“Yes, I guess that might bother him. He’s never had to deal with that before.”
“I’ll handle myself okay.”
“I’m not worried about you Viktor. You’re a gentleman. You have class.”
“You worried about your brother?”
“No, just excited. Okay.”
He was sure she was nervous, but he had no idea why she wouldn’t admit it. Half an hour later, the doorbell rang.
Alia jumped, then ran to the door. There stood Deion, with Arkady behind him. Her brother didn’t look happy. Viktor had told her to warn him about his bodyguards.
She didn’t seem to notice his anger. Instead she wrapped her arms around him in a bear hug. “Deion.”
“Hello, sis.”
She let him go. Arkady left.
“What’s with the goon squad?” Deion asked.
His glare over Alia’s shoulder was clearly directed at Viktor. He wasn’t afraid of this boy, but he would dial back the testosterone for Alia’s sake.
“Long story,” Alia said. “Come in. Meet Viktor.”
The boy looked over Viktor. Must have found him wanting as he frowned at him. Viktor was not so easily intimidated. He stuck out his hand. “Viktor Kozlov.”
Deion eyed the hand for a moment then shook it. “Deion Jefferson.”
“Nice to meet you, Deion.”
Alia vibrated beside both of them. Her excitement was palpable to Viktor. She was glad to see her brother, though her brother was not glad to see Viktor.
“You live above a nightclub?”
“Deion, don’t be rude.”
“It’s okay, Alia. I own the whole building. Seemed easier to live above the nightclub than somewhere else.”
“You a criminal?” Deion asked.
“Deion. You’re being rude. I raised you better than that,” Alia said.
Viktor put a hand on Alia’s arm. “He’s protecting his sister. I would do that same thing.”
“Still,” Alia said.
“I’m not a criminal. I run an exclusive club. My clientele pays well to be safe when they are partying.”
“Safe?”
“There are elements that would like to get a hold of a nightclub like this and run prostitution. I have guards to keep the criminal element out and the good element in.”
Deion nodded, but Viktor didn’t think the boy was satisfied.
“Are we done with the testosterone show?” Alia said. She stepped between the two men, facing Deion. “Viktor is very good to me. You will not say a bad word about him.”
Deion relaxed. “Okay sis. We’ll be good.”
He glanced up at Viktor, but he knew that this was only a truce for Alia’s sake.
“You want a beer or some wine?” Alia said.
She’d clearly missed the undertone in what her brother said.
“I’ll take a beer.”
“I’ll get it,” Viktor said. “You guys catch up. You want wine, Alia?”
“Yes, please.”
He went into the kitchen to check on Chef and open the wine. He poured two glasses, then opened a beer for Deion.
“How’s it going?” Chef asked.
“Oh, he already doesn’t like me. I’ll win him over.”
“Go get him,” Chef said.
Viktor smiled at the pep talk. Not that he needed it. He would do his best, but if Deion didn’t like him, that was Deion’s problem.
He handed Alia her wine and Deion his beer. The boy was in the middle of a story. Viktor sat on the chair closest to Alia.
Too crowded on the couch already.
Alia laughed at the end of Deion’s story. The boy didn’t look at Viktor, but Alia glanced his way. She smiled at him as if reassuring him. Not necessary.
Alia put a hand on Deion. “I need to use the little girls’ room. I’ll be right back.”
She left. Deion barely waited until she was out of earshot. “You better take good care of my sister.”
“I do. She seems pretty happy with me.”
“You aren’t taking advantage of her? She has a big heart.”
Viktor wanted to chuckle. “No, I’m not taking advantage of her. Your sister was in danger and I took her in. Instead of trying to prove you have a bigger dick than I do, you should appreciate what I’ve done for her.”
Deion’s mouth opened then closed. “I just don’t want to see her hurt.”
“Neither do I. Trust me.”
“I don’t trust too many people.”
“Neither does Alia and she has figured out she can trust me.”
“She’s more trusting than I am. We take care of each other.”
“Well, you weren’t able to, so I stepped in.”
“I’ll come back here if you hurt her.”
Brave words from a boy who hadn’t even filled out yet. Viktor refused to mock him. He was just trying to protect his sister. “I care deeply for your sister. I don’t want to hurt her. I want to take care of her and keep her safe.”
“I still don’t like this arrangement.”
Tough. “Your sister is a grown woman. She can make this decision for herself. She’s chosen to stay here. You need to respect that. Besides, you can’t keep her safe. You have a job to go to.”
Deion frowned. “I’d figure it out.”
“You worry about your future. I’ll worry about Alia. I promise.”
That seemed to satisfy the boy. He took swig of his beer. “Okay.”
“Now, let’s try to get along for Alia’s sake. Let’s find some common ground.”
Deion frowned, but nodded. The rest of the night went smoothly.
Chapter 11
Alia was excited to get out of the apartment and do some work at the shelter. Arkady was coming with her and she was using Viktor’s driver.
He was puttering in his office when Alia entered.
“You heading out?” he said.
“I am. I have my driver and my bodyguard. You need me to send the driver back?”
“No, I don’t need him for a few hours.”
“I put a load of laundry in the wash. Can you put it in the dryer for me?” she said.
“Of course. Anything else, my domestic goddess?”
Alia laughed. She wanted to make herself useful while she was staying with Viktor. He had a cleaning service and he sent his shirts out to be pressed so she couldn’t do any of those.
“No, that’s it.”
“Chef is going shopping today. Anything you want?”
They sounded so domestic. Like an old married couple. Well, that had sex every night. Their arrangement was so different in that for Alia, this contract was always hanging over her head. She didn’t want to think about it, but she could never just walk outside. She didn’t want to feel like a prisoner, but she did.
“Cheetos.”
“Cheetos? I can buy you the finest beef or a can of caviar, but you want a snack food?”
“Yes, I do.”
Comfort food. She needed some. This situation was beginning to wear on her.
“Dinner on the roof tonight? No rain in the forecast,” Viktor said.
Would be nice to dine outside. As if they were the only two people in the world. She put her arms around him. “I’d like that.”
“Good. Now go do your volunteer work.”
She kissed him then found Arkady. He stepped out into the lobby before her. “All clear.”
He shuffled her into the car then slid in beside her. He looked around the whole drive to the shelter. When they arrived, he put a hand on her. “Don’t move.”
She looked past him. There was a cop car outside of the building where the shelter was located. Not odd since sometimes they took in domestic violence victims.
“Okay.”
She watched him disappear into the shelter. He was gone a few minutes, then walked back to the car. She rolled down her window. “Problem?”
“Yes, but you need to come here.”
He looked around, then bundle
d her next to him for the half block walk. He let go when she was inside. A cop sat on a chair, talking to Kristin, her face a vision of fear.
“What happened?” Alia asked.
The cop stood. “Who are you?”
“Alia Jefferson. I do the books here.”
“Could you wait in the office? Then I’ll come talk to you.”
She nodded and Arkady led her to her office. She booted up her computer, but her mind was on the situation. Which she didn’t know about.
The cop came in a few minutes later. “You’re Alia?”
“Yes.”
“Come with me,” the cop said.
Arkady stayed close as the cop led her to the back door of the shelter. Scrawled on the wall in the alley were words that chilled Alia.
You’ve been warned. Recant your story, Alia.
Alia’s breath caught in her throat. Arkady put a hand on her arm and she was warmed by him. He really seemed to like protecting her.
“You’re the Alia in question?” the cop said.
“Yes.”
They returned to her office, and the cop asked her questions for the next half hour. She told him the story of the murder and the contract out on her life.
“Well, Miss Jefferson, your presence here might bring danger to this shelter.”
“I know, but someone has to pay the bills.”
“It probably shouldn’t be you,” the cop said before he left.
Arkady stood in the doorway. “We should go home.”
“Let me tell Kristin,” Alia said.
The woman was still sitting on a cot, her face a mask of disbelief. Alia sat down next to her. “I’m leaving. And I’m not coming back until this is done.”
“Oh, Alia. We love having you.”
“But it isn’t worth it if I put everyone else in danger. I don’t know how they found out about me being here. I’m so sorry.”
“This isn’t your fault, Alia.”
“It is.”
“No, don’t think that. We’ll manage,” Kristin said. “You go home and be safe.”
Alia nodded, hugged her, then left with Arkady. The ride home was in silence. Arkady scanned the alley before he let her out. Alia felt so guilty for bringing that danger to Kristin and those who just need a place to sleep.
She didn’t go find Viktor at first. She needed a moment to regroup. She took a shower feeling dirty from it all. Then she found Viktor in his office.
“You’re back early,” he said.
“Arkady didn’t tell you?”
“No, did something happen?”
He was sitting behind his desk. She walked around the desk. She needed to be in his arms. “There was some vandalism.”
“Vandalism?”
“At the shelter. Basically a warning to me to recant my story about the murder.”
He pulled her closer. “Oh, Alia. I’m sorry.”
“I can’t go back there. I’m putting everyone in danger.”
She let some tears flow down her face. She felt sorry for herself. Volunteering at the shelter had filled her soul. What was she going to do with herself?
“That’s a smart choice. I know it won’t be the same, but let’s get out of the city this weekend. On Sunday. The club is closed and I can make sure I get my work done.”
She put a hand on his face. He was so sweet. “That would be nice.”
“I’ll make all the plans,” he said.
What a sweet, sweet man. What had she ever done to deserve him? He was going to spoil her for anyone else. She’d never put up with the attitude a brother gave a woman. No way. White boys from now on.
***
Viktor held Alia for a little while longer, and then she seemed a little better. She sat on the chair opposite him. His heart went out to her. She really liked that place.
“I’m sorry, Alia.”
“I know. Not your fault. All because I didn’t mind my own business. “
“You did the right thing. These people have to be brought to justice.”
“Are you sure I’m not putting you in danger? I’m feeling very guilty,” she said.
How was he going to get through to her? He wanted her here. Even if the Russian Mafia knocked on his front door, which they wouldn’t do, he didn’t want her to leave. “Can we stop having this conversation?”
“What do you mean?”
“I want you here. I want to protect you. And even if we weren’t lovers, I’d still protect you.”
“Okay. I’m just a little uncomfortable with all of it, I guess.”
“Uncomfortable? Did I do something?”
He’d done his best to make her welcome and make her feel as if she belonged. What else could he do?
“No, Viktor, I’ve just spent most of my life taking care of everyone around me. I’m not used to someone taking care of me. It’s a little unnerving.”
“But you deserve to have someone take care of you.”
“I guess some part of me knows that, but I never thought it would happen. You are so good to me, Viktor. It’s almost scary.”
“Scary? Explain.”
She looked up to the ceiling as if the words were there. He waited patiently. He wanted to know what went on inside her head. “Because you seem too good to be true. I feel as if someone is going to wake me up and I’m back in my crappy apartment. And I have no one.”
“Never. I’m real, Alia. I’m going to be around for a while.”
That was as far ahead as he could make plans. He didn’t know what was in his future. He would have to go away on business soon. Should he bring her?
“I guess I’m just feeling insecure.”
He came around the desk, then sat on the edge. He took her face in his hands. “I’m here, Alia. I’m real. I promise I am. No one is going to wake you up.”
“Thanks.”
She smiled up at him and he kissed those luscious lips. They were warm and soft and invited him to do more. But he couldn’t. Or could he?
He broke away. “How about I give a donation to the shelter, so they can hire an accountant until this is over and you can get back there?”
Her face lit up. “You’d do that?”
“Yes. This is important to you.”
“It is. I’ve stayed in that shelter in the past, Viktor. It’s very important to me.”
“Then that’s settled. I’ll write a check tonight.”
“Viktor, I could do you right here.”
“What’s stopping you?”
She eyed him. “Lock the door.”
He did then came back. He had a vision of Alia bent over his desk, him pounding into her. And now it might come true.
She began to undo his tie. He pulled off her shirt. She had a sexy red bra on. Her breasts spilled over the cups just a little. Just enough to make them tantalizing. He wanted to taste them so he did.
She gasped. “Viktor.”
He nudged one out of the cup and latched on for dear life. She squirmed under him while she undid his belt buckle.
He undid her bra and let them spill out into his hands. They were soft and he wanted to stick his face in between them. And live there for a few days.
He took off her pants and panties, licking and kissing as he went. She panted. She was wet for him.
“Turn around and put your hands on the desk.”
She cocked her head at him, but did as he asked. Her amazing booty was in the air for him. He took a condom out of his desk, putting it on as he walked behind her. He could just reached her tits so he squeezed them.
“Oh.”
He nudged her legs further apart with his feet, then slid into her, holding onto her hips. Damn. He was deeper into her than he’d ever been.
He thrust and she moaned, so he thrust harder. He couldn’t hold on much longer as she was slick and warm. This was incredible. Maybe the best sex ever. Her moaning became louder and he was thankful for thick walls in his office.
Then her vagina clenched around him and he w
as gone. Thrusting with all his might until his seed spilled out of him. He caught his breath as he rested a hand on her back.
That was an amazing ass on her.
“Wow, Viktor.”
He helped her up and she kissed him.
“I like when you say wow. Especially after sex.”
She laughed. “I never thought you’d do it in your office.”
“I’ll have fond memories of this desk now. I’ll think of you whenever I conduct business in here.”
“Good.”
“Good?”
She put a hand on his chest. He was still naked.
“I’ll never be far from your mind.”
He scooped up her hand then kissed it. “You are never far from my mind Alia.”
She smiled and he wondered if he’d revealed too much. Whatever emotion he felt for her was new and raw. He wasn’t ready to label it or share it with her. She hadn’t expressed anything to him, either.
This could get complicated and, for a moment, he wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. The sex was great and that could hold him to her for a long time. Would it hold her to him? Or would she want more out of him? Would she demand more? A commitment?
He didn’t know what he’d do then. No one had ever asked him for one. In his circle, everyone knew that Viktor would never marry.
Alia probably didn’t know that.
*
Alia had finally registered for online college. She signed up for just the English course. It was not her forte, but she figured that would be a good one to get out of the way.
Viktor looked over her shoulder. “You have to write a paper a week?”
“Yes.”
“This is your first course?”
“Yes. I’m a little nervous,” Alia said.
It had been a long time since she was in school. She hadn’t paid that much attention when she was there. Her mother had been sick, so she’d taken sick days to take care of her. Deion had been young also, so he was part of the equation.
Alia had graduated, barely. Not because she wasn’t smart, but because she had so many things tugging at her attention at that age. Not the usual stuff of prom and dates. No, she worried about her mother’s health and keeping her brother on track.
He was smarter than she was and she wanted him to go to college. That was her plan.
She had no plans for when he graduated, but here she was, trying to take an online course.
Viktor, Her Russian Billionaire: A BWWM Billionaire Romance Page 11