Lion of Midnight

by Aliyah Burke

They sat together, waiting to board, and after she arrived to her seat, she looked out the window. A small smile formed when his familiar and erotic timbre murmured, “Why are you staring out the window?”

  Turning in the seat, Cleo faced Nik. “I like looking out windows. But I was wondering something.”

  “Ask away, snežinka.”

  “How is it you managed to secure a seat right beside mine?” She looked forward to the demonstration.

  His chuckle pulled her attention off the speech the flight attendant was delivering. “Would you believe it was luck?”

  “Not for a second.”

  Nik smiled. “Would you believe I threatened the man who was about to sit there?”

  “Yes.” She frowned. “Please tell me you didn’t do that.”

  “I didn’t have to. He was very willing to trade seats.”

  Cleo’s eyes widened. “You’re joking, right Nik? Tell me you wouldn’t do something like that.”

  “I can’t.” He shrugged with overwhelming nonchalance. “There’s no way I would allow another man to sit beside my woman and I away.”

  She snapped her jaw closed. Overbearing Neanderthal. “That’s pretty—”

  “Don’t,” he interrupted. “You are my woman.”

  Cleo harrumphed and faced away from him. Just doesn’t have the same effect if I can’t storm out.

  It didn’t take long before she felt his touch skimming along her ear and neck. Cleo closed her eyes against the intense longing that swarmed her.

  “Don’t be angry, Cleo. I only answered honestly.”

  Facing him, she poked him in the shoulder and hissed in a low tone, “I’m not a damn object. I don’t belong to any man and that includes you, Nikolas Andreyevich.” Giving him her back, Cleo stewed. It didn’t matter how hot he was. And he’s got to be the hottest man I’ve ever seen. Regardless, I have no intention of belonging to another.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Nik watched Cleo embrace her friend, Kenya. His mind ran over how angry Cleo had become when he’d called her his. She is mine! Forcing back his growing agitation that she wasn’t accepting what was meant to be, he glanced at the two women. Kenya was a very beautiful woman, and he frowned slightly as he realized he didn’t see Lane with her. The women walked toward him, and his expression smoothed away any signs of anger.

  “Kenya. This is my…friend, Nikolas Andreyevich. Nik, my friend Kenya Powers.” Cleo made the introductions.

  Kenya smiled, her eyes traveling over him. “Wow.” Her eyes grew large. “I’m sorry; that was so rude of me.” She held out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet the man who kept Cleo company over in Russia.”

  Nik took her hand and bowed over it, brushing a kiss along the back. “It is an honor to meet the woman Cleo speaks so highly of.” He smiled and released her hand, only to reach for Cleo and pull her in close to his chest. “You will call me with time and place for moving.” Her eyes narrowed, and he waited. “Snežinka, don’t argue this.”

  “Fine,” she grumbled.

  Nik kissed her. Dominated her mouth until she sagged into him. Pulling back, he saw her eyes smoky and unfocused.

  “Are you not coming with us?” Kenya asked.

  “I don’t want to intrude. I will grab a hotel and meet you for the move.” He met Kenya’s gaze as he answered her but kept touching Cleo.

  “Well, we have to meet for dinner. Cleo, maybe you should go with him and help get him settled.”

  “That’s okay,” Nik assured them. “I have some things to do, but dinner sounds wonderful.”

  “Are you sure?” Kenya laid a hand on his arm.

  Capturing her hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed the back. “Positive.”

  “Okay. We’ll call about dinner. It was great to meet you, Mr. Andreyevich.”

  “Nik, please.”

  Kenya smiled. “Nik, it is. I’ll wait over there for y’all to say goodbye.”

  One more smile and she walked away to give them a bit of privacy. Not that they had a lot being in an airport, but he appreciated the gesture. Looking at Cleo, he frowned at the scowl on her face.

  “What’s wrong, snežinka?” he questioned, skimming his thumb along her lower lip.

  “Damn you!” she bit off.

  What’s going on? Shaking his head, Nik furrowed his brow. “What? Did I do something to offend your friend?” He had no wish to do that.

  “No,” she said in a much softer tone. “Just when I think I have you figured out, you go and do something thoughtful and not pushy.”

  Nik tilted his head to the side. “You’re upset because I didn’t demand you remain at my side?”

  “No. That’s not it. I’m not really upset.” She sighed. “I’m just trying to figure you out.”

  He smiled at her. “I’m not complicated. I would love to have you with me, but it is obvious Kenya means a great deal to you. I want you happy, snežinka.” Nik leaned in and murmured in Russian, “Like I told you before, you are my salvation.”

  “What did you say?”

  He winked, grabbed her luggage, and herded her toward Kenya. “Haven’t learned Russian, yet?”

  “Been a bit busy since I got back,” she retorted.

  “Want a tutor?”

  Cleo just sent him a smoldering look.

  Being good wasn’t easy, but Nik managed. He escorted the women to Kenya’s vehicle, a Toyota Sequoia, helped them in, and left them to their plans with a short but powerful kiss for Cleo. Then, he headed off to take care of his own things. Hotel, car, and clothing. When the call for dinner came, he was beyond ready to see her, again.

  Dinner was a lot of fun. He sat across the table from Lane and between the women. Kenya and Cleo had such a strong bond, it overflowed as he listened to them relive stories of their antics. Tearing his gaze from his future, Nik looked over to Lane. The green-eyed man pulled his own loving gaze from Kenya and met his. Lane, whom Kenya called Cam, lifted his glass in silent salute. Nik answered with a nod. Nik understood now why Lane had confronted him in Russia; he looked on Cleo as important to Kenya and, therefore, important to him. And Nik felt the same. Kenya and Lane were now included in the small circle of absolute protection he offered to those closest to him.

  After the meal, they lingered over coffee. Nik longed to take Cleo away to where they could be alone, but the joy on her face kept his mouth shut.

  “How long are you here for, Nik?” Kenya asked.

  “I’m just here to help Cleo move into her apartment. Then, I head back to Wyoming; I’ve been there visiting my brother and his family. After that, I return to Russia.”

  “And you came all this way to help her move?” Kenya asked, brows rising.

  “Of course,” he answered. “I will always be there for her.” He turned his gaze to Cleo and muttered in Russian. “This woman is my heart and soul. I can do no less.” Facing Kenya again, he asked in English, “Cleo said you got the necklace for her. Could you tell me where?”

  Kenya pursed her lips before glancing at her fiancé. “Do you remember where we got it?”

  “Yes.” Glancing at him, Lane said, “I can take you there if you’d like. Tomorrow after we’re done moving.”

  “I’d appreciate that.” Waving for the bill, Nik shook his head over the protests. “This is on me as thanks for inviting me along.” They saw it his way, but Nik hadn’t planned on it playing out differently.

  Outside by their vehicles, Nik bowed low over Kenya’s hand, again. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Thank you for an enchanting evening.”

  She grinned. “Goodnight, Nik.”

  He shook Lane’s hand then turned to the woman next to him. Cleo. Her gaze was fixated on the ground but met his when he touched her arm. “Come here, snežinka,” he ordered. Cleo moved easily into his embrace, wrapping her arms around him in return. He closed his eyes and tried to resist the urge to demand. The soft, intoxicating hints of her scent embedding into him made it very difficult to not give in. “Good ni
ght, snežinka,” he murmured into her hair. If anything, Cleo gripped him tighter. Drawing back, Nik forced an eye connection. “What’s wrong?”

  “I don’t want to let go.”

  “Then, don’t. Stay the night with me.”

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  Lifting his head, Nik met Lane’s eyes. The auburn-haired man nodded and wrapped an arm around Kenya before whispering in her ear.

  “We’ll see you tomorrow,” Kenya said.

  “Bye, Kenya,” Cleo replied.

  “Let’s go, snežinka,” Nik said gently.

  “You must think I’m—”

  “Shush. Don’t start down that path. I told you in Russia, I’d gladly take care of you. And I meant it.” He placed a kiss on the tip of her nose.

  They held hands as he drove. When they entered the hotel room, Nik inhaled sharply as Cleo brushed against him. She’d slid out of her coat by the time the door was closed. He bit the inside of his cheek as he wolfishly ogled her. A pair of fitted black slacks lovingly hugged her toned legs and covered all but the toe and heel of her boots. The shirt she wore was short-sleeved, teal, and felt like crushed silk. The first few buttons were undone, allowing him a hint of what lay beneath.

  Just a tease of what she has. Nothing more than that. I know I spent half the night trying to sneak a peek.

  “I’m really glad you’re here, Nik,” Cleo said, striding toward him.

  “No place would I rather be, snežinka, than by your side.”

  “Shouldn’t say things like that.”

  Shrugging out of his coat, he lifted a brow. “I don’t lie, snežinka.” The doubt she felt was obvious by her expression. “You don’t believe me.” It wasn’t a question.

  “It seems a bit out there to me, Nik. That’s all. Things like this happen to rich, beautiful girls, not me.”

  Is she serious? “You may not be rich, Cleo, but trust me when I say that, to me, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. And I’ve known you were the one for me since I laid eyes on you.”

  “In the bakery?”

  He prowled toward her. “Da, in the bakery.” Nik sank his hand deep into her long hair, tugging her head back so he could peer into her eyes. “I wanted to throw the tables out of the way and carry you off over my shoulder.”

  She laughed lightly. “Caveman attitude.”

  “No, snežinka. Dominant, alpha male. Possessive.”

  “That’s not going to win you any points with me, Nik,” she warned.

  “That, snežinka, was nothing but the truth. I’m used to men protecting their women. A man protecting his woman.” Her tremble, although slight, moved through him like a tidal wave. Tightening his hand, Nik lowered his mouth. He nibbled along her lower lip, only to follow with a sweep of his tongue. “Open for me,” he murmured.

  Cleo did, and he groaned in pleasure as his tongue slipped along hers. With one arm, Nik lifted her off the ground and maneuvered them to the bed. Clothes were gone in seconds, and soon, the room was filled with the sounds of lovemaking.

  The next morning after their shared shower, Nik opened the bags of clothing he’d purchased and pull some out. A low whistle filled the room, and he turned to find Cleo watching him, lust nearly spilling from her gaze.

  “Keep looking at me like that, Cleo, and you’ll need another shower.”

  A small curve tipped up her lips. “Teasing me like that.”

  Nik rumbled deep in his chest as blood raced to his shaft. He stepped toward her. I’ll show you it’s not teasing but a promise.

  “No, Nik. I have to go to Kenya’s, get some clean clothes, and decide on the apartment.”

  He grunted. “Okay.” You don’t really need an apartment, Cleo. You need to be with me. Nik dressed quickly, and within moments, they were heading to Kenya’s.

  Cleo knocked before she unlocked the door and stuck her head in. “Kenya?” Her shoulders rolled with a shrug. “Guess they crashed at his place. Come on in.”

  Nik took in the warmth in the place by the colors and feel. There were boxes everywhere. “This all your stuff?”

  “No, it’s Kenya’s. She’s in the process of moving in with Lane. They’re waiting for the house to be finished with the painting. Lane won’t let her be around the fumes because of the baby.”

  “Smart man.”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Nik sat on the edge of the couch, and a few moments later, Cleo reappeared in jeans and a sweatshirt. Lust slammed into him. He watched as she gathered her hair into a ponytail.

  “Well, I guess this is it.”

  He pushed to his feet and took her hand. Bringing her fingers to his mouth, he kissed the pads before releasing her. “Let’s go.”

  Nik remained with her, but quiet, as she walked through her two choices. While she compared them, he worked on how he was going to get her to be at his side. He knew her feelings for him went beyond what she was ready to admit to herself.

  “I like this one,” she said. “What do you think?”

  Moving up behind her, Nik rested his chin on her head. “I think it will be a wonderful place. Why are you doing this if you’re thinking of moving to Wyoming?”

  “I need a place to live, Nik. I won’t interfere with Kenya’s life anymore, and since I’m no longer married, I’ve lost that house. My life is in a damn storage locker.”

  Her body radiated tension, and he tightened his hold, refusing to let her go. “Breathe easy, snežinka. Let me do this for you.”

  “I won’t be a kept woman, Nik!” she bit off before shoving away from him.

  Trying to keep another phrase like that from slipping out of his mouth, he moved silently to her side. With care, he took her wrist and led her to the kitchen where Nik placed her on the countertop. Wedging his body between her legs, he took Cleo’s face in his hands.

  “Don’t be angry, snežinka,” he pleaded. His thumbs skimmed her soft skin.

  “I’m not a whore!”

  Nik narrowed his eyes as anger raced through him. “Who said you were?” His tone, low and dangerous, snapped out the question.

  “You, by implying I’d want you to set me up in a place.”

  “Cleopatra,” he said gruffly and with reprimand. “I never want to make you feel like that. That is not remotely how I view you. Never will, and I’ll kill anyone who says you are. I offer because it would make you happy to have this place. If you wanted a house, I’d offer to buy it for you. Whatever to make you happy.”

  A slight furrow appeared between her eyes. “You truly mean that, don’t you?”

  “Never doubt it,” he answered immediately.

  “Anything?”

  “Da. Anything. All you have to do is ask.”

  “New car?”

  “What kind?”

  “Horses?” Her eyes sparkled as she asked the question.

  “How many would you like?”

  “What about a house for Kenya?” He remained silent, and Cleo chuckled. “That’s what I thought.”

  Grasping her hips, Nik pulled her closer. “Wrong, snežinka. I would gladly buy your friend a house. I would just be unsure on how her man would take it.”

  Emotions raged in her eyes before she kissed him lightly. “You are a sweet man, Nik. But don’t worry. I’ve got no plans to use you.” Her gaze darkened and dropped to his lips. “Well, not for that. I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion at your comment.”

  “Know I’d rather die than hurt you, snežinka.” He kissed her until she moaned. “Now. We should get the moving done.”

  “Yes, I suppose we should.”

  Five hours later, Nik sat in the passenger seat of Lane’s Mustang Saleen as they headed to the shop Kenya had found the necklace. Cleo and Kenya were unpacking. He missed her already.

  “Here we go,” Lane said, whipping into a parking spot. They got out, and as Nik reached for the door, Lane touched his arm. Nik looked at him through the sunglasses he wore. “I never had a chance to thank you,” L
ane stated.

  Nik lifted a brow. “For?”

  “For saving Cleo in Russia. Kenya told me what you did, and I wanted to thank you.”

  “You never need to thank me for protecting my woman.”

  “Yours?”

  “Mine,” he rumbled dangerously.

  Lane shook his head. “I pity anyone who tries to tell you differently. What about the one who attacked her?”

  “His life was forfeit the second he touched her,” he ground out before opening the door.

  “Good.” Lane followed him inside the shop.

  They didn’t stay long, and Nik didn’t find anything to buy. That night, he spent in the arms of Cleo in her new apartment.

  αβ

  Cleo wrung her hands as Nik took them up the drive. They’d stayed in Tennessee for a few more days and, now, were back in Wyoming on their way to his brother’s. She was nervous.

  Please. I passed nervous over five miles ago. I’m well into petrified now.

  “Relax, snežinka, they don’t bite.”

  Sticking her tongue out at him, Cleo inhaled sharply as her gaze landed on some horses playing in the snow. “You never said this was a horse farm.”

  “You didn’t ask.” He winked and parked in front of the house.

  Swallowing back her nervousness, Cleo sent him a wobbly smile. His eyes warmed as they traveled over her face.

  “Don’t worry; it’ll be fine.” He kissed the back of her hand, his tongue swirling along the flesh, sending spirals of intense desire through her.

  Jerking her hand away, Cleo gulped hard, this time not for nerves but to get her body back under control. “Stop it, Nik.”

  He sighed dramatically, got out, and came around to open her door for her. Once she was out, a door slammed, and a young voice screamed, “Uncle Nik!”

  Cleo couldn’t stop the smile as a little girl ran toward the edge of the porch. Then, she jumped. Cleo’s heart plummeted. Nik was there, snatching her from the air.

  “Ebonee Victoria!” he cried, holding her close to his chest. “You can’t do things like that, Evie. What if I hadn’t caught you?” Nik said, the worry in his voice obvious. Big green eyes peeked at Cleo from behind thick lashes and the hood. Then, they moved back to Nik.