She looked around the room. The tree really did give the place a festive, homey feeling. He was right, they had done a pretty spectacular job at decorating. “I suppose once you know how to decorate for the Holiday it never leaves you.”
Viktor set his glass to the side, took hers and sat it next to his before pulling her into his arms. She came to him easily, snuggling up close and resting her head on his shoulder. He’d been looking forward to this all day. “Thank you, Nica, for making today special.”
“I enjoyed myself.” She rolled her head back to look at him. She couldn’t believe how comfortable this all felt. Without thought, or worry, she reached up and touched his face with her fingertips. Tracing his jaw first, she loved the scruffiness of his evening beard.
“Woman.” His voice was rough with need. He loved the way she was touching him. There was no reserve, no trepidation. “Kiss me, Nica.”
Nicoleta reached up and kissed him. She had meant for it to be a light, chaste kiss, but as soon as her lips touched his, he cradled the back of her head and deepened the kiss. His tongue grazed her bottom lip. The soft touch was an invitation for her to participate in the kiss with him. Amazingly, there was no demand, no forcing his will on hers. Simply, a gentle touch letting her know he wanted more, but wouldn’t take it.
Rolling onto her knees, she boldly straddled his legs. With both hands holding his face, Nicoleta indulged in her own need. Her body had been running hot all day. She needed to feel this man’s hands on her, his lips on her skin, his body joined with hers. It was a wanton thought. One she had never expected to experience again.
“Nica?”
“Make love to me, Viktor. I need to feel you moving inside me, holding me.”
Viktor studied her eyes for a long moment. He didn’t want anything to ruin this night. He didn’t want any fear between them. What he saw reflected in the smoky, brown depths was desire. Desire to touch him. Desire to be touched.
He wanted to tell her if at any time she became frightened or wanted to stop all she had to do was let him know. It was his own fear that kept him quiet. He would know if she needed to stop or slow down. He was so in tune with this woman he would know just by the change in her breathing.
Nicoleta didn’t wait for him to respond, she immediately started to unbutton his flannel shirt. She smiled, remembering how handsome she thought he’d looked in his suit. He was just as handsome in jeans and flannel. “You are a very attractive man, Viktor.” She placed a kiss on the area of his chest she had exposed by opening his shirt. The hair on his chest was soft against her lips.
“Mmm, Nica…”
Viktor began speaking in Russian. Nicoleta was able to understand most of it, and what he was saying was only making her hotter. Her hips began to rock, grinding her clit down on his growing erection through both of their jeans.
“Undress, Nica.” Viktor tried to keep the command from his tone, but it was there nonetheless. He helped her off with her sweatshirt then unbuttoned her jeans and pulled the zipper down. Soon he had her naked while he was fully clothed.
There was something about being naked while Viktor was still dressed. It made her feel sexy, desirable. As if he couldn’t wait to touch her so he could undress. She felt his lips at her throat as they skimmed across her skin down to her breast. As his lips covered her nipple, his hand covered her other breast. The contrast between the strong pull from his mouth and the almost teasing, playful plucking of his fingers drove her need higher.
“Viktor.”
Viktor cupped her ass in one hand and the back of her head in the other as he pulled her down for another heated kiss. The moment their tongues began to duel, he rolled her under him and began flinging his clothes away. He never stopped kissing her until he had to in order to remove his jeans and underwear.
He let his lips trail from her mouth, down her chest, over to one nipple where he licked it roughly before placing a tender kiss to the hardened tip. He moved down the center of her body, kissing as he went and his hands smoothed down her rib cage to her hips. Holding her steady, he kissed the bare, smooth skin of her mound.
Nicoleta’s hands moved quickly to create a barrier between his mouth and her denuded pubis. The laser treatments Craig made her have had permanently removed her hair. She choked on her breath but it sounded more like a sob.
Gently, Viktor removed her hands. He placed another kiss on her mound before running his tongue along the seam of her lips. “You’re beautiful, solnishko.”
“He…”
“He has no place between us, my love. It is just the two of us here. No one else. And, I think you are the most ravishing creature I’ve ever seen.”
He felt her body relax in small degrees. The fear left her eyes and was replaced by desire once again.
Viktor used his mouth to explore her, running his tongue over her plump lips, delving deeper to taste her. When his tongue touched her clit, she jumped. She was highly sensitive there. Using his fingers he stroked one, then two deep inside her as he sucked gently on her clit.
Nicoleta felt the bands of orgasm wrap around her tightly. She lifted her hips to him, pushing all thoughts but him and what he was doing to her away. Her body exploded in rapture. Her voice cried out in completion.
When she began to drift back down to earth, she opened her eyes to see him braced over her. His lower body between her spread thighs. She felt the tip of his erection at her opening. She blinked once. “I want you.”
It was all he needed to hear. In a deliberately slow thrust, he entered her, lowering his upper body from his palms to his forearms so he could better feel her, skin on skin.
He took his time making love to her. Making the connection last as long as he possibly could. She came again, the grip of her inner muscles along the sensitive length of him, tipped him over the edge. Rocking his hips back and forth, he seemed to cum forever. His voice growling as he called her name.
Chapter 10
Viktor’s cell phone drug them both out of the light sleep they were sharing. They were still on the pallet in front of the fire, although the flames had died down.
“Hello.” Viktor’s groggily answered.
“I hope you’re ready to be a grandpa. Tia’s in labor and we’re on our way to the hospital now.”
“I’m on my way.” All sleep left him as he jumped up from the floor and searched for his clothes.
“What is it, Viktor?”
“Bring your lady with you. It’s rude to leave a woman’s bed in the middle of the night.” Cole laughed as he spoke.
Viktor didn’t reply. He simply hung up on his smartass son-in-law. “Tia has gone into labor. They’re heading to the hospital now.”
“She’s early.”
“Yes.” He couldn’t keep the worry from his voice. “Come on, Nica. We need to get dressed.”
“You want me to go?”
Viktor didn’t bother to respond to such an asinine question. He tossed her clothes to her then grabbed his and began dressing.
“I guess that means yes, you do.”
“Are you being fresh or silly?”
“Oh my, grandpa is nervous.” Nicoleta teased but dressed quickly. She didn’t bother with rebraiding her hair, only pulled it back and tied it in a loose knot at the nape of her neck. “I’m driving if you don’t mind.”
“I think that might be for the best.” Viktor agreed as he slipped on his boots.
It didn’t surprise him when the entire Blackthorn clan began trickling through the doors of the waiting area. The BSI staff filtered in with them. Before long the room was full of people waiting to get their first glimpse of Cole and Tia’s baby.
As more people came, Viktor held tightly to Nicoleta’s hand, not allowing her to leave him. Tia wasn’t due for another two months. The fear he felt for his daughter and unborn grandchild overrode the looks they were receiving.
Nicoleta remained by his side. She felt his concern. His fear. “She’ll be okay, Viktor.” She whispered for
the tenth time. Wanting to ease him, she started to say something else when Cole entered the room.
“It’s a GIRL!”
The crowd laughed, slapped one another on the back and gave hugs. Nicoleta gave Viktor a little push toward the door where Cole stood accepting congratulations. “Go see your daughter and your granddaughter. I’ll be here when you’re done.”
Viktor looked at her, squeezed her hand and looped it over his arm. “You’ll come with me. I want all my girls together.” As he walked toward the door with Nicoleta in tow, he passed by Duncan and Amara. “Excuse me Duncan, but I need to borrow Amara.”
“What are you doing, Viktor?” Nicoleta hissed in surprise.
He took Amara’s hand with his free one and pulled them both behind him to where Cole stood. “How is Tia?”
Cole smiled broadly. “She’s perfect.”
“I’d like to see them now.” It wasn’t a request. He needed to see his daughter and her baby.
Cole glanced between Nicoleta and Amara and laughed. “This way, Grandpa.”
“Mama, why is he taking us with him?” Amara asked confused.
Nicoleta was too stunned to respond as Viktor pulled them closer to his side.
“Come on, ladies.”
“Viktor.”
“Nica, she’ll know soon enough. This is my Christmas. Remember? You’re indulging me this year.”
Amara smirked. “Mama, is there something you’d like to tell me?”
“Hush, child. No sass from you.”
“Shall I call him dad or papa, like Tia does.”
“Papa is fine with me.” Viktor smiled as he tugged on them to make them keep up with him.
Viktor sat in the chair beside Tia’s bed. She was dozing while he held his beautiful granddaughter. She had coal black hair, olive complexion like her mother, absurdly long eyelashes and long fingers. “You will be a concert pianist. A chemical engineer. A top-billed actress.”
“Papa.” Tia admonished through her grin.
“I’m just saying she can be anything she wants to be.”
Tia nodded tiredly. “Yes, she can.”
“You did a wonderful job, mishka. Emily Grace is beautiful, just like her mother.”
“Let’s just hope she’s not a terror like her father.”
Viktor chuckled. “She’ll get away with murder and you know it.”
“Only by you and her father.”
“So, you’ve started dating?”
“Are you angry?”
Amara wrapped her arms around her mother and gave her a hug. “I’m thrilled.” She whispered. “We can have a dual wedding”
Nicoleta shook her head, no. “It isn’t like that.”
Amara looked between Viktor and her mother. Even though the man was holding his first born grandchild he still couldn’t keep his eye off her mom. “I’ll hold a spot just in case.” Amara teased.
“Bratty child.”
“Why did he want us in here with him?”
“He keeps saying this is his Holiday with his girls.”
“I’m considered one of his girls?”
“Of course you are.” Viktor kissed the baby’s head tenderly before placing her back in the bassinet the hospital provided. “We’re going to go, mishka. Your daughter is sleeping, and mine needs to rest as well.”
“You’ll come back?” Tia asked although her eyes were already closed.
“Tomorrow, when you are up for visitors.” He kissed her forehead. “I’m so proud for you, Tatiana.”
“Thank you, papa.” She was too tired to correct him on her name.
Viktor left the room with Amara and Nicoleta to find Devin and Kylie Blackthorn waiting to see the baby. “They’re both asleep but I know Tia wants to see you.”
“Yes, well, I’m sure she does. She won the bet.” Kylie huffed but couldn’t hold her irritation and laughed. “Are they okay?”
“Absolutely perfect. Go in. Sit. You are next.”
Kylie patted her large belly. “Don’t remind me. The only good part of Tia going into labor first is she can tell me what it’s like.”
Viktor glanced at Devin who stood behind his pregnant wife. Devin shook his head letting them all know he wouldn’t let that happen. Kylie was worried anyway. From what Viktor had heard she didn’t want to know what was coming before it happened.
“Be sure to call me when it is your time. I want to be here for the birth.” Viktor kissed Kylie’s cheek before shaking Devin’s hand and leaving.
“Viktor?”
“Yes, Amara.”
“Kylie’s going to have twins.”
“I didn’t hear that announcement.”
“That’s because they haven’t announced it.” Nicoleta winked at her daughter.
“How do you know?”
“It’s a feeling.” Both mother and daughter said at the same time.
Viktor looked between them as they walked down the hall. “Hmm, I can see I will have to stay on my toes around the two of you.”
“I wouldn’t try keeping any secrets, Pops.” Amara snickered.
“Pops? Really?”
“I don’t like dad or any variation. Papa is Tia’s name for you.” She looked him up and down. “Pops doesn’t exactly fit you, but it’ll do in a pinch.”
“I must apologize for blindsiding you like that, Amara.”
Amara stepped up to Duncan, snuggling into his side. “I had a feeling.” She teased.
“Duncan you told her.” Nicoleta put her hands on her hips and glowered at him.
Duncan shook his head. “I’m not stupid enough to keep secrets from a Dalakis woman.”
“Dalakis?” Viktor asked.
“Our family name on my side. Davis is Amara’s father’s name.”
“I know of the Dalakis Gypsies. They were a revered band. Legendary. It was said they had the best healers and their women had the true gift of second sight.”
Duncan nodded. “I can vouch for these two at least. I stopped trying to keep secrets from them quick enough. I had to hide Amara’s Christmas gift at the Flying D…or did I put it at Three Peaks. I know it’s somewhere.”
“And he won’t tell me which ranch it is stashed.” Her eyes met his. “Mean.”
“Smart,” Nicoleta said with a grin. “Are you two going to stay here for awhile?”
“I’m going to go in and pay my respects to Tia then take Amara home. She’s promised to cook me breakfast in the morning.” Duncan didn’t quite cover his groan.
Nicoleta hugged and kissed them both but joy flooded her. “You’ll survive a healthy breakfast, Duncan. You don’t need sugar at every meal.”
“Sure I do. It keeps me sweet.”
Amara groaned this time. “Come on Lawman. Let’s get you in to see the new mom. If I’m making breakfast then I’m going to want a little sleep first.”
She hugged her mother goodbye but couldn’t bring herself to hug Viktor. “Take care of her.”
“Of course. The four of us will have dinner in a day or two.”
Amara nodded, said her goodbyes and walked with Duncan back up the hall to Tia’s room.
Viktor looped Nicoleta’s hand through his arm and began walking them out of the hospital. “I think she took that well.”
“I was unaware we were making announcements I wasn’t privileged to.”
“Pfft. What did you think, woman, that I’m just a one night stand? Ha! I’ll have you know I’m not cheap. I expect a ring and flowers by Christmas.”
Nicoleta burst out laughing. “I think you might be presuming a little too much.”
Viktor remained quiet but there would be flowers in the next few days, from him to her. As for a ring, there wasn’t any hurry. He didn’t want her to feel pressured.
Chapter 11
A week after Emily was born, Viktor entered the cottage with a small box wrapped in shimmering red. He found Nicoleta in the living room with the Christmas lights on, a fire lit, snuggled on the couch reading a book.
“You look comfy.”
“I am. How was your day?”
“Good. I picked up another client today.”
“Your new business is growing fast. Soon you’ll need to start hiring a staff.”
“I’ve already asked Allison to help me write up an employment ad.”
“What does Devin think of you borrowing his assistant?”
“He said while it’s slow at BSI there isn’t a problem, but I will want to hire someone soon. Devin’s been drumming up business. I think he is hoping to start the New Year with contracts already booked.”
“I’m sure they need the revenue. Katy filled me in on a little of what they’ve had going this year.”
“They’ve had some expenditures that is true, but I’m helping Devin streamline his accounts, steering him toward better investments and more productive ways to use the talent he already employs.”
Nicoleta smiled softly. “You’re having fun.”
“I am. It’s nice to be useful in a legal way.” Viktor had told Nicoleta all about his past. He didn’t tell her who he worked for and she didn’t ask. One day he would come clean about that as well. To his way of thinking, the most important details of his criminal past had been explained. He wasn’t proud of what he’d done, but he wasn’t going to be guilt ridden over it either.
Duncan had seen to it he would not have to pay for his crimes, and he’d made restitution where he could. Created several trust funds for the victims, too. There was nothing left for him to do but to become a productive, honest, law-abiding citizen, and he was already doing that. If at some point down the road he needed to do more, he would. But for now, his conscience, while not completely clean, was clearing up.
He slipped the small box on her bent leg and waited.
“Viktor? What have you done now?” she shook her head. “You don’t need to bring me a present home every night.”
“I don’t bring a present home every night.”
“On the nights you don’t you bring flowers, which is still a present of sorts.”
“Don’t give me any sass, woman. Just open your present.”
Flawed Perfection: A Collection of Winter Wishes Page 33