofyourbrother'sdeathiscomingupveryquickly.AfterAdamBlake's
attack—"

Hearingthenameofmybrother'skillersenticyshiversdownmyspine.

"Whatattack?"

NowitwasEricwholookedshocked."Kevandidn'ttellyou?Ithoughtfor

sure—"

"Hedidn'tsayanything."Betrayaltwistedinmychest.Whyhadn'tKevan

mentionedsomethinglikethistome?Itwasimportant,andIneededtoknow!

"AdamBlakewasattackedinaprisonyardfight.Theygottohimwitha

shivthatnearlyguttedhim.He'sinbadshape.They'resayinghewon'twalkagain,
andhe'sgoingtobeattachedtoacolostomybagfortherestofhismiserablelife."

Ifithadbeenanyoneelse,Imighthavefeltsomesympathy.InsteadIfeltthe

oddestsensationofjustice.Maybeitwasvengeance.Eitherway,itfeltgoodto
imaginethatmonstersufferingforwhathehaddonetomybrotherandwhathehad
takenfrommyfamily.Deepdowninside,Iknewitwaswrongtofeelthatway,

thatIshouldshowsomemercyandforgiveness,butIjustcouldn'tdoit.

"Sowhat?Youthinksomeofhisfriendsaretryingtoscareme?"Itdidn't

makesensetome.Narrowingmyeyeswithsuspicion,Ipushedformore
information."Whataren'tyoutellingme,Eric?"

HispointedgazefixedonNikolai."Theprisonertheyfingeredasthemain

attackeristiedinwiththeAlbaniancrew."

"So?Idon'tknowanyofthosepeople."
"No,youdon't,butthemanspendingtimeinyourbedsureashelldoes."
MyteethinstantlyclenchedasEric'snastyinsinuation."Areyouseriously

goingtostandthereandaccusemeofhiringahitman?"

"AdamBlakeshotyourbrotherincoldbloodrightinfrontofyouwhenyou

werefourteenyearsold,Bianca.Peoplehavearrangedprisonhitsforahellofa
lotless."

Arighteousangerburnedthroughme."Eric,youbetterbegladthere'sa

friggin'carbetweenus.Otherwise,I'dbeknockingyouupsidetheheadwithmy
purseforsayingsomethingsouglytome."

Aglimmerofregretcrossedhisface."Forwhatit'sworth,Idon'tthinkyou

hadanythingtodowithit,buttheNightWolves?Theywon'tbesoforgiving."He
glancedatNikolaiagainbeforefocusingfullyonme."Youprobablydon'twant
myadvice,butI'mgoingtogiveitanyway.Getyourselfabigassdog,areallybig
gunandasecuritysystem.Hell,springforabodyguardifyoucanaffordit.But
mostimportantly,Bianca?StayawayfromSergeiSakharov."

"You'reright,Eric.Idon'twantyouradvice."Pivotingonmyheelandstill

pissedoffathimforaccusingmeofarrangingamurder,Isnarledovermy
shoulder,"Andstopwastingtaxpayerdollarsfollowingmearound.Golookfor
somerealcriminals."

"Liketheonewalkingyoubacktoyourcar?"
Icouldn'tbelievehehadtheballstolobthatpartingshot.Tohiscredit,

Nikolaididn'ttakethebait.Hematchedmystepsandkepthisgazefixedforward.
Whenwereachedmycar,Iunlockedthedoorbutdidn'tslideontothedriver's
seat.Handonthedoor,Iturnedtomybestfriend'shusbandandtriedtogetaread
onhim.Hewasimpossibletodecipher.

"Didyouknow?"
"AbouttheattackonAdamBlake?Yes."
"Whydidn'tyoutellme?"
"Iassumedyourlawyerorthatex-boyfriendcopofyourswouldtellyou.It

seemedunlikelythatyouwouldn'thearaboutitthroughyourownpersonal

network."

"Well,Ididn't."
"Iamsorry,Bianca.Icantellhowshakenyouare."
Heseemedsincerelyupsetforme."IsthatwhyyouaskedmehowlongI'd

hadtheprowler?"

"Yes.Iwasconcernedthatnochniyevolki—sorry—theNightWolves

wouldtrytohurtyou."

"AndSergei?DidheknowaboutAdamBlake?"ThethoughtofSergei

keepingsomethinglikethatfrommemademystomachknot.

"No.Infact,hedidn'tevenknowyouhadtieswiththatskinheadcrewuntil

yesterday.Hewasverysurprisedandtroubledbyit."

Theknotinmystomachloosenedabit.AtleastSergeiwasn'tlyingtome.

"Troubled?Why?"

Nikolaidrummedhisfingersontheroofofmycar."It'sacomplicated

situation,Bianca,andonethat,frankly,I'muncomfortableexplainingindetailwith
you.AllIwillsayisthatittiesbackintoVee'skidnappinglastyear.They're
makingthingsdifficultforsomeofmybusinesspartners—"

"YoumeanthosedancersthatSergeihadtohelp?"
Nikolaididn'tlookpleasedbymyinterruption."Inaway,yes."
Iwaspushingmyluckaskingformoreinformation,butIdecidedtothrow

cautiontothewindandbenosy."WhatabouttheAlbanians?Weretheyreally
behindAdam'sattack?"

"No."Therewasanairoffinalitytohisanswer.Shiftinghisupperbody,

Nikolailiftedhishand.Oncue,apairofheadlightspoppedoninthedirectionhe
faced.IgaspedasIrecognizedtheshapeofthevehicleasthegrayishbluetruck
thathadbeenfollowingme.

"Yes,"hesaidgently."Sergeiworriedthattheskinheadswouldlearnthat

oneofmymosttrustedmenwasdatingagirllikeyou."

"Likeme?Oh."Imotionedtowardmyface."Youmeananicebrown-

skinnedgirl,huh?"

AtwitchinhischeektoldmeIhadhitthenailrightonthehead."Thatsort

ofthingdoesn'tmattertoanyoneinmyfamily,youunderstand?That'sthose
people.Notus.But,yes,yourracemakesthisatrickysituation.You'retheperfect
targetforretaliationbecauseofyourskincolorandbecauseofyourhistorywith
AdamBlake."

Iglancedatthebrightheadlights."Sowhat?Sergeiputatailonme?"
"Youmeaneverythingtohim,Bianca.Hewantstoprotectyouandensure

yoursafety.Hecan'tbewithyouduringthedaybecausehe'stakingcareofthe
mostpreciousthingintheworldtomesohechosemenhetrustedtolookafter
you."

Ididn'tknowwhethertobetouchedthathewassoconcernedformy

welfareorpissedoffthathehadn'tsaidanythingtomeaboutanyofthis."He
shouldhavetoldme.Ispottedthemfollowingme.Bothvehicles,"Iaddedand
lookedbacktowardSantos'sedan."Itfreakedmeout."

"It'sbettertobefreakedoutthanhurt,Bianca."
"Iguessyouhaveapoint."
"AfterwhatIwentthroughalmostlosingVee?"Hevehementlyshookhis

head."I'drathermymenriskthewrathoftheirwomenthanleavethem
vulnerable."

ThinkingofwhatVivianhadsurvivedandwhatmybrotherhadnot,I

grudginglyadmittedtomyselfthatNikolaiwasright.

"Listen,Nikolai,um,let'snottellVivianaboutthis,okay?"Glancingback

towardthehouse,Isaid,"Ihaveafeelingshedidn'tseemerunningacrossthe
streetlikeacrazylady.Ifshehad,I'msureshewouldhavecomeouthereto
investigate."

"Whydon'tyouwantmetotellVeeaboutthis?"
"Idon'twantherworryingaboutme,especiallyinhercondition."
Hiseyeswidenedslightly."Hercondition?Didshetellyou?"
"No.Iguessed.Aftersheaskedmetoletoutherbridesmaiddress,Ihadmy

suspicions."Daringtotouchhisarm,Ipromised,"Iwon'ttellanyone.Ifigureyou
twohaveareasonforkeepingitquiet."

"Wedo.Iappreciateyourdiscretion,Bianca."
Imadeazippingmotionacrossmylips.Then,withateasinggrin,Iadded,

"I'llevenpracticemysurprisedfaceforwhenyoutwomakeyourannouncement."

"I'msureyouwill."Hegavemyshoulderasqueeze."Thankyou,Bianca.

Youshouldgethome.Besafe,please."

"Iwill."
Nikolaiwalkedaroundmycarandsteppedontothesidewalkwherehe

stooduntilIturnedthecornerandhedisappearedfrommyrearviewmirror.The
truckdrivenbymybabysitterfollowedclosebehindme.NodoubtSantosinched
alongbehindthetruck.

MybrainworkedovertimetountanglethemessIhadcreatedformyself.

TheretaliationfromAdamBlake'sfamilyandtheracistNightWolvesgang
couldn'tbepreventedbutSergei?Oh,thatwasallmyowndoing.

IfIwantedtokeepSergeiinmylife,thesetypesofepisodeswould

probablybemorefrequent.CouldIdealwiththat?DidIwanttoacceptit?Those
weretherealquestionsIneededtoanswer.

OnethingIknewforsure.Sergeihadahellofalotofexplainingtodo.

ChapterTen

Legsheavyandtired,SergeislidoutofhisSUVandstretchedhisarmshigh

overhead.Hegrimacedattheslightpullinhisbackandsilentlyconcededthat
maybehistrainerPacowasrightaboutlayingoffthebedroomanticsuntilafterthe
tournament.Notthathewasgoingtolisten,ofcourse.UntilIvanreturnedfromhis
honeymoonandputSergeiondick-lockdownbeforethefights,hefullyintendedto
enjoyeverysingleminutehehadwithBianca.

Heretrievedtheboutiquebagsfilledwithflirty,sexylingerieandthe

suitcasehehadpackedbeforelockinguphisSUVforthenight.Aftercheckingthe
gate,hestartedupthepathtothehouse,hissneakerssquelchingagainstthebrick
pavers.Whenhe'ddrivendownBianca'sstreet,Sergeihadwavedoffthetwo
guyshehadhiredtowatchher.Hehadn'theardapeepoutofthemalldaysohe
assumedtheirbabysittingshifthadgonewell.

Ofcourse,whenheenteredthekitchentothesoundofBiancaslamming

drawers,Sergeihadsecondthoughtsaboutthatassumption.

Hoveringjustoutofhersight,SergeistudiedBianca.Withherhairina

messybun,sheworetinycottonshortsandalooseT-shirt.Itwastheveryfirst
timehehadeverseenherlookingeventheslightestbitcasual.Shewasstunningin
hercurve-huggingdressesandfemininenightgowns,buttherewassomething
oddlybeguilingaboutthisalmostrumpledsideofher.

Whenshebentovertopickupaspoonshe'ddropped,Sergeihadtobite

backagroan.Thosetight-fittingshortsrodeupjustenoughtogivehimapeekat
herbottom.Hedecidedthattonighthewasgoingtohaveherexactlylikethat,bent
overwiththatsweetasspressedagainsthisthighswhilehefuckedherlongand
hard.

Ignoringthehard-onpressingagainstthefrontofhisshorts,Sergeistepped

intothekitchenandinstantlydrewherire.Frowningathim,shesaid,"Oh,you're
here."

Surprisedbyhercoldgreeting,hedidn'tcomeanycloser.Obviously,hehad

missedsomethinghuge."What'swrong?"

"That'sagoodquestion,Sergei."Shetossedthespoonshehaddroppedinto

thesinkwhereitlandedwithanoisyclatterandretrievedacleanonefromthe
drawer.Withoutsparinganotherglancehisway,shewrenchedopenthefreezer
andgrabbedapintoficecream.

Hischesttightandbodytense,Sergeisetdownhissuitcaseandthelingerie

bags.Hecrossedthespacebetweenthemandtooktheicecreamandspoonfrom
herhands,placingthemonthegraniteisland.Puttinghishandsonhershoulders,

hegazeddownintothosechocolate-coloredirisesandaskedsimply,"WhatdidI
dotohurtyou?"

ShegrippedthefrontofhisT-shirtandstaredupathimwithawounded

expressionthatslashedathisheart."Whydidn'tyoutellmethatyouwerehaving
mefollowed?Whydidn'tyoutellmeabouttheproblemsyou'rehavingwiththe
NightWolves?"

Herquestionshockedhim."Howdid—?"
"EricSantos,"shecuthimoff."Vivi'scousinthedetective,youknow?"
"Yes,IknowDetectiveSantos."Memoriesofthestoragelockerandtheman

NikolaiandKostyahadinterrogatedforinformationonVivian'sdisappearance
flashedbeforehim.Itwastheonlytimehehadeverseenthedetectivecrossthe
line.

"EricthoughtIneededtoknowthatAdamBlakehadbeenshankedinside

theprisonyardandthathiswhitepowerbuddiesthinkI'mtheonewhopaidfor
thatattemptedhit."

"What?"Sergei'soutragedshoutmadehersnapback.Guilt-ridden,he

gentlystrokedherarm."I'msorry.Ididn'tmeantoscareyou."

Sheignoredhisoutburstandpokedhiminthechestwiththespoon."You

shouldhavetoldmethatyouwerehavingproblemswiththoseracistwhackjobs!I
hadtogoonlinetofindoutaboutthedancerwhowaskilled.Didn'tyouthinkI
neededtoknowaboutthat?"

"ItoldyouthatI'mnotgoingtoinvolveyouinthatsideofmylife,Bianca.I

didn'tthinkyouneededtoknowthegruesomedetailsofthatwoman'sdeath."Hand
tohischest,heswore,"IdidnotknowaboutAdamBlake'sattack.Ijustknewthat
theNightWolveswerecomingafterusaspayback,andIwasworriedaboutyou.I
puttwomenonyououtofanabundanceofcaution."

"Yeah,well,theyneedtopracticetheirstealthapproaches.InoticedIwas

beingfollowedbytwodifferentvehiclestoday.Atruckandacar,"sheclarified.
"WhenIcameoutofVivi'shousetonight,Ispottedthatcarandmarchedacrossthe
streettoinvestigate.That'swhenEricpoppedoutanddecidedtofillmeinonall
thiscraziness."

"Youdidwhat?"Outragedthatshewouldriskherlife,hecuppedherface.

"Don'teverdoanythinglikethatagain!Doyouunderstandme?Whatifithadn't
beenthedetective?Whatifithadbeenoneofthoseracistassholeswithagun
aimedatyourchest?"

"Well,Ididn'tknowIwassupposedtobeonthelookoutforthem,didI?"

Shesnappedbackathimandslappedhischestwiththespoon."Ithoughtitwas

thecreepystalkerprowlerguy."

"Evenifitwasyourprowler,youshouldn'thavetriedtoconfronthim,

Bianca.Itwasn'tsafe."

"Nikolaiwasrightbehindme.Hewouldn'tletanythinghappentome."
"AsmuchasIwouldwishhimtobe,Nikolaiisnotinfallible.Youseemto

beforgettingthatIwastherethenightNikolaiandVivianwereattacked.Even
withaguntodefendhimselfandallofhisenforcersnearby,Nikolaistilllost
Vivian.IhadtowatchthosemonstersthrowVivianinanSUV,knowingtherewas
nothingIcoulddotohelpher."

Shemusthaveheardtheguiltinhisvoicebecauseherangerseemedto

subside.Shetrailedhersoftfingertipsalonghisjaw.Seekingherheatand
comfort,heloweredhisfaceandnuzzledhercheek."Thatwasn'tyourfault,
Sergei."

"HetrustedmetoprotecthimandtoprotectVivian.Ifailedthemthatnight.I

won'tfailagain."Hethreadedhisfingersthroughherthick,blackhairandtilted
herheadbackjustenoughtoteasehismouthtohers."Iwillnotallowyoutobe
harmed.Whateverittakes,Bianca,Iwillkeepyousafe."

Shemeltedintohimandallowedhimtohavethekisshewanted.Whenit

ended,shepattedhischestandsighed."Ithinkweneedtotalk."

Thewordsstruckfearrightintohisheart.Wasthisit?Wasthisthemoment

hehadbeendreading?Hadtoday'sexperiencehelpedherrememberallthose
reasonsshehadrefusedtohaveanythingtodowithhim?

Aninvisibleballformedinhisthroatandthreatenedtochokehim.Hetried

toswallowbutcouldn't.Mouthdryandheartracing,hedecidedtobebraveand
takeitrightonthefuckingchin."No,Bianca.Ifthisisit—ifyou'rereadytobreak
upwithme—justdoit.Don'ttrytosparemyfeelings."

Shedidn'tsayanythingatfirst.No,shesimplygazedupathimwiththe

strangestexpressiononhisface."Breakingupwithyouisprobablythesmartest,
safestthingformetodo."

Hisstomachswooped,andheclenchedhisteethtogether.Shewasright.He

couldn'targuewithheronthatpoint.

"ButI'mnotgoingtodothat."
Hisheartbeatsprintedasherwordshithim.Finallyabletoswallow,he

clearedhisthroat."No?"

"No."Shesmiledupathimandtappedhischestwiththespoonagain."Let's

haveicecreamandtalk."

"Ican't."Atherfrown,hehastilyexplained,"Ican'thaveicecream.Ihave

toeatascleanlyaspossibleuntilthefights."

"Fights?"
Nodding,hegrabbedthepintofvanillaicecreaminonehandandgrasped

herfingersintheother."Yousaidweneedtotalksolet'stalk."

Heledherovertothesturdywoodentableandpattedthesurface."Sit

here."

Sheshothimalookofconsternation."Sergei,we'renotdoingthatright

now."

Hesnortedwithamusementandswattedherbottom."That'snotwhatIwant

rightnow.Later?We'lldowhateverIwant."

"Whateveryouwant,huh?"Shepursedherlipswithannoyancebutthere

wasnowayshecouldhidethatglimmerofexcitementinhereyes.

Certainshelovedbeingbossedaroundbyhim,hepointedtothetable."Sit.

Now."

Followinghisorder,shewiggledthatplumpassofhersandslidontothe

table.Hedraggedoutachairandplaceditinfrontofher.Thosedaintyfeetof
hers,thetoenailspaintedthebrightestshadeoforange,restedonhisthighs.He
peeledthelidoffthevanillaicecreamandtookthespoonfromherhand.The
deliciousscenttemptedhim,butheplannedtoeatsomethingeventastierinalittle
while.

Dippingthespoonintothecreamy,vanillabeanfleckeddessert,hegathered

asmallbiteandliftedittohermouth."Openup."

Oneofherdelicatelyarchedeyebrowsliftedwithsurprise."Areyou

seriouslygoingtofeedme?"

"Yes,Iseriouslyam."
Shelaughedandleanedforwardtotakethebiteheoffered.Aftershe

swallowed,shelickedherlips,seeminglyunawareofallthetantalizingimages
shespurredwiththatsimpleaction."You'rejustfullofsurprises,aren'tyou?"

Heshruggedandscrapedthespoonacrosstheicecreamagain."WhatcanI

say?I'macomplicatedman."

"Yes,youare."
Hefedheranotherbitebeforeexhalingwithresignation."Almostsixyears

ago,myolderbrother,Vitali,becameentangledwithsomegovernmentcorruption.
Healwayshadbigdreams,youknow?Money,success,power—hewanteditall,
buthedidn'twanttoworkforit.Sohetooktheeasywayandendedupworkingas
amiddlemanforamobcrewandsomegovernmentofficialswhowantedtoclean
updirtymoney."

"Um…yourmobcrew?"sheaskedinaquietvoice.
"No."Itwasthefirsttimehehadopenlyconfirmedhistiestothemobto

her.Notthatshehadn'talwaysknown,ofcourse."Arivalcrewthatranwith
peopleourgovernmentbackhomeconsideredterrorists."

"Jesus,"shehissed."Thatsoundsdangerous."
"Itwas."Shakinghishead,heliftedanotherspoonfuloficecreamtoher

poutylips."Vitya,"heusedhisbrother'snickname,"gotintoodeep.Aftera
hostagesituationthatwentbadly,thegovernmentcrackeddownhard—andthe
officialshehadbeenhelpinglaundermoneygotsnappedupinadragnet."

"Ohno."
"Thegangdecidedhewasalooseendthatneededtobetiedupsotheywent

tohisflattodealwiththeproblem,buthewasn'tthere."

Herworriedgazepiercedhis."Whowas?"
"Hiswifeandmytwonieces."
Sheputahandtohermouth."No."
Atthemuffledword,henoddedandgrittedhisteethtogether.Shovingdown

thepainfulfeelingsthatthreatenedtobringtearstohiseyes,heroughlyclearedhis
throatandcontinuedwiththetale."Ihadtoidentifywhatwasleftofthem.It
was…"

Sheclaspedhishandandinterlacedtheirfingers.Leaningforward,she

kissedhisforehead."Baby,stop.Youdon'thavetodothistoyourself."

Itwasthefirsttimeshehadeverusedapetnamewithhim.Somehowthat

littlebitofsweetnesseasedthepaininsidehim."Ineedtotellyoueverything.
Rightnow.Tonight.Let'sgetitoutthereandbedonewithit."

"Allright."Biancakissedhim,touchingherlipstohiswiththebarestbitof

pressure.Shecaressedthebackofhisneckandthensatbacktolethimfinishhis
tale.

Hespoonedanotherbitoficecreamintohermouth."BeforeIcouldreach

myyoungerbrotherVladimirandmymother,theyhadsnatchedthem.Vityahad
goneintohidinglikeacoward.Ididn’tknowwhattodosoIcalledtheonlyman
whocouldhelpme."

"Nikolai?"
"Yes."Heofferedhersomemoreicecream,butsheshookherhead.Ashe

putthelidbackonthecoldcarton,heexplained,"NikolaiandIvanhadbeena
fixtureinmylife.Theyhadlivedinourneighborhood.Theykeptthingsquietand
safe.WhentheyleftforHouston,thebigboss—Maksim—madesurethatthings
stayedthatway."

"Soyouweren'talwayspartof,um,thefamily?"
"No.Istayedoutofit.Ididafewyearsinthearmyandwenttouniversity

—"

"Youwenttocollege?"Shelookedtakenaback."Isthatwhyyouspeaksuch

perfectEnglish?Didyoufinish?"

Heshookhishead."Iwasclose,butno."
"Whatdidyoustudy?"
"Iwantedtobeanarchitect.NowconstructionistheclosestI'llgettothat."
"That'snottrue.Youcouldgobacktoschool."
"It'stoolateforthat,Bianca."
"It'snot."
Certainshewasn'tgoingtoletthisdrop,hefinallysaid,"I'llthinkaboutit."
Shedidn'tlookveryconvinced.Pokinghisstomachwithherbigtoe,she

asked,"SoyoucalledNikolaiand…?"

"HesentmetoseeMaksim.Theoldmanwaslookingforareasontotake

onthatcrewandsnuffthemrightout.Iknewtheywereusingme,butIdidn'thave
anyotherchoice.Ihadalreadylostthreemembersofmyfamily.Ithadtostop."

"Whatdidyoudo?"Hervoicewasbarelyaboveawhisper.Thefearinher

eyeshadhimquestioningwhatshethoughthimcapableofdoing.

"IsoldmyselftoMaksim."
"Youwhat?"
"Themenholdingmymotherandbrotheragreedtoaransom,butitwastoo

muchformetoeverevendreamofraising.Maksimboughtmeinexchangeforthe
cashandthemanpowertofreethem.Hearrangedahandoffandgotthemback."

"Soyou'relikehisslave?"Horrorwidenedhereyes."Sergei,that'snot

right!"

"It'snotthatsimple."
"YoubelongtoMaksim.Heboughtyou.It'sprettysimple,Sergei."
"Idon'tbelongtohimanymore."
Sheblinked."Wait.Wait.Areyouabouttotellmethatmybestfriend's

husbandownsyounow?"

Sergeinoddedstiffly."AfterMaksimsavedmyfamily,Istartedworkingfor

theoldman.Itwastypicalenforcerstuffatfirst,butwhenheaskedmetokilla
manandhisgirlfriendforstealing,Icouldn'tdoit.IcalledNikolaiandbeggedfor
hishelp."

"Andheboughtyou?"
"Mydebt,"hecorrected."Nikolaiownsmydebttothefamily."

Speechless,shestaredathimforthelongesttime.Hedidn'tknowwhatto

saysohekepthismouthshutandwaited.Finally,shereachedforhishandand
draggeditontoherlap.Herfingertiptracedtheoldscarsonhisknuckles."So
that'swhyyoufight."

"Yes."
"Topayoffyourdebt?"
Henodded."Andtoraisemoneytobringmymotherandbrotheroverhere."
Shebreathedoutandshookherhead.Shewantedtosaysomethingbut

didn't.Instead,sheasked,"Whataboutyourolderbrother?Whathappenedto
Vitali?"

"Icouldn'tsavehim.Theothercrewcaughtupwithhim,andtheykilled

him."

"I'msorry,Sergei.That'sjust…it'sterrible."Stillholdinghishand,shesaid,

"Iguessit'smyturn,huh?"

"Youdon'thavetotellmeifyouaren'tready."
"I'mreadytotellyou.Itwasreallystupidthough."Sheglancedtowardthe

ceilingandblinkedrapidly."Evenalltheseyearslater,Ican'tbelievethatIlost
mybrotherbecauseofaboxofcandy."

Hisbrowfurrowed."Idon’tunderstand."
"Wehaven'tbeentogetherlongenoughtotalkmoney,butI'maprettyfrugal

girl."

"Isthatwhyyou'retryingtodotheworkaroundthehousebyyourself?

Because,Bianca,it'snotveryfrugaltohavetopayaprofessionaltocomeinand
fixeverythingasecondtime."

"Yes,I'mquiteawareofthat.SomeofthestuffaroundhereIwantedtotry

myselfasawayofprovingIcoulddoitallbymyself."

Recognizingthatstubbornindependentstreakofhers,hegaveherthigha

littlepinch."Youdon'thavetoproveanythingtomeoranyoneelse.It'sokayto
askforhelp."

Shepinchedhimback."I'mstartingtofigurethatoneout."
"Good."
"Idon'twantyoutothinkthatI'mbrokeorwhatever.Actually,I'mquite

comfortableandhavesavings,mutualfundsandretirement."Sheshrugged."Ijust
don'tseethepointofspendingmoneyonthingsIcangetcheaper.Likemycar,"
shesaidandgesturedoutback."Itwastwoyearsoldandhadlessthanten
thousandmilesonit,butIgotitforasteal.Igotthehouseatacountytaxsale
auctionforanoutrageouslylowprice.Samethingwithmyclothing.Idoalotof

onlinedesignerflashsales."

Hehadnoideawhataflashsalewas.Puttingtogethertheglimpsesshe'd

givenhim,hemadeaneducatedguessabouttheafternoonthathadchangedher
life."Youdidn’twanttopaytheoutrageouspricesforcandyatthemovietheater
soyouaskedyourbrothertostopattheconveniencestore?"

"Yes.ThiswasafewyearsbeforeMamamovedtheshoptoitsnew

location.Theoldshopwasafewblocksawayfromabig,busyconvenience
store.PerryandIpoppedinforcandyanddrinks.Wewerealongthebackofthe
store,nearthecoolers,whenweheardtheseloud,rudeguyscomeinside."

"Howmany?"
"Three,"shesaid,herfingerstighteningaroundhis."Ididn'tseetheone

withagunatfirst.Ionlysawthetwowithbaseballbats.Theyweretearingthe
placeup,knockingoverdisplaysandbeatingonthedisplaycases.Mr.Mirwani
wasshoutingatthem.Hiswifewashidingbehindthecounterandcallingthecops.
Perrynoticedthatthedoorthatledtothestockroomwasopensohepushedme
thatway—andthat'swhentheysawus."

Sergeicouldtellsheneededsomeencouragementtofinishsohecurvedhis

handagainstherneckandrubbedhisthumbupanddownalongtheveinthat
pulsedwildlythere.Soon,heplannedtomakeherheartraceformuchbetterand
pleasurablereasons."Whathappenednext?"

"Theonewhodidn'thaveabaseballbatchasedus.Thedoorthatledoutto

thealleywaslocked,andIcouldn'tgetitopenfastenough.Perryandtheguy—
AdamBlake—startedfighting.Mybrotherwentdownhard.Adamhadhisback
turnedtomesoIpickedupabroomandhithimacrossthebackofthehead."

Shestoppedandclosedhereyes.Asingleteardrippeddownhercheek.

Sergeiachedforherandslidalittlecloser.Heembracedherandwipedtheshiny
wetnessfromherface."Goon,Bianca."

"SoIgrabbedPerry'shandandtriedtogethimupoffthegroundsowe

couldrun,buthewasprettybadlydazed.Adamgottohisfeetfirstandpushedme
intoastackofboxes.Ifellandthenhewasontopofme.Heputhishandsonmy
neckandstartedtochokemesoIclawedathisfaceandscratchedhischeekand
eyelidopen.Thatwaswhenhehitme."

Sergei'sjawclenchedtogethersotightlyhewasshockedhisteethdidn't

shatter.

"ButthenPerryjerkedhimoffmeandtheystartedfightingagain.Itwassuch

amessandeverythingwashappeningsofast."Sherubbedhertemple."Perrytook
anotherpunchtothefaceandfelltotheground.Adamlookedlikehewasaboutto

stompPerry'sheadsoIjumpedonhisback.Wewerebothslappingandspinning
andshouting.SomehowIendedupagainstthewall.Heslammedhisheadback
andbrokemynoseandchippedmytooth."

RedspotscloudedSergei'svision.IfAdamBlakehadn'tbeenlockedaway

inprison,hewouldhavekilledthemanforhurtingBianca.

"Hejerkedawayfromme,andIfelltothefloor.Ididn'trealizehehadthe

guntuckedintothebackofhisjeansuntilhesteppedawayfromme,anditfell.I
don'tknowwhatIwasthinking.I'dneverfiredaguninmylifebutIlungedforit."

"And?"
"Hegottoitfirst.Hecalledme…hesaidsomethingreallyawfulandaimed

atmyhead.Iclosedmyeyes."Sheclosedthemnow,inthepresent,asifreliving
thememory."AndthenIheardPerryshoutingmyname.Hejumpedbetweenus—
andtookthebulletrightinthechest."

Hereyesflashedopen.Theshimmeroftearsfilledhimwithsuchsadness.

Hedesperatelytriedtoconsoleher."Lyubimaya."

Shesniffedloudlyashewipedherfacewiththebottomofhisshirt."Perry

fellintomyarms.Adamjustlookedatme.Heseemedstunned.Itwasacomplete
turnaroundfromthevicious,bloodthirstylittlebastardhehadbeen.Thenheran
outofthere.Notlongafter,Mrs.Marwanirushedintotheroomanddroppeddown
besideme.Ididn'tknowitatthetime,butAdamshotherhusbandonthewayout
thedoor.Hediedinstantly."

Theirgazesmet,herssowoundedandhispainedforthelossshehad

endured.Finally,shesaid,"Inmovies,theyalwaysmakedeaththisnoblemoment,
youknow?It'snotlikethatinreallife.Perrydidn'tsayanything.Hejustclutched
atmewhilehechokedandwheezed.Hisbloodspilledontomylegsandsoaked
mydress.Hedidn'tsaygoodbyeorhaveanylastwords.Hejustgasped…andthat
wasit.Thatwastheendofmybrother'slife."

Hestartedtotellherthathewassosorryforherlossbutthewords

wouldn’ttakeawayherpain.IthadbeensomanyyearssincePerry'smurderthat
thedaysforofferingcondolenceswerelonggone.Instead,hetracedhisthumb
alongtheappleofhercheekandasked,"What'syourfavoritememoryofyour
brother?"

Surpriseflittedacrossherbeautifulface."Idon'tknow."Sheconsideredhis

question."Maybethetimeheconvincedmetogocampingwithhim."

"You?Camping?"Hedidn'tbelieveit."Wheredidyouputallofyourhair

productsandmakeupandclothes?"

Playfullythumpinghisarm,shelaughed."Yes,Iknow.Ihatedmostofit.He

wantedtogooldschoolwithatentandsleepingbags.Itwasmiserable—but
somehowIendeduplovingit.Thatwasoneofthelasttimesweweretogether
andoneofthebestweekendsofmylife."

Gladtoseehersmileagain,hewrappedsomeloosestrandsofherhair

aroundhisfinger."TellmewhatelseDetectiveSantostoldyou."

"HesaidthattheNightWolvesthinkImighthavehiredtheprisonerwho

attackedAdamBlake.Apparently,thisconvictistiedinwithsomeAlbanian
crew."

Sergeieasilyconnectedthedots."And,becauseI'mwithyou,theythinkyou

usedmetohireahit."Hisgutclenched."Shit."

"Yeah.IstraightoutaskedNikolaiiftheAlbanianswerebehindtheattack,

buthesaidno."

Hedidn'tthinkNikolaihadanyreasontolietoher."Thenhemustknow

whoorderedthehitandwhy."

"Ifiguredasmuch."
"Bianca,"hespokecarefully,"wehavetobeextremelycautiousuntilthis

matterissettled.Youcancontinueworking,butyouhavetopromisemethatyou
won'tgoanywherewithoutmeorthemenIhiredtowatchyou."Beforeshecould
protest,heputhisfingertohermouth."Please,Bianca,don'tfightmeonthis.Let
mekeepyousafe."

Shedraggedhishandawayfromherlips."Iwasn'tgoingtofightyou.Iam

woefullyoutofmydepthshere.Ineedyourhelp."Then,withaquirkofthatsexy
mouthofhers,sheadded,"Butmaybeyoucouldgivethosetwoguysfollowingme
arefreshercourse."

"Sweetheart,they'regoingtobegettingmorethanarefreshercoursewhenI

getaholdoftheminthemorning."Hewasstillaggravatedbeyondmeasurethat
neithermanhadtextedorcalledhimaboutBianca'srun-inwithSantos.

Staringattheirinterlacedhands,sheasked,"Whendoyoufightagain?"
Heenjoyedthesightoftheirfingersintertwined.Herbarewristsinspired

thoughtsofjewelry.Sheneededsomethingdelicateandgoldtodecoratethem.
"ThefirstweekendinJune.It'satournamentthatlaststwonights."

"Therearetournaments?"
"Everyyearthebossesgettogetherandputonatournament.It'sawayto

introducenewfightersandscorethemforfuturebetting."

"Youonlyhavetofighttwice?Onceeachnight?"
Sergeicouldhearthefearinhervoice."IwillfightfourtimesifIwin."
Biancacaressedhisknucklewithherthumb."FromwhatIhear,younever

lose."

"Idon't.It'swhyI'msovaluable."
"You'renotaracehorse,Sergei.You'reahumanbeing.Theyshouldn'tbe

makingmoneyoffyoulikethis."

Touchedbyherwords,headmitted,"Imakemoneyoffmyself,too."
"Topayoffyourdebtmorequickly?"
"No,tobringVladimirandmymotherhere.Thelastlawyerdidn'tworkout

verywell."Hedidn'twanttogetintothedetailsofhowbadlythatexperiencehad
ended."Ineedthemoneytopayforanewimmigrationlawyerandvisasand—"

"Thereareeasierwaysthangettingtheshitbeatoutofyouinacage,

Sergei."

"Easier,yes,butthemoneyisn'tasfast.I'mtiredofwaiting.Iwantmy

familyhereasquicklyaspossible."

"Idon'tlikeit."
"Idon’texpectyoutolikeit."
"Sowhat?Youjustexpectmetostandonthesidelinesandcheeryouon

whileIprayyoudon'tgetkilled?"

"Iwon'tbekilled,andIdon'twantyoutostandonthesidelines.Thefights

arenottheplaceforawomanlikeyou."

Shetrailedherfingerdownhischest."Awomanlikeme,huh?Whatsortof

womanisthat?"

Sexualenergysizzledbetweenthem.Likingtheturntheirdiscussionwas

taking,Sergeipepperedkissesalongtheexposedskinofherneckandjaw.
"Gorgeous.Sexy.Classy."

"Keepgoing,"shesaidwithasmilecoloringhervoice.
Hesuckedhardonthecurveofherthroatandbitdowngently.Hisdick

throbbedatherexcitedgasp."IfIkeepgoing,we'regoingtoendupfuckingon
thistable."

Amischievousglintbrightenedhereyes."Yousaythatlikeit'sabadthing."
Grinning,hestoodupandstrodetowardhissuitcasetodigoutsomeextra

condomshehadstowedinthereratherthanrunningupstairsforonefromtheir
stash.Bythetimehehadgrabbedwhatheneeded,Biancahadundressedand
perchedlikesomesortoferoticwoodnymphonthetable.Hernipplesenthralled
him,andhegentlypushedherbacktothetablesohecouldhavebetteraccessto
theplaceshemostwantedtotouchwithhistongue.

"Sergei."Hearinghermoanhisnameashelatchedontoherbreastmadehis

ballsache.Hesuckedhardonhernipple,runninghistongueoverthepeak,and

thenreleasedittoattacktheotherone.Shescratchedathisscalp,hershortnails
glidingoverhisskinandsendingshiversdownhisspine.

Wetandpuckered,hernipplesstoodatattentionwhenhewasdonewith

them.Heflickedoneandthentheotherbeforepinchingthemwithenoughforceto
makeherhipsbuckoffthetable."Weshouldthepiercethese.Canyouimaginea
pairofdiamondsrighthere?"

"You'reoutofyourmind."Shehissedwhenhetweakedhernipplealittle

harderthanusual."It'snothappening."

"Fivemonthsago,yousaidusdatingwouldneverhappen.Maybewe'll

revisittheideaofpiercingsinayear."

"No."Sheranherbarefootunderhisshirt."Takethisoff."Herfoottraveled

downtohisshorts."Thesetoo."

Hebentdowntocapturehermouth."Ithinkyou'reforgettingwhoisin

chargehere."

"Oh."Sheofferedacontritesmile."Right."
"Ididn'tsayitwasabadidea."Hestrippedandtuggedthechaircloserto

thetable.Sittingdown,hewasstilltootall,butitwasamorecomfortableangle
forwhathehadinmind.Forcingherthighswideopen,hegazedupontheshiny
pinknessofherpussypeekingoutthere.Hismouthwateredforatasteofher,and
hedecidednottodenyhimselfamomentlonger.

Heprobedtheslickopeningofherwiththetipofhistongue.Shesquealed

andwiggledashestartedtofuckherthatway.Despiteherdatinghistory,Sergei
couldtellshehadn'thadmuchexperienceinhisbrandofsex.Howanymancould
simplysatisfyhimselfmakinglovetoBiancainonepositionstupefiedhim.With
herlusciousbodyandsweetresponse,shewasthehottestwomanhehadeverhad
—andtheoneheplannedtomakehisoneandonly.

"Yes!"Shepressedherpussytohislips,encouraginghimwithherlittle

moansandsighs."Sergei,thatfeelssogood."

Hegroanedagainsthercuntandslidhistonguethroughherfoldstofindher

clitoris.Usinghisfingerstoframethetinynub,hecoaxeditoutfromitshoodand
flutteredhistongueovertheswollenpearl.Biancacriedoutandliftedherhips.
Hesmiledagainstherpussyandwentwildbetweenherthighs.

Sheshatteredinrecordtime,herclitpulsingbeneathhistongueandher

pleasuredcriesechoingthroughthehouse.Withoutgivingheramomenttocatch
herbreath,Sergeithrusttwofingersinherslipperychannel.Heattackedher
clitoriswithhistonguewhilefuckingherpussywithbothdigits.

Slappingthetableandclutchingathisshoulders,Biancalethimhavehis

waywithher.Hecouldfeelherpassagetighteningaroundhisfingers,squeezing
himashefoundtheperfectrhythmwithhistongue."Sergei.Sergei.Sergei!"

Givinghertwoorgasmssoquicklylefthimfeelingratheraccomplished.

Grinningvictoriously,hewipedhismouthonhersoftbelly,stoodupandkicked
thechairoutoftheway.Hetuggedherintoasittingposition,pulledherdownoff
thetableandspunheraround.Onequickglancebetweenherbodyandhistold
himshewastooshortforthispositiontoworkproperly.Unless…

"Backonthetable,"hegrowled.
Shegaspedwhenhepickedherupanddepositedheronthetable.Kneeling

there,sheglancedbackoverhershoulderwithbemusement."WhyamIuphere?"

"Putyourelbowsonthetableandoffermeyourpussy,Bianca."
Shegulpedbutdidashehadasked.Heappliedthecondomandsmiledat

theperfectpositioningoftheirtwobodiesnow.Sometimeshisextraordinary
heightwasarealpainintheass—andsometimesitwasarealpleasure.

Grippingherhips,hedraggedherbackafewinches.Hesmoothedhishands

alongherthickthighsandcaressedherbottom.Rememberingthewayshehad
reactedlastnightwhenhe'dtouchedthepuckerthere,Sergeidecidedtoseehow
hardthatlinewas.Hegatheredsomeoftheslickcreamfromherpussyand
smeareditbetweenhercheeks.

Hersharpintakeofbreathfilledthekitchen.Hedrewleisurelycircles

aroundheranus.Tinybumpsracedacrossherskinlikegooseflesh.Partofhim
wantedtoknowwhatshewasthinkingrightnow.Heimaginedherbrainwas
racingwithallthereasonswhysheshouldn'tallowhimtoplaywithherlikethis.

Watchinghercarefully,heslowlypenetratedhervirginasswithonefinger.

Hehadnointentionofgoinganyfurtherthanthattonight.Thatimpossiblytight
pussyofherscouldbarelytakehim.Therewasnowayshewasreadytotakehim
here,butthatdidn'tmeanhecouldn'tteachherhowgooditcouldfeeltostimulate
herthere.

Whenshedidn'tstophim,Sergeipushedinalittledeeper."Tellmehowthis

feels,Bianca."

"Wicked,"shesaidfinally."Sinful."
"Wickedlygoodorwickedlybad,"heasked,slowlythrustinghisfingerin

andoutofher.

"Good,"sheadmittedonalongsigh.
"Let'sseehowthisfeels."Lininguptheirbodies,Sergeisheathedthefull

lengthofhisdick.Therewasnostoppingthegroanthatescapedhisthroatashe
relishedthesnug,hotfit."Ican'tgetenoughofyourpussy.You'relikemydrug,

Bianca.Icraveyou."Heretreatedalmostcompletely,leavingjusttheheadofhis
cockburiedinsideherbeforeplungingdeep."Iwantyou."

"I'myours."Shepushedbacktomeethisthrusts."I'mallyours,Sergei."
TheoldtablebeneaththemstartedtosqueakandthumpasSergeiincreased

hisspeed.Itwasgoingtobeoneverylong—andverypleasurable—night.

ChapterEleven

"Ican'tbelieveyou'venevereatenatSamovar."Sergeiheldmyhandashe

ledmedownthesidewalktothefive-starrestaurantVivian'shusbandowned.We
weremeetingfriendsforBennyandDimitri'slasthurrahbeforethebabyarrived.

"Russianfoodisn'treallymything.Besides,whenViviwantedtogooutfor

dinner,thelastplaceshewantedtogowastheplacesheworked."

"Fairpoint."Hepausedbeforewereachedthemaindoorsandgavemy

goldhoopearringsaplayfulflick."I'msorryourfirstdateplanshadtobeputon
hold."

"Thebabyiscominganyday.Thiswillprobablybethelasttimewegetto

hangoutwithBennyandDimitriforawhile."Laughing,Iadded,"Besides,Idon't
knowaboutyou,butLenascaresme.Iwasn'tabouttotellherno."

Hechuckledandslidhishandtomyback,pullingmeagainsthimina

protectivegesture.Loweringhishead,hewhispered,"Don'ttellherItoldyou
this,buttheguysattheclubsheworkedatusedtocallhertheDragonLady."

Myjawdropped."You'rejoking!"
Heshookhisheadandsmiled."Somemenareafraidofastrongwoman."
"NotYuri,"Isaid,spottingthecoupleasweenteredthelobbyofthe

restaurant.Thebillionairetycoonsatafewfeetbehindher,hisankleproppedup
onhisknee,andwatchedasLenachattedwithacoupleofoilmen.Livingaround
Houstonmyentirelife,Ihaddevelopedasortofsixthsenseforpickingoutthose
types.

Shetookabusinesscardfromoneofthemandtuckeditintoherclutch

beforepattingtheirarms.Yurismiledatherassheapproachedandsaidsomething
thatmadeLenagrin.Shereacheddowntoadjusthistie,buthedidn'tletherdraw
backherhanduntilhehadkissedeachfingertip.

"Bianca!"Lenasmiledatmeanddraggedmeintoahug.Notwantingto

stainmycheekwithherlushredlipstick,sheairkissedmycheek."I'msogladyou
guyscouldcome."HergazeskippedtoSergeibeforereturningtomyface.Witha
conspiratorialwhisper,shesaid,"Ihavetohearthisstory."

"Later,"IpromisedandturnedtogreetYuri.
IwasstillshakinghishandwhenNikolaiappearedtotakeustooneofthe

besttablesintherestaurant.Sergei'shandbetweenmyshoulderbladesfeltso
rightaswecrossedthefloortojoinDimitri,BennyandVivian.Iwasfallingfast
forSergeiandbecominghopelesslyaddictedtohispresence.WhenIhadthrown
thesheetsinthewashearlierthatmorning,Ihadactuallybeensadtowashaway
theeucalyptusscentofhim.OnlytheknowledgethatmydeliciouslybigRussian

wouldbeheatingupthosesheetsagainhadeasedthesadness.

Ididn'tthinkitwaspossible,butBenny'spregnantbellylookedevenbigger

thanithadatErinandIvan'sweddingonlyaweekearlier.Shelookedadorablein
herempirewaistdressandhadahugesmileonherfaceaswehugged,butI
sensedshewasnearingthatpointinherpregnancywhereshewastiredandready
togettheshowontheroad.

Howherextremelypetiteframemanagedtobearthatloadperplexedme.A

bitselfishly,IrealizedIwasprobablygoingtolosethepoolwehadrunningon
thebaby.Ihadbeensurethatthebabywouldbeahealthysevenpounds,but
somethingtoldmeErin'sseeminglyoutlandishguessofninepoundswasprobably
goingtobecloser.

SeatedbetweenNikolaiandSergei,IshotVivian'shusbandapleasant

smile.Wehadn'tspokensincethatnightoutsidetheirhome.AsfarasIknew,
Vivianremainedcompletelyinthedarkaboutwhathadgonedown.Iwanteditto
staythatway.

WhenNikolaireturnedthesmile,Icouldn’thelpbutthinkthatheownedmy

man.Listentoyou!Icouldn’tbelieveIwasthinkingofSergeiasmyman.Of
course,IsuspectedSergeihadbeenthinkingofmeashiswomansincebeforethe
nighthe'dkickedmydoordown.Thatwassimplyhisway.

Whenourwaitressapproachedthetable,Inoticedaslighttightnessto

Vivian'smouth.Itwasthatmicro-expressionoffrustrationthatshesometimeshad,
anditvanishedquickly.Smilingatthewaitress,sheaddressedthestunning
redheadinRussian.Whatevertheysaiddidn'tseemtobotheranyoneelseatthe
tablesoIbrusheditoffasoneofthoseworkthings.Maybethewoman—her
nametagsaidLidia—hadbeenapaininVivian'sasswhentheywerebothwaiting
tableshere.

OrmaybeLidiahadmadethemistakeoftryingtocomeontoNikolai…
Sergei'sarmmovedtothebackofmychair,remindingmeofthatnightatthe

wedding."Doyouwantsomehelpwiththemenu?"

IwasrelievedtoseeithadbeenprintedinbothRussianandEnglishbuthad

noideawhatwasgoodandwhatmightbetoomuchformydecidedlySouthern
palate."Please?"

WhileSergeipointedoutdishesthatmightinterestme,Ikeptanearonthe

conversationsaroundus.Everybodywastalkingbusiness—newdeals,
expansions,recentsuccessesandinvestmenttips.Well.Everybodyexceptfor
Sergei.

WhenIwasdrawnintoaconversationwithBennyaboutofferingthe

quinceañeradresses,Icouldn'tshakethefeelingthatSergeimightbefeelingleft
outtonight.Hewasinaweirdposition.Sure,hewasVivian'sfriend,andNikolai
treatedhimlikefamily,butthatdidn'tchangethefacts.NikolaiownedSergei's
bodyandusedhimashewouldanyotherweaponinhisarsenal.

Asifthatwasn'tabizarreenoughpowershift,Sergeiwastheonlymanat

thetablewhobroughtinsignificantlylessmoneythanhispartnerandwhowasn't
abusinessownerofsomekind.IbelievedSergeiwasproudofmysuccess,but
washethesmallestbitembarrassedordisappointedinhiscareersituation?

Afterlearninghehadgonetocollegetopursuehisdreamsofbeingan

architect,Icouldonlyimaginewhatabitterpillhispositionasanenforcerwasto
swallow.Didheimaginehowhislifemighthavebeenifhisolderbrotherhadn't
beensomiserablystupid?

Withthatuncomfortablethoughtrattlingaroundinmyhead,Iglancedup

frommymenutocatchSergeistaringatthewaitressassheapproachedthetable.
Theyexchangedasmilebeforehedroppedhisgazetohisglassofwater.Because
hewasfriendlytoeveryone,Ididn'tthinkmuchofit…untilLidiawalkedaround
thetabletostandbehindSergeiwhileshetookourorders.

Thegorgeous,willowywaitressplacedherhandonSergei'sshoulderwith

atouchthatwasmuchtoofamiliar.Anunwelcomeideabegantoform.Ibattedit
away,refusingtoevengothere,andchalkedituptonothingmorethanfriendship.
SergeispentalotoftimewithNikolai,andhisbosswasprobablyatSamovar
mostoftheday.ItwasonlynormalthatSergeiwouldbefriendlywiththestaff.

Everthealphamale,Sergeiplacedmyorderformeandmadesuretotack

onaglassofwine.Ipinchedhisthighunderthetable,butheone-uppedmeby
slidingthatbig,roughpalmofhisundermyskirt.Hisfingertipsencounteredthe
whisper-thinandexquisitelysoftlaceofthespecialpantieshehadgivenme.Ihad
nearlydiedlaughingwhenIhaddiscoveredthecrotchlessundiesamidthe
gorgeoussilk,satinandlaceintimates,butafteralittlepersuasionfromSergei,I
hadpromisedtogivethemachance.

Recognitionflashedinhisdarkeyes.Hetriedtopushasidethelacyfabric

todiscoverthatsecretpartofme,butIsqueezedmykneestogether,trappinghis
handanddenyinghim.Leavinghishandrightthere,heshotmealookthat
promisedyetanothernightfortherecordbooks.

Afterhisself-imposedcelibacy,Sergeiseemedtobemakingupforlost

time.Ididn'tthinkI'dhadasmuchsexinalltheyearsIhadbeenactiveaswehad
hadinthelastweek.Themanwasinsatiable—andinventive.Someofthethings
wehaddonetogethermademeblushwhenIthoughtaboutthemlater.Intheheatof

themoment,thatmegawattsmileandsexycharmofhiscouldinducemetotry
anything.Asofyet,Ihadn'tbeendisappointedbyhisadventurousnessorskill.

Whenourappetizersarrived,theconversationaroundthetableturnedtothe

babyanditsprecariousbreechposition.Bennywasstillhopefulthebabywould
decidetoturn,butIhadafeelingthatkidwaspackedintheresotightlytherewas
noroomformaneuvering.IunderstoodherfearofaC-section,especiallythe
possibilityofcomplicationsandrecovery,butIsensedDimitripreferredthat
routeinsteadofattemptingabreechdeliverythatmightgobadly.

ThinkingofBenny'ssituation,Icouldn’thelpbutimaginemyselfgiving

motherhoodatrysomeday.Withmycareerinanupswingandthedemandsofthe
businessrising,Iassumedmotherhoodwasafewyearsaway.Sippingmywine,I
glancedatSergeiwhowasdeepinconversationwithDimitriandwonderedwhat
hewouldbelikeasafather.

Thethoughtmademyheartstutter.Ishouldn'thaveevengonethere—we

wereway,waytooearlyinourrelationshiptoevenbethinkingaboutstrollersand
cribs—butIcouldn'thelpmyself.AfterhearinghowfarSergeiwaswillingtogo
tosavehismotherandbrotherandhavingseenwithmyowneyeswhathewas
willingtodotoprotectme,Iharborednodoubtsabouthisinstinctstonurtureand
love.

Buthiscurrentlineofworkwasmuchtooriskyforraisingafamily.So

manybadthingscouldhappentohimorthepeoplehelovedbecauseofhis
associationwithNikolai.Pushingastrangedumplingaroundmyplate,Iwondered
ifthatwasthereasonVivianseemedhell-bentonkeepingherpregnancyasecret.
Shehadalreadysurvivedsomuchviolenceinhershortlife.Thedesiretoprotect
herbabyfromNikolai'senemiesmusthavebeenstrong.

ThesoundofLidia'shuskyvoicedrewmeoutofmythoughts.Shehad

stoppedbytorefillglassesandsweepawayemptyplatesbetweencourses.I
watchedthewayshespoketoSergei,makingapointoutofconversingwithhimin
theirsharedlanguagesoIcouldn'tunderstandwhatshewassaying.Herslender
handslidfromhisshouldertobrushthespotrightabovethecollarofhissteel
blueblazer.

Issheforreal?Icouldn'tdecideifthisladywasjustcluelessoractively

tryingtobaitme.Sergeiseemedtotallyoblivioustohercome-onsoIdecidedto
letitslidefornow.Refusingtocauseascene,Ipretendednottonoticeandlet
LenadrawmeintoadiscussionaboutherfledglingcrisisPRfirmdippingtheir
toesintothefashionwaters.

WhenLidiareturnedwithourentreesandacoupleofrunnersintow,she

madeanotherpointofbendinglowtochatwithSergei.ThistimeIactually
understoodoneofthewordsthatlefthermouth.ItwasatermIoftenheardVivian
callNikolai—andwhollyinappropriateforthesituation.

Sergei'slowlaughterandmurmuredreplyhitmelikeanicepicktothe

chest.Irecognizedtheyweren'tsimplyonfriendlyterms.No,theyhadbeenmuch,
muchcloserthanthat.Soclosethatshefeltcomfortablecallinghimdarling...

Untilthatmoment,Ihadentertainedonlythevaguestideaofthewomen

Sergeihaddatedbeforeme.Sittinghere,staringupatthisknockoutwithatrim
figureandshapely,longlegs,Ijustwantedtocry.HowinthehelldidIcompete
withthat?

Theanswercamequickly.Icouldn't.
Lidiawasaten,andIwas,onmybestday,aseven.Myself-confidence

tookamajorhit,andIbegantodeflate.ThegorgeousgolddressthatIhadthought
lookedsogoodonmesuddenlyseemedtobetooclingyandtight.Ithoughtofthe
wayithuggedthenotsofirmpartsofme,thespotsthatjiggledandneededahefty
applicationofSpanx.

IfSergeicouldhaveasupermodellikeLidia,whatthehellwashedoing

withme?

Allthoseoldfeelingsofinadequacybegantocreepuponme.Ididn'teven

wanttoconsiderthewhat-ifs.IdesperatelywantedtobelieveSergeiwantedme
—therealmewithcelluliteandflawsandabigbehind—becausehelikedme.
FacedwithLidiaandtheevidencethathecoulddoandhaddonemuchbetter,I
begantowonderhowlongIcouldholdhisfascination.Withallthecomplications
IbroughtintohislifenowthatmytiestotheNightWolveswerefrontandcenter,
wouldhegrowtiredofmeandrememberhowgoodhe'dhaditwithabeautiful
womanwhosharedhisheritageandhislanguage?

Everyfiberofmybeingscreamedformetopubliclystakemyclaimonhim

andtoputLidiainherplace,butIrefusedtolowermyselftothatlevel.Iwasn't
abouttostartbrawlingoveraman—evenamanIcaredaboutasmuchasSergei
—inafreakingrestaurantwhilesurroundedbyourfriends.Ihadtoomuchself-
respecttodosomethingsodéclassé.

Glancingaroundthetable,itseemedonlyVivianhadpickeduponthe

strangevibes.ShenarrowedthoseicyblueeyesatLidiabutwaitedtosay
somethingtoourwaitressuntilthewomanbentdowntoplaceVivian'splatein
frontofher.WhateverVivianhissedintoLidia'searhititsmark.Thewaitress
snappedupramrodstraightandstrodeawayfromthetable.

"Vee,"NikolaiaddressedhiswifeinavoiceIcouldbarelyhearoverthe

clatterofsilverwareandthelowdinofconversationsallaroundus.The
witheringlookVivianpinnedhimwithdissuadedhimfromcontinuingwhatever
hehadplannedtosay.Apparently,therewasonepersoninthewholewideworld
whocouldscareNikolai.Unfortunatelyforhim,itwashiswife.

Choosingnottomakeitintoabigdeal,Igavemydinneratestanddecided

itwasn'thalf-bad.IdoubtedtheflavorsofRussianfoodwouldeverpleasemy
palate,butIlikedtheexperienceoftryingnewthings.Once,IcaughtLena
shootingmeasympatheticlookthatmadeusbothsmile.ItseemedonlyBennyhad
developedatruelovefortheexquisitelyprepareddishes.Ormaybeitwasa
pregnancything…

"Howwasit?"Sergeileanedovertospeakwithmeandbrushedhis

fingertipsalongmynapeaswewaitedforourdishestobecleared.Withateasing
smilethatmademybellyswoop,heasked,"AmIgoingtobemakingscrambled
eggsandtoastforyouwhenwegethome?"

"No,"Isaidwithashortlaugh."Itwasokay.Itwasdifferent,butIliked

someofit."

Hepickedupthesmalldessertmenuandflasheditinfrontofme."Let'sfind

somethingyou'llenjoy."

"Oh,you'regoingtoletmepickthistime?"
"Dessertshouldalwaysbethelady'schoice."Hissmolderinggazeheated

merightup.Thatsneakyhandofhisglidedalongmyinnerthighandreachedits
destinationbeforeIcouldstopit.Thecornersofhissexymouthliftedwiththehint
ofasmile.

Schoolingmyfeatures,Imanagednottoreacttothewickedswipeofhis

fingertipsalongtheseamofmysex.Therewasjustenoughlaceinthewayto
impedehisexplorationbutIdoubtedhewasgoingtoletalittlethinglikethatstop
him."Whatdoyourecommend?"

"Somethingsoft,warmandsweet,"hemurmured,hisfingertipsdipping

beneaththelacetoglideovermyclitoris.

Mythighstensedaroundhishand,andIhadtobitemylowerlip.Wasthis

reallyhappening?WasIsittinghereinarestaurantlettingmyboyfriendplaywith
mypussy?WhatinthehellhadSergeidonetometomakemebehaveso
wantonly?Whycouldn'tIstophim?

Becauseyoudon'twantto…
Keepingmygazefocusedonthemenu,Itriedtoplayitcool.Iwoulddieof

mortificationifonepersonatthetablerealizedwhatSergeiwasdoingwiththat
sinfulhandofhis.Gladforthelongtableclothsandthewallatourbackthatkept

usmostlyhidden,IthoughtofSergeiswearingoffdessertsuntilafterhisfights."I
reallyshouldn'thavedessert.Itwouldbecrueltomakeyouwatchmeeat."

ThoughthestatementwasmeantforSergei,itwasLidiawhosnorted

derisivelyasshebentdowntogatherupthedishesbetweenSergeiandYuri.Fully
awarethatshewasmakingfunofmyweight,Istiffenedwithembarrassment.My
lipspartedsoIcouldclarifymystatement,butSergeistoppedme.

Withoutasingleglancetowardhisex,Sergeikepthisgazefixedonme.He

trailedafingerdownmycheek.Nodoubthecouldfeelthehotflushofmy
embarrassment.Hisbreathtickledmyearashemovedinsoclosethatnooneelse
wouldoverhearus.Withhisotherhand,hecuppedmypussyinthemost
possessiveway."Youeatdessertnow,andI'llhaveminelater,yes?"

Peeringintohiseyes,Ifeltsomeofmyembarrassmentmeltaway."Yes."
"Perfect."Hekissedmycheekandpluckedthemenufrommyhand.Holding

ituptoLidia,hedidn'tevenlookatherasheorderedsomethingforme.Thehand
thathadbeensensuallytormentingmesliddownmythighinacomfortinggesture.
Irarelydwelledonthenumbersthatlitupmybathroomscale,butLidiahadfound
thatweakspotinmyarmorandjabbedherpointystickrightintoit.Sergeiseemed
tosensemyself-confidencewasunderattackandwantedtosoothemewithhis
gentlypettinghand.

Gladthateveryoneelseatthetableseemedoblivioustowhathadjust

occurred,IlistenedtothediscussionofVivian'supcomingLondonshow.

"Bianca,didyoudecideifyoutwowerecoming?"Vivianabsentmindedly

ranherfingerbackandforthalongNikolai'sweddingband.

IglancedatSergeiwholookedsurprisedbythequestion."Itslippedmy

mind."

"Ifyouwanttoflyoverwithus,there'splentyofroominthejet,andwe'd

lovetohaveyou,"Yurisaid.

"Oh!Thanks,Yuri."Ismiledattheoutrageouslygraciousbillionaire."We'll

thinkaboutit."

SergeiaddressedYuriinRussian,probablytothankhimfortheoffer,and

Yuriwavedhishand.InEnglish,Yurireplied,"What'stheuseofhavingallthese
lovelytoysofmineifIcan'tusethemtoscorepointswithLena'sfriends?"

Lenaplayfullyrolledhereyes."AndyousayI'mcompetitive."
"That'snotallIsay,lyubimaya."Yuriinterlacedtheirfingersatopthetable

andkissedhertemple.Glancingattherestofus,heasked,"Wouldyouliketo
comeouttoFazeafterdinner?"

"Notus,"Dimitrisaid,hisarmcurvedprotectivelyalongthebackof

Benny'schair."Ihaveafeelingthisoneisgoingtokeepmebusymassagingher
crampinglegsandfetchingantacidsallnightsoIshouldturninearly."

Bennyjustlaughedandshrugged."Youcan'targuewithfacts."
IknewthatNikolaihatedbusyplaceslikeclubsandmovietheaterssoIwas

surprisedwhenhelookedtoVivianbeforeshootingdowntheideaoutright.

"IsCobyplayingtonight?"sheaskedYuri.
"Ofcourse,"hesaid.Seeminglycurious,heasked,"Howdoyouknowher?"
Vivianleanedtothesidesoherdessertplatecouldbesetinfrontofherby

Lidia."Wehaveafriendincommon,HadleyRivera,andobviously,we'reboth
fansofelectronicmusic."

"Thenyou'llhaveafantastictimetonight.She'sdroppingsomenewmix

tracks."Yuri'sgazeslidtome."Whataboutit,Bianca?Youwanttocomeoutto
Faze?"HesmiledatSergei."Ididn'tseethetwoofyoudanceatthewedding.It's
aperfectnightforafirstdance,don'tyouthink?"

BeforeIcouldanswer,LidiaaccidentallyknockedherarmintoNikolai's

fullglassofwineassheplacedmydessertinfrontofme.Thedelugeofrich,red
winespilledontomylapandsplashedmybodice.

Gasping,Isatbackquickly,butthedamagewasdone.AmidLidia's

apologeticblabbering,Nikolaiflippedupthesoakingwettableclothtocatchthe
restofthefloodwhileSergeisnappedopenhisnapkinandtriedtosopupthe
mess.

Icaughthiswristandstoppedhimfromrubbingthefabric."Youshould

blot,"Isaidandtookthenapkinfromhim."Neverrub."

Hedidn'tlookpleasedbymycorrection,butIdidn'thavetimetothinkabout

bruisinghisegorightnow.

"I'msosorry.Ididn'tseetheglass."Lidiagushedwithsaccharinefauxguilt.

"Ican'tbelieveIdidthis!"

"It'sokay,Lidochka.Accidentshappen."
IblinkedasSergei'swordsregisteredinmybrain.Washeseriously

excusingher?AndLidochka?Ididn'tknowverymuchabouthislanguage,butI
knewthosefunnylittleendingstonameswerecommonlyappliedtoformpet
namesandshowaffection.

MygazeclashedwithSergei,andIinstantlysawtheregretinhisdarkeyes.

Clenchingmyteethtogether,Iglancedawayfromhimandcontinuedblottingatmy
dress.Angersurgedthroughme.Lidochka,huh?Screwthis.

"I'llgrabsometowelsandclubsoda."ScowlingatLidia,Vivianshovedout

ofherchairandscurriedawayfromthetable.

ShehaddisappearedfromsightbeforeIcouldtellherthatclubsodawasn't

goingtobeenoughtohelpastainthismassive.Nikolaiseemedtounderstandas
hehandedmeadrynapkinandthrustthewetoneatLidia."Sendmethedry
cleaningbill.Ifitcan'tbefixed,I'llreplaceyourdress."

"Don'tworryaboutit,Nikolai."Ismiledathimandfinishedblottingupthe

excess.Ineededtogetawayfromthetableandclearmyhead.Already,myheart
wasracingandmystomachwasinknots.Playingupthenonchalance,Isaid,
"That'stheriskagirltakeswhenshegoesoutfordinneranddrinks."

"Thatmightbetrueatotherestablishments,butit'snotatmine."Hisicecold

gazeslidtoLidiawhohadthegoodsensetokeephermouthshut.Didhesuspect
shehaddoneitonpurposeasIdid?

Ireachedformypurseandrosefrommychair."Sorry,Yuri.Itlookslike

therewon'tbeanydancingformetonight."

ExcusingmyselfandshakingoffSergei'sgraspinghand,Imadeabeelinefor

thebathroomsoIcouldwipeawaythewineslickingmythighsandsplashedon
mybreasts.Iignoredthepityinglooksfromtheotherdiners.WhenIgotagood
luckatmyselfinoneofthebeautifullyframedmirrors,Iunderstoodthosesad
frowns.Themaroonsplotchesruiningmygolddresslookedawful.

ThedoorswungopenandLenajoinedme."Girl,thatdressisbeyond

saving."

"Yeah,"Isaidwithasigh.Then,withahalfheartedshrug,Iadded,"That's

okay.Igotitforseventypercentoffduringaflashsale."

Shegrabbedahandfulofpapertowelsfromthedispenserandwetthem

undertheclosestfaucet."Well,don'ttellNikolaithat!Makehimpayforthefull
costofthedress.Thatlemon-facedved'maonhispayrolldidthisonpurpose."

"Thatlemon-facedwhat?"
"Ved'ma,"shesaidagainandthrustthepapertowelsintomyhand."Itmeans

witch."

"Andyouknowthishow?"
"I'vebeenreadingalotofRussianchildren'sbookslately."
"Because?"
"I'mtryingtopracticemycomprehensionandlanguageskills."Sheshooed

metowardastall."Youbetterhurryoryou'regoingtogetallsticky."

Iduckedintothestallandlockedthedoor.Iheardadoorafewstallsdown

openandcloseandrealizedLenawasmultitasking."Sowhat'sthestorybetween
thatbigRussianbeastofyoursandthered-hairedsuccubus?"

GrinningatLena'sdescriptionofthesituation,Iadmitted,"I'mnotsure.I

thinktheymusthavedated."

TheimageofSergeikissingLidiatwistedinmychestlikeaknifeplunged

deepintomyheart.Ididn'tevenwanttothinkaboutthetwoofthemmakinglove.
Theyweresoperfectlymatchedinheightandlooks.Theimageofme—chubby,
jigglyme—inbedwiththeRussianAdonisseemedalmostcomicalnow.

"Apparently,thatwhackjobwaitressdidn'tgetthememothatit'sover.Was

itarecentthing?"

Iswipedthewinefrommylegs."Idon'tthinkso.Sergeitoldmehehadn't

goneonadateorbeenintimatewithawomansinceDecember."

"Seriously?Doyoubelievehim?"
EvenashurtasIwasbythepetname,Igaveherthetruth."Yes."
"Isthatwhenyoutwomet?InDecember,Imean."
"Yes."
"Well,you'vegottoloveamanwhoiscommitted,right?"
"Yes,"Iagreedsoftly.Washecommittedtothis?Tous?Iwantedtobelieve

thatwastrue,buthowcouldhenotbehavingsecondthoughtsafterhisrun-inwith
Lidia?

Thedoorwhinedasitopenedagain.AssumingVivianhadfinallytracked

medown,Iunlockedmystallandsteppedouttoaskherforonethosetowelsshe
hadgonetofetch.

Exceptitwasn'tVivianwaitingforme.Itwasthered-hairedved'ma.
Armscrossed,sheglaredatmewithsuchahaughtylookonthatprettyface.

WhatintheworldhadSergeieverfoundattractiveinthiswoman?

"You'llneverbeabletomakehimhappy."
"Oh,sothat'swhatthisisabout,huh?"Igesturedtomystaineddress."See,I

thoughtmaybeyouwerejusttheslightestbitjealousthatSergeiwasgoingtotake
metoFaze.IgotthefeelingyouhadneverbeeninvitedtoVIPsectiontheresoyou
wantedtomakesurethatIdidn'tgettogoeither."

Lidiarolledherlight-coloredeyes."Bigfuckingdeal.Allthewaitresses

aroundhereknowthatalltheyhavetodoisofferYuriNovakovskyapeekattheir
panties,andhe'llgetthemVIPbracelets."

Ididn'tbuythatforonesecond.Sure,Yuri'splayboyreputationhadbeen

legendary,butthatwasbeforeLena.Hehadneverstrayedfromher.Acouple
didn'tsurvivetheirneardeathexperiencewithoutforminganunbreakablebond.
ThewaitressesaroundherecouldwalkaroundnakedandYuriwouldn'tgivethem
asecondglance.

ThinkingofLenahiddenawayinherstall,IrealizedLidiahadjustmadean

enemyshedidn'tneed."Honey,Ithinkyoushouldgetbacktoworkbeforeyou
makethissituationworseforyourself."

"AndIthinkyoushouldgetreal,"Lidiasnapped."Doyoureallythinkyou

haveafuturewithSergei?"Sheguffawed."Lookatyou.Oncetheexoticappeal
wearsoff,he'sgoingtogettiredoffuckingafatgirleverynight."

Irritated,Iasked,"Isthatallyou'vegot?Yousureyoudon'twanttomake

funofmydarkerskintoo?No?Justfatjokes.Well,comeon.Startthrowingthose
dartsmyway.I'mabiggirl.Icantakethem."

Sheseemedtodeflateattherealizationthatshecouldn'tbaitme.Full-on

nastynow,shesneered,"You'lljustembarrasshim.Whatdoyouthinkhismother
willsaywhenshemeetsyou?She'llneverapproveofsomeonelikeyouwithher
son.No,heneedsawomanhecanbeproudofonhisarm."

Someonelikeyou?Whatthehelldidthatmean?Somethingtoldmeshe

wasn'ttalkingaboutmyplus-sizedfigurebutrathermyskincolor.Itwasthefirst
timeinyearsthatanyonehadevermadesuchanignorantremarktowardme.
Honestly,Iwastakenabackbythecomment.

BeforeIcouldfigureouthowtorespond,astalldooropened,andLena

revealedherselftoLidia.Theotherwoman'sjawslackenedastherealizationof
theshitshehadjuststeppedinfinallyhit.

Alwayscoolandcalm,Lenastrodetothesinkandstartedtowashher

hands."Awomanhecanbeproudof,huh?Youmean,like,oh,asuccessfulsmall
businessownerwhotookthenumberonespotonHouston'sThirtyEntrepreneurs
UnderThirtylist?"

WhenLidiadidn'tanswer,Lenaflickedherfingersinthesinkandreached

forsometowels."Ormaybeyoumeanawomanwhogotintooneofthemost
prestigiousfashiondesignprogramsintheworldandstudiedabroadinParisand
Milan.Howaboutawomanwhodesignscoutureweddinggownsthatretailfor
thousandsofdollarsapieceandhavebeenincludedinbridalmagazineswith
hundredsofthousandsofsubscribers?"

Lidiaswallowednervously."Well—."
"No.No.Wait."Lenaheldupherhandandsmiledevilly."Letmeguess.

Youmeanawomanonthewrongsideofthirtywhostillwaitstablesforaliving
whilehopingsomerichmanwillswoopinandsaveherfromthatshittypaycheck-
to-paychecklifeshe'sliving,right?"

Icouldn'tbelieveLenahadgonerightforthejugularlikethat.Eventhough

Lidiahadbeenoutrageouslybadtome,Ididn'tthinkitwasrightforLenatoattack
heronthesamelevel.WasthiswhytheyusedtocallhertheDragonLady?Inall

thetimeIhadknownher,shehadneverbeensovicious.

"Myfriendoverthereistoosweetandclassytolowerherselftoyourlevel,

but,sweetheart,I'mnotafraidtogetdirtydownhereinthegutterwithyou."Lena
grabbedmypurseandslappeditintomyhand."Let'sgo,Bianca."

Tuggingmealongbehindher,sheglancedatLidia."Youmightwanttolook

atthewantadsinthemorning.IhaveafeelingyourtimeatSamovarisaboutto
end."

Outinthehallway,weranrightintoSergei.Hehadato-gobagdangling

fromonehandandhisblazerintheother.Hesteppedcloseanddrapedhisjacket
aroundmyshoulders.Thestillwarmfabricheldhisscent,andIpulledittighter
aroundmybody.

ThedoorbehindusswungopenandLidiamarchedoutofthebathroom.

Dabbingatherface,sheshotapitifullookourwaybeforescuttlingawayonher
clackinghighheels.Ihadtogivehercredit.Thewomanknewhowtoworka
crowd.

"Bianca,whatdidyoudo?"Sergeistareddownatme,hiseyeshardandhis

browfurrowed."Didyougetherfired?"

"That'sthefirstthingyouaskme?"Igapedupathiminutterdisbelief."That

nutruinedmydress,andyou'reworriedaboutwhatIdid?"

"Yourdresscanbereplaced.It'snotsosimpletofindanewjob."
"Thenmaybesheshouldn'tgoaroundthrowingglassesofwineatthepeople

shedependsonfortips!"

"Itwasanaccident!"
"Youmusthavetakenonetoomanyhitstothehead.Ithinkyou'regoing

blind.TherewasnowayonGod'sgreenearththatthis,"Igesturedtomystained
dress,"wasanaccident."

"Whywouldsheriskherjoblikethat?Youdon'tknowher.She'sagood

person.Shewouldn'tdothat."

"You'reright.Idon’tknowher."Shakingmyhead,Ipeeledoffhisblazer

andpusheditbackintohishands."ClearlyIdon'tknowyoueither."

Spinningonmyheel,Iclutchedmypursetightlyinmyhandandlefthim

thereinthehallwaywithLenawho,bythesoundsofit,wastearingintohim.
Feelingnumbandcompletelythrownbythestrangeturnournighthadtaken,I
walkedoutoftherestaurantandheadeddownthesidewalk.Ididn'tknowwhere
thehellIwasgoing.IjustknewthatIhadtokeepmoving.

AwayfromSergei.

ChapterTwelve

"Whatiswrongwithyou?"
SergeifrownedatLenaCruz."WhatdidyousaytoLidiainthere?"
"WhatdidIsay?"Lenachortledloudly."Youshouldbeaskingmewhatyour

preciousLidochkasaidtoBianca."

Hesilentlycursedhimselfforlettingthatstupidpetnameslip.Itdidn'tmean

anything,butobviouslyBiancathoughtitdid."WhatdidLidiasaytoBianca?"

"Well,let'ssee."Lenaheldupherhandandbegantickingoffpointsonher

manicuredfingers."ShecalledBiancafat.Sheinsinuatedthatyou'reonlywith
Biancabecauseyou'resatisfyingsomeweirdcuriosityaboutblackgirls.Oh—and
therewasthepartaboutyourmomhatingBiancabecauseofherbrownskin."

Takenaback,SergeistartedtoprotestthatLidiawouldneversayanything

likethat,butthelookonLena'sfacestoppedhim."I'veknownherforyears.She
hasneversaidanythinglikethattome.She'snotracist—andneitherismy
mother,"headdedwithatingeofanger.

"Whythehellareyoutellingmethis?"Lenamotionedtowardthelobby.

"TellBianca.She'stheonewhohadtofendoffyourpsychoex-girlfriend.She's
theonewhocameouthereexpectingyoutocomfortherbutgotanearfulabout
makingthatwhackocryinstead.And,FYI,Sergei,I'mtheonewhomadehercry.
Bianca—forreasonsIwillneverunderstand—lethertalktrashanddidn'tsayone
uglythingback."

Shit.Shit!
LeavingLenawithoutanotherword,SergeihurriedtocatchupwithBianca.

Hescannedthelobbybutdidn'tfindher.Hadshegoneoutside?Pushinghisway
throughthecrowd,hemadeitontothesidewalk.Thankfulforhisuncommon
height,hesearchedbothendsofthestreetforher.

Foundyou!
Hisgazefixedonthebackofhergolddress,Sergeiracedtowardher,

carefullysidesteppingtheslowermovingpeoplepackedontothesidewalk.When
hewascloseenough,hecalledouttoher."Bianca!Please.Stop!"

Tohissurprise,sheactuallydid.Shepivotedtofacehim.Thankfully,she

wasn'tcrying,butthefuriousexpressiononherfacescaredhim.Hehadreally
fuckeditupthistime.

Puttinghishandsonhershoulders,hetriedtocaressherneck,butshe

jerkedherheadtotheside.Gulpingdownthepainthatherrejectioncaused,he
remindedhimselfthathedeservedit.Hadn'thejustdonethesametoher?

"I'msorry,Bianca."

"Idon'tcare.Justtakemehome.Now."
Theurgetohashthisoutwasstrong,buthedidn'tthinkitwassomethingthat

shouldbedoneonapublicsidewalk.Hestartedtoslidehishandtoherbackto
guideherbacktohisSUV,butshesteppedforwardandstoppedhim.Accepting
hercoldbehavior,Sergeiwalkedathersideuntiltheyreachedtheparkinggarage.
Shelethimunlockherdoorbutsmackedasidethehandheofferedtohelpher
climbupontothefrontseat.

Tryingnottoletitgettohim,heletherbe.Someofthemostexcruciatingly

tenseminutesofhislifeoccurredduringtheridebacktoherhouse.Hecouldn't
believehehadbeensostupid.MaybeBiancawasright.Maybehehadtakentoo
manyhitstothehead.

"HowmanyotherwaitressesatSamovarhaveyoudated?"
Sergeiwincedbutansweredtruthfully."ThreeincludingLidia."
"Isee."
"Theyweren'tlong-term,Bianca.Itwastwoorthreedatestops."
"Didyousleepwiththem?"
"Yes."Fearingitwouldcomeouteventually,hereluctantlyconfessed,"Two

ofthematthesametime."

Biancamadeachokingsoundnexttohim."Areyouserious?"
"Yes."Herefusedtobemadetofeelbadaboutthat."Wewereall

consentingadults.There'snothingwrongwithwhatwedid."

"Ifyousayso…"
"YouknewIhadalifebeforeyou,Bianca.I'veacceptedthatyouhad

boyfriendsbeforeme.Hell—oneofthemhandcuffedmetheothernight."

"I'vehadboyfriends,yes,butIdidn'tlettwoofthembangmeatonce."
Hecringedatthevulgardescription."Itwasn'tlikethat."
"Whatever.YoushouldhavewarnedmeaboutLidia.Iwouldhaveworn

blackandkeptaneyeonthewineglassesaroundme.Ugh."Shemadeadisgusted
sound."Ihopeshedidn'tspitinmyfood."

"Shewouldn’tdothat."
"Oh,soshedrawsthelineatthrowingwineonguests?"
"Ifthatwasn'tanaccident,itwasverystupidofher.Iknowthekitchenstaff

there.Noneoftherunnerswouldhaveletthefoodoutoftheirsightslongenough
forhertodoanythinglikethattoit."

"Ifyousayso…"
"Look,"hesaidwithaheavysigh,"IwaswrongaboutLidia,okay?Ididn't

thinkshewaslikethat.Ineversawthatsideofherwhenweweredating."

Biancamadeafrustratednoise."Werewenotsittingatthesametableor

something?Thewomanwasgropingyoueverychanceshegot."

Henoticedthewayshehadn'tmentionedLidia'sderisivesnortoverthe

dessertremark.Lidiahadcrossedthelinewiththatone,andhehadbeenplanning
tospeaktoherthenexttimehesawheraboutrespectinghisnewrelationshipwith
Bianca.Doingitthereatthetablewouldhavesimplydrawnmoreattentiontoa
touchysubject,andthatwouldhavehurtBiancamore.

RememberingtheverbalassaultLenahaddescribed,hereachedfor

Bianca'shand.Tohissurprise,shelethimtakeit.Choosinghiswordscarefully,
hesaid,"Bianca,Ilikeyoujustthewayyouare."

"Oh,Jesus!"Biancajerkedherhandawayfromhis."Canwepleasenotdo

thisrightnow?Okay?Nomoretalking."

Despitethedarkness,hecouldhearthepainandhumiliationinhervoice.If

hereachedoutrightnowtoswipeherface,hewascertainhisfingerswould
encounterthehotwetnessoftears.

Hatinghimselfformakingitworse,hedesperatelytriedtothinkofawayto

fixthis.Ashewaitedforthegatebehindherhousetoopen,itoccurredtohim
therewasonlyonewaytomakethisright.Hehadtoshowherhowbeautifuland
desirableshewastohim.

"Youcanjustleavemehere."
"That'snothappening."Sergeigrabbedtheto-gobagholdingheruntouched

dessertandslidoutofthefrontseatbeforeshecouldarguewithhim.Hemarched
straighttothebackdoorandwaitedforhertounlockit.Unlikethefrontdoor,he
didn'thavekeystothisone.Thatwasaproblemhewouldbesolvinginthe
morning.

Shesteppedinsidethemudroomandtriedtoshutthedoor."Goodnight,

Sergei."

"No."Fasterandstronger,heclampedhishandalongtheedgeofthedoorto

stopher."That'snothappeningeither."

"Thisismyhouse!IfIsaygoodnight,thatmeansgoodnight,Sergei."
"Youcanbepissedoffatmeaslongasyoulike.GodknowsIdeserveit."

Hecarefullypushedonthedoor,mindfulofherfeet,andforcedhiswayinsidethe
house."Butyoustillhaveaprowlerwhomightbetiedinwithabunchofracist
thugswhowanttohurtyou.Youaskedformyprotection,andI'mgivingit."

Sheactuallystompedherfootlikeapetulantchild."Youcan'tjustdo

whateveryouwant,Sergei!Thisismyhome!"

"Ifyoureallywantmetoleave,whydon'tyoucallKevanandhavehim

throwmeout?"Swingingtheto-gobag,heflippedonthenearestlightswitchand
startedhisnightlyroundofthedoorsandwindows.

"You'reridiculous!Youknowthat?"
"Yes."
Shestillhadn'tcalmeddownbythetimehehadfinishedhiswalk-throughof

thegroundfloor.Armscrossedandfoottapping,sheglaredathimashemadehis
waytothestaircase."Areyoudone?"

"No."Decidingtoreallyrileherup,heglancedoverhisshoulderandsaid,

"Unlessyou'rewaitingonKevantoappearatthedoortoarrestmeagain,Isuggest
youcomeupstairswithme."

"WhatintheworldmakesyouthinkIwantgoupstairswithyou?"
Hewavedthebagoverhishead."I'vegotyourdessertrighthere—and

you'vegotminehiddenawayunderyourskirt."

Shedidn'tcomerightaway,butthatwasfinewithhim.Sergeiplacedthe

bagontheottomanandstrippedthebedofitsextracoversandpillows,takingit
downtothetopandfittedsheets.Hetossedastripofcondomsontothemattress.
Pickinguptheantiquedressingmirrorshekeptinonecorner,Sergeimoveditin
frontofthebedandthentoedoffhisshoesandremovedhisshirtandtie.Hewas
peelingoutofhispantswhenBiancafinallyappearedinthedoorway.

Withaloudhuff,shesaid,"Youcan'tfixeverythingwithsex,Sergei."
"Noteverything,"heagreed,"butthis?Yes."
"Andwhatisthis?"
Cladinonlyhisboxer-briefs,heheldouthishand."Comehere,Bianca."
Shehesitatedonlyamomentbeforecrossingthefloor.Somewherealongthe

way,shehadremovedhershoessoherfootstepsweremuffledandnearlysilent.
Shefrownedatthemirrorhehadmoved."Whyisthathere?"

Graspingherhand,hedraggedhercloseandthreadedhisfingersthrough

herhair.Hebentdownandnuzzledherneckbeforepepperingsoftkissesonher
silkyskin."I'mgoingtoshowyouhowsexyyouaretome."

"What?"Anxietymadehervoicewobble.
"You'resuchastrongwoman,butIknowyouhaveyourweakspots,Bianca.

Tonight,Lidiafoundit,andshehurtyouwithit."Touchinghisforeheadtohers,he
said,"Iamsosorryforthat."

Shegulpedloudly,nodoubtchokingdownthepainofbeingbulliedabout

herweight."Itrynottoletthatsortofthinghurtme,butsometimes…"

"Iknow."Cuppingherface,hekissedhertenderly,pressingallthelovehe

heldforherintothegentlematingoftheirmouths.Hemightnothavebeen

courageousenoughtotellherhowhetrulyfelt,butthatdidn'tmeanhecouldn't
showhertonight.

Breakingthekiss,hecarefullyturnedhertofacethemirror.Asif

unwrappingapackageonChristmasmorning,hetookhistimeundressingBianca.
Shestoodsilentlyashedraggeddownherzipper,unhookedherbraandpushed
thoselacypantiesdownherthighs.

Standingbehindher,Sergeicaressedhernakedcurveswithhismuchbigger

hands,allthewhilemarvelingattheprettypicturetheymadetogether.Nuzzling
herneck,henippedathersensitiveskinandwhisperedapromise."Bythetime
I'mdonewithyoutonight,youwillneveragaindoubthowsexyandbeautifulyou
are."

OhsweetLord.
Withmylegstremblingandmyinsideswobblingtremulously,ImetSergei's

undeniablyneedfulgazeinthemirror'sreflection.Althoughstillwoundedby
Lidia'sattack,Icouldn'tdenywhatIsawrightinfrontofme.Sergeimovedhis
handsovermybodylikeasculptoradmiringhisfinestwork.Hepeeredatmeas
ifhecouldn'tgetenoughofme.

Leavingmejustlongenoughtoretrievethebagholdingmydessert,Sergei

returnedtomeandproducedasmallplasticbox.Hepoppedopenthelidandlet
meseethetriangle-shapedslicedottedwithcherriesandsmotheredinalight,
fluffycream.Whatwasheplanningtodo?

Hekneltinfrontofmeandputtheboxonthebedbehindme,justwithinhis

reach.Trailinghisfingerthroughthewhippedcream,heusedtheblobhehad
gatheredtopaintmynipple.Thecoldcreammadethepeakpuckertightly.The
starklywhitecreamlookedsobrightagainstmydarkerskin.Mouthagapewiththe
shockofbeingadornedwithmydessert,IstaredatSergeiindisbelief."Whatare
youdoing?"

"I'mhavingmydessert."
"But—oh!"IroseupontiptoesasSergeiflickedhistongueagainstmy

nipple.Hesuckledmybreastandlickedawayalltracesofthecream.Heavyand
aching,mybreastsrespondedtohislightesttouch.Hepinchedmydampnipple
whilepaintingtheotheronewithmoreofthefluffywhiteconcoction.

Slidingmyfingersthroughhishair,Ilethimusemeashisdessertplate,

smearingmybodywithdabsofthewhippedcreamandlickingandsuckingitfrom
myskin.Whenhetiredofthatsensualplay,hegatheredonefinaldolloponhis
fingerandpusheditbetweenmylips."Suckitclean,Bianca."

Ididasordered,suckinghardonhisrough,thickfingerallthewhile

imagininganotherthick,longpartofhimthatIwantedtoputinmymouth.Hemust
haveseentheflashofinterestbecausehechuckledandplacedanoisykissonmy
belly."Soon,milayamoya,butyoufirst."

Settingasidethedessert,hedraggedmeontothebedandclimbedupbehind

me.Hemaneuveredmeintoakneelingposition,graspingmyinnerthighsand
pushingthemapart.Cuppingmypussyinhisbighand,SergeimadesureIwas
watchinghiminthemirror.Heopenedthepetalsofmysexlikeagardener
coaxingapartsomedelicatehothouseblossom.

Brushinghislipsacrosstheshellofmyear,hemurmuredhuskily,"Youhave

thesweetestpussyI'veevertasted."

"OhGod."Idrewinashakybreathandtriedtoslowdownmyracingheart.
"Lookathowpinkyouare,"hesaidandshowedmeexactlywhathewas

talkingaboutasheglidedhisfingerthroughtheshinynectarleakingfrommycore.
"Andsofuckingwet."Hebitdownonmyneck,markingmeashis."Ican'twaitto
getmytonguerighthereagain."

Hislongfingerslippedinsideme.Mypassageflutteredaroundhim,

grippingathisfingerwhileIbuckedmyhips."Sergei…"

"I'vebeenwithalotofwomen,Bianca."Hewasn'tsayingittobragorhurt

me.Heseemedtobemakingapoint."You'rethefirstonethatevermademeso
hardthatIached.You'retheonlyonewhoevertormentedmydreams."Heslid
anotherfingerinsidemeandstartedtothrustupintomyslickheat."Thispussyis
theonlyoneIwant."

Grippinghisforearm,Irodehisbigfingersandneveroncebrokeourshared

gazeinthemirror'sreflection.Hisotherhandsnakedaroundmyfront.Heput
thosefingerstogoodusebystrummingmyclitwhilehecontinuedtothrustupinto
me.Mybodywasonfirenow,andIstoodnochanceagainsthissensualonslaught.

"Sergei!"Icamehard,mybodyjerkingagainsthisasheusedthose

masterfulhandsofhistoworkmeintoafrenziedstate.Thepoweroftheclimax
punchedtheairoutofmylungs.Whenthelastwavesrolledthroughme,Sergei
gentlytookawayhishands,andIfellforwardontothebed,myshakingarms
barelyholdingmeup.

Irealizedmymistakeamomenttoolate.
Sergeigrippedmyhipsandheldmeinplaceashedelvedintomypussy

withthatwickedtongueofhis.Ithadneveroccurredtomethatamanwouldgo
downonawomanfrombehind,butSergeishowedmeexactlywhythatangleof
attackfeltsosinfullygood.

"Oh.Oh.Oh!"Clutchingthesheetsbeneathme,Itriednottoscreamtoo

loudlyasthesecondclimaxhitme.EverytimeItriedtowigglefree,Sergeiused
hisbrutestrengthtoholdmeexactlywherehewantedme.Histonguedidthingsto
methatwereprobablyillegalinmoststates.Withthewantonsexkitteninsideme
unleashedbyhim,Ipressedbackagainsthisinvadingtongueandlethimdo
whateverthehellhewantedbecauseitjustfeltsoamazing.

WhenIfellforwardinatrembling,shuddering,limpheap,Sergeiwipedhis

mouthonmyplumpbottomandreachedforacondom.Hesheathedhimselfin
recordtimeandclaspedmywaist,haulingmebackupontomyknees.Withonlya
slightnudgeofwarning,hethrustintomeandslidhome,buryingthatshockingly
longcockinsideme.

"Ah!"
"Takeme,Bianca."Heretreatedandpushedforwardagain."Takemy

cock."

WatchingSergeimakelovetomeinthemirrorwasanexperienceIwould

neverforget.Hegazeddownatmybodywithsuchappreciationandadorationand
ranhishandsovermyskinasifhewantedtomemorizeeverylastinchofme.The
glistening,ripplingmusclesofhischest,armsandlegsenthralledme.Hewas
utterperfectioninthemaleform—andhewantedme.

MakinglovetomelikethishaddemolishedthoselingeringwallsIerected

aroundmyself.Itdidn'tmatterwhattherestoftheworldthoughtaboutmydress
sizeorthenumberonmybathroomscale.SergeithoughtIwasbeautifuland
perfect.Hemademefeelfeminineanddesired.HereinforcedmyownbeliefthatI
wasfinejustthewayIwas.

Alongtimelater,wecametogether,mefirstandhimafewstrokesbehind.

Limbstangledatopthebed,weclungtoeachotherwhiletryingtobreathe
normallyagain.Mybodythrobbed,andIshiveredeverytimeSergei'scallused
palmglidedovermybellyandalongmythighs.

"Areyouconvinced?"
"Yes."MythroatwassorawthatIwinced.
Sergeichuckledwithamusementandkissedmyneck."We'llbeluckyifyour

neighborshaven'talreadycalledthecopsafterallthatscreaming."

Blushing,Iburiedmyfaceagainsthischest."Sorry."
"Don’teverapologizeforthat.ItmakesmefeelgoodtoknowIcanmake

youlosecontrollikethat."Kissingmytemple,hemurmured,"Iamsorryabout
whathappenedatSamovar.I'llspeaktoLidiaandletherknowthatwas
unacceptable.Formyownpart,IpromiseIwon'teverdoubtyouagain."

"I'mholdingyoutothat."
"Doyoubelievemenow,Bianca?"
Smiling,Isnuggledclosertothemanwhohadmademefeelsobeautifuland

desired."Yes."

ChapterThirteen

WhenIcamedownstairsthenextmorning,mypoorwobblylegsbarelyheld

meup,andIexpectedtocollapseatanymoment.Sergei'ssensualtherapyhad
curedmeofanylingeringdoubtsaboutmydesirabilityorhisattractiontome.
Thismorning,whileshowering,IhaddecidedtoletthatmesswithLidiago.

Ifoundhimstandingatthekitchenislandpreppingvegetablesforomelets.

Wrappingmyarmsaroundhiswaist,Ikissedhisback."Goodmorning."

HeliftedhisarmsoIcouldsneakunderforabetterangleatkissinghim.

Ourlipslingeredtogetherforafewsecondsbeforehebrushedthemagainstmy
foreheadandreturnedtochoppingaredbellpepper."Didyousleepwell?"

Ismiledandmademywaytothecoffeepot."I'mprettysureIdidn'tmove

once."

Helaughed."Idon'tthinkIdideither.Mylegsarekillingmethismorning."
"Minetoo!"Pouringcoffeeintomyfavoritemug,Isaid,"MaybeIneedto

startworkingout."

"It'snotabadidea,"Sergeiansweredcarefully.
Isweetenedmycoffeewithhalf-and-halfandsugarandjoinedhimatthe

island.Islidontooneofthestoolsandwatchedhimpreparesomegreenonions.
Convincedthatheacceptedandadoredmyfullerfigure,Iconfessed,"I'vetried
losingweight,andI'vebeensuccessfulatitforshortperiodsoftime.Igetsotired
ofdieting,Sergei.Countingcaloriesanddenyingmyselfentirefoodgroups?
SqueezingintwohoursofexerciseeverydaywithworkandMama?Ican'tdoit."

"Sowewon'tdietordocrazyamountsofexercise,"hesaidmatter-of-factly.

"We'llmakesmall,sustainablechanges."

Thewayhesaidwemademesmileandfilledmewithsuchwarmth."Like?"
"Cuttingbackonthesugarinyourcoffee,"hesuggested."Switchingthose

sodasyoudrinkatlunchforunsweetenedteaorwaterflavoredwithalimeor
lemonwedgewouldbeagoodtrade.Youcouldtryhavingasaladforlunchafew
daysaweek.Wecouldtrysomedifferentafternoonsnacks."

"Well…thatdoessoundbetterthanricecakesandsoupandnevertouching

breadagain,"Iagreed."Whataboutexercise?Anddon'teventhinkabout
suggestingIstartgoingtoIvan'swarehouseofsweatyhorrors!"

Sergeichuckled."First,theonlywomanallowedinthatplaceisErin.

Secondly,that'smuchtoohardcoreforyou.Whydon'tyoutrywalkinginthe
eveningsafterwork?OrwecouldpickoutsomefitnessDVDsforyoutotryhere
atthehouse.Youcanworkout,say,threedaysaweektostart.Whenyoufeel
morecomfortable,we'llnudgeituptofourandthenfivedays."

"IguessIcoulddothat."Hewasofferingmesensible,realisticchoicesthat

werequiteunlikesomeofthecrashdietsandinsaneexerciseregimensIhadtried
overtheyears.

"Whatmadeyouthinkthatbeingsomilitantaboutyourdietwouldwork

long-term?"Heseemedgenuinelyinterested.

"Idon'tknow.IbrokeoutthoseunhealthyregimenswheneverIhadabig

socialfunctionlooming.TherewasatimewhenIwouldhavedoneanythingto
shaveaquicktwentypoundsoffmybody.Nowadays,I'mmoreworriedaboutthe
businessandMama'srehab.Losingweightisalowpriority."

"Idon'tthinkitshouldbeyourmainpriorityinliferightnow,Bianca,butI

dothinkitshouldbeaprioritytogethealthier."Helookedatmewithan
expressionthatbetrayedhisfearthathemighthaveoversteppedhisboundaries
again."Idon'tcareifyouloseasinglepound,milayamoya,butIdowantyouto
bearoundforever."

"Forever,huh?"HiswordstouchedmeinwaysIcouldnotevenexpress.
"Iworryaboutyou,Bianca.Yourmothernearlydiedbecauseofhighblood

pressureanddiabetes.You'vebeenlucky,andyou'restillveryyoung.There'stime
tomakechangesnowthatwillhelpusenjoyalonglifetogether."

"Ifyou'llhelpme,I'lltryreallyhard."IdoubtedIwouldeverbetrulythin

buthealthier?ThatseemedlikeagoalIcouldattainwithsomededicationandmy
veryownpersonaltrainer.

"I'llhelpyou.I'lldoanythingforyou."
Iswallowednervously."Anything?"
Hesuddenlyhadawarylookbutnodded."Yes.Anything."
"Youwantmetomakechangesthatwillmakemehealthiersowecanbe

togetherforever.Well—youneedtomakechanges,too."IgulpedagainasI
realizedwhatIwasaskingofhim."I'mnotsayingthatyouhavetochoosethem
overme,okay?Iknowthat'sabattleIcan'twinformyriadreasons.No,I'mjust—
I'maskingyoutothinkaboutexitstrategies."

Sergeipickeduptheknifeandstartedslashingatmushrooms."Ialreadyam

thinkingofexitstrategies,Bianca."

"Youare?"Hisadmissioncaughtmebysurprise.
"IhavebeenthinkingofhowtogetouteversinceIwasforcedintothislife.

Now,withyou,Iwantoutmuchsooner.I'mtrying,Bianca."Hegazedatmewith
suchyearning."I'mdoingeverythingIcan.I'mlayingthegroundwork—butit's
goingtotakesometime."

"Howmuchtime?"

Heshookhishead."Idon'tknow."Hehesitated."Itcouldbeafewyears,

twoorthree."Sadnessroundedhisshoulders,andhereturnedtohischopping."If
youcan'twaitthatlong,I—"

"Icanwait."Ireachedacrosstheislandandheldoutmyhand.Hestaredat

itindisbeliefbutfinallyplacedhispalmatopmine."Iwillwaitforyou."

"Idon’tdeserveyou,Bianca.Youaresofuckingfaroutofmyleague.

You'rethewomaneverymandreamsoffinding,thatonewomanwhomakeshim
betterbysimplyallowinghimintoherlife."Squeezingmyfingers,hesaid,
"NikolaicallsVivianhissun.Ineverreallyunderstoodwhyhechosethatpet
nameforher,butIunderstandnow.It'smelodramatic,Iknow,butshebringslight
intohisdarklife."Liftingmyhand,heleanedforwardtokissit."You'remylight,
Bianca."

Mylowerlipwobbled,andmyeyesstungashisincrediblyromantic

confessionwashedovermelikethewarmthofsunshine."Thankyou."

Hewinkedatmeandwentbacktomakingusbreakfast.Clearinghisthroat,

hesaid,"So,whileyou'reatworktoday,I'mgoingtotacklesomeprojectsaround
thehouse.Ihavesomeplumberscomingovertoswitchoutthewaterheaterand
givemeanestimateonthepipes.I'mgoingtomeasurethebathroomandsketchout
someideasforyouabouttherenovationsinthere…"

Listeningtohimrattleonaboutthewaysheplannedtotackleallthe

problemsaroundmyhouse,Icouldn'tstopsmiling.Ididn'tknowhowwewere
goingtomakethiswork,butIhadfaiththatwewouldfigureitoutsomehow.
Replayingthesweetthingshehadsaidtome,IdecidedthatSergeiwasworthit.
Hewasworthfightingfor.

***

Sortingthroughtilesamplesthenextmorning,Sergeifelthisphonevibrate

inhispocket.Biancahadwanderedofftolookatfaucetsandantique-styletubsso
heassumeditwashertryingtofindhiminthemassivehomeimprovementstore.
Hedugthephoneoutofhispocket,glancedatthescreenandsighed.Itwasn't
Bianca.ItwasNikolai.

"Yes?"
"Sergei,wehaveaproblem,andIcoulduseyourhelp."
HewantedtopointoutthatthiswasthesecondSundayinarowthathehad

beencalledintodealwithaproblem,buthedidn't."I'mpickingoutbathroomtile
withBianca.Itwillbeatleastanhourunless—"

"That'sfine.There'snorush.Kostyaisjustgettingstarted.Cometotheice

house."

Thephonecallended,andSergeigrimacedwithdistaste.Ofallthewayshe

wantedtospendhisSundayafternoon,thiswasn'toneofthem.Afterspendingthe
morningatthegymwithPaco,hehadbeenplanningtoripoutsometile,make
lovetoBianca—probablytwice—andthengrillsomesteaks.Whateverawaited
himattheicehousewasgoingtoruinhisentireday.

"Boo!"Biancapokedhiminthesideandlaughed.
Pushingawaythoughtsofthephonecall,hegrinneddownatherandkissed

thetopofherhead."Didyoufindthetubyouwant?"

"IfoundafewIlike.Theygavemesomebrochures.Ifiguredyouwouldbe

abletohelpmefigureoutwhichoneswouldfitbest…"

Theyfinishedpickingouttilesamplesthatcomplementedsomeofthepaint

colorsshelikedandleftthestore.Hewaiteduntiltheywereheadedtoherhouse
totellher."Look,Bianca,IneedtogoseeNikolai."

Shesighedsoftly."Iwon'taskwhy."
Hehatedhimselfforputtingherinthisposition."Idon'tknowwhenI'llbe

home.Itmightbelate."

"Okay."
"I'msorry,Bianca.Itrulyam.Ididn'twantourdaytoendlikethis."
Sheclaspedhishandanddraggeditontoherlap."IsaidIwouldwaitfor

youtogetout.Sothisismewaitingandbelievingthatallthiscrapwillend
someday."

"Itwill,Bianca."Hewishedhecouldgiveheradate,butherefusedto

breakapromisetoher.

Whentheyreachedthehouse,hewassurprisedtofindArty,oneofNikolai's

most-trustedcaptains,sittingacrossthestreetwithsomeofhiscrew.Atfirst,he
thoughttheywerethereforhim,butthenArtyliftedtwoofthethreefingersonhis
righthandtohiseyesandgesturedtowardthehouse.Sergeiunderstoodthesilent
message.NikolaihadarrangedforBiancatobewatched.

Ononehand,SergeiwasrelievedtohavesomeonelikeArty,amanwho

hadsurvivedsomehorriblegangwars,takingcareofBianca.Ontheother,Sergei
knewwhatthismeant.Whateverhehadbeencalledawaytohelpwithinvolved
theNightWolves.Nikolaiexpectedblowback,andheexpectedittolandhere.

Rubbingthebackofhisneck,SergeileanedacrossBiancaandpoppedopen

hisglovebox.Thesightofhishandgunmadehergasp.Whenhereachedforher
hand,shetuggeditback."Nofreakingway,Sergei!"

"Bianca,"hesaidfirmly."Iwouldfeelbetterknowingyouhadthis."
"AndIwouldfeelbetterknowingmyboyfriendisn'ttangledupwiththe

Russianmob,butyouknowwhattheysayaboutwishesandhorsesandpoor
folks."

Hedidn'tactually,butheletitslide."Haveyoueverfiredagun?"
"No."
"Weshouldfixthat."
"Likehell!"
"Bianca—"
"No,Sergei."
Exhalingroughly,hepointedtheweaponawayfromthem."Thisisthe

safety.Thisishowyouflickitonandoff.It'sloaded.Youhavetenroundssouse
themwisely."

"YouarecrazyifyouthinkI'mtakingthatthingintomyhouse."
"Thenyou'dbettercallforastraightjacketbecauseit'shappening."Sergei

tuckedthepistolintoherpurse."Let'sgo."

Shedidn'tgetoutoftheSUVimmediately.Foramoment,hewonderedifhe

wasgoingtohavetotossheroverhisshoulderandcarryingherbackinside.With
adramatichuffandslamofthedoor,sheexitedthevehicleandstompedherway
upthefrontdoor.Hefollowedherinside,checkedthehouseandhandedbackher
purse.

"I'llbebacklater.Don'tletanyoneinsidethehousethatyoudon'tknow.

Thosemenoutside?Theonesinthecar?They'rewatchingthehousesotheymight
getoutandsitontheporchorwalkaroundtheyard,especiallyifI'mnotbackby
dark."

Shemadeanannoyedsound."Whataremyneighborsgoingtothink?"
"Probablythatyouhaveverybadtasteinmen,"heansweredhonestly.

Certainshewaspissedathim,hekissedhercheekandleftthehouse.Hehadonly
gottenasfarastheporchbeforeshecalledouttostophim.

Grippingthefrontofhisshirt,shehauledhimdownforadeep,passionate

kiss."Youhadbetterbecarefuldoingwhateverthehellitisyou'reabouttodo."

Touchinghislipstoherforehead,hepromised,"I'llbeback."
Thelongdrivetotheicehousedidlittletodissipatehisangerand

frustrationwithhissituation.Thiswasn'tgoingtogetanyeasier.Soon,Bianca
wouldbegintoresentNikolaiforcallinghimaway.Whatwasthatgoingtodoto
herfriendshipwithVivian?Itwouldn'tbegood.

Bythetimehereachedtheicehouse,hestillhadn'tfiguredoutawayto

speeduphisexitplan.Theoldbuildinglocatedbetweentwosmalltownshad
oncebeenexactlywhatitsnamesaiditwas—ahousethatsoldice.Later,the

buildinghadhousedabarandgrill.Now,itwasashadowofitsformerself,all
rottenboardsandovergrownweeds.

Nooneeverdroveouttheloneprivateroadthatledtoit.Nikolaihadseen

tothatbysnappingupallthelandaroundtheicehouseforhisprivateuse.Sergei
shudderedtothinkwhatsecretsKostyahadburiedouthere.

Hewasn'tallthatsurprisedtoseesomeofBesian'smenloiteringaround

outside,smokingandbullshittingwithoneanother.Henoddedatthemashe
enteredtheramshacklebuilding,duckinghisheadtoavoidaninjuryfromthelow-
hangingbeamsandshortdoorways.Hecrossedthedustyfloortothebackroom
thathadoncehousedthefreezersandstoppedcoldatthesightofKostyapeeling
outofhisblackleatherapron.

ThecleanerhadareputationaroundHouston—hell,probablyaroundthe

fuckingworld—forhiswork.Sergeididn’tthinkthemanenjoyedhurtingother
people.Infact,Kostyaseemedtobeabletowhollydivorcehimselffromthe
realityofittoavoidthemoralcomplicationsofhiswork.Sergeihadsufferedthe
misfortuneofwatchingthemanusehisskillsontoomanyoccasionstocount,but
hehadneverseenKostyatakeitnearlyasfarashisblack,soullessreputation
wouldhavehimexpect.

SometimesSergeisuspectedKostya'stheatricsgothimmorecooperation

thananyamountofbloodletting.Theblackleatherapron,thegloves,theshoe
covers,thekitsfilledwithtorturegear—itmadeforaconvincingshow.Mostof
thetime,acoupleofpulledteeth,acuthereorthereandagoodbeatinggotaman
tospillhissecrets.

TheplasticcoveringthefloorcrinkledbeneathSergei'sboots.Hequickly

surveyedthescenebeforehim.NikolaiandBesianstoodnearlyshoulderto
shoulderandstaredatsomepoor,nakedbastardstrappedtoachair.Hehadbeen
workedoverabitbuttherewashardlyanybloodtobeseen.Somespatterfroma
fewpunchesbutnothingoutrageouslyviolent.

Inthebackofhismind,Sergeirecognizedthatthoughtwasmorethan

enoughevidencethatitwastimetogetoutofthislife.

Theswastikatattooedontheyoungerman'schestheldhisattention.So.He

wasoneofthem.AtthesametimeSergeispottedtheuglytattoos,themanbecame
awareofhimandlookedlikehewasgoingtopisshimself.Whetheritwashis
sizeorhisreputationaroundtheunderworldforbeingabrutalfighterinthecage,
hecouldn'tsay.

GlancingatNikolai,hesaid,"Boss."
"Ah,Sergei,comehere.Iwantyoutomeetournewfriend.Hisnameis

James,andhe'sgotsomephotosIthinkyou'llfindveryinteresting."Nikolai
wavedacellphone.

"No,"themansaidnervously."Look,please.I'mjusttheguytheygavethe

reconmission.That'sit.Inevermeanttohurther."

Atthementionofher,Sergeiwentrigid.Hecrossedthefloorinfourquick

stridesandsnatchedthephonefromhisboss'hand.Runninghisthumbacrossthe
screen,henearlypukedasimagesofBiancaappeared.Swipeafterswipefilled
thescreenwithherbeautifulface.Inafewofthem,Vivianwasevenpresent.

SlappingthephonebackintoNikolai'shand,Sergeistormedtowardthe

othermanandkickedthechairrightofftheground.Themangruntedloudlyasthe
chairslammedhisboundwriststothefloor.Puttinghisbootagainstthatugly
fuckingtattooontheman'schest,Sergeipresseddownwithsomeofhisweight.
"Whyareyoufollowingmywoman?"

ThemancoughedandwheezedsoSergeiletupenoughforhimtodrawina

breath.Hemovedthetoeofhisboottotheman'sthroat."Whatdoyouwantwith
Bianca?"

"Darren,"hecoughedthename."Darrensaysshe'sthekey.Shehastopay."
Hepusheddownharder."Thekey?Topayforwhat?"
Eyesbulging,Darrengagged,andSergeiletup.Theyoungermaninhaleda

shakybreathandstartedsobbing."SheshouldneverhavetriedtokillAdam!"

Sergei'sentirebodywenticecoldattherealizationthosewhitepower

freaksactuallybelievedBiancawasbehindtheattackonAdamBlake.

"Shedidn't,"Besiancutinloudly."Iknowitandthatdeviousfuckingprick

DarrenBlakeknowsit,too."

JamesstartedtochokeasSergei'sweightcrushedhisneck.
"Don'tkillhimyet,Sergei.He'sstillusefultous."Nikolaiwavedhishand

inthatimperiouswayofhis.

SergeiremovedhisbootfromJames'throatandheftedthechairandtheman

tiedtoitbackintoposition.Hestoodbehindhimandwaitedtoseewhatthetwo
bosseswanted.

"See,Sergei,"Besianpulledalighterandcigarettesfromhispocket,"what

youngJamestheredoesn'tknow,isthatI'vehadaratinsidetheirgangsince
January.AftertheykilledAfrim,myloanshark,"headded."Thethingis,James,I
knowforafactthatDarrenhiredamanwhousedtorunwithmycrewtokillhis
ownbrother.Hewashopingtheblowbackwouldcatchmyoutfit."

Besianretrievedacigaretteandtuckedthepackbackintohispocket."Do

youknowwhyDarrenreallywantedtokillAdam?"

Jamesshookhishead."N-no."
Besianlitupandinhaledalongdrag.Onhisnoisyexhale,hesaid,"That's

thethingaboutbrothers.Theyhaveawayoffuckinguplong-termplans."Smiling
evilly,Besiangesturedtowardhim."Isn'tthatright,Sergei?"

Clenchinghisjaw,Sergeididn'tanswer.
"No?"TheAlbanianbossshruggedandpointedthebrightredcherryofhis

cancerstickattheboundskinhead."There'sastorythere,James.Onethatwould
interestyou,butwedon’thavetimetoconvinceSergeitotellusabouthisbig
brother."Hesuckedonhiscigaretteagain."See,myguyinsidetheprisontellsme
thatAdamBlakehasbeenrethinkinghisracistways.Ihearthathe'sconsidering
makingadealtojoinaRICOcaseagainstyourgang."

"That'sbullshit!Adamwouldneverturnhisbackonus."
"That'sforfairytales,kid."Nikolai'sgazeslidtoBesian'scigaretteinaway

thatseemedalmostlonging.HisstarelandedonJamesagain."Whentheonlything
thatbindsmentogetherishatred?Therecanbenoloyalty."

Asiftomakehispoint,NikolaipointedtoSergei."Doyouthinkthatman

lefttheloveofhisfuckinglifetocomehereanddealwiththisshitbecausehe
hatesme?Becausehe'safraidofme?No."Meetinghisgaze,Nikolaiasked,"Why
areyouhere,Sergei?"

WasitSergei'simaginationordidthebosssoundgenuinelyuncertain?Was

heawareofSergei'sdoubts?OfSergei'sdesiretogetoutandmoveonwithhis
life?

"I'mherebecauseyousavedmylife.I'mherebecauseyousavedmymother

andmybrother."Heswallowedhard."I'mherebecauseIsworetoserveyou."

"Yousee,James?That'sloyalty.That'swhyyourbullshitgangwilldieout

justasquicklyasitflaredrightup.One—youhavenothingbindingyourmen
togetherexcepthatred,andafoolishhatredatthat.Two—yourmenlack
brotherhood.Youdon'tbleedorsacrificeforoneanother.Andthree?You're
stupidandyoutakeunnecessaryrisks…likefollowingmywifehomefrom
church."Clickinghisteeth,Nikolaiadvancedontheman."Thatwasincredibly
stupidofyou."

"TheytoldmetofollowthegirlsandfigureouttheirSundayroutines.It's

theonlytimethey'rebothalone.Whenthey'reatchurch,"Jamessaid,sobbing
now."Iwasonlytakingpictures!"

CrouchingdowninfrontofJames,Nikolaiheldouthishand.Kostyaplaced

oneofhiswickedlookingknivesonit.Draggingthesharppointdownthewhite
supremacist'schest,Nikolaiaskedaverysimplequestion."Howfarareyou

willingtogoforyourbrothers,James?"

"Wh-what?"theyoungermannervouslystammered.
"Areyouwillingtobleedforthem?"Hedugtheknifeinjustenoughtomake

theothermanhiss."WhatifIsaidthatIwouldletyougobacktoyourcrewright
nowandofferthempeacewithmymenandhis?"HegesturedtoBesian?""What
ifItoldyouthatyoucouldwarnthemoftheRICOcaseandthewarIwillbringto
theirdooriftheydon'tleavemyfamilyalone?Allyouhavetodotoearnthat
chanceistomakeasacrifice.Whatdoyoudo,James?"

Hedidn'tanswer.Thecowardlybastardwasactuallythinkingaboutit.

Sergei'snosewrinkledwithdisgust.Nomatterhowmuchhewantedoutofthis
life,hewouldhavegivenhislastounceofbloodtosaveanymemberofthis
family.

"IfIsayno?"Jamesaskedquietly.
"WeputyouinacarandyoudrivetoasafehouseinSanAntoniowithtwo

ofBesian'smen.They'llholdyouthereuntilourplansplayout—andthenyou're
freetogoonwithyourlife."

"Seriously?"
"Yes."
Sergeiknewthattoneofvoice.Nikolaiwasabsolutelyserious.Hewould

letthisprickwalkoutofhereandescapewhateverwrathandhellfirewere
coming.Wasitthebabythathadbroughtonthisnewfoundmercy?Marrying
Vivianhadsoftenedthebossalittlearoundtheedges.Wouldbecomingafather
changehimtoo?SomethingtoldSergeithebosswouldevenmoreruthlessinhis
dealingswithothersifitmeantkeepinghiswifeandchildsafe.

"Iwantthesafehouse."
Withadeepsighofdisappointment,Nikolairosetohisfeet."Yes,Ithought

youwould."Flickinghisfingers,hesaid,"Comealong,Sergei.Wehavebusiness
inHouston."

"Wait.Aren'tyougoingtocutmeloose?"
Nikolaiconsideredtheknifeinhishand."Besian,isthecargassedup?"
"Yes."
Heslappedtheknifeagainsttheotherboss'chest."Thenmakesurehecan

stilldrivewhenyou'refinishedwithhim.There'snoreasonyourmenshouldtire
themselves."

"Wait!No!YousaidIcouldleaveuntouched."
"Hesaidyoucouldleaveuntouched."Besianmadethedistinction."You

shouldhavebeenpayingmoreattentionwhenmyfriendtheregavehisspeech

aboutbeingstupid…"

WithKostyahotontheirheels,theylefttheicehousetothesoundsofJames

screaming.Sergeididn’twanttoimaginewhattheAlbanianwasdoingtotheguy.
Ifheabsolutelyhadtoguess,hewouldputhismoneyonBesiandefacingJames'
tattoos.

"Whenthisdone,getstartedonthepackages,yes?"
"Da."
"Andmakesureit'sclean,Kostya."Nikolaiscannedthearea."We'llhaveto

sellthisplacesoonandfindanewspot."

"I'llstartscoutingrealestate."Motioningbacktowardtheicehouse,he

promised,"Itwillbeperfect."

Nikolaiclappedtheotherman'sshoulder."Iknowitwill.Sergei?Let'sgo."
Sergeihelduphishand."Idon'thavemygun."AtNikolai'sincredulous

look,heexplained,"IgaveittoBiancabeforeIleft."

"There'sanextrainmycar,"Kostyaoffered."It'sclean.Takeit."
"Thanks."Sergeifoundtheweaponinquestion,checkeditandcarriedit

backtohisSUV.Hehadn'tplannedondrivingthebossanywheresobeingarmed
hadn'tbeenatoppriority.ThankfulthatKostyawasalwaysprepared,heslid
behindthewheelandglancedatNikolai.Hewantedtoaskaboutthepackages
Kostyawaspreparingbutdidn't.Instead,heasked,"Whereareweheaded?"

"ToseeAlexei."
BecausetherewereaboutfiftyAlexeistheybothknew,hequicklynarrowed

itdowntothetwomostlikely."AlexeiatthecarwashorAlexeiatthe
dealership?"

Nikolaismiledandfastenedhisseatbelt."AlexeiSarnovatthedealership."
"Right."Sergeibackedoutofhisspotandturnedontotheprivateroad."Are

youpickingupaFerrarioraBentley?"

Thebosschuckled."Neither.We'regoingtheretogetAlexeitoreturna

favorheowesme."

SergeiwonderedatthefavorNikolaihopedtoextract.AlexeiSarnov'stime

inthefamilyhadbeenbeforehis.Infact,hesuspectedtheonlyreasonNikolaihad
broughthimoverandpaidforhisdebtswasbecausehehadbeendownonebig,
strongmanandSergeihadfitthebill.HehadheardrumorsofAlexei'sdeparture
fromNikolai'screwbutnooneseemedtoknowthetruth.MaybeIvanandKostya
butthosetwonevergossiped.

WhatSergeididknowtobeabsolutelytruewasthatNikolaihadhelped

Alexeibuyhisfirstluxurydealership.NowAlexei'scompanyowneddealerships

upanddowntheinterstatethatcateredtoHouston'selite.Ontopofthat,heowned
twotruckingcompaniesandhadhishandsinsomeotherbusinessesaroundtown.
LikeIvan,AlexeihaddoneextremelywellforhimselfandwasoneofSergei's
rolemodels.

Nikolaituggedouthislighterandrolleditbackandforthbetweenhis

palms.HadthatcigaretteofBesian'sgivenhimacraving?

"DoyouknowKellyConnolly?"
Thequestiontookhimbysurprise."Sortof.WhenI'mwithVivian,Iruninto

him.He'saniceguy.Why?"

"HisfatheroweshalfamilliontoBesian.Iheartheoldmanisindeepwith

JohnHagenforevenmore."

Sergeisworeunderhisbreath."DoesKellyknow?"
"Hedoesnow."Nikolaiflickedthelighteropenandclosed."Veeoverheard

metalkingtoDimitriaboutitthismorning.She'saskedmetointerveneonKelly's
behalf."Thetightnessintheboss'voicetoldSergeihewasn'tthrilledbythe
request."Apparently,BesianmadeKellyanofferheisn'tlikelytorefuse."

Sergeihadtohearthis."Yeah?"
"Paulie,hisfighter,isstillinhospitalafterthatwreck.IhearBesian's

secondstringfighterisabsoluteshitsohewantsKellytoreplacePaulieinthe
tournament."

Sergei'sgazeskippedfromtheroadwaytohisbossandbackagain."No

shit?"

"Yes.Didyoueverseehimfight?"
"Kelly?"Heshookhishead."No.Iheardthathedidokayinsomeofthe

smallermatches.I'mnotsayinghedoesn'thaveheart.HewasaMarine,andyou
havetorespectwhathesurvivedoverthere,butthis?He'snotuptothis."

"Idon'tthinkheiseither."Nikolaisnappedthelightershutandtuckedit

awayinhispocket."Veewillneverletmeheartheendofitifherfriendgetshurt.
Ican'tverywellaskIvantotrainhimbecause,obviously,Iwantyoutowin,and
youneedhisfullattentionwhenhegetsbackfromhishoneymoon."

"Soyou'regoingtoaskAlexeitotrainhim?"
"Yes."
"Huh."
"Iknow."Nikolaiwipedahanddownhisface.
"He'sagoodtrainer.I'veseenhimaroundthewarehouse.Ifanyonecanget

Kellyintoshapethisfast,it'sAlexei."

"ForKelly'ssake,let'shopeso."Nikolaiadjustedtheairconditionerventto

hithimwithablastofcoldair."Ididn'tfireLidia,butifshepullsastuntlikethat
again?"Nikolaimadeaclippedsoundandmadeachuckingmotionwithhis
thumb."She'soutonherassandthatkidofherscanlearnwhatit'sliketoliveoff
foodstamps."

Sergeifoundtheremarkunnecessarilyharsh."I'veneverseenherlikethat."
"Ofcourseyouhaven't,"Nikolaisaidmatter-of-factly."Youweretheprize

shewanted.Shesawyouastheanswertoallofherproblems.Beforeyou?Itwas
Arty."

"What?Three-FingeredArtyom?"
"Yes."Nikolailookedathimwithsurprise."Theydatedalllastspringand

summer.Thenyoucamesniffingaroundinthefall,andshedroppedhisass.Itwas
acoldmove.Artylovedthatwoman.Hell,hestilllovesher."

GuiltgrippedSergei."IneverwouldhaveaskedheroutifIhadknownshe

wasdatingArty."

"Shekeptitquiet.Ialwayshadthefeelingshewaskeepinghimaroundas

herbackupplan.Thenyourbetteroffercamealong—"

"Inevermadeheranoffer,"Sergeiinterjected."Wedated.Thatwasit."
"ShetalkedaroundSamovarlikeyoutwoweregettingmarried—"
"No."Heemphaticallyslashedhishandthroughtheair."Thatwasneverin

thecardsforus."

"Butitiswith,Bianca?"
Sergeigruntedandshrugged."We'llsee."
Theydroveforanothertenminutesorsowithoutspeaking.Finally,Sergei

asked,"Nochniyevolki?"

"I'mhandlingit."
"Andme?"
"YoutakecareofVeeduringtheday,protectBiancaatnight,andtrainfor

thetournament.Paintsomewalls.Putupnewtile.GotoBianca'scousin's
weddingonSaturdaynight.That'sit.Nothingchangesforyou."

SurprisedbutsimultaneouslygladthatNikolaiwascuttinghimoutofthe

looponthisone,Sergeithoughtofthoseominousphotographs."Doyouthink
they'regoingtotrytokidnapBianca?"

"Yes."Nikolaididn'teventrytolie."Unfortunatelyforthem,theyaren't

goingtogetthechance.Inafewdays?"Thebossdrewhislineacrosshisthroat.
"It'sover."

Grippingthesteeringwheel,Sergei'sstomachknottedasheimaginedhow

muchdangerBiancawasinnow.HeprayedNikolaiwasrightandthatthiswould

allbeoververysoon.

ChapterFourteen

"So,Sergei,Biancatoldmethatyourmotherisaseamstress.Isthatright?"
SittinginthesecondrowofseatsinhisSUV,Iinwardlycringedasmy

mothercontinuedherinterrogationofSergeiaswedrovefromthechurchwhere
LuluandCoreyhadjustbeenmarriedtothereceptionhall.Shehadfinagledher
wayintothefrontpassengerseat,probablytokeepmefromrunninginterference.

Eversincehepickedthetwoofusupatherapartment,Mamahadbeenafter

himliketheCIA.Hehadstruggledwithheroddinflectionanddelayedspeechin
thefirstfewminutesbutnowheseemedtohaveherlittlequirksdownpat.They
werechattingawayliketwooldfriends.Icouldn'tdecideifthatwasagoodthing
orabadthing.

"Yes,sheis."HeflashedheroneofthetrademarksmilesthatMamaseemed

tojusteatrightup."I'mhopingthatshe'llbeabletoretireaftershecomesover
here."

"Oh,thatwillbesonice.Isshecomingsoon?"
"Ihopeso."
Mamaseemedtosensethatwasatouchysubjectforhimandbackedoff."I

hearyou'vebeendoingsomeworkaroundBianca'shouse.Sheshowedmethe
picturesofthebathroomyoutwohavebeenremodeling.Thetileisgorgeous."

"Thankyou.It'sbeenquitealearningexperienceforbothofus."Heglanced

atmeintherearviewmirror.Thehungryglintinhiseyesmademeblush.Oh,he'd
definitelytaughtmeathingortwoaboutusingsawhorsesforthingsotherthan
holdingupwood!

"That'snice,"shesaid."Realnice."
"BiancaandIwerediscussingthecarriagehouseoutback,actually,"he

remarked."She'sgoingtohavesomecontractorscomeintodosomedifferent
bidsthanthelasttime.She'sthinkingofturningitintoanapartment."

"Really?Torentout?"
"Maybe,"Isaid,notwantingtocommitonewayortheotheryet."Ihaveto

checkthezoningrulesandseewhatmyhomeowner'sassociationsaysaboutthat
sortofthingfirst."

"Well,justmakesureyoucanmakebackthatinvestment,sugar."
"Iwill,Mama."
IhadwarnedSergeithatshewouldn'tliketheideaofmerenovatingthe

spacewithherinmindsoIshothimalookthatsaidtocoolitwiththistopic.She
likedherindependenceandwouldn'twanttofeellikeaburdentomeeventhough
Iwouldhavelovedtohaveherclose.

Whenwereachedthereceptionhall,InoticedthewaySergeigotoutofthe

SUVandscannedtheareaarounduswithhishawkishgaze.Eversincebeing
calledawayonSunday,hehadseemedsotenseanytimewewereoutinpublic.
Hehadn'ttoldmewhathadhappenedthatday,andIsureashellhadn'tbeenbrave
enoughtoask,butIgotthefeelingithadsomethingtodowiththethosewhite
supremacistnutjobs.

Twice,hehadaskedmetogowithhimtotheshootingrange,butIhadnixed

thatidea.Ihadseenfirst-handwhatgunscoulddoandwantednopartofit.Igot
thefeelinghethoughtIwasbeingnaïveandunsafe,butthiswasoneissuewhereI
refusedtobend.

OnethingIhadbeennosyaboutwasthisbusinesswithKellyConnolly.I

hadknowntheformerbodyguardandMarineforyears.HeandPerryhadplayed
baseballtogetherinhighschool.Wehadrunintoeachotheralittlemorethana
yearagoandseemedtoalwaysbebumpingintoeachotheraroundthecity'shot
spots.Vivianlikedhim—asafriendandnothingmore—sowealwaysmadesure
toinvitehimoutwhenhewasintownandnotonassignmentwithDimitri's
privatesecurityfirm.

Vivianhadletmeknowaboutthisongoingmesswithhisgamblingaddict

anddrunkardfather.WhenshetoldmethatKellymightpossiblyhavetofight
Sergeiintheupcomingtournament,Icouldn'tbelieveit.Sergeihadbeenreluctant
totellmethedetailsbuthehadconfirmedthatitwastrue.

Ididn'tlikeitatall.SomehownotknowingtheidentitiesofthemenSergei

wouldfightmadeitmorepalatable.ThinkingofmyRussianhulkbeatingKellyto
apulpwasjusttooterribletoimagine,butIharborednoillusionsthatKellycould
beatSergei.Mymanwassimplytoopowerfulandtooruthlesstolose.Iworried
thatKellymightgetinafewgoodshotsthatcouldreallyhurtSergei.Nomatter
howmanytimeshepromisedthathewouldbefine,Ididn'tbuyit.

Breakingmefreefrommytroublingthoughts,Sergeiopenedmydoorfirst

andhelpedmedown.Hedidn'tmissthechancetocaressmybottomorgiveita
lovingpatbeforekissingmycheekandheadingtothecargoareaofhisSUVto
grabMama'swalker.Ihadwantedhertobringherwheelchair,justincase,but
sheseemedtobedoingverywellwiththeaidofherwalkerandmakinguseof
availableseating.

IstoodbackasSergeiusedthoseburlyarmsofhistogentlyhelpMamaout

oftheSUV.Hewasexceedinglypatientwithherandlookedreadytopounceatthe
firstsignofwobblinessonherprostheticleg."Areyougood?"

"I'mfine,honey."Mamapattedhishand."NowgivemypursetoBianca.

Fuchsiajustisn'tyourcolor."

"Yes,ma'am."Smiling,Sergeislippedthepursestrapoffhisarmandheldit

outtome.AfterIhadslippedthesecondpurseonmyshoulder,hetookmyhand
andtuckeditintothecurveofhisarm.Gladtohavehimwithmethisevening,I
enteredthereceptionhallwithagrinonmyface.

Ourmismatchedtriodidn'tturnnearlyasmanyheadsasIhadexpected.We

madeourwaythroughthereceivinglinewithonlyonereallyawkwardencounter
withKevan.Mamamusthavesensedtheweirdvibebecauseshemadea
productionofneedingtofindaseat.Iwasonlytoohappytohurryheralongtoour
table.

Wehadbeenseatedwithmymother'stwowidowedoldersistersandtheir

twosons,bothcollegebasketballplayers,andtheirgirlfriends.Shawnwaspre-
medandTreywasstudyingbusiness.Oneofthegirlfriendswasstudyingfashion
marketing.Theotheronewantedtobealawyer.

Oncetheintroductionswereoutoftheway,theinevitablequestionsabout

Sergeistarted.Heneatlyrepliedthatheworkedinconstructionandmanagedto
wrapupthatissue.Ofcourse,thenmyauntswantedtoknowwherehewasborn
andwhyhehadcometoHouston.Wheredoesyourmotherlive?Doyouhaveany
familyhere?Doyougotochurch?

Iwantedtocrawlunderthetableandhide.Sergeitookitallinstrideand

seemedonlytoohappytochatthemup.Inthesamewayhehadimpressedmy
mother,hewonovermyAuntSaraandAuntPenny.Ididn'tmisstheshyyetflirty
smilesfromthetwogirlfriendsacrossthetables.SomethingaboutTreyand
Shawn'slookshadmesuspicious.

DidtheyknowwhatSergeireallywas?Hadtheyseenhimfightperhaps?In

thelastweek,Ihaddonealittlediggingandlearnedthattherewasheavybetting
actionfromtheuniversitiesintown.Vivianhadinformedmethatselectfratshad
exclusiveinvitestothematchesbecausemostofthemembershadsuchdeep
pockets.ThethoughtofTreyandShawnbettingtheirhard-earnedmoneyonfights
didn’tmakemehappy.MaybeIneededtochatwiththetwoofthemlater…

Althoughthisweddingreceptionwasn’tanywherenearasrowdyasErin

andIvan's,itwasstillabeautifulevening.Thefood,theflowers,thecake,the
band—everythingwastop-notch.Whenthedanceflooropenedafterthefirstand
parentdanceshadbeencompleted,Sergeileanedoverandcuppedmyfaceinhis
massivehand."Youowemeadance,milayamoya."

"Yes,IsupposeIdo."
Sergeiledmeouttothepackedfloorandheldmeclose.Thedifferencesin

ourheightsmadethingsinteresting.Iconsidereddraggingoverachairtostandon
soIcouldrestmycheektohisshoulder.Glancingaround,Inoticedthatquitea
fewofthemeninattendancetonightweretallwithshorterdates.Noneofthem
wereasbigasSergei,butthen,heseemedtobeatrueone-of-a-kind.

Afterafewdanceswithme,SergeifoundhimselfdancingwithAuntSara

andAuntPenny.Hewasagoodsportaboutit,evenwhenAuntSaragotalittle
tipsyfromallthatchampagneandpinchedhistautbackside.IthoughtpoorTrey
wasgoingtofalloutofhischairwhenhespottedhismothergettingsofresh.

"Eyebleach,"Treysaidandshovedoutofhischair."I'vegottofindme

someeyebleach."SlappinghishandagainstSergei'sback,hesaid,"Man,come
on.Let'stakeabreakfromthisestrogen-fest,okay?"

WhenSergeiglancedatmetoseeifIminded,Iwavedmyhand.Ihada

feelingheneededtheescapeandwouldenjoymeetingsomemoremalemembers
ofmyfamily.Hehadbeensuchadotingdateallafternoonandeveningandhad
earnedsomefreetime.Idoubtedhewouldhavefoundtheconversationatthe
tableveryinterestinganyhow.

Alonewithmygossipingauntsandmother,Isippedsomechampagneand

watchedthedancefloor.MygazelandedonKevanwhodancedunsteadilywitha
womanIdidn'trecognize.Hehadclearlyhadtoomuchtodrink.Iwonderedwhy
noneofthegroomsmenhadcuthimoffandputhiminacornertosoberupwith
somecoffee.

Kevanrudelygropedthebreastofthewomanhedancedwith,andshe

rightfullyslappedathishand.Iwaitedtoseeifsomeonewouldsavehimfrom
himself,butnoonesteppedforward.Hewanderedoffthedancefloorand
disappearedfrommyview.Ihadafeelinghewasgoingtogethimselfinto
trouble.ShouldIchasehimdownandseeifheneededaridehome?

"Ilikethisone,Bianca."
MyAuntPenny'sremarkinterruptedmythoughts.Notsurewhatshemeant,I

asked,"Ma'am?"

"Sergei,"shesaidwithaliftofherchininhisdirection."He'ssweetas

pie."

"Well,Idon'tknowaboutthat."WouldshesaythesamethingifItoldherhe

madehislivingenforcingfortheRussianmob?

"Iknow,"AuntPennyrepliedconfidently."IcantellagoodmanwhenIsee

one.Thatone?He'sgoodallthewaythrough."

"Andhandsome!"AuntSaracommentedwithanenvioussigh."He'llmake

somebeautifulbabieswithyou,Bianca."

"Oh,sweetLord!"Laughing,Iputupbothhandsandrosefrommyseat."On

thatnote,I'moutofhere.Mama,doyouwantsomecake?"

"No,honey."
Leavingmytwoauntsandmymothercacklingtogether,Ishookmyheadand

mademywayalongtheedgeofthedancefloortothecakestation.Irecognized
thedelicatesugarflowersastheworkofabakerIrespectedandanticipatedthe
firstbiteofherperfectlymoistandnottoosweetItaliancreamcake.

Plateinhand,Iturnedtoleavethetable—andslammedrightintoKevan.

SomehowImanagednottogetcakeoneitheroneofus."Kevan!Whoa!"

"Sorry,Bibi."Hissourbeerbreathwaftedoverme,andheleeredatmy

chest."Youlookrealprettytonight."

"Thanks,Kevan.Um—howmuchhaveyouhadtodrink?"
Heflappedhishand."It'sokay.Ican'tgetintotroublefordrinking."
"Becauseyouhaveadesignateddriver?"Iaskedhopefully.
Hepuffedouthischest."Nope.BecauseI'vegotabadge!There'snothingI

can'tgetawaywith,"hestatedproudly."Justyouwaitandsee!"

Ididn'tlikethesoundofthatatall."Kevan,Idon'tknowwhatyou're

planningtodowithallthatsuperpolicepowerofyours,butithadbetternotbe
somethingthathurtsme."

Hisexpressionturnedangry."Youhurtme."
"How?"
"Youbrokeupwithme."
"Really,Kevan?Whatarewe?Fifteen?Adultsstopdatingallthetime.It's

notlikewewereserious."

"Maybeyouweren't,butIwas."Hisvoiceroseinpitchandvolumeashe

gotmoreagitated.Inhisdrunkenstate,Ididn'tknowwhathewouldsaysoI
decidedtocarefullyextricatemyselffromthesituation.

"Well,I'msorryIwasn'tmoreclearwhenwestarteddating,Kevan.Inever

meanttohurtyou,butIwasn'tlookingforanythingserious."

Holdingmycakeplatetotheside,Isteppedaroundhimandheadedback

towardthetablewheremymotherwasnowwatchingmewithconcern.
Unfortunately,myplantoescapeKevanwithoutcausingascenedidn'twork.He
followedclosebehindme,runninghismouthanddrawingunwantedattention.

"Butyou'relookingforsomethingseriousnow,huh?Withhim?"Hesnarled

angrily."What'shegotthatIdon't,huh?"

Ididn'ttouchthatone.No,Ikeptmyeyesforwardandmyfeetmoving.

Please,justturnaroundandgobacktoyourfriends.

"Ithoughtyouweresomethingspecial,Bibi.Ithoughtyouwereworth

waitingfor,butnowIrealizethatyou'rejustano-goodslut."

Thelastwordechoedinthereceptionhall.Themusichadloweredtoa

merewhisperastheDJhadbeenpreparingtomakeanannouncementofsome
kindsojustabouteveryfreakingpersonintheballroomheardmyex-boyfriend
callmethatawful,uglyname.

Amidthegaspsofoutrage,Isawmymotherpushingherselfoutofherseat

togiveKevanapieceofhermind.Myauntswererightbehindher.Treyand
Shawnwerestridingacrossthedancefloorwithpissedoffexpressions.Hoping
toheadoffafightthatwouldonlyruinthebride'snight,IturnedtotellKevanto
takeitoutside—butIwastoolate.

Fromheavenonlyknewwhere,SergeihadsweptinbehindKevan.He

tappedthepoliceofficerontheshoulder."Hey."

Kevan'sfaceregisteredtherecognitionofSergei'sdeepvoice.Whirling

aroundwithhisfistraised,heswungatSergei.Itwassuchadumbmove.Withthe
easeofaseasonedfighter,SergeirearedbackandpoppedKevanrightintheface.
Kevan'sheadsnappedback—andhedroppedlikeasackoffreakingrocks.

Jawdropped,IstaredatSergei.Holy.Shit.
Andthenallhellbrokeloose.Peoplewereclappingandshoutingand

whistling.ThebridestartedcaterwaulingasCoreyrushedtodefendhisfriend.
Twoofthegroomsmenjoinedhim,butSergeiheldupawarningfinger.Overthe
noiseofthecrowd,hecalmlywarned,"Youthreehadbetterthinktwicebefore
youcomeatme,becauseIcandothatallnightlong.NoonetalkstoBiancalike
that,understand?"

Thegroomnodded."Yeah,man.Igetit."StaringdownatKevan,heshook

hishead."Heoversteppedtheline.Hehadthisonecoming."

AlthoughCoreyhaddiffusedthesituation,thebridedemandedwebe

thrownoutofthereception.Ididn'tblamemycousinLuluforwantingusoutof
hercelebration.Evenso,itwasembarrassingashelltobetossedoutlikethat.As
SergeihelpedmymotherintohisSUV,Ikeptglancingaround,half-expectingthe
policetopullupatanymomenttoarresthimforassault.

TherewereonlyahandfulofwordsspokenbetweenSergeiandMamaon

thedrivebacktoherapartment.Isatinthebackseat,staredoutthewindowand
triedtosortoutmyconflictedfeelings.AstheshockofseeingSergeiflatten
Kevanbegantofade,Igrewincreasinglymoreupset.Havingsomeonecallmea
slutinfrontofhundredsofmyfamilyandfriendswasbeyondhumiliating.Ihated
tothinkwhattheywereallsayingaboutmerightnow.

AndSergei?Whatweretheysayingabouthim?Knowingmytwoloud-

mouthedcousins,TreyandShawnwereprobablyspinningallsortsofstories
abouthim.CoreyandKevan'sfriendswereallpoliceofficers.Nodoubtthey
wererunningSergei'snamerightnowandfindingoutallthesordiddetailsofhis
lifetospreadaroundthewedding.Bythistimetomorrow,hewouldprobably
haveareputationthatincludedthreestintsinthefederalpen,amurderrapand
outstandinginternationalwarrants!

Whyhadhereactedwithhisfistsfirst?Didn'theunderstandthathewas

askingfortrouble?Withhisconnections,knockingoutapoliceofficerwasthe
verylastcomplicationheneeded.Wasthisthewayitwouldalwaysbewithhim?
Punchfirst,askquestionslater?

Wearrivedattheapartmentcomplex,andafterSergeihelpedmegetMama

inside,hesteppedoutintothebreezewaybetweenapartmentstomakeaphone
call.Ifiguredthiswasoneofthosethingsheneededtoreporttohisboss.Once
Kevansoberedup,hewasprobablygoingtomakeproblemsforSergeiandhis
friends.

"Don'tyoubemadathim,"MamasaidasIhelpedherintohernightgown.

"Hedefendedyourhonor."

"I'magrownwoman,Mama.Idon'tneedamantopunchoutsomeoneelse

indefenseofmyhonor."

"Maybeyoudon't,"sheconceded,"butsometimesitneedstobedone.

Kevanwasoutofline.Hehadnorighttospeaktoyoulikethat.Whatdoyouthink
Perrywouldhavedone?"

MylipspartedbutIdidn'thavetheanswer.Shrugging,Iadmitted,"Idon't

know."

"HewouldhavedonethesamethingSergeidid.Thereisnowayhewould

haveallowedanymantosaysuchanastything."

"Maybe,butthatdoesn'tmakeitright."
Mamasighedandsettledintoherfavoritechairinthelivingroom."Well…

don'tyoubemeantoSergei.He'saniceboy,andIlikehim."

"Allright,Mama."Iglancedaroundthelivingroom."Doyouwantmetoget

yourmeds?"

Sheshookherheadandpattedthephoneontheendtablenexttoher."I'm

abouttocallAgnes.She'llcomeoutandgetmesituatedforthenight.Yougoon
home."

ThedoortotheapartmentopenedandSergeisteppedinside.Abashedand

clearlyregretful,hecroucheddowninfrontofmymother."I'msorry,Mrs.

Bradshaw.Ididn’tmeantoruinyourevening."

"Youdidn't.Kevandidthat,notyou."Shebentdownandwhispered

somethingtoSergeithatIcouldn'thear.Thetwoofthemsharingsecretsjust
irritatedmetonoend.

"Night,Mama."Ikissedhercheekandhuggedher."I'llcallyouinthe

morning."

"Okay,honey.Goodnight.Iloveyou."
"Iloveyou,too."
Outinthewarm,stillnight,Sergeismartlydidn'tsayasingleword.We

rodetomyhouseincompletesilenceandstillhadn'tutteredasyllablebythetime
weenteredthehouse.Sergeitrailedmeintotheentrywayandwatchedmekickoff
myshoesanddropmyhandbaginitsusualspotonthetablethere.

Finally,hefoundthecouragetospeak."Baby,I'msorry."
"Don'tevenstartwiththebabyandmilayamoyastuff,Sergei.You'renot

goingtofixthisonebyseducingmeandmakingmeforgetwhyI'mupsetwith
you."

"WhatwasIsupposedtodo,Bianca?"Heseemedgenuinelyataloss.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?"herepeatedindisbelief."Bianca,thatmaninsultedyou."
"So?Youthinkthat'sthefirsttimesomeonehaseverinsultedme?News

flash,Sergei!Ithappensallthetime.RememberLidia?"Thesourlookonhisface
toldmehedid."Ididn'tpunchherlightsouteventhoughIwassorelytempted."

"Thiswasdifferent."
"Wasit?'
"Hecalledyoua—."Asifunabletoevenbringhimselftoutterthewordin

mypresence,Sergeishookhishead."Noonesaysthataboutyou.Noone!You're
mygirlfriend,andI'llfightanymanwhosayssomethingsonastytoyou."

"Youcan'tjustgoaroundwhackingpeoplebecausetheypissyouoff,

Sergei.That'snotthewayitworksinthecivilizedworld.Maybeinthe
underworldthat'showyouguyssettlethings,butyoucan'tdothatinmyworld."

"Isthatwhatthisisabout?YouthinkIdon'tknowthedifference?ThatIcan't

tellwhenamandeservestobehitandwhenhedoesn't?"

"Doesanymaneverreallydeservetobehit,Sergei?"
"Hellyes!Iftheyinsultyou,theydeservemorethanthat."
Agogathisstridentdefenseofme,Iaskedsimply,"Why?"
"Why?"heechoed."Bianca,you'remine.Youbelongtome.Iprotectwhat's

mine."Heswallowedinawaythatseemedalmostnervous."Iloveyou,Bianca.I

willloveyouuntilthemomentIdrawmylastbreath,andeventhen,I'llprobably
goonlovingyouuntiltheendoftime."

Theairbetweenussizzled.Icouldn'tbreatheashisadmissionoflove

wounditselfaroundmelikeawarmembrace.Itwasn'tthescarythingIhad
imaginedittobe.No,itwasquitetheopposite.Insteadofdreadingthewaythose
threewordswouldchangethingsbetweenus,Irelishedthem.Itoccurredtome
thatIhadbeenwaitingforhimtosaythemallalong.Forthefirsttimeinmylife,I
didn'twanttoplayitsafeoreasy.No,Iwantedthemostimpossiblycomplicated
thingintheworld.IwantedSergei.Because…

"Iloveyou,Sergei."
Hisfaceslackenedwithshock.Asecondlater,hegrinned."Yes?"
Nodding,Ismiledathim."Yes."
"Lyubimaya."Utilizinghisbrutestrength,Sergeiliftedmeoffthefloorand

capturedmymouthinatenderkiss.Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhisshouldersand
mylegsaroundhiswaist.Heusedthenearestwalltobracemybackwhilehe
attackedmymouthwithincreasinglypassionatekisses."Sayitagain,Bianca."

Hisbreathlesspleamademyheartflutter.God,thismanlovedmesomuch.

Allhewantedwasformetolovehimback.Thatwasit.

Caressinghisface,Ipeeredintohisproud,handsomeface."Iloveyou,

Sergei."

"I'lldorightbyyou,Bianca.Whateverittakes,I'llgetoutandgiveyouthe

lifeyoudeserve."

Takenabackbythevowhehadjustsworntome,Iclaimedhismouth.It

wouldn’tbethatsimple,andIfearedwhatitwouldcosthim,butIknewhe
wouldn'tbreakthatpromise.Somehow,someway,hewasgoingtogetoutofthe
mobandbuildafuturewithme.

Dottinghislipsalongtheticklishcurveofmyneck,hesaid,"Ithinkwe

shouldtakethistothebedroom.Thisisthesortofthingacouplecelebrateswitha
marathonoflovemaking,isn'tit?"

"Oh,Ireallyhopeso."
Ateasingsmilelituphisface."IthoughtyousaidIcouldn'tfixthisoneby

seducingyou?"

"Apparently,Iwaswrong."Ikissedhisneckandnippedathisjaw."Take

meupstairs,Sergei.Showmehowmuchyouloveme."

Helaughedandeasilycarriedmeuptothesecondfloor."Itmightbeyears

beforeIletyououtofbed."

"Promises,promises…"

ChapterFifteen

Hummingsoftlytomyselfinthestockroom,Ipressedthebuttononthe

automatedracksthatcarriedourbridalinventoryandwaitedforthenextdresson
mylisttoapproach.AfterthemagicofmyweekendwithSergei,Ihadn'treally
wantedtocomeintoworktoday,butrunningasmallbusiness,evenwiththe
amazingstaffhere,requiredmypresence.Wewereknee-deepinthebusiestpart
oftheweddingseasonsothiswasthetimewhenitwasall-handsondeck.

Therackslowedtoastop,andIranmyfingersalongthetagsattachedto

eachhangeruntilIfoundthesimplesheath.Pluckingitfree,Itransferredittoa
rollingrackofgownsIwaspreparingforanafternoonappointment.Thebride-to-
bewastwomonthspregnantandpreparingforaquickieSouthPadreIsland
ceremony.Shewantedsomethinglightandflirtywithenoughcoverageinthefront
toprovidesomecamouflage.Thankfully,wehadaboutadozendifferentgownsin
stockthatwerereadytogowithonlyminimalalterations.

Adoorsquealedbehindme.Thinkingitwasoneoftheconsultants,Ididn't

payitmuchattention.Thereweresevenofthemonthefloorrightnow,anditwas
commonforthemtodartintothebackiftheirfirstfourorfivepicksdidn'tmake
thebrideswoon.

"Bibi?"
StartledbyKevan'svoice,Ispunaroundandfrownedathim."Whatareyou

doingbackhere?"

Dressedinhispoliceofficeruniform,hegesturedtohisbruisedcheekand

jaw."IcametoapologizeforwhatIsaid."Hisdowncastgazetelegraphedhis
regretandembarrassment."Ishouldn'tdrinklikethat.Itbringsouttheworstin
me."

"Clearly,"Isaidtightly.
"Ididn'tmeanit,Bibi.Iknowyou'renot…youknow."
"Well,that'snice,Kevan.Unfortunately,anentireroomfilledwithour

friendsheardyoucallmethatsosayingyou'resorrynowdoesn'texactlyfixthat,
doesit?"

"No,"heansweredquietly.
Thosefeelingsofhumiliationwashedoverme."Youcalledmeaslutin

frontofmymother,Kevan."

Hecringed."Iamsorry,Bianca.IfIcouldgoback—"
"Yeah,Iknow."
Holdingouthishands,hesaid,"Ididn'tpresschargesagainstyour—against

Sergei."

"Wow.That'ssograciousofyou."
Hefrownedatme,theexpressiondrawingattentiontohisfatlip."Hehitme

andknockedmeout.Icouldhavehadhimarrested."

"Sowhydidn'tyou?"
Heprevaricated."Well…"
"YouknowwhatIthink?Ithinkyouknewthatyouwereinthewrong,and

youdidn'twanteveryoneatworktoknowhowdamnednastyyouweretome."
Whenhedidn'tagreeordisagree,Iadded,"Idon'tcondonewhatSergeidid.I
don'tlikethathesolvedthatproblemwithhisfists,butIknowwhyhedidit."

Kevanseemedtobewaitingformetoexplainthewhyofthesituation,butit

wasn'tanyofhisbusiness.Hesighedroughly."Youknowhe'strouble,Bianca.
Thatmanistiedupinsomereallybadshit.Youdon'tneedthatinyourlife."

"IknowwhatIdoanddon’tneedinmylife,Kevan."
"Andyouneedhim?"
"Yes."
Clickinghisteeth,heshookhisheadandglancedatthefarwall.Blowing

outanoisybreath,hesaid,"We'lljusthavetoagreetodisagreewhenitcomesto
him."

"Yes,Isupposewewill."
"Look,Idon'tlikethewaythingsarebetweenus.Weusedtobegood

friends.Youcountedmeonforeverything.I'dliketogetbacktothat."

"I'mnotsurewecangetbacktothewaythingswere,Kevan."
"I'dliketotry."Hehesitated."MaybeIcouldbringdinnerandwecould

paintthatbathroomyou'vebeentalkingaboutdoing."

"Wepainteditthisweekend."FlashesofthesteamytrystIhadsharedwith

Sergeiatopthatdropclothcametomind.Watchingthoseripplingmusclesofhis
ashehadrolledpaintupanddownthewallshaddonecrazythingstome.In
betweencoats,wehadfoundafewverypleasurablewaystokilltime.This
morningintheshower,Ihadstillbeenscrubbingpaintoffmyskin—butoh!I
ratherlikedthedo-it-yourselftricksSergeiwasteachingme.

"Isee."Hedidn'tsoundhappy,butthatwasn'tmyproblem."Whatabout

yourprowler?Haveyouhadanymorerun-inswithhim?"

"No."Thinkingofthewayhehadkeptinformationfromme,Iasked,"Is

thereareasonyoudidn'ttellmeabouttheattackonAdamBlake?"

Hiseyeswidened."Youknowaboutthat?Bibi,Iwasjusttryingtoshield

youfromtheuglinessofit.There'snothingtobegainedfromknowingallthat
nonsense."

"That'snotyourdecisiontomake,Kevan.DidyouknowthattheHouston

PDhassomeonefollowingmearoundnowbecausethey'reworriedthose
skinheadsaregoingtocomeafterme?"

"What?You'resure?"
"Yes,I'msure.IspoketoDetectiveSantosaboutit.Hecouldn'tbelieveyou

hadn'ttoldmeabouttheattackonAdamBlake."

Kevan'seyesnarrowed."Whatelsedidhesay?"
NotwantingtogetintospecificswithKevan,Ishrugged."That'sit.Hetold

metobecarefulandgetadog,asecuritysystemandagun."

"SoyouwentoutandgotaRussianmobsterinstead?"
Islidbothhandsoutinfrontofme."Okay.We'redonehere.Goodbye,

Kevan."

"Bibi,oneofthesedaysyou'regoingtorealizewhatamistakeyou'vemade.

You'regoingtoneedme."

"Idoubtthat,butthanksforthewarning."IwatchedKevanleaveandstood

thereshakingmyheadatwhatabizarreturnourfriendshiphadtaken.Iaccepted
thatIwasn'ttotallyblamelesshere.ObviouslyIhadn'tbeencarefulenoughand
hadfailedtoletKevanknowthatIhadn'tbeenafteranythingserious.Thatwas
one-hundredpercentmyfault.Evenso,thatdidn'tgivehimtherighttobeatotal
jackassaboutthis.

PonderingwhethertocuttieswithKevanorfindawaytomoveforward,I

finishedselectingdressesformybridalappointment.Outonthefloor,Iwheeled
theracktothedressingareaIwouldbeusingandmadesurethespacewas
preparedformyclient'sarrival.

"Hey,Bianca?"OurreceptionistMindypokedherinsidethedressingroomI

wastidying."There'saguyatthefrontdeskwhowantstospeakwithyou.Hesaid
he'sacontractor.Somethingaboutabidonagarage?"

"Oh.Um—tellhimI'llberightout."Surprisedbythevisitfromacontractor,

Iprimpedtheflowersinthedressingroom,wipeddownthemirrorandhunga
freshrobeforthebride.Igotsidetrackedonthewaytothereceptiondeskbya
consultantwhoneededsomehelpwithaplus-sizedbridewhowantedaspecific
mermaidgown.Thesamplesizewasmuchtoosmallforher,andshelookedabout
readytoburstintotears.

"GopulltheAriannadesignfrommycollection,Jackie.Thesamplesize

shouldbeaclosefit."Rubbingthebride'sbarearms,Ismiledatherinthemirror.
"ThedressJackieisbringingisoneofmydesigns.It'sabitsimplerthanthisgown
you'rewearing,butitwillgiveyouanideaofhowyou'lllookinthemermaid

silhouette."

"ButIcangetthisdressintherightsize?"
"Absolutely,"Iassuredher."Ifthisisthedressofyourdreams,Jackiewill

getsomeoneoverheretomeasureyou.Oncethedepositispaid,thedesignergets
theorder,andthey'llstartmakingadressespeciallyforyou."

Shestaredatherselfinthemirror,hergazecriticalandoneIrecognizedall

toowell."Ijustwanttobereallyprettyonmyweddingday."

"Sweetheart,youwillbe.Ipromiseyou.We'llmakesurethatyourwedding

dressisperfect."Rubbingherback,Isaid,"You'realreadybeautiful.It'sourjob
toaccentuatethat."

Smiling,shenodded."Okay.Thanks."
JackiereturnedwiththemermaidgownfrommydesigncollectionsoI

excusedmyselffromthevisiblycalmerbride.Outinthereceptionarea,Ispotted
amaninjeans,ruggedbootsandablueworkshirt.Whenheturnedtowardme,I
managedtoputanametohisface.Extendingmyhand,Igreetedhim."Marcus,
right?"

HeseemedrelievedthatIrememberedhim."Yes,ma'am."
"WhatcanIdoforyou?"
"IhadaphonecallearlierfromamannamedSergeiSakharov.Hewanted

metocomebytotakealookatyourcarriagehouse."Hehesitated."Iwantedto
makesureeverythingwasontheup-and-upwiththatcall."

Alittlemiffedthathehadmadeassumptionslikethat,Iexplained,"Sergeiis

myboyfriend.Healsoownspartofacontractingbusiness,buttheyworkmainly
inretail.Youknow,shoppingcenters,restaurants.He'stakenovertheremodeling
projectsatmyhome."

"Okay."Marcusofferedanapologeticsmile."Ididn'tmeantosteponyour

toes.Iknowyou'reayoungwomanlivingalone,andIwantedtomakesuresome
generalcontractorwasn’ttryingtoscamyou."

"That’snotthecase,Iassureyou."
"Good.I'mglad.Well—IsupposeI'llgetbackintouchwithMr.Sakharov

andseewhenwouldbeagoodtimeformetocomebyandadjustmybidonthe
project."

"Great,andthanksforstoppingby."
Afterthecontractorleft,Icouldn'tshaketheweirdnessofthatrun-in.

Glancingatmywatch,IrealizedIdidn'thavetimetocallSergeiandchatwith
himaboutit.Later,Ipromisedmyself,andgotreadyformybridalappointment.

Ofcourse,oneappointmentturnedintothreeandthenIhadadesign

consultationthatranoveritsallottedtime.Betweeninventoryquestions,
followingupwithGladysinourbillingdepartmentandpromisingMaggiein
alterationsIwouldlookintosqueezingsomemoreseamstressesintothebudget,I
barelyfoundthetimetoeatthesnackSergeihadpackedme.Theselectionofbite-
sizedfruitchunksandthesmallcontainerofmixednutswasn'texactlythebagof
cheesepuffsIhadbeencraving,buthewasrightaboutitsatisfyingmemuch
longer.

Iwaswalkingintothehousewhenmyphonerang.Clampingitbetweenmy

earandshoulder,Iansweredwhilepushingthedoorshutwithmyfoot."Hello?"

"Howwaswork,sweetheart?"
Sergei'svoicemademegrinandleftmefeelingalltingly."Itwasgreat.

You?"

"Sameoldstory,"hesaidwithachuckle."IkeptVivianoutoftroublesoI'll

putapointinthewincolumnfortoday."

Knowingwhatapainshecouldbe,Ifiguredthatwasaboutasgoodasit

wouldgetforhim."Areyoucominghomefordinner?"

"No,I'mheadingtothegym.After,IpromisedNikolaiIwouldhelprunan

errand."

"Oh?"
"It'snothinglikethat,Bianca.It'sforKellyConnolly."
"Isee."ConsideringwhatIknewofKelly'scurrentpredicament,IdoubtedI

wantedtohearanymoredetailsofwhatthiserrandmightentail."Willyoube
late?"

"Probably,"hesaid,alreadysoundingtired.
NotwantingtoburdenhimwithKevan'sappearanceattheshopandthe

contractor'sstrangevisit,Ikeptthosestoriestomyself."I'llwaitupforyou."

"Youdon'thavetodothat."
"Iwantto,Sergei.I'vemissedyoutoday."
"I'lltrytogethomeassoonaspossible.Ineedtostopbymyapartmentto

pickupsomeclothes."

Thementionofhisapartmentspurredthoughtsofatopicwehadn'teven

comeclosetoopeningfordiscussion.Eversincethenighthehadkickedmydoor
intosavemefrommyshowercurtain,Sergeihadbasicallybeenlivinghere.It
definitelywasn'tsomethingIhadeverplannedonhappening,butthethoughtofnot
havinghimhereeverynight,evenifIdidn'thavethisprowlerissueandtheNight
Wolvesscratchingatmyfrontdoor,mademereallysad.

"Maybeyoushouldpacksomemoreclothesandbringthemhere.Youcan

havetheclosetintheguestroomacrossthehallfornow."WithalltheclothesI
hadpackedintothemastercloset,theresimplywasn'troomforhiminthe
bedroomweweresharing.

Sergei'sendofthelinestayedquietforawhile."Areyousure?"
"Yes."Iwasn't.Infact,mypalmsweregettingsweatyjustthinkingabout

makingthisfirststeptowardcohabitation."It'sthebestsolutionforourcurrent
situation.Justbringwhateveryouneed,andwe'llfindaplaceforithere."

"Allright.Ihavetogo.I'llseeyoulater."
"Besafe."
"Iwill,milayamoya.Iloveyou."
Thosethreesimplewordsstillhadn'tlosttheirmagic."Iloveyou."
Afterendingthecall,Imademywaytothekitchenandsortedthroughthe

mailI'dgrabbedfromtheboxoutfront.Ithoughtaboutdinnerbutwasn'tinthe
moodtocook.Iconsideredhavingsomethingdelivered,maybeapizzaorsome
Chinese.

Glancingoutthefrontwindows,Ispottedthedarkcarthatfollowedme

everywhere.SergeihadintroducedmetoArtyafewdaysearlier.Hewasanice
guy,abitolderthanSergei,andsoft-spoken.SomethingSergeihadtoldmeabout
Artymademecurious.

Withaneveningtofill,Idecidedtobefriendlyandleftthehouse.Ihad

madeithalfwaydownthesidewalkbeforeArtywasoutofhiscarandcoming
towardme.Lookingconcerned,heasked,"Issomethingwrong?Doyouneedmy
help?"

"Everythingisfine,butIthinkIdoneedyourhelp."
"Okay.WhatcanIdoforyou?"
"Sergeisaidyourecentlyhelpedyourmotherandsistercomeoverhere.I

wonderedifyoumightbewillingtocomeinsideandtellmehowyoudidit.You
know,thelawfirmyouused,thestepsandallthat."Sweeteningthedeal,Iadded,
"I'llordersomethingfordinnersoyoudon'thavetositouthereandeatinyour
car."

Heseemedsurprisedbytheofferbutnodded."Yeah.Okay."
"Great."
WhileArtyreturnedtohiscartograbsomethings,Iheadedbacktothe

house.Sergeihadhisownexitplanintheworks,butIwaslookingatthebig
picture.Hewasnevergoingtobehappyhereuntilhismotherandbrotherwere
safeherewithhim—withus.WhateverIcoulddotomakethathappen,Ihadto
try.

***

"Whatareyoureading?"
SergeiglancedattherearviewmirrorandfoundNikolaistaringathimwith

interest.TheywereparkedoutsideConnollyFitness,thegymKelly'solder
brothersowned.WordonthestreetwasthattheloansharkJohnHagenwould
receivehalfofthebuildingiftheloanonitwasn'trepaid.Sergeihadnodoubtthat
Hagenwouldforcethemtosellinordertogetthebuildingandthelandbeneathit.

"PropertyrecordsandblueprintsforBianca'shome,"heanswered."There's

somethingfunnyaboutthatcarriagehouseoutback."

"How'sthat?"
"Thedimensionsaren'tright."
"It'sanoldbuilding.Thecarpenterswhoputittogetherdidn'thavetomeet

codes,Sergei."

Hemadeahummingsoundofagreement."That'sprobablyit."
"Youdon’tsoundconvinced."
"Idon'tknow."Sergeihesitatedbeforeadmitting,"Itfeelsstrangeinthat

building."

"Strange?"
"Yes,strange."Hewasn'tabouttotellthebossthathegottheworstknotin

hisstomachwhenhewasintheplace.

"Maybeit'sthefumesfromoldleadpipesandpaint,"Nikolaisuggested.

"Unlessyouthinkit'ssomethingsupernatural."

Hecouldheartheteasingtoneintheboss'voice."Nyet."
"Sothenwhat?"
"Idon'tknow."
"Ithinkyou'reoverlystressed.You'rejugglingBianca,yourdutieswith

Vivian,thisthreatfromnochniyevolki,theprowler,thetournament—it'stoo
much,Sergei."Stretchingouthislegs,Nikolaiexhaledalong,slowbreath."When
thetournamentisfinishedandthismesswiththosewhitepowerbastardsisdone,
IwantyoutotakeBiancaonvacation.GotoLondon.GotoParis.Govisita
beach.Just—goawayforawhile."

Sergeitwistedinhisseatforabetterlookathisboss."You'reserious?"
"You'veearnedit."Glancingoutthewindow,hesaid,"Ah.Herethey

come."

SergeileaneddowntoseeoutthewindowandspottedKellyConnollyand

histwobrothersleavingtheirgym.Heopenedhisdoor,climbedoutofthe
driver'sseatandwalkedaroundtotheothersideofthevehicle.Armscrossed,he

waitedforthethreebrotherstoseehim.

Kellystrodetowardhim,andtheysizedeachotherupcarefully.Iftheman

madeitthroughenoughmatches,theywouldfaceoffinthecage,andthenSergei
wouldhavetohurthim.Probablybadly.Maybeevenirreparably.Hehatedthe
thoughtofit,buttherewasnothingtobedone.

Withoutaword,heopenedthedoortothemiddlerowofseatsandgestured

forKellytogetinside.Heremainedoutsidethevehiclewhilethebosshanded
overinformationaboutthemanwhowasblackmailingKelly'sgirlfriend.Itwas
thelastbitofhelpKellywouldgetfromtheRussiancamponthismatter.Sergei
hopedheuseditwisely.

Whenitwasdone,SergeiwatchedKellyrejoinhisbrothersbeforesliding

behindthewheel.NikolaiaskedtobedroppedoffatSamovar.Oncethebosswas
offhishands,Sergeidrovetohisapartmenttogathersomeclothingandother
necessities.HewonderedatBianca'sinvitationtokeepmoreofhisthingsather
place.Wasshefeelingoutthepossibilityofofferinghimamorepermanentspot
there?Weretheyreadyforthatstep?

Navigatingthebusynightstreets,Sergeicontemplatedtheirrelationship.It

seemedtheyweremovingoutsidetheprescribedtimetablesthatmostcouples
followed.Hetrustedtheywouldfindtheirownwayandleftitatthat.

WhenheturneddownthealleybehindBianca'shouse,hekilledhislights

andcreptalongthenarrowpath.Staringattheold,rottedoutcarriagehouse,he
didn'tevenseetheshadowyfiguremovingacrossBianca'sbackyardatfirst.
Easingonthebrakes,SergeiputhisSUVinparkandwatchedthespotbythe
gazebo.Amidtheshadowydarkness,hespottedtheman-sizedformmovingcloser
tothehouse.

SpurredintoactionwiththoughtsofprotectingBianca,Sergeiopenedthe

doorandslidoutofhisvehicle.Hejoggedtothebackgate,putbothhandsonthe
sturdyironframeandvaultedoverthetop.Thehardlandingjarredhisankles,but
heignoredthejoltthatrattledhisknees.Eatingupthegroundwithhislongstrides,
Sergeihurriedtointercepttheprowlerbeforehecouldreachthebackdoorof
Bianca'shouse.

Helaunchedhimselfattheman,wrappinghisarmsaroundhimandtaking

himdowntothegrass."Gotyou!"

Theprowlerfoughtbackhard,twistingandkickingtoescapeSergei's

clenchedarms.AkneetoSergei'sbellymadehimgrowl,buthesimplysqueezed
harder.ThemangotahandfreeandslappedatSergei'sface.Theyrolledaround
inthebackyard,punchingandscratchingandshouting.

Thebackdoorslammedopen,andBiancarushedontothebackporch.

"Sergei!"

"Getbackinside!"Hisbrokenconcentrationallowedthemantojamhis

elbowintoSergei'sribsandbreakfree."Shit."

Sergeisnatchedattheprowler'sankle.Themanslippedonthegrassand

wentdownhard.Theprowlerkickedwildly,andhisshoecameoffinSergei's
hand.Themanscuttledlikeabugacrossthegrassandfinallymanagedtogetinto
anuprightposition.Sergeishovedoffthegroundandmadechase.

Beforetheyreachedthegate,anothermanappearedinthealleyway.He

jumpedoverthegateandbecameilluminatedbythestreetlights.Sergeihadnever
beenhappiertoseeDetectiveEricSantosinhislife.

"HoustonPD!Handsintheair!"Weapontrainedontheprowler,Ericforced

theothermantostop."Sergei,handsup,too.Don'tmoveuntilIsortthisout."

Happytooblige,Sergeiheldupbothhandsandtriedtocatchhisbreath.

Theprowlerlookedlikehemighttrytoboltbuthefinallyputuphishands.Eric
advancedontheprowlerandquicklycuffedtheman."Youarmed,Sergei?"

"No.Myweaponisinmyvehicle."
"Sergei!"Biancaracedtowardhim."Areyouokay?"
"Itoldyoutogobackinside."Hereachedforherhandanddraggedher

behindhim,shieldingherbodywithhis,justincase.

"Idid."Sheembracedhimfrombehindandkissedhisback."Icalled9-1-1.

They'resendingtwounitsrightnow."Shepeekedaroundhimtolookatthe
prowler."Eric?Whatareyoudoinghere?"

"Idecidedtodrivebytocheckonyourplace.It'sbeenquietwiththeNight

Wolves,butIdon'ttrustthem.That'swhenIsawacarparkedafewblocksdown
thestreet.IdecidedtocomedownthealleyandspottedSergei'sSUV.Ifigured
therewasonlyonereasonhewouldabandonhiscardownthere."

"Isheoneofthem?"Sergeineededtoknowwhotheprowlerwasandwhat

hewasdoinghere.

"Let'sfindout."Ericdraggedtheblackskimaskfromtheman'shead—and

Biancagasped.

"Kevan!Whatinthehellareyoudoinghere?"
Sergeiwantedtoknowthesamething.Eric,however,didn'tseemnearlyas

surprised.Staringatthedetective,heasked,"Didyouknow?"

"Isuspected,"Ericadmittedreluctantly."I'vebeenkeepingtabsonBianca

soIhaveherfileandherbrother'sfileflaggedinthesystem.Kevanhasbeen
doingalotofdiggingincaseshehasnobusinessseeing.Ihadabadfeelingand

followedhimoneevening.Hecamehere,ablockdown,andjustsatthereall
night."

"Why,Kevan?"Biancasteppedclosertoherex-boyfriendandtuggedher

robetighteraroundherbody."Whywouldyoudothistome?"

"IthinkIknow,"Sergeisaidthroughgrittedteeth."He'sobsessedwithyou,

andheknewtheonlywaytogetyoubackwastomakeyouscared.Heknewthatif
youhadaprowler,youwouldcallhimforhelp.Hekeptcomingbacktoscareyou
becausehewantedyoutoinvitehimbackintoyourlife."

"Butyoudidn't,"Kevanspatangrily."Youcalledhim.Youlethimhelp

you."Thedisgracedpoliceofficershookhishead."You'resostupid,Bibi.Don't
youhaveanyideahowdangerousheis?He'sgoingtogetyoukilled."

"Howdangerousheis?You'retheonewhonearlygavemeaheartattack!

You'retheonewhomademethinktheNightWolveswerecreepingaroundmy
housetotakemeoutinarevengekilling."

"I'mtryingtosaveyourlife."
"Yeah,well,youbetterstartthinkingabouthowyou'regoingtosaveyour

career,"Ericinterjected.Sirenswailedastheynearedthehouse,andthedetective
sighed."Youreallyfuckedyourselfonthisone,Kevan."

HoldingBiancaagainsthisside,Sergeistoodwithherwhiletheyanswered

questionsandgavetheirreports.Hestillcouldn'tquitebelievethatithadbeen
Kevanallalong.Inaway,hewasrelievedthatitwassomethingsoridiculousand
nottheNightWolves,afterall.ItwasonelessthreattoBianca'slife.

But,astheyslidintobedtogetherafewhourslaterandBiancaworkedher

waydownhisbody,kissingandlickingandthenfinallysuckinghiscockdeepinto
hermouth,hecouldn'tstopthinkingaboutsomethingKevanhadsaid.

He'sgoingtogetyoukilled.
WhatifKevanwasright?ThethoughtofBiancabeinghurtbecauseofhim

deflatedhiserection.Hischestached,andhefoundithardtobreathe.

"Baby?"Biancaabandonedtheamazingblowjobshehadbeengivinghim

andnibbledherwaybacktohischest."Areyouwithme?"

"Yes."Hewasgladforthedarknessthathidhistaut,worriedexpression.

"Comeher,milayamoya."

Shestraddledhishipsandlethimdraghermouthdownforasensualkiss.

Theirtonguesdancedashedrankfromherlipstoquenchhisthirstforher.
Palmingherbreast,hebrushedhisthumbacrosshernippleandenjoyedthe
mewling,kittenishsoundsshemade.

"Iloveyousomuch,Bianca."

Shesiftedherfingersthroughhisshorthairashesuckledherbreast."I

knowyoudo."

"Idon'teverwantthebadthingsinmylifetotouchyou."Hekissedthespot

justaboveherheart.

"Theywon't."
Shesoundedsosure.Herunshakablebeliefinhisabilitytoprotectherand

keephersafefilledhimwithsuchconflictedemotions.Ononehand,helovedthat
shetrustedhimsocompletely.Ontheother,hewasterrifiedthatherlifewasin
hishands.Onewrongmove,andhewouldloseeverything.

Graspingherhips,Sergeirockedhisbodyuntilhiscocknudgedbetween

herslickfolds.Thefatheadofhisdickslippedinsideher,andtheybothgroaned.
Suckinginasharpbreath,Biancaliftedherbottomandpulledoffhisunsheathed
erection."Sergei,youforgottoputonacondom."

"Ididn'tforget."Hewantedtobeinsideherwithoutanythingbetweenthem.

"Letmemakelovetoyou,Bianca.Letmecomeinsideyou."

Evenashebeggedforthechancetomarkherwithhisseed,toshare

somethingwithherthathehadneversharedwithanyotherwoman,hefully
expectedhertosayno.WhenBiancapresseddownonhisshaft,allowinghis
nakedcocktoslidedeeperinsidethatsweet,snugpussy,helosttheabilityto
breathe.Mouthagape,hecurledhistoesagainstthemattressandmarveledatthe
slick,wetheatenvelopinghim."Bianca!"

Shewhimperedatthesoundofhimgroaninghernameandputbothhandson

hischestforsupport.Rockingslowly,sheswirledherhipsandrubbedherclitoris
againsthisbody."Oh,Sergei."Sheexhaledwithsuchpleasureinhervoice."I
loveyousomuch."

Glidinghisworshipinghandsalongherbreastsandthencuppingher

backside,hethrustupintoher.Hebithislipandprayedthisexperiencewouldgo
onforever.Hewantedtodrawitoutandsavoreverysinglesecondofthis
coupling.ThebedcreakedbeneaththemasBianca'spacehastened,andshe
chasedherclimax.

Wantingtohelpherfindrelease,helickedhisthumbandplaceditagainst

herclit.Shegaspedandpressedagainsthisthumb,urginghimtostimulateher.
"Makemecome,Sergei."

Wantingtogivehersomuchmorethanthat,heswirledhisthumboverthe

littlepearlthereanddelightedintherhythmicclenchingofherpussyaroundhis
cock.Atthefirstflutteringspasm,hegrinnedtriumphantlyandlistenedtoher
comingapartatophim."Sergei!Sergei!"

Therewasn'tasweetersoundintheworldthanBiancacomingonhiscock.

Whenshefellforwardagainsthim,heflippedtheirpositions,shovedherthighs
evenwiderapartandthrustdeepandhardintohercunt.Shecriedoutandclawed
athisbiceps."Oh!Oh!Oh!"

Shecameagain,herpussysqueezinghimanddrivinghimfuckingwild.

Loweringhisbody,heplantedhishandsoneithersideofherheadandplundered
hermouth.Hetookherwithlong,unhurriedthrusts,plungingintoheragainand
again,andholdinghisorgasmatbayaslongaspossible.Hefeltthatfamiliarbuzz
inhislowerstomachandknewitwastime.

Buryinghisfaceinherneck,heslammedasdeepaspossible,pressingthe

headofhiscockrightupagainsttheentranceofherwomb,andallowedthewaves
ofecstasytocrashoverhimanddraghimdownintheirpleasurabledepths.
Shudderingandpettingeachother,theyclungtogetherinthestillnessofthenight
andtradedgentle,tenderkisses.

Sergeifinallyfoundthestrengthtorolloffher.Hecurleduptoherbackand

wrappedhisarmsaroundher.Shewiggledherbottomuntilshefounda
comfortablepositionandsighedcontentedly.Hekissedhercheekandwonderedif
shewasthinkingthesamethoughtshewas.

Theyhadjustplayedwithfire—andtherewereonlytwopossibleresults,

onethatwouldchangethingsbetweenthemforever.

ChapterSixteen

"Areyoustayinglatetonight?"
IglancedupfrommysketchpadtosmileatGladys."Yes.I'malittlebehind

onthisdesign,andIneedtosortthroughsomefabrics.I'vealsogottogetintothe
stockroomandstartcullingfloorsamplesfortheclearancesale."

"Youwantmetostay?"ThoughGladysheadedupthebusinesssideofthe

shop,shehadstartedoutasaconsultantwhenMamafirstopenedthedoors.She
wasalwayswillingtopitchinandhelpwherevershewasneeded.

"No.Gohome.I'vegotit."
"Okay,honey.Ifyou'resure."
"I'msure.Wouldyoumindlockingtheemployeeentrancebehindyou?"
"Notatall,"shesaidwithasmile."I'llseeyouinthemorning."
"Goodnight."
Aloneinthestore,Igotcomfortableatmydeskandsketchedoutsome

bodicedetails.Designingwouldalwaysbemyfirstlove,butrunningtheshop
whileMamarecoveredhadgrownonme.Shehadbeenhintingattheideaof
sellingmethebusinesssoshecouldretirecompletely.Ihadbeenwhollyagainst
it,butlatelyIfoundmyselfwonderingifitwasn'ttime.

Donewithmysketches,Idecidedtogetaheadstartonsortingthroughthe

floorsamplesintheback.Ihadbeenputtingoffthetaskforafewweeks,butwe
wouldbegettingnewshipmentsfortherecentlydebutedspringcollections.I
wouldneedthespaceontheracks.Besides,ourbi-annualclearancesaleswere
hugedrawsandbroughtinlotsofbusiness.

Ihadonlypickedfourdressesofftherackswhenmycellphonestarted

ringing.Sergei'shandsomefacefilledmyscreenandIswipedmyfingeracross
hisforeheadtoanswer."Hello?"

"Hey,baby."Hisrumblingvoicemademykneesweak.
"Hey,whatareyouupto?"
"I'mwaitingforthebosstocomeoutofameeting.AfterIdrophimoff,I

thoughtIwouldpickupsomethingfordinnerandmeetyouattheshop.Ifyou're
stillstayinglate?"

"I'minthebackrightnow,pickingoutfloorsamples."
"Okay.SoI'llpicksomethingupandthenmaybeIcanhelpyou."
"You?Helpmesortweddingdresses?"
"Sure.Whynot?"
"Um…well.Okay."
Helaughed.Then,moreseriously,hesaid,"Bianca,aboutlastnight…"

Wehadn'tyetdiscussedthewaywehadmadelovewithoutprotection.I

sensedhewasguilt-riddenoveritnowthatthelust-filledmomenthadpassed.

"Idon’tregretit,Sergei."
"No?"Hesoundedsurprised.
"No."Runningmyfingersalongtheprotectiveplasticcoveringthedresses,I

asked,"Doyou?"

"No.Ifeelguiltyaboutpressuringyou,butI'mgladthatIsharedthat

experienceonlywithyou."

"Youshouldn'tfeelguilty.I—"
Thecrunchandsquealofmetalinterruptedme.
"Bianca,whatwasthat?"
"Idon'tknow."Ihadloweredmyvoicetoawhisperoninstinct."Itsounds

likeit'scomingfromtheloadingdocksinthenextroom."

"Hide."Hegavetheorderimmediately."Beveryquiet.Don'tsayaword.

Noteventome.Justhide.We'renotfaraway."

GladthatIhadleftmyhighheelsinmyoffice,Ipaddedsoftlytothefarthest

cornerofthebackroomandsqueezedmybodybehindthreeoverlappingracksof
dresses.Ihadneverbeenmorethankfulforourabundantstockthaninthat
moment.

"Ifyou'rehiding,pressabutton."
Itappedakeyonmyscreen.
Sergeiexhaledwithrelief."Nikolaiiswithme.He'scallingKostya.He's

closerthanus.Juststayhidden."

Clutchingmyphonetomychest,Icurledmybodyintothetiniestball

possibleandwaited.Myearsperkedtoeverystrangenoise.Aloud,screeching
yawnricochetedthroughthebuilding.Ipinpointedittotheloadingdockforsure
andheldmybreath.Itwashardtohearoverthebloodpoundinginmyhead,butI
pickedoutthreedistinctsetsofrunningfootsteps.

Oh,God.
Tryingnottofreakout,IconvincedmyselfIwassafehereinmyhiding

place.Sergeiwouldgetherequickly.Hewouldsaveme.

Becausetheshopwassobig,andIhadleftlightsoninmostoftheback

offices,itseemedlikethemenwhohadbrokeninwereconcentratingtheirsearch
there.Weretheylookingformoney?Formerchandisetosell?Orwasitsomething
farmoresinister?Weretheylookingforme?

Dreadgrippedmystomach.Asixthsensetoldmetheboogeymenofmy

nightmareshadfinallycaughtupwithme.Thosewhitepowerfreakswerehere.

They'dcometogettheirrevenge—andIwasallalone.

Footstepsechoedinthecavernousbackroom.Thespacewashuge,running

three-quartersofthelengthofthebuilding,sotheyhadabigareatosearchbefore
theyfoundme.IsqueezedmyfingersintotightfistsandbitmylowerlipsohardI
couldtasteblood.

"Thatbitchisinhere.Tossthisplace.Findher."
Themalegrowlmademybloodruncold.Iclosedmyeyesandprayed.

Please.Pleasehurry,Sergei.

Therewerethreemenintheroomnow,allofthemflickingthroughtheracks

anddumpingboxes.Itwasonlyamatteroftimenow.Ihadnowheretorun.Iwas
corneredandscrewedbeyondbelief.

"Gotcha!"
Thedressesandracksshieldingmewerethrownaside.Heartracingand

mouthdry,Ileapedtomyfeetandheldupmyhands.Myphonefelltothefloor
andbounced."No.Please!Please!Don't!"

Theskinheadwhohaddiscoveredmesteppedasideandletanotherman,

onewhoboreascaryresemblancetoAdamBlake,grabme.Iscreamedbloody
murder,butitwasnouse.ThebrotherofthemanwhohadkilledPerryhadmein
hishands,andhewasn'tabouttoletmego.

Withhisfingerssnarledinmyhair,hedraggedmekickingandscreaming

intotheroomnextdoor.Oneofhiscroniesproducedzip-ties,thoseplasticcuffs
riotcopscarried,andusedthemtobindmyanklestogether.Theyforcedmywrists
highoverheadandboundthosetogether.Adressrackwasbroughtover,andmy
trappedwristswerestrappedtothelonghorizontalbar.Thepainfulpositionmade
myshouldersburnsobadly.

Sobbinghysterically,Iwantedtobegformylife,butIknewitwas

pointless.Iwasoutnumberedandcouldn'tbargainwiththesemen.They
absolutelyhatedme.Icouldseethedisgustburningintheireyesastheystaredat
me.

"DoyouknowwhoIam?"TheonewholookedlikeAdamBlakestared

expectantlyatme.

Inoddedandsobbed."You'reAdamBlake'sbrother."
"DarrenBlake."Hetuggedaknifefromasheathinhisbootandtrailedthe

supersharptipdownthefrontofmyblouse.Thefabricsplitopentorevealthe
lacycupsofthedelicatepinkbraSergeihadgivenme.

"Whyareyoudoingthis?"
Darrenlaughedinmyface."Whyareyoudoingthis?"Hemockedmeina

sing-songvoicethatmademyskincrawl."BecauseIfuckingcan!Stupidbitch."

Iflinchedathiscruelwords.
"IknowyourboyfriendandhisbosshaveJames.Isenthimouttofollow

thatskinny,blue-eyedgash,buthenevercameback."

IsuspectedhisvulgardescriptionwasmeantforVivian."Idon'tknow

anythingaboutSergei'sbusiness.Hedoesn'ttellmethosethings."

"Idon'tcareifyouknowornot.That'snotwhyI'mhere."Theedgeofthe

bladepressedagainstmyneck,andIheldmybreath."You'rethereasonmy
brotheristurninghisbackonhisfamily."

"Wh-what?"
"Adamtoldmethatyourfacehauntshim."Hislipcurledinamenacing

sneer."Icanseewhy.I'veseensomeuglyfuckingn—"

Hedidn'tgettherestofthatfilthy,nasty,horriblewordoutofhismouth.The

sharppuffofbulletsfiredfromasilencedpistolinterruptedhim.Themanstanding
behindDarrencrumpledforwardastwobulletsrippedthroughhishead.The
otherskinheadreactedinstantlyandracedtowardthebackroom,escapingdeath
fornow.

Kostyasteppedthroughthedoorwayandloweredhisgun.Hefiredtwice

more,hittingDarren'skneecapsanddroppingthemantothefloor.Writhingand
screamingwithpain,DarrenclutchedathisbleedinglegswhileKostyakicked
asidetheknifetheevilmanhadbeencarrying.ThefrighteninglyquietRussian
glancedbrieflymywayasiftoascertainthatIwasinnoneedofimmediatehelp
andthenstrodecalmlyintothebackroom.

"No!No!No!"
Anothertwobulletswerefired,andthepleadingfromthethirdman

stopped.

Afewsecondslater,itwasSergei'spanickedvoicethatechoedintheshop.

"Bianca!"

HeburstintotheroomwithNikolairightbehindhim.Theyquicklyscanned

thespace,takinginthedeadmaninfrontofmeandDarren'storturedcries.Sergei
racedtowardmewhileNikolaiwenttostandovertheskinheadleader.

Whippingoutaknifefromthebackpocketofhisjeans,Sergeisliced

throughtheawfulplastictiessqueezingmywristsandankles.Hegatheredmein
hisstrongarmsandcradledmeclose.Ihuggedhimsohardandsobbedagainsthis
neck.ThesoothingscentofhimbrokethroughmyfearandconvincedmeIwas
safe.

"Youneedtogetheroutofhere.Now,"Nikolaiordered.

ImadethemistakeofglancingoverSergei'sshoulder.Kostyahadwrapped

thethirdmaninoneoftheplasticdressbagsandcarriedhimonhisshoulderlike
arolledupcarpet.Iassumedtheotherdeadmanwouldsoongetthesame
treatment.Ididn'tevenwanttothinkaboutwhattheyweregoingtodowith
Darren.

"Doyouhaveasecurityalarm?"Kostyaloweredhisburdentothefloorand

waitedformetoanswer.

"Ye-yes."
"Iwillneedthecode."
"It'sinthetopdrawerofmydesk.Onapinkstickynote,"Iadded,stillso

verydazedbymyhorrificexperience.Staringatthecarnage,Iasked,"Whatare
yougoingtodo?"

"AfterIcleanupthismess,"Kostyagesturedaroundhim,"I'llstageabreak-

in.We'llstealsomedressesandsomeequipment.Youdon'tneedtoworry."

Swallowinghard,IburrowedintoSergei'sprotectiveembrace."Whattime

amIleaving?"

Kostyafrownedatfirstbutthennoddedwithunderstanding.Heglancedat

hiswatch."Fifteen'tileleven,okay?Leaveyourcarandthekeys.I'lldriveitback
toyourhousesoourneighborsseeitcomehomeattherighttime.Thatwayyou
bothhavealibis,yes?"

KostyaproducedmyphonefromhispocketandhandedittoSergeiwho

wasstaringatDarren.Ihadneverinmylifeseensuchfuryonanyman'sface.I
knewthatifIletgoofSergei,hewasgoingtokillDarren.Itwouldbebloodyand
brutal—anditwouldchangethemanIlovedforever.

"Takemehome,Sergei.Please."
Mysoftlypleadingvoiceseemedtobreakthroughthathazeofbloodlust.He

sweptmeupintohisarmsandcarriedmeoutoftheshop.Ididn'tknowhowIwas
supposedtocomebackhereinthemorningandpretendnothinghadhappened.
CouldIseriouslyplayalongwiththebreak-instory?

Youdon’thaveachoice.
Iacceptedthattherewasnodecisionhere.Thosemenweregoingtokill

me.Theymighthaveevenrapedortorturedmebeforetheyslitmythroator
stabbedme.

Still…guiltheldmeinitscoldclutch.WhatifIhadcalled9-1-1?Would

theyhavegottenthereintimetosaveme?Wouldtheyhaveendedtheattackonme
inadifferentway?

Tormentedbythosethoughts,Ididn'tevenrealizewehadreachedmyhouse

andwereparkedinfrontofthecarriagehouseuntilSergeitouchedmyhand.
"Bianca?"

Irubbedmyfaceandfeltthebilerisinginmythroat."Ineedtotakea

shower."

"Itwillhelp."Hesoundedasifhespokefromexperience."Let'sgoinside.

I'llfixyousometea,andthenyoucansleep."

IdoubtedIwouldevergetafullnight'ssleepagain.

***

Sergeicouldn’tsleep.
HismindinsistedonplayingthescenehehaddiscoveredatBianca'sshop

onanendlessloop.Hisqueasybellychurnedrelentlessly.Theteahehadbeen
drinkingallnightthreatenedtoeruptatanymoment.

Rubbinghisfacebetweenhishands,Sergeileanedbackagainsttheleather

chairandproppedhisachingfeetontheottoman.Hehadtwofullyloadedguns
withinarm'sreachandsatbetweenthebedwhereBiancasleptandthedoor
whereanytroublemightappear.Shehadtossedandturnedfitfullybeforefinally
succumbingtoexhaustion.

Anditwasallhisfault.
WhileSergeiconcededthatDarrenBlake'sbeefwithBiancahadstarted

yearsago,healsobelievedthatDarrenhadspecificallytargetedBiancaforhis
deceitfulmachinationsandpowerplaysbecauseofhertiestohimandhistiesto
Nikolai.WhateverplansNikolaiandBesianhadfortheskinheadswouldputan
endtothatproblem—butwhataboutthenextgangwar?

Andtherewouldbeanotherone.Therewasalwaysanotherone.Nikolai

triedsohardtokeepthecity'sunderworldquiet,buttherewerealwaysoutside
forcesthatcouldn'tbecontrolled.SergeirefusedtoputBiancainharm'swayever
again.

"Sergei?"Bianca'ssleepy,sweetvoiceinterruptedhistroubledthoughts.
Shiftinghisgazetowardthebed,herealizedsunsetwasuponthem.Hadhe

losttrackoftimesoeasily?Hetookinherrumpledhairandthecottonnightgown
withitsfemininesoftnessandpaleshadeofpurple.Itdawnedonhimthatthiswas
thelasttimehewouldeverseeherlikethissohetriedtoimprintthevisiononhis
brainforever.

"Yes,milayamoya?"
"Youdidn'tcometobed."
"No."Hegesturedtothedoor."Iwantedtomakesureyouweresafe."
Shetuggedthesheethigher."AmIsafenow?"

"Youwillbe."Numbnessspreadthroughhisbody,startingathisaching,

breakingheartandarcingoutfromtherewithpulsingbursts."WhenI'mgone."

Shefrowned."Gone?"
Loweringhisfeettothefloor,Sergeipushedhimselfintoastanding

position.Hereachedbackandunhookedthegoldmedallionhismotherhadgiven
himmanyyearsago.Histhroatwassotighthecouldhardlybreathebutheforced
himselftospeak."It'sover,Bianca.Wecan'tdothisanymore."

Sheblinkedrapidly."What?"
"I'mleaving.Forever,"headded,incaseshehadn'tunderstoodhim."This?"

Hegesturedbetweenthem."Us?It'sover.We'redone."

"ButIloveyou."Herwhisperedwordscutmoredeeplythananyknife

possiblycouldhave.

"AndIloveyou,"heansweredhonestly."BecauseIloveyou,Ihaveto

leaveyou.Ineverwantedthislifeforyou.Iloveyoutoomuchtocondemnto
this."

"ButI—"
"No,Bianca."Hehelduphishandtosilenceher.Movingcloseenoughto

touchher,hegraspedhersmallhandandpressedhismedallionontoherpalm
beforecurlingherfingersclosedaroundit.Certainhewouldn'tsurviveafinal
kiss,hepickeduphisweaponsandmovedtothedoor."I'llpickupmythingsafter
you'vegonetowork."

"Sergei…"
Takinginherbeautifulfaceonelasttime,hesmiledather."Youdeserveso

muchbetter,Bianca.Iknowyou'llhavenotroublefindingabettermanthanme."

Brokenandbatteredinside,Sergeispunonhisheel—andleftbehindthe

womanhewouldloveuntilhedrewhisdyingbreath.

ChapterSeventeen

StandinginthelobbyofSamovarafewdayslater,Itoyedwiththegold

medallionofSt.SergiusthatIhadn'ttakenoffsinceSergeihadbrokenupwithme.
IgazedatoneofVivi'spaintingsthathunginaprominentpositionthere.Itwas
oneofthepiecesshehaddoneduringherfreshmanyearofcollege.Viewingthe
moodycanvastoday,IhadadifferentfeelingoftheartpiecenowthanIhadfour
yearsago.

Ofcourse,fouryearsago,Iwasn'tsufferingfromthemostwretchedly

brokenheart.Myeyesclosedbrieflyasafreshwaveofpainsweptovermeand
triedtodragmeunderthemelancholiccurrentsthathadbeentryingtodrownme
sinceSergeiwalkedoutonme.Squeezingthemedallioninmyhand,Itriedtoget
agriponmyemotions.

Istillhadahardtimebelievinghehaddonethat.Whentheinitialnumbness

hadpassed,Ihadbeenenragedbythewayhehadturnedhisbackonmeand
walkedrightoutofmylife.Later,whenIhadcalmeddown,Ihadfinallygrasped
themotivationforhisharshandunexpectedreaction.

Helovedmesomuchherefusedtoputmeatrisk.Therewasnowaywe

couldpretendthathislifeintheunderworldwouldnevertouchmine.That
childish,optimisticdreamhadbeencrushedundertheweightoftwodeadbodies
andonebadlyinjuredskinheadwhohadIfearedwouldneverbeseenaliveagain.

"Bianca?"
MyeyeswidenedatthesoundofLidia'svoice.OfallthepeopleInever

wantedtodealwithagain,sherankedrightupthereatthetop.Sighing,I
reluctantlyturnedtofaceher.Instantly,Inoticedthewayshewrungherapronin
herhands."Yes?"

"MayIspeakwithyou?"
"Sure."Ifollowedhertoaquietcornerofthelobby."Well?"
Hergazelingeredonthemedalliondanglingfrommyneck,butshesaid

nothingaboutit.Shesmoothedafewwaywardstrandsofhairbehindherear."I
wantedtoapologizetoyoufortheothernight.WhatIdidtoyouandwhatIsaidto
youwaswrong,andI'msorry."

Herapologycaughtmeoffguard.ItseemedsinceresoIaccepteditwithout

reservation."Thankyou."

"I'majealouspersonbynature.It'snotaneasythingformetoadmit,butit's

true."Sheswallowednervously."IwantedSergeiformyself.Hewantedmeonce,
andIthoughthewouldbetheonetomarryme.Whenhemetyou—well—allthat
changed."

Thiswouldprobablygodownasthemostawkwardconversationofmylife,

butIdecidedtopushthroughit."WhataboutArty?"

Surprisecrossedherface."YouknowArty?"
"It'salong,convolutedstory."Iwavedmyhand."Hetoldmethatyoutwo

haddatedforawhile."

"Wedid."Herexpressionsoftened,andIcouldtellshestillhadfeelingsfor

him."He'saniceguy,butItreatedhimbadly."

"Soapologizetohim,"Isuggested."You'reright.Heisnice.I'msurehe'd

bewillingtositdownwithyouandlistentowhateveryouneedtosay."

"Maybe,"shesaiduncertainly."Whyareyoubeingsonicetomeafterthe

meanthingsIsaidtoyou?"

"We'reallhuman,andweallmakemistakes.Mymotherisalways

preachinggrace,andIthinkit'sagoodplacetostartinanyrelationship."I
touchedherarmandsmiled."Idon'tthinkyou'reabadperson.Ireallyamsorry
aboutthewayLenacameafteryou."

Sheshookherhead."Ideservedthat.Itwasalie.WhatIsaidaboutYuri,"

sheexplained."Hewasabigflirtbeforeher.He'dcomeinhereandteaseallof
us.Sometimesheeventooktheprettiergirlsoutforanicetime,butthenhemet
Lenaandallthatstopped."Hermouthslanted,andsheshrugged."It'shardtosee
otherwomengetwhatyouwant.Itmakesawomancoldinside."

"Onlyifyouletit,"Iremindedher.
"Yes,"sheagreedquietly.Hergazeflickedtothedoorbehindmewherea

largelunchtimebusinesspartywascomingthroughthedoors."Comeon.I'lltake
youbacktoseeNikolai."

IfollowedLidiatotheofficesintherearoftherestaurant,rappedmy

knucklesagainstthedoorandwaited.

"Yes?"
Iopenedthedoorandpeekedinside."Nikolai?"
"Bianca!"Hestoodupandgesturedtowardthechairsinfrontofhisdesk.

"Comein.Haveaseat."

Ishutthedoorbehindmeandshookhishandbeforetakingoneofthechairs.

"Thanksforseeingme."

"It'snoproblem.Wouldyoulikesomethingtodrink?Water?Coffee?Tea?

Vodka?"Hesaidthelastwithateasingsmile.

"No,I'mfine,butthanks."
Hereturnedtohischairandleanedback."Haveyoubeentoseethebaby

yet?"

IsmiledatthereminderofBennyandDimitri'sbaby.SofiaNatalya

Stepanovhadmadeherdebutearlyyesterdaymorning.Intheend,Bennyhad
undergoneaplannedC-sectiontobringherninepound,twoouncebundleofjoyin
theworld.

"No,I'mgoinglatertoday.IfiguredBennywastiredyesterdayafterhaving

surgeryinthemorning.Iwouldhavestoppedbythismorning,butIdidn'twantto
runintoVivianandSergei."

"Oh.Right."Aflashofregrettouchedhisface.Asquicklyasitappeared,it

vanished."SofiaistheprettiestbabygirlI'veeverseen."

"Yeah?"
"Sopretty,"herepeated."ShehasdarkhairlikeBennybutblueeyeslike

Dimitri."

"Ithinkallbabieshaveblueeyeswhenthey'reborn."
"Thesewillstayblue,Ithink."Rappinghisfingertipsonhisdesk,hesaid,

"Abouttherepairstoyourshop…"

Iwavedmyhand."It'sdone.Thecontractorswereinandoutinaday."
"Iftherewasanyotherway,Bianca—"
"It'sfine,Nikolai."Ireallydidn'twanttotalkaboutwhathadhappenedthat

nightortheaftermaththatfollowed.Kostya'simpeccablestaginghadeasilyfooled
thepoliceandinsurancecompany.Thankfully,theredundanciesaroundtheshop
hadallowedustocontinueservingourbrideswithonlythetiniesthiccup.The
mobcleanerhadonlytakenordestroyeddressesthathadn'tbeenspokenforby
customers.

"It'snotfine.Itnevershouldhavehappened."Heranhisfingersthroughhis

sand-coloredhair."Iwaitedtoolongtoactandyouverynearlypaidtheultimate
price."

Ididn'tdareaskhimwhathehadwaitedtoolongtodo.Thenewshadbeen

filledwithstoriesofamajorfireattheautoshoptheNightWolvesoperatedout
ofandofashootoutatsomebartheyownedoutsideofthecitywhentheFedshad
raidedthemtoroundtherestofthemup.Theonlycasualtieshadbeenthoseracist
scumbagssotheredidn'tseemtobemuchoutpouringofconcernoverthegang
violence.

"Hemissesyou,"Nikolaisaid,hiswordsseeminglyoutoftheblue."I've

neverseenhimlikethis,notevenwhenhehadtoleavehismotherandbrother
behind."

HearingthatSergeimissedmebolsteredmycourage.Ihadneverfacedoff

withamobbossbeforesoIneededeverydropofbraveryIcouldsqueezeoutof

me."That'swhyI'mhere."

"Youwanthimback?"
"Ineveraskedhimtoleave."
Nikolaisatforward."Youdidn'tbreakupwithhim?"
Ishookmyhead."Heleftme."
"Toprotectyou?"
"Yes."
Shakinghishead,Nikolaisworesoftlyinhismothertongue."He'salways

beensuchanhonorablebastard."Turninghisattentiontome,heasked,"Whatcan
Idotohelpyou?"

"Youcanstartbytellingmeexactlyhowmuchoutstandingdebtyouholdfor

Sergei."

"Why?"
Ireachedintomypurseandretrievedmycheckbookandpen."BecauseI

intendtobuyhimfromyou."

Nikolaiblinked."Areyouserious?"
"Yes."
Themobbossstaredatmeforafewveryunnervingsecondsbeforebursting

intolaughter.Headthrownback,hestaredattheceilingandchuckled."God,
Bianca,Ialwaysknewyouwereadarkhorse."

Bristlingathisamusement,Iinsisted,"I'mserious,Nikolai."
Heloweredhisheadandpeeredintentlyatme."Iknowyouare."
"Howmuch?"
"It'salot,Bianca."
"Well,luckilyforyou,Ihavedeeppockets."
"Isthatso?"
Iwasprobablytippingmyhandtooearly,butIdidn'tthinkNikolaiwould

cheatme."WhenDaddywaskilled,thedrunkdriverwhoplowedintohim
survived,andourfamilytookhimandhisinsurancecompanytocourt.We
receivedabigpayoutthatMamainvestedwisely.Later,whenPerrywas
murdered,mymothersuedtheBlakefamily.Theysettledwithusbygivingus
somepiecesoflanddowninsouthTexas.You'veheardoftheEagleFordShale?"

"Ihave."
"Soyouknowwhatsortsofroyaltieswehavepouringinthen,"Ireplied.

"Nameyourprice,Nikolai.I'mnotwalkingoutofhereuntilIownSergei."

Themobbossreachedforaslipofpaperandclickedhispen.Hescribbled

afigureandslidthepapermyway."Don'tstartwritingthatcheckyet,Bianca.You

can'tjustgivememoneylikethis.Itwillattractunwantedattention."

Iunderstoodwhathemeant.Glancingatthepaper,Ikepttheshockfrom

filteringacrossmyface."Howdowedothis?"

Nikolaiseemedtobemullingitover.Asmilestartedtoliftthecornersof

hismouth."IhavejustundersixtyacresoflandinWallerCountythatIneedto
move."

"What?OvernearHempstead?"
"Closeby,"hesaid."Itwouldbebetterifthislandstayedinthefamily."
"Uh-huh,"Irepliedunhappily."IsupposeIdon'twanttoknowwhy."
"Probablynot,"heagreed."Icanpromiseyouthatthelandwouldbe…

cleaned…beforeitcameintoyourpossession."

"SoIbuytheland—"
"AndyougetSergei,freeandclear."
"Doyoumeanthat?"
"IneedhimtofightonFridayandSaturday,"Nikolaiansweredhonestly.

"There'stoomuchmoneyinvolved,includinghisown,toriskthat.AfterSaturday,
he'sallyours."

ThementionofSergei'smoneytiedupinthefightsmademethinkofhis

family."That'ssomethingelseIwantedtodiscuss.HowdoIgetSergei'sfamily
overhere?"

Imighthaveimaginedit,butitlookedasifNikolai'spaleeyesactually

warmedtowardme."Vladimircouldeasilyimmigrateunderajob'svisawith
Dimitri'scompany,butit'sSergei'smotherthathasthehardesttimecomingover
herebecauseshe'sonlyaseamstress.UntilSergeibecomesacitizen,hecan't
sponsorherimmigration.Thebrothersdon'twanttheirmotherleftbehind."He
hesitated."Didhetellyouaboutthelastlawyer?"

"No."
"ThebastardscammedmanyRussiansandUkrainianshereinHouston.He

tuckedtailandranbeforeIcouldgetmyhandsonhim.Sergeilostatonofmoney
andtimetohim.He'sstartingovernow,anditwilltaketime,evenifSergeigets
citizenshipsoon.Unless—"

"Unlesswhat?"
"Therearewaystojumptheline,butitcostsmoney,Bianca."
"Legalways?"
Henoddedandopenedaleatheraddressbook.Pluckingfreeoneofthe

Samovarbusinesscardssittingonthecornerofhisdesk,heturneditoverand
jotteddownaname,phonenumberandaddress.Heslidthecardtowardme.

"ThisguyworksforafirmthatYuriuses.He'ssafeandtotallyaboveboard.He'll
getSergei'sfamilyhere—foraprice."

"Thankyou."Ituckedthecardintomypursealongwithmycheckbook.

"WhichrealtordoIneedtovisittogetthisballrolling?"

"Thelandisn'tofficiallyforsaleyet.I'llhaveVeecallyouwhenit'stime."
Inarrowedmyeyes."IsthisyourwayofholdingontoSergeilonger?"
"No,thisismywayofmakingsurewe'reallprotectedinthistransaction.

WhenSergeiisfinishedonSaturday,he'sallyoursifyoustillwanthim."

"Idowanthim."
"Icantell."Nikolairosefromhischairandwalkedmetothedoor.

Touchingmycheek,hesmileddownatme."I'mgladit'syou,Bianca.You'rethe
onlywomanbraveenoughtofightforhim."

"He'sworthit."
"Yes,heis."Nikolaipattedmyback."Itwasnicedoingbusinesswithyou,

MissBradshaw."

"Andyou,Mr.Kalasnikov."
Feelingsomeofthetensionleavemybody,Imademywayoutsideand

fishedmyphoneoutofmypurse.Scrollingthroughmycontacts,IfoundErin's
number.Shewasphasetwoofmyplan.

Abitbreathlessly,sheanswered,"You'vereachedMrs.IvanMarkovic.

HowmayIdazzleyoutoday?"

Icouldn'thelpbutlaugh."Boy,you'rereallymilkingthatnewlywedthing."
"Bianca!Hey,youwanttogoseethebabywithmelater?"
"Sure.Youwantmetopickyouup?"
"Yeah.That'sgreat."
"Listen,Iwonderedifyoumighthelpmewithsomething."
"IsitaboutSergeiandthefightsthisweekend?Ivansaidthatyoutwowere

ontheouts,and,honestly,I'msoshocked.WhenLenatoldmeyoutwowere
together,Ithoughtforsurethiswasit,youknow?Anyways.I'mrambling.
Basically,Iamtotallyatyourdisposal.Whateveryouneed,I'lldoit."

Ilaughedatherbabblingofferofhelp."IknewIcouldcountonyou."
"Youknowit!Look,givemeanhourtogetdressedandthencomegetme.

We'llgoseethebabyandthengrabanearlydinner.Howdoesthatsound?"

"Likeagoodplan,"Isaidandfirmedupthedetails.Droppingmyphonein

mypurse,Iheadedfortheparkinglotdowntheblock.Determinationblossomed
insideme.Sergeithoughttheonlywayhecouldprotectmewastocutmeoutof
hislife—andhisheart—forever.Littledidheknowthathewasabouttomeethis

toughestopponentyet.

Ilovedthatman,andIwasn'tgivinghimupwithoutonehellofafight.

ChapterEighteen

Headthrobbingandhandsburning,Sergeitriedtodrownoutthenoiseofthe

crowdandgethisnervesundercontrol.Inaveryshorttime,hewouldwalkdown
thedimlylithallofthemeatpackingplanttothemetalcagetofacehisthird
opponent.Lastnight,hehadwonhisfirsttwofights,buthedidn'tfeeltheusual
surgeofmalepridethatfollowedhardwonvictories.

No,hedidn'tfeelanythingbutthatdeep,hollow,soul-suckingacheinhis

chest.Thepulsingemptinessofitremindedhimoftheonlythinghehadevertruly
wantedandtheonethinghesimplycouldn'thave.

Ivanlumberedintothemakeshiftlockerroomlikethegreatbigbearthathe

was.Hedumpedasecondbucketoficeintothesinkbeforecomingovertothe
benchwhereSergeisat.Histrainerandmentorcroucheddowninfrontofhimand
puthishandsoneithersideofSergei'sface."Letmeseethatcut."

SergeilookedupatthedingyceilingtileswhileIvanproddedtheslitonhis

cheek."It'sfine."

"Fornow,"Ivansaidunhappily."Thisiswhathappenswhenchampionsget

sloppyandforgettoblock."

"Da."
Crackinghisbatteredknuckles,Ivanexhaledapent-upbreathandtookthe

spotnexttohimonthebench."Iknowyou'reinpain,Sergei.Iknowthatyoumiss
yourwoman,butthatisnoexcuseforputtingyourlifeatrisk.Youhavetogetyour
fuckingheadright—orI'llthrowinthetowelrightnow."

Sergei'sgazesnappedtoIvan'sface."Youwouldn't."
"Iwill."
"Butthemoney—"
"Fuckthemoney,Sergei."Ivanshookhisheadandranhisfingeralongone

ofthetattoosdecoratingthebackofhishand."TheonlyreasonItrainyounow
andkeeponefootinthisdirtybusinessisbecauseIwantedtokeepyousafe.If
you'renotgoingtolookoutforyourselfinthatcage,thenI'lldoitforyou."

Sergeithoughtofthecashhehadtiedupinbets."I'llbesafe."
"YouhadbetterbeorelseI'llkickyourassallthewaytothehospital."
Sergeisnorted."Da."
IvanslappedhishandagainstSergei'sback."I'msorryaboutthegirl.Iknow

ithurts."

Sergeistaredattheoppositewall.Ifanymancouldunderstandwhathewas

goingthrough,itwasIvan."ItwasstupidofmetothinkthatIcouldhave
somethingnormal."

"It'snotstupidtohavedreamsortowantbetterthings,Sergei.Howthehell

doyouthinkIgotwhereIaminlife?Iletmyselfdreamofhowitcouldbe
someday."Ivanhesitated."ButIneverletmyselffallinlovewhenIwasstilldeep
inthefamily."

"Thatwassmart."
"No,itwassimplygoodtiming.IfErinhadwalkedintomylifebackthen?

There'snowayIcouldhaveignoredwhatIfeelforher.Itwouldhavebeenhard
nottocrossthatline,butIwouldhavetried.Iwouldhaveremindedmyselfthat
shedeservedsomethingbetter.Evennow,Istrugglewiththeideaoftaintingher
lifewithmysins."

SergeiglancedatIvan."Shelovesyou.Idon'tthinkshecares."
"Ifshedoes,she'smadepeacewithit.GodknowsIdon’tdeserveher

selflesslove,butsheneverstopsgivingit."IvansqueezedSergei'sshoulder.
"You'reagoodman,Sergei,butyoucan'thaveeverything.Atsomepoint,you
havetochoose—Nikolai'sfamilyoryourown."

Afterhavingatasteoffreedomandaglimpseofthepossibilities,Sergei

hadneverwantedtobreakfreemore."How?"

"Idon'thavethatanswer,Sergei.It'sdifferentforallofus."
"Doyoumissit?Doyoueverfeelguiltyaboutwalkingaway?"
Ivanconsideredthequestions."Imissthebrotherhood,butIdon'tmissthe

violenceorthegut-gnawingfearthatcamewitheverynight.Andguilt?"He
shrugged."Intheearlydays,yes,Ifeltguiltyaboutwalkingawayfromtheonly
lifeIhadeverknownandleavingeveryoneelsebehind.Now?"Heshookhis
head."IgettogohomeeverynighttoErin.Igettoclimbintobedwithherand
makelovetoheranddreamaboutthebabieswe'regoingtohavewithout
worryingthatImightgetshotorstabbedatwork."

IvanrubbedthebackofSergei'shead."Ifyougetthechancetogetout,take

it,Sergei.Thenrunlikehell."

"Youmightgetthatchancesoonerthanyouhadexpected."
Sergei'sgazejumpedtothedoorwaywhereNikolaileanedagainstthe

frame.Howlonghadhebeenthere?ObviouslylongenoughtohearIvan'sadvice.

Sergeididn’twanttocauseanyproblems,especiallynottonight,andhe

didn'twantNikolaitodoubthisloyalty."I'myourman,boss."

"No,Sergei,you'renot."
Hisstomachrolledwithanxiety.Thatwasthesortofstatementthatusually

precededamangettingclipped."Whatdoyoumean?IsthisbecauseItookVivian
toseeHagen?"

Twodaysago,KellyConnolly'sgirlfriendhadcometoVivian'sstudio

seekinghelp.WhenVivianhadaskedhimtodrivehertoseetheloansharkHagen,
hehadarguedwithher,butshewasn'teasilyswayedoncehermindwassettled.
Ratherthanrisklettinghergoalonewiththegirl,hehadtakenVivianandescorted
herinside.Needlesstosay,thebosshadbeenlessthanpleasedtofindoutabout
theirexcursion.

"No.It'saboutthis."Nikolaipushedoffthedoorframeandreachedunder

hissuitjackettoretrievesomethinghiddeninthepocketthere.

Sergeisawonlyaflashofsomethingdarkbeforeitwaspresentedtohimon

Nikolai'spalm.Hisheartskippedafewbeatsashestaredatthechotkirestingon
theboss'hand.TheOrthodoxprayerropewasthegiftthatwasgiventomenwho
gotoutofthefamilywiththeblessingoftheirboss.Certainhewashallucinating,
Sergeididn’tdaretouchit."Idon'tunderstand."

"Yourdebthasbeensettled.You'reafreeman,Sergei.Afterthefights,you

canwalkawaywithnostringsattached."

"Settled?But—how?"
Nikolaishothimalook."Howdoyouthink?"WhenSergeididn'tanswer,

thebosssaidonename."Bianca."

Henearlyfelloffthebench."Bianca?"
"Apparently,she'sratherwealthy."Nikolaistudiedhim."Didyouknow?"
Heshookhishead."Shesaidshewascomfortable.Ineverthought—but

why?"

"Becauseshelovesyou,"Nikolairepliedmatter-of-factly."Shewantsa

futurewithyou.Ifyou'reoutofthefamily,there'snorisktoher.Youcanbe
together."

"Andyousaidyes?"
"Youcameintothisfamilyunderduress.Itwasn'tyourchoice,Sergei.When

thatdebtwaspaid,Iplannedtoletyougo.Biancamerelyacceleratedthe
timetable."Then,withacarelessshrug,headded,"Heroffercameatausefultime
forme.Thelandweneededtounload?Wemadeafairtrade.Shegetsyouandthe
land.Igetthemoneyandthepeaceofmindthatgoeswithhavingthatlandstayin
thefamily."

Dazed,SergeitookthechotkifromNikolai."Idon'tknowwhattosay."
"YoushouldprobablystartbytellingBiancathankyou."
"Iwill."
"Thatwillhavetowait,"Ivaninterjected."Youfightsoon,Sergei.It'stime

toclearyourhead.Thisfirstfighterisgarbage,butIthinkKellyConnollywill

makeittothefinals.Hehasheart,andhe'sfightingforsomethingreal.He's
fightingforhisfamily.Whatareyoufightingfor,Sergei?"

Kissingtheropebeadsthatgavehimthefreedomtowalkawayandstart

anew,Sergeiexperiencedthestrongestsurgeofhope."I'mfightingformyfamily."

***

"Areyousurewe'llbeabletogetinside?"Iwarilyeyedthedoubledoors

oftheabandonedmeatpackingplantwherethetournamentwasbeingheld.

"Yes,"Viviansaid,clutchingmyhandalittletighter."Oneoftheperksof

beingNikolai'swifeisthatnoonehastheballstotellmeno."

"We'regoingtogetintosomuchtroubleforthis,"Lenawarnedasshe

pushedErinforward."IcanalreadyhearYuri'slecture."

"IthoughtKolyawasgoingtostrokeoutwhenhefoundoutaboutmytripto

seeHagenbutthis?He'sgoingtoblowafreakingpupilwhenheseesme."

"Yeah,well,Ivanisprobablygoingtotossmeacrosshiskneeandsmack

mybacksideforthisstunt."Erinkeptcloseasweweavedourwaythroughthe
noisythrong.

Lenasnorted."IknewthatdirtyRussianofyourswasakinkybastard."
Wereachedthedoor,andViviantookpoint.Thetwobouncertypeguys

thererecognizedherinstantly.Theyseemeduncertainabouttheproperprotocol
andwaveredamomenttoolong.

"AreyougoingtoopenthedoorordoIneedtocallmyhusbandtocomeget

me?"

Theyprofuselyapologizedformakinguswaitandhurriedlywrenchedthe

doubledoorsopentoletuspassthroughandshutthemquicklybehindus.Weall
wrinkledournosesattheawfulstinkthatpermeatedtheplace.Itwasstaleand
mustyandreekedofsweat,alcoholandworse.Menclumpedtogetheringroupsin
thewidehallwayandleeredatus.

"Okay,Iknowthisisreallykindergarten,butlet'sholdhandsandsticktothe

buddysystem,"Lenasuggested.

"Whichwaydowegonow?"Iwonderedasmyeyesadjustedtothedim,

shadowylighting.

"Iguesswefollowthenoise,"Viviansaidandledusforward.
Followingourintrepidleader,wemadeourwaydownthecreepypassage

andintoamassiveopenspace.Fromtheragged,oldbloodstainsontheconcrete
floor,Ideducedthishadoncebeenthemainbutcheringfloor.Gross.

Ahugecrowdofmensurroundedatallmetalcage,thesideslinedwith

chain-linkfencing.Iswallowedhardatthesightofit.Sergei,mySergei,would

soonbelockedinsidethere.Theonlywayoutwastoputdowntheothermanor
makehimtapoutinsurrender.

"TherearethebleachersDannytoldmeabout,"Viviansaidandpointedto

spotsthatseemedtobereservedforthebettingheavyhittersandVIPs."Let'sgo
there.It'sprobablythesafestplaceforus."

"That'snotsayingmuch,"Erinsaidnervouslyandglancedaroundtherough

crowd."NowIknowwhyIvansaidthisplacewasforbiddentome."

Holdinghands,wemovedasonesolidunittowardthebleachers.Aswe

nearedthemetalstands,Kostyasteppedinfrontofus.Hefrownedatourgroup
andshookhishead.Withoutsayingaword,hegesturedforustofollowhim.He
pointedoutarowofseats.Oncewehadtakenthem,hegrowled,"Don'tmove."

Wedidn'tdare.
Kostyaassignedtwomentowatchusandthentookoffthroughthecrowd,

shovingguysoutofthewaytoforcehiswaythrough.Hewasprobablyrunningoff
totattleonus.WhenNikolai,DimitriandYuriappearedashorttimelater,all
threeofthemwearingsour,disapprovingexpressions,Ifiguredmyinstinctwas
right.

Likethefreakingqueenoftheunderworld,Vivianrosefromherseateverso

calmlyandgesturedtotheopenspotnexttoher.Sheheldoutherhandinsilent
invitationforNikolaitojoinher.Hiseyesnarrowedtoslitsbeforetheslightest,
almostimperceptiblesmileliftedonecornerofhismouth.Forallhisintimidation
andruthlessness,itwascleartoanyonewatchingthatVivianownedhim,body
andsoul.

Whenhesatdownnexttoher,hecurledhisarmaroundherwaistand

hauledhertighttohisside.Cuppingherface,hesaidsomethingthatmadeVivian
lowerhergazealmostsubmissively.Hetracedherbottomlipwithhisfingerand
thenclaimedhermouthinaverypublicandverypossessivekiss.

YurishookhisheadashetookaspacenexttoLena.Heseemedtoknow

betterthantotrytoreinherinwhileinpublic.AfterseeingLenainaction,I
doubtedYuriwantedatasteoftheDragonLady'swaspishtonguewhereothers
mightoverhear.Notthatheseemedtomindherfeistiness.Isuspectedhefoundit
rathersexy.

Lookingeverybitthetirednewfather,DimitrisatbetweenmeandErin.He

sighedandpattedbothofourknees.AddressingErinfirst,hesaid,"Ivantoldme
totellyouthatyouaretostayherewithmeuntilhe'sfinishedtonight.I'mnot
supposedtoletyououtofmysight."Heglancedatme."Youeither,Bianca."

"I'mnotgoinganywhere,"Ipromised.

Loudrockmusicblaredoutofspeakersmountedaroundthewarehouse.

Theyseemedtosignalthestartofthefirstfightofthenightbecausemenmoved
intobetterpositionsaroundthecage.Uphereontheelevatedbleachers,wehad
anunimpededview.Mystomachstartedtochurnviolently.CouldIreallysit
throughthis?

ButIhadtodoit.IhadtoletSergeiknowIwashereforhimandthatI

woulddowhateverittooktomakeafuturepossibleforus.

Themanwhocameoutofthetunnelfirstlookedprettytough.Hewasa

good-sizedman,closetoIvaninheightandbuild,andhadagrizzledappearance.I
zeroedinonthepudginessathishipsanddecidedhehadnothingonSergeiwho
wasleanandmeanandallmuscle.

"Hefightsforoneoftheoutlawmotorcycleclubs,"Dimitriexplained,

leaningcloseenoughthatIcouldhearhimoverthecrowd.Hetouchedhisarmto
indicatethetattoothefighterhadthere."He'saBandit."

Inoticedthegroupofloud,leathercladmenwhocheeredhimon.Their

vestswereembellishedwiththesametattoo.Theydidn’tseemlikeacrowdI
wantedtocross.

Whenthecrowdwentwild,IglancedtothetunnelagainandspottedSergei

comingintoview.Heworeredtrunksandnothingelse.Ihadhopedthathishands
wouldbetapedforprotection,buthisbareknuckleswereclearlyvisibleeven
fromthisdistance.Thenearerhecametothecage,theeasieritwasformetosee
himunderthebrightlightsilluminatingthatcentralspace.

Hehadn'tshavedindays.Theslightbeardcoveringhischeekswasa

strangesightformebecauseIhadonlyeverknownhimtobeclean-shaven.I
noticedthefaintbruisingalonghisjawandtheuglycutunderhiseye.Itwouldbe
yetanotherscarthathewouldbear.

Insidethecage,headvancedtohiscornerwhileIvanmadethewalkoutside

thefencetotakeuphiscoachingspot.Standingthere,waitingforhismatchto
begin,Sergeisearchedthebleachers—forme.Ourgazesmetacrossthedistance,
andmytummyflip-flopped.Heslowlybroughttwofingerstohislipsandkissed
thembeforeholdingthemouttowardme.Grinning,Imouthedtheonlythreewords
thatmatteredrightnow.Iloveyou.

Rollinghisshoulders,Sergeifacedhisopponent.Istartedtobreathefaster

asanannouncercameouttogetthefightstarted.Therewereveryfewrulesthathe
listed.Iunderstoodthenhowoutrageouslydangerousthesematcheswere.When
therefereewavedhisarmtosignalthestartandabellclanged,IthoughtIwas
goingtovomit.MystomachlurchedpainfullyasthemanIlovedrushedhis

opponent.

Atthefirsttradedpunches,Inearlypassedout.Dimitriseemedtosensemy

woozinessandputhishandonmyback.Hegentlyrubbedcirclesthereandgave
methesupportIneededtokeepgoing.Thiswassomuchworsethantheone
punchIhadwitnessedSergeithrowatLulu'swedding.

Earlier,ErinhadexplainedthatpartofthereasonSergeiwassodamned

goodatthiswasbecauseheunderstoodshowmanship.Thepeoplewhobeton
thesefightswantedtheirmoney'sworth,andhemadesuretheygotit.That'swhy
everyonelovedhim.Hehadthestaminatogivethemthebloodystreetbrawlsthey
wantedandtheskilltoavoidgettingseriouslyinjured.

ThenastyfightinsidethecagewasworsethanIhadeverimagineditwould

be.ThebloodthirstycrowdcheeredeverytimeSergeilandedablow.Bythetime
thesecondroundstarted,thefloorwasalreadysplatteredwithblood.When
Sergeitookahittotheribs,Icringed.Iwantedthisfightoverwith,like,right
now.

Justasthesecondroundneareditsfinalseconds,Sergeiconnectedwitha

powerfuljabthatsenttheothermanwhirlingtohisleft.Hewaveredonhisfeet
beforefallingforward.Sergeiactuallycaughthisopponentonthewaydown,
preventinganastyheadwound,andgentlyloweredhimtotheconcretefloor.

Relievedthatitwasover,Ijumpedtomyfeetandwhistledandhollered.

Theotherguy'strainersrushedintothecagetohelphim.Iheardsomeoneshout
foranambulancebutIhadafeelingtherewasn'tonecoming.Allaroundme,
peopleyelledandclappedandwentwild.

Sergeiwalkedtothefence,grippeditinhismassive,brutalhandsand

staredrightatme.Onelongfingercrookedandmadeacome-hithermotion.
Powerlesstorefusethemanwhoownedmyheart,Islowlymademywayoutof
thebleacherstomeethimatthecage.

SomanyeyesweretrainedonmeasIpushedmywaythroughthecrowd.

Lenahadsuggestedwewearblackdressesandgoldembellishmentssowecould
beseenasonecohesiveunit,muchlikethegangsandcrewsofmenhere.More
thanoneloudcatcallandhigh-pitchedwhistlecutthroughthenoiseofthecrowd.
ConsideringthewaySergeilookedatme,Icouldtellheapprovedmycurve-
huggingblackdressandthegoldenbeltthatnippedinmywaist.

Hebentdownuntilwewereeyetoeye.Hisgazezeroedinonthemedallion

aroundmyneck."Comehere,"heorderedhuskily.

Igingerlyrubbedhisbruised,bloodiedfingersandleanedforwarduntilour

foreheadstouchedthroughthefence."Ireallyloveyou,Sergei."

"Iknowwhatyoudidforme,Bianca.I'mgoingtospendtherestofmylife

makingsureyouneverregretit."

Smilingupintohislovingface,Isaid,"Justgetthroughthislastfightsowe

cangohomeandputallofthisbehindus,Sergei."

"Done."Kissingmyfingers,hegaveonefinalinstruction."Stickcloseto

Vivian.Noonewilltouchyouifyou'rewithher."

"Iwill."NoticingIvan'simpatientstare,Ibackedawayfromthefence.

"Goodluck."

Sergeinoddedandleftthecage.Ivantrailedhimintothetunnel,andthey

disappearedfromview.IrejoinedmyfriendsandmanagedtositthroughKelly's
fight.Watchingafriendwasjustasbadaswatchingtheloveofmylife.Knowing
Kellyhadbeenforcedintothistournamenttosavehisfamilyjustmadethewhole
thingimpossibletostomach.

Kelly'sopponent,astockyfighter,landedsomepowerfulkicks,including

onethatcaughthimintheribs.IwincedandsilentlyurgedKellytowatchthat
guy'sleg.Thetwofighterstradedpunches,andthenKellystunnedmebytakingthe
mantotheground.Theguyshoutedwithpainashisshoulderslammedintothe
concrete.

Catchinghisopponent'sarmbetweenhisthighs,Kellyjerkedhard.Ithought

forsurehewasgoingtodislocatetheguy'sshoulder.Unabletowatch,Iaverted
mygazeandlistenedtothecrowdforclues.

Nexttome,Dimitrileapedtohisfeet.HehadcometocheeronKelly.It

wasn'tthatDimitrididn'tsupportSergei,butKellywashisemployeeandinan
incrediblyuntenablepositionbetweenhisfatherandthetwoloansharkswho
ownedtheoldman."Comeon,Kelly.Harder.Harder.Yes!"

IlookedupandsawKellyuntanglinghimselffromtheotherfighter.Hetried

tohelpthemanwhohadsurrendered,buttheguyspitathimandshothimthe
finger.Jesus.Somuchforsportsmanship!

Thebreakbetweenfightswasn'tnearlylongenough.Mystomachwasstill

inknotswhenSergeiandKellymarchedbackintothecage.Withsomuch
trepidation,Iwatchedthetwomenstandacrossfromeachotherwhilethereferee
spoketothem.Theyknockedtogetherfists,andSergeisaidsomethingthatmade
Kelly'sstoicexpressionslipfractionally.

Andthenthebattlebegan.
Thetwoearlierfightshadn'tbeenanywherenearasbrutalasthebrawlthat

occurredbeforemenow.Kellymanagedtosneakinthefirstpunch,butSergei's
answeringblowknockedKellybackafewfeet.Bloodsprayedfromthecontact

betweentheirbodies,andIgrimacedattheawfulsight.

Kellyshookitoffandavoidedtakinganotherhit.HepunchedSergeiinthe

ribsandslammedhiskneeintoSergei'sbelly.Isawmyman'sroughandpained
exhaleandfelttearsprickingmyeyes.Asecondlater,SergeisnatchedKelly'sleg
andjerkedtheformerMarineoffhisfeet.Kellyhittheconcreteassfirstbuthe
wasquickerthanSergeiandmanagedtoavoidbeingpinneddown.

Theairhornblasted,signalingtheendoftheround.Bothmenreturnedto

theircornerstoreceiveattentionfromtheirtrainers.Innotimeatall,theywere
broughtbacktothecenterofthecage.Thesecondroundbegan,andIwasn'tsure
howmuchmoreofthisIcouldstomach.OnlytheknowledgethatSergeineeded
metoshowmysupportkeptmybuttparkedonthatbench.

Insidethecage,theywerekickingandpunching.OneofSergei'spowerful

kicksleftKellylimpingastheyenteredthethirdround.Idon'tthinkSergei
expectedKellytolastthatlong.Mybig,handsomeRussianwasbreathinghard
andlookingfrustrated.

Thetwomentradedhitsandkicks.Sergeistumbledbackwardafterone

goodkickfromKelly,andthebodyguardjumpedontheadvantagegiventohim.
HewrappedhisarmsaroundSergeiandshovedhimintothefence.

"No!"
IwatchedinaweasSergeiusedhisincrediblestrengthtofreehimselffrom

thehold.SergeislammedhiselbowintoKelly'sribs,andtheformerMarine
lookedlikehewasgoingtodie.Hegaspedforbreathandwobbledonhisfeet.
Outforblood,SergeitrippedKellyandfollowedhimdowntotheconcretefloor
wheretheygrappledinthemostbrutalway.

"Ohgod!"
IflinchedwhenKellypunchedSergeirepeatedlyinthetemple.Sergeilost

hisgriponKelly,andtheothermanescapedhisholdandclamberedtohisfeet.
Sergeispatamouthfulofbloodysalivatowardonesideofthecageandwipedthe
backofhishandacrosshisbleedingface.

Thetwomenchargedeachotheragain.Sergeilandedapunchthatmade

Kellytotter.SergeikickedKellyrightintheribsandthemanstartedtoguardhis
rightside.IwitnessedadefinitechangeinSergei.Likeapredatorwhospotteda
weaknessinhisprey,hepouncedonKelly.Withapunchandachokehold,he
broughtKellydowntothefloor.

Withmyhandsinaprayerposition,Ipressedthemtomylipsandlookedon

inhorrorasIfullyexpectedSergeitokillKelly.Ourgazesclashed—andthe
bloodlustseemedtofadefromSergei'seyes.Heloweredhislipstotheformer

Marine'searsandsaidsomethingonlytheothermancouldhear.Herepeatedhis
wordsagain,andthistimeKellyreacted.

Weakly,KellytappedSergei'sarmthreetimesbeforepassingoutcold.Eyes

closedwithrelief,SergeiinhaledalongbreathandcarefullyplacedKellyonhis
side.HecrouchedoverhimprotectivelyuntilJackandFinnConnollymadeitto
theirbrother'sside.Onlythendidhebackawayandleavehisopponent.

WhiletherefereeheldSergei'shandhighandeveryonearoundme

celebrated,Isimplysmiledandheldhisgaze.Itwasover.Hewasoutofthemob
—andnowhebelongedtomeandonlyme.

ChapterNineteen

Aloudsnorefromthepassengerseatofmycarmademesmile.Ireached

overtorubSergei'slegasIpulledintothedrivewaybehindmyhouseandwaited
forthegatetoclosebehindme."Sergei?Baby,we'rehome."

"Huh?"Hebolteduprightandthenhissedwithpain.Puttingahandtohis

ribs,hegroaned.Theyweren'tbroken,butclearlytheystillhurtlikehell."Ididn't
meantofallasleep."

"Sergei,you'vehadalongday.It'sokay."Icarefullytouchedhisarm."I

didn'tmeantostartleyou."

Yawning,hetriedtostretchbutwasimpededbythecrampedquartersofmy

car."We'vegottogetyousomethingbiggerthanthisifyou'regoingtodriveme
aroundtown.Thisisworsethananairplaneseat."

"Hey,now,"Isaidwithmockhurt.Runningmyhandsovertheleather,I

remarked,"Thisisluxury,baby."

"Luxury,huh?No,luxuryiscominghomewithyoutonightandknowingI

neverhavetocrossthatlineagain."Hecuppedmyfaceinhisbatteredhandsand
nuzzledhismouthtomine."I'llneverbeabletothankyouenough,Bianca."

"Well,Icanthinkofafewwaysyoucanstart,"Imurmuredagainsthis

brokenlips."Butyoudon'thavetorepaymeinanyway.Ididthisforus.Thiswas
aninvestmentinourfuture."

Hegesturedtohisbruisedmouthwithhisswollenhands."Youmighthave

togivemeafewdaysofdefermentonpayingthisdebt.Iwon'tbemuchgoodto
youuntilsomeofthisstartstoheal."

Aninvisiblebandsqueezedmychestlikeavise.Ihatedthathewasinpain

andwantedtomakehimfeelbetter."Let'sgetyouinside.Youneedtoshowerand
takesomemoreanti-inflammatories.ThenI'llgiveyouamassagelikeIvan
describedtome."

Evensobeatup,Sergeistillcouldn'tcontrolhisraginglustforme."I'vegot

somethingI'dlovetohaveyoumassage."

IwantedtobeannoyedwithhimbutIcouldn'tstopsmiling."Youareavery

dirtyboy.Now,unfoldyourselffromthatfrontseatandmarchuptothehouse."

"God,you'resosexywhenyougiveorders."Heleanedoverandplanteda

lingeringkissrightonmymouth."Allright.Let'sseeifIcangetsomebloodflow
backintomylegs."

Irolledhiseyesattheoverlydramaticdescriptionofmycramped—tohim

—frontseat."Normal-sizedpeoplefitjustfineinthiscar.Thankyouverymuch."

"Milayamoya,youknowmebetterthanthat.I'mbigallover."

Shakingmyheadathisnonsense,Islidoutofthedriver'sseatandtriedto

ignorehisflirtatiouslaughter.Theguyneededtorestandheal,butIhadafeeling
hewasgoingtotrytogetmypantiesoffmethefirstchangehegot.NotthatIwas
goingtoputupmuchofafightaboutit…

Insidethehouse,Iofferedtomakehimsomethingtoeat,buthedeclined.I

triedtotakehisheavygymbagfromhim,butherefusedtoletitgo.Afteraglass
ofmilkandsomeanti-inflammatories,Sergeiwentthroughthehousetocheckthe
doorsandwindows.Amused,Ifollowedhimonhisnightlyround."Youmusthave
takenahardhitthatscrambledyourmemory.Idon’thaveaprowleranymore,and
theNightWolvesarelonggone."

"So?"Heshotmealookthatsaidhisoverprotectivenesswasnevergoingto

fade."Thosearen'ttheonlybadthingsthatexistinthiscity.Believeme,"he
muttered."Iknow."

Certainthathedid,Iwaitedforhimtofinishandthenledhimupstairstomy

—our—bedroom.Hedroppedhisgymbagontheottoman,andIrealizedhow
muchIhadmissedseeingitthere.Myclosetdoorwasopen,andhebackedup
afterwalkingbyittotakeabetterlook.Flickingonthelight,hestudiedthenewly
reorganizedshelvesandbars."Bianca?"

Comingtostandbesidehim,Ireachedouttotouchsomeoftheclotheshe

hadleftbehind."Theywereindryer.Istartedtohangthemupinthatguestroom
closetbutthenIdecidedIwouldmoveeverythingIwasn'twearingthisseason
acrossthehallandmoveyourthingshere."Iswallowedanxiously."Wherethey
belong."

Heputhishandonthewallandturnedtogazedownatme.Hiseyeswere

suspiciouslyshimmery."Areyouserious?"

"Yes."Islidmyhandunderhisshirttogentlycaresshischest."Iwantyou

herewithme."

"PeoplewillsayI'mtakingadvantageofyouandyourkindnessand

generosity."

"Idon'tcarewhatpeoplesay."
"No?"
"No."Then,justbecauseIlikedteasinghim,Iadded,"Besides,Iliketo

keepmyinvestmentsclose."

Hegruntedbutbentdowntokissthetopofmyheadanyway."Ihavea

feelingthisisgoingtobeapieceofammunitionyou'lluseagainstmeforyearsto
come."

"Well,yeah!"Isaidwithalaugh."Itwasalotofmoney."Icautiously

embracedhim,mindinghisbruisedsides,andsavoredtheheatandstrengthof
him."Butyouwerewortheverysinglepenny,Sergei."

"I'llmakeyouhappy,Bianca.Iswear.I'llspendeveryfuckingsecondofthe

restofourlivesdoingwhateverIcantomakeyousmile."

"I'mholdingyoutothatpromise."Leaningback,Ipeeredupathim."Come

on.Let'sgetyouclean.Then?Bedtime."

JustasIhadexpected,Sergeitriedtoseducemeoncewewerenakedandin

theshowertogether.Thankfullymyshowerwastoosmallforhimtogetanywhere
withthat.Iplayfullybattedawayhisfondlinghandsandmadehimholdstillwhile
IscrubbedallthepartsofhimIcouldreach.Hetackledhishair,faceandneck
becausehewasmuchtootallformetoadequatelycleanthoseareas.

Thepinkwaterandblood-tingedsudsswirlingaroundourfeetandrushing

downthedrainleftmenauseated.IremindedmyselfthatthiswasthelifeIhad
savedhimfromandthatthiswouldnever,everhappenagain.Intime,hisabused
bodywouldheal,butIimprintedthesightofallthatbloodinmybrainsoIwould
alwaysrememberwherewestartedourjourneytogether.

"Don'tputthaton,"Sergeiadmonishedaswedriedoffafterourshower.
Istaredatthechemiseinmyhands."Butthisisonethatyouboughtme."
"Ihaven'tseenyouorfeltyouindays,Bianca.Iwanttofeelyournakedskin

onminetonight."Heslashedhishandthroughtheairinthatimperious,alphamale
wayofhis."Noclothesatnightforatleastaweek."

"Yes,master,"Isaidwitharollofmyeyes.Secretlythrilled,Idroppedmy

chemiseonthecounterandfollowedhimoutofthebathroom.Sergeimadequick
workoftossingthedecorativepillowsfrommybed.Fortonightonly,Ichosenot
toscoldhimforbeingsomessy,butIpushedasidethepillowsthatfellbetween
thebedandthebathroom,justincaseoneofushadtogetupinthemiddleofthe
night.Afallandatriptotheemergencyroomweren'tappealingintheleast.

"Onyourstomach,"Isaid,rememberingthewayIvanhaddescribedthe

massage."I'llstartwithyourback."

Lookingdeadonhisfeet,Sergeicrawledontothebedanddidasinstructed.

IselectedtheonlyunscentedlotionIhadandclimbedontothemattress.Mindful
ofSergei'smanybruisesandinjuries,Icarefullymassagedhistight,knotted
muscles.Everynowandthenhegruntedorhissedandshiftedbeneathme.I
followedhisshortdirectionsandadjustedmytechniquetogivehimthemost
relief.

"Turnover,baby."
Sergeirolledontohisbackandflexedhiscalves."Startwithmylegs?"

"Sure."IhelpedhimstretchhistautmusclesinthewayIvanhadshowed

me,holdinghisheelinmyhandandapplyinggentlepressuretohistoes.Sergei
wincedbutstartedtoslowlyrelaxasthecrampslefthim.

Withmypalmsslickedbylotion,Imassagedhismassivecalves,allthe

whilemarvelingattheunbelievablestrengthbeneathmyhands.AlthoughSergei
wasn'tgoingtofightformoneyanymore,hewasn'tabouttolethimselfgo.Ihada
sneakingsuspicionIvanwouldtrytocajolehimintojoininghimasatrainerfor
thoselegitmixed-martialartsfightersonhisroster.NowthatSergeihadoptions,I
hopeheexploredallofthem.

"Unnnhhh."SergeiletlooseagutturalgroanwhenIbegantorunmythumb

upanddownthesoleofhisfoot.ThemorepressureIapplied,themoreheseemed
toenjoyit.Ididn'tmissthewaythatbigcockofhisstartedtogrow.Amusedby
thereaction,Iusedbothhandsonhissensitivefoot,workingmythumbsinslow
circlesalonghisarch.Hiserectionthrobbedtolife,standingtallandproud,and
weepingglisteningdropsofpre-cum.

Decidingtoindulgemynaughtyside,Ileanedforwardandsuckedhisbig

toe.Anexplosivestringofcursewordsshotfromhismouth.Sergeiliftedupon
hiselbowstowatchme.Hegroanedandinhaledashudderybreath."You're
killingme,Bianca."

"How?"
Hiseyelidslowered,hoodinghisdark,dangerouseyes."Youknowhow.

Don'tteaseme,milayamoya.I'montheedgetonight."

"Who'steasing?"Iplacedhisfootonthebedandbegantokissmywayup

hissturdylegs.Pushinghisthighsapart,Isliddownontomybellyanddraggedmy
tongueupanddownandsidetosidealonghisheavysac.

Cursingagain,Sergeifellbacktothepillowsandspreadhisthighseven

wider."Suckme,Bianca.Putmeinyourmouth."

SmirkingatthepowerIheldoverthisRussiangiant,Igavehimwhathe

wanted.Mypoorbabyhadsufferedthroughonehellofaweek.Surelyhe
deservedsomepleasurenow.

Ilickedalloverthathugecockofhis,gatheringthelittlebitofpre-cum

fromhisslitbeforepullinghimintomymouth.Hegroanedandreacheddownto
caressmyhair,urgingmeonwithsoftlywhisperedcompliments.Lettingsaliva
poolonmytongue,Islickeddowntheimpressivelengthofhimandwrappedmy
lipsaroundhiswideshaft.Hewassoampeduptonight.Ididn'tthinkitwasgoing
totakehimlongtoexplode.

Hungryforhiscum,Iusedmyhandtostrokethebottomhalfofhiserection

whileIconcentratedallmyoraleffortsonthemostsensitivepartofhim.Asmy
handmovedupanddown,mymouthfollowedthesamepath,stimulatinghimin
waysthatmadeSergeicryoutandwhispermynamelikealitany.

WhenItookhimdeepintomymouth,lettinghimnudgethathot,wetalcove

atthebackofmythroat,Sergeilostcontrol.Hethrustupjustalittlebit,rubbing
againstmytongueandpushinghimselfrightovertheedge.Idrankdownhiscum,
moaninghappilyaroundthepulsingshaftstretchingmylips,andreveledinthe
soundofmynameshoutedfromhislips.

AfterIlickedhimclean,Ipepperedfeather-lightkissesuphisbellyand

chest.Lookingsleepyandsorelaxed,Sergeiplacedhishandagainstmycheekand
grinnedatme."Youaresofuckingamazingatthat."

"I'veneverreallylikeddoingit,"Iadmitted."Notuntilyou,"Iadded,when

hisbrowfurrowed."Youmakeitseemlikeagift.Youappreciateit."

"Youhavenoideahowmuch,"hesaid,kissingmetenderly.Tanglinghis

fingersinmyhair,heissuedagruffcommand."Showmehowmuchyoulike
suckingmycock,Bianca."

Heatrushedintomyface.Iwantedtoshakemyheadandsayno,butthose

darkeyesofhisenthralledme.Reachingbetweenmythighs,Iletmyfingersride
thecurveofmypussytogathertheevidenceofmyarousal.Liftingmyhand,I
showedhimtheshinywetnessclingingtomyfingers.

Sergeistunnedmebygraspingmywristanddraggingmyhandtohismouth.

Helickedmyfingertipsandgrowledwithappreciation."I'vemissedthetasteof
yourpussysomuch."

"Sergei!"IwonderedifIwouldevergetusedtothedirtythingshesaid.

Probablynot…

"Onyourside,"heordered."Andopenyourlegsforme."
"Sergei,"Isaiduncertainly."You'reinbadshape.Youneedtorest."
"IneedtofeelyourthighswrappedaroundmyheadwhileItongue-fuckyou,

Bianca.NowgetonyoursideandgivemewhatIwant."

Tremblingwithwhite-hotcurrentsofanticipationandexcitement,Idid

exactlyastold.Sergeisliddownthebedandrestedhisheadagainstmyinner
thigh.Thepositionwewereinallowedhimtogetwhathewantedwithouthaving
torelyonhistiredarmstoholduphisweight.

Thefirstflickofhisheavenlytongueonmythrobbingclitorismademewant

tosobwithrelief.Finally!Eyesclosed,IsurrenderedtoSergei'sskillfuloral
assault.Henibbledmyclitandranhistonguearounditinslowcirclesbefore
sucklingmewithlong,slowtugsthatmademyfreakingtoescurl.Justashe

promised,heprobedmysoakingentranceuntilIstartedtoseestars.

Whenhistonguereturnedtomyclit,Ilostit.Shriekinghisname,Irocked

myhipsandsmiledastheblissfulburstsofpurejoyradiatedthroughme.Even
aftermyorgasmdied,Sergeicontinuedtoswipethatwonderfultongueofhis
throughmyfolds.Apparentlyhehadn'tbeenjokingaboutmissingmytaste.

Crawlingbackupbesideme,Sergeiburrowedcloseandrestedhisheadon

myshoulder.Forthefirsttimeever,Iwastheonecuddlinghim.Iunderstoodthat
hehadsurvivedsomewildemotionalturmoilthisweek.PressingalltheloveI
hadforhimintomyembrace,Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhimandheldhimtight
untilhedriftedofftosleep.Itdidn'ttakelongformetofollowhimintotherealms
ofpeacefulslumber.

Butastrangesoundwokemesometimelater.
Confusedanddisoriented,Iglancedatthebedsideclock.Itwaslate,almost

threeinthemorning.IwincedasmyneckprotestedtheoddpositionIhadfallen
asleepinandpushedupontomyelbow.Besideme,Sergeimutteredsomething
andfloppedontohisback,hislongarmsslappingagainstthemattress.

Iheardthesoundagain.Itwasamuffledthumpthatperplexedme.Certainit

wascomingfromoutback,Idecidedtoinvestigate.Isquashedtheinstinctto
wakeSergei.Grabbinghisshirt,Islippedintoitandsomepantiesbefore
grabbingmyrobefromthechairinthecorner.Ontiptoes,Iquietlyleftthe
bedroomandheadeddownstairs.ThehousewasdarkandstillasImademyway
tothekitchenandthenintothesunroom.Iheardthethumpingsoundathirdtime
andpinpointedthenoise'sorigin.

Itwascomingfromthecarriagehouse.
Curiousnow,Iunlockedthebackdoorandreachedforthehandle.The

suddenawarenessofanotherperson'sbodyheatmadethefinehairsonthebackof
myneckrise.Ahandclosedovermymouthasascreamofpaniceruptedfrommy
throat.

"Sweetheart,hush.It'sme."Sergei'sharshwhisperechoedinmyears.
Saggingwithrelief,Ileanedbackagainsthisbarechest.Thestiffsensation

ofdenimtuggedatmyrobe.Heloweredhishandandkissedthesideofmyneck.
Givingmybottomaswat,hehissed,"Don’teverdothisagain.Whenyouhear
something,youwakemeup."

"Youweretired."
"Andyou'restubborn,"heretortedtightly."StayherewhileIgoseewhatthe

hellthatis."

"Noway.Iwanttoknowwhatitis."

"Bianca—"
"Sergei,I'mgoing."Icouldjustimaginehisfrustratedexpression,butthe

darknesspreventedmefromconfirmingmysuspicions.

Growling,hegentlypushedmebehindhimandthrustmyphoneintomy

hands.Thefeelofcoldmetalstunnedme.Washearmed?Ofcoursehewas.
Sergeiwasn'tgoingtoinvestigateastrangenoisewithoutawaytodefendus.

"Staybehindme.Atthefirstsignoftrouble,call9-1-1andrun."
"Yes,dear."
Hesnortedanddroppedakisstothecrownofmyhead."Comeon."
Holdingmyhand,Sergeiledmeoutofthehouse.Webothskippedthestep

thatsqueakedandhoppeddownontothegrass.Stickingtotheshadowsandglad
forthenewmoonthatlefttheskyaninkyblack,Ifollowedhimacrosstheyardto
thecarriagehouse.Thedilapidatedstructureseemedsosinisterinthedarkness.
SergeihadjokedoncethatIshouldrentthespaceouttofilmstudentsasahorror
filmset.Ihadtoconcedenowthathewasright.

Thethumpingsoundgrewlouderaswenearedthebuilding.Peekingthrough

oneofthegrimywindows,wespottedtheglowofflashlightsandabattery-
operatedlantern.Amanwithhisbacktousattackedoneofthemasonrywalls.I
hadnoideawhathethoughthewasgoingtofindbackthere,butIsureasheck
wantedtofindout.

IfeltSergeirelaxnexttome.Whateverthisguywasdoing,hewasn'thereto

killorattackus.Hejustwantedwhateverwasbehindthatwall.

Sergeituggedmealongbesidehimbutwouldn'tletmethroughthedoor.He

pushedmedownbytheadjacentwallandputafingertiptomylips.Iunderstood
hisinstructionandgavehishandasqueezetolethimknowIwouldstayput.

Steppinguptothedoorway,Sergeiusedthebuildingasashieldforhis

body.Inthatdeep,rumblingvoiceofhis,heissuedoneclearorder."Turnaround
slowlywithyourhandsintheair,orIwillshootyou."

Istrainedtohearthemovementsinsidethecarriagehouse.Themanthere

musthavedoneexactlyasSergeiorderedbecausehesteppedawayfromhis
shieldedspotforabetterlook.Withhisgunaimedandreadytofireatthefirst
signoftrouble,Sergeiheldoutahand."Comehere,Bianca.Doyouknowthis
man?"

JoiningSergei,Iblinkedafewtimestoletmyeyesadjusttothenew

sourcesoflight.Whenmygazesettledonthedirty,dustyman,Igasped.
"Marcus?"

"Whoishe?"Sergeiaskedmoreforcefully.

"He'soneofthecontractorswhoputinabidonthisplace.Theonewho

saidhegrewuparoundhere,"Iclarified.Confused,Ithrewmyhandswide.
"Whatareyoudoing?"

Amanonthevergeofabreakdown,thecontractorMarcusscratchedhis

fingersthroughhishairandwipedhisfilthyhandsdownhisface.Sweathad
mixedwiththedirtanddusttoformmuddyrivuletsthatarcedacrosshisface.
"Please,"hebegged."Justletmegetmyfather,andI'llgo."

"Yourfather?"SergeiandIechoedinunison.
Marcussteppedasideandgesturedtothebrickwallbehindhimthathehad

partiallydismantled.Gasping,Ijumpedbackandclampedbothhandsovermy
mouthtostifleascreamofsheerterrorwhenIspottedthedesiccated,mummy-like
skeletonentombedthere.EvenSergeiwhoseemedsounflappableexhaledwith
shockandmurmuredwithdisbeliefinRussian.

Hismomentofshockquicklypassed.Sergeididn'ttakehiseyesoffMarcus

whohenowviewedasathreat."Bianca,givemeyourphoneandgobacktothe
houserightnow."

Ididn'targuewithhim.Ihandedovermyphoneandbackedoutofthat

carriagehouseeversoslowly.OnceIwasfreefromthatbigoldhouseofcrazy,I
pivotedonmyheelandracedbacktothehouse.Staringoutthewindowsthere,I
bitmylip—andwaited.

OfallthethingsSergeihadexpectedtofindouthereinthiscreepyfucking

building,adeadbodylockedawaybehindlayersofbrickshadn'tbeenoneof
them.

"Inoticedthedimensionsweren'tright,"hesaidfinally."WhenIcompared

thespecsfromthebidstotheoldblueprints,Idiscoveredthediscrepancy."
Staringattheman,heaskedtheonlyquestionthatmattered."Whyisyourfatherin
thatwall?"

Marcusrubbedthebackofhisneckanddroppedhiscrowbarindefeat.

"Doesitmatter?"

"Itmight,"Sergeisaid,stilluncertainwhatcourseofactionhewouldtake.

"Givemeareasonnottocallthepoliceandhaveyouarrestedformurder."

"Thehousewasneversupposedtobeboughtbyanyoneoutsideofthe

family.MotherandIthoughtwehadeverythingsquaredawaywithanattorney
whowassupposedtolookafterthetrustandkeepthetaxbillspaid.AfterMother
died,IleftHoustonandmovedtoSeattlewithmyfamily.Ididn'tevenknowthe
placehadgoneupforauctionbecauseoftaxesuntilitwastoolate."

"SoyoutriedtoputinabidwithBiancaforrenovatingthisplacesoyou

couldgetthebodybeforeitwasdiscovered,"Sergeiguessed."Iwonderedwhy
yourcompanywassonewandhadnoreferences.Ithoughtyouwereascam."

Marcusshookhishead."IamacontractorinSeattle.Ihadabusinesshere

yearsagosoitwaseasyenoughtofakesomebusinesscardsandletterhead."
Swipinghishandoutinfrontofhim,thedesperatemaninsisted,"Inevermeantto
scareher.Itriedtocomeinonenight,afewweeksago,buttherewasthiscop
whoranmeoffsoIhigh-taileditoutofhere."

SoKevanhadgottentheideatoplayaprowlerafterBiancahadseen

Marcusandreportedhim.

"Idrovebyothertimes,hopingIcouldgetinhereanddowhatneededtobe

done,buttherewerealwaysmenwatchingthehouseoryouwerehere.Ididn'tsee
yourSUVtonightsoIassumeditwassafe."

"Obviouslynot."
"No,"Marcusagreed.
"Youstillhaven'tansweredmyquestion.Whyisyourfatherinthatwall?"
Marcusdidn'twanttoanswer.Sergeirecognizedtheshamethatturnedthe

man'seyessobleak.Eventually,thecontractorsaid,"Hewasareallybadman.
Hehurtmymotherallthetime.Sometimeshewouldhurtme.Afterhecausedmy
mothertoloseababy,Idecidedhewouldneverhurtheragain.Icaughthimtrying
torapeher—andIsnapped."

Sergeididn'tsayawordasthechillingtalepouredoutoftheman'smouth.

Nowheknewwhythisplacealwaysgavehimabadfeeling.Thatbodyentombed
inthewallbelongedtoamonster.

"Iwasonlythirteen.Ididn'tknowmyownstrength.Afteritwasdone,

Motherhelpedmewraphimupinatarp.Ibroughthimouthereand…well."
Marcusranhishandsovertheunevenseamsofthebricks."Thatsecrethasbeen
buriedhereforforty-twoyears."

"Nooneeverwonderedwherehehadgone?"
"Everyoneassumedhehadwalkedoutonus.Hewasaknownwomanizer

andagambler.Somepeoplethoughthemighthavebeenkilledforhisdebts."
Marcushesitatedbeforenervouslyinquiring,"Whatareyougoingtodowithme?"

Sergeiconsideredhisoptionsanddecidedtherewasonlyonewaytoend

thisquietly.HeusedBianca'sphonetodialanumberhehadmemorized.

"Whothefuckisthis?"Kostya'ssnarledanswermadeSergeiwince.
"It'sme.Ineedyourhelp."
"Sergei?What'swrong?IssomeoneafteryouandBianca?"

"No,weneedadifferentkindofhelp.Disposal,"hesaidcarefully.
Clothingrustledinthebackground."Givemetwentyminutes."
"ComearoundthebackofBianca'shouse.I'llopenthegateforyou."
"Da."
Marcusstaredathimwithapprehension,andSergeirealizedthemanhadn’t

understoodasinglewordoftheRussianhehadbeenspeaking."Myfriendis
comingtohelpyou.He'sacleaner.Youunderstand?"

Marcusnoddedweakly."Yes.Whyareyouhelpingme?"
Sergeididn'treplybecausehedidn'thaveananswertothatone.Hehonestly

couldn'tpinpointthereason.Motioningtowardthewall,hesaid,"Youhadbetter
startdigging.Itwillbesunrisealltoosoon,andIwantyou—andthat—outofhere
beforefirstlight."

Thecontractordidn'thavetobetoldtwice.Hewentbacktowork,busting

outthebricksthatentombedhisfatherandstackingthemneatlytooneside.
Uncertainwhetherthemancouldbetrusted,SergeikepthisgunonMarcus.He
didn'twantanysurprises,nottonightwhenthewholewideworldofpossibilities
hadbeenunfurledinfrontofhim.

WhenKostyaarrived,thecleanerstoodinthedoorwayandtookinthe

macabrescene."Fuckme.Thisisafirst."

SergeiglancedatKostya."Truly?"
Nodding,Kostyaenteredthecarriagehousetosurveytheongoingwork.

"Onehourtops,andI'moutofyourhair."

Cominginunderhisestimate,KostyahelpedMarcusremoveandwrapthe

mummifiedbodyinfortyminutes.Aperfectionist,Kostyacheckedthewallcavity
foranysparepartsorevidence.HehadMarcusloadthetightlywrappedparcel
intothebackofhisSUV.Holdingthecontractor'sgaze,hesaid,"I'llburyit
properly."

Marcusshrugged."Idon'tcarewhatyoudowithit."
Thecoldreplydidn'tsurpriseSergei.AfterKostyaleft,hewalkedMarcus

outtothegate.Grippingthefrontoftheman'sshirt,hedraggedthecontractorup
onhistoesandgaveonefinalwarning."Ifyouevercomebackhereagainorif
evenonefuckingwhisperofthisgetsouttoanyone,I'llcomeforyou.Thenyou'll
betheonewrappedinplasticandblankets.Understand?"

"Yes."Marcusgulped."I'mleavingHoustonrightnow.You'llneverseeme

again."

"That'sapromiseyouhadbetterkeep."Sergeireleasedtheman'sshirtand

pushedhimoutsidethegate.Hewaiteduntilthemandisappeareddownthealley

beforegoingbacktothehouse.Wearyandhaggard,hewashedhishandsatthe
kitchensink,checkedthedoorsandtrudgedupstairs.

Stillwearinghisshirt,Biancasatontheedgeofthebedandnervously

swungherfeetbackandforth."Well?"

"It'sdone.Kostyatookcareofit."
"Oh."
"Yes."
"DoIwanttoknowwhyMarcuswasusingmycarriagehouseasthefamily

crypt?"

"No."Hedidn'twanttotalkaboutanyofthat.Pointingtohisshirt,hesaid,

"Takethatoff.Nakedforaweek,remember?"

Withahuff,shepeeledofftheshirtandtosseditathim."Happy?"
"Iamnow."Hegazedatherlusciousbodyandstartedtoplanalltheways

theywouldspendtheirSundayafternoon.

Shemovedunderthecoversonhersideofthebed,andheswitchedoffthe

lamp.Slidinginnexttoher,hehauledhertightagainsthim.Contenttoholdher,he
caressedherarmandwonderedatthebizarreendtoanalreadystressfulday.

"SoIwasthinkingaboutthatcarriagehouse—"
"Don'tworry,"Sergeicutin."Iplantohavesomeoneoutheretorazethat

wholefuckingthingassoonaspossible."

"ThankGod!Because,wow,Ican'tevenstomachlookingatitagain."
"Ifeelthesameway."
"SoIhadtwoprowlers,huh?"
"Itseemsthatway.KevanranoffMarcusthatfirsttimeandthenhetook

overtheprowler'sidentitytoscareyousohecouldstayclosetoyou."

"Thisissoscrewedup,"shemurmured."Iwanttogetbacktomynormal,

boringlife."

"Youwill,"hepromised.
"WhataboutDarrenBlake?"
Sheaskedinawaythatmadehimthinkshehadfiguredoutthatanswerfor

herself."Hecanneverhurtanyoneelseeveragain."

"AndtheNightWolves?"
"Theywereshutdownfromtheinside."Hedidn'ttellherthatNikolaiand

BesianhadhiddenJamesawaysohecouldprovidetheevidencetheFedsneeded
toroundupthoseskinheadbastards.AsfarasSergeiknew,theyoungerguywas
recoveringfromsomeplasticsurgeryinMexicoasaVIPguestofRomeroValero.
IthadallbeenneatlywrappedupbyNikolaiandBesianinawaythatusedthe

Fedstodotheheavy-lifting.

Shedrewlazyshapesonhischestforawhile."Youknow,maybewecould

lookintobuildingapropermother-in-lawquartersoutback."

"Foryourmama?"
"No,foryours."
Sergeireeledwithsurprise."Mine?"
"MamaistalkingaboutmovinginwithAuntPennyandAuntSara.They

havetheireyessetononeofthosenewhousesinthatseniors-onlyhousing
developmentbythecountryclub.SheseemsreallyexcitedaboutitsoIwas
thinkingmaybewecoulddosomethingforyourmom."

"Bianca,mymotherisstuckinRussia.Itcouldbeyearsbeforeshe'sableto

immigrate."

Yawning,Biancasnuggledcloseandhookedherlegoverhis."Don'tworry

aboutthat.Ihaveaplan."

"Aplan?"
"Mmhmm,"shemurmuredsleepily.
Thoughhewantedtointerrogateher,Sergeiheldhiscuriosityatbay.She

hadfoughttenaciouslytosavehim.Heavenonlyknewwhatwondersshewould
workforhismotherandVladimir.

ThrowingupasilentprayerofthanksforVivian'sdevioustheftduringthe

weddingreception,hecradledBiancacloseanddreamedofthebrightfuture
aheadofthem.

Epilogue

"Whatdoyouthinkofthishotel?"IspunmylaptopscreenaroundsoSergei

couldseeit."It'sclosetothegallerywhereVivianwillbeshowingherpaintings.
Ithassomesuiteoptionsthatwillworkbetterforussincewe'llbeagroupof
four."

"It'snice.Ifyoulikeit,Ilikeit."Sergeiwinkedatmebeforethreading

zucchinichunksontoskewers.Wewerepreparingtohostourfirstbarbecue
togetherasacouple,andhewasfinishingupsomeofthefoodprep.

"DidVladimirfinalizetheplanetickets?"
"Yes,they'llbeflyingintoLondonthedayafterwegetthere.We'llhavefour

daystogetherbeforetheyheadback."

"Perfect."Iselectedthesuiteweneededtohouseallfourofusandstarted

thereservationprocess."Don'tforgetthatthelawyerrescheduledyourmeetingfor
tomorrowmorning,Sergei."

"Ihaven'tforgotten."
"Andyou'vefilledoutallthecitizenshippaperwork,right?"
"Yes,milayamoya."Amusementfilledhisvoice."I'vealsogotan

appointmentwithYuritofigureouthowtoputtosetupthemoneyforthe
investmentMamawillmakeinmyconstructionbusiness."

OneoftheloopholesthenewlawyerhadsuggestedwastoturnSergei's

motherintoaninvestorwithmoneyshewantedtousecreatejobshere.Sergei
plannedtousethecashhehadbeensockingawayfromhisfightpursestofundher
investment.Ifthatdidn'twork,Sergeiwasonlyafewstepsawayfromcompleting
hiscitizenship.Hecouldlegallysponsorhismotheronehadthosepapers.

OncethelawyerhadSergei'smother'ssituationsortedout,itwouldbe

relativelystraight-forwardtogetVladimiroverhere.TheformerSpetsnaz
commandohadeasilysnaggedajobwithDimitri'sfirmsohewouldqualifyfor
immigrationsponsorshipthroughtheLoneStarGroup.

Theprocesswouldn’tbesimpleorquickbutitwouldbesuccessful.Until

then,SergeiandIhadagreedthathewouldmeetwithhisfamilyeverycoupleof
monthsinEurope.Hedidn'tfeelsafereturningtoMoscowsoitwasthebest
compromise.

"Areyougoingtotellyourmotherabout…?"Sergeieyedmecarefullyashe

jammedchunksofredonionontotheskewers.

Myhanddrifteddowntomybelly.Likeatruealphamale,Sergeihad

plantedhisseedinsidemewithjustonetry.Istillcouldn'tquitebelieveitwas
true.MyperiodwasonlyadaylatewhenhadItestedonawhim.Thedouble

lineshadstunnedme.Abloodtestthenextmorninghadconfirmedtheresult.We
weregoingtohaveababy.

EventhoughIknewwehadflirtedwithdanger,Ineverinamillionyears

thoughtitwouldhappenafterjustonesingletime.ObviouslyIshouldhavepaid
betterattentiontothestatisticsinsexedclass!

"Nottonight,"Isaidfinally."That'ssomethingIwanttosharewithherwhen

it'sjustthetwoofus."

Iwasn’tquitesurehowshewasgoingtotakethenews.Shewouldbe

disappointedthatIhadgottenmyselfintotrouble,asshewouldsay,withoutbeing
married.Eventually,though,shewouldcomearoundandsupportme.Icould
alreadyimaginewhatadoting,coddlinggrandmothershewouldbe.OnceSergei's
mothermadeitoverhere,shewouldprobablybejustasbad.Ourchildwasgoing
tobesospoiled.

"Thethreeofus,"Sergeicorrected."IwantyourmothertoknowItakemy

responsibilityseriously."

"Andyourmother?Haveyoutoldher?"
Heshookhishead."I'lltellherinpersonwhenwegotoLondonlaterthis

month."

Abandoningtheskewers,Sergeiwalkedaroundtheislandandspunmy

barstoolsothatwewerefacingeachother.Hisbighandcurvedprotectively
againstmybelly."Iknowthisisstillashock,andit'snotidealtiming,Bianca,but
Iloveyou."Herubbedhishandovertheplacewhereourbabywasgrowing."It's
beenfourdays,andI'malreadyinlovewiththisbaby.We'llmakeitwork."

Slidingmyarmsaroundhim,Iclosedmyeyesandbreathedinthefamiliar

scentofhim.Hissoothingheatandstrengthassuagedthelingeringfears."You're
right.Itisn'tideal,butIkeeptellingmyselfthatwe'llgivethisbabyagoodlife."

"Wewill,"heassuredme."I'moutofthatlifenow.Yourbusinessis

booming.I'llspendmoretimeactivelyworkingattheconstructioncompany
insteadofsimplytakingacut.I'mgoingtopickupsomeextraworkwithIvan,
too."Hegesturedaroundus."We'lltacklethepriorityprojectsaroundhereandget
thehousereadyforthebaby.Itwillbeokay,Bianca.You'llsee."

LovingthewaySergeicouldcalmmedownandreassuremesoeasily,I

caressedhishandsomeface.Thefuturepromisedsomebigchangesforus,butI
wasreadytomeetthem.Wewerestartingourjourneytogether,andIcouldn’twait
toseewherethepathwouldleadus.

Author'sNote

Thankssomuchforreading

SERGEI

(HerRussianProtector#5)!Ihope

youenjoyedSergeiandBianca'sstory.Thenextbooksintheserieswillreleasein
2014andincludeaNIKOLAI,Volume2(HerRussianProtector#6)asequel
thatpicksupafewweeksafterthisbookends,ALEXEI(HerRussianProtector
#7)andKOSTYA(HerRussianProtector#8.)

Ifyouhaven'tread

InKelly'sCorner

yet,youcanpickupacopyofthat

bookrightnowtogethissideofthefightstory.BigbrotherJackisupnextinthe
FightingConnollysserieswith

Youcancheckoutmy

pageorsignupformy

forupdatesandnoticesonupcomingreleases.Ialsooffer

FreeReads

featuring

couplesfrommybooksonmywebsite.Therearemorereadsplannedforrelease
inlateDecember!

AbouttheAuthor

WhenI’mnotchasingaftermywildpreschooler,Iliketowritesupersexy

romancesandscorchinghoterotica.IliveinTexaswithahusbandwhocould
easilysnagajobasanextraonHistoryChannel’snewVikingseriesandasweet
butrowdyfour-year-old.

Ialsohaveanotherdirty-bookwritingalterego,

LolitaLopez

,whowrites

deliciouslysteamytalesforEllora’sCave,ForeverYours/GrandCentral,
Mischief/HarperCollinsUK,SirenPublishingandCleisPress.

Youcanfindmeonlineat

www.roxierivera.com

www.roxieriverawriter.com

Roxie'sBacklist

HerRussianProtectorSeries

Ivan(HerRussianProtector#1)
Dimitri(HerRussianProtector#2)
Yuri(HerRussianProtector#3)
Nikolai(HerRussianProtector#4)
Sergei(HerRussianProtector#5)
Nikolai,Volume2(HerRussianProtector#6)–ComingSpring2014
Alexei(HerRussianProtector#7)–ComingSummer2014
Kostya(HerRussianProtector#8)–ComingFall2014

TheFightingConnollysSeries

InKelly'sCorner(FightingConnollys#1)
InJack'sArms(FightingConnollys#2)—ComingDecember2013!
InFinn'sHeart(FightingConnollys#3)—ComingMarch2014!

SeducedBy…

SeducedbytheLoanShark
SeducedbytheLoanShark2—ComingSoon!
SeducedbytheCongressman
SeducedbytheCongressman2

Erotica

Chance'sBad,BadGirl
HalftimeWithCraig
Tease
Eddie'sCuffs1
Eddie'sCuffs2
Eddie'sCuffs3
DisturbingthePeace
QuidProQuo
SearchandSeizure

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,distributedor
transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or
other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of
thepublisher,exceptinthecaseofbriefquotationsembodiedincriticalreviews
andcertainothernoncommercialusespermittedbycopyrightlaw.Forpermission
requests,writetothepublisher,addressed“Attention:PermissionsCoordinator,”
attheaddressbelow.
RoxieRivera/NightWorksBooks
3515-BLongmireDrive,#103
CollegeStation,TX77845
www.roxierivera.com
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and
incidentsareaproductoftheauthor’simagination.Localesandpublicnamesare
sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people,
living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is
completelycoincidental.
SERGEI(HerRussianProtector,BookFive)/RoxieRivera.--1sted.
ISBN978-1-63042-001-7

Document Outline

Title Page
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Epilogue
Author's Note
About the Author
Roxie's Backlist

Rivera Roxie #5 Sergei

Document Outline