“Are you good at writing?” Viktor said.
“I’m a numbers girl.”
“You have to take this for your degree?”
“Yes. It’s required for everyone,” she said.
He backed away, shaking his head. “Wish I could help, but I never went to college. I learned from someone in the business.”
“That must have been a good way to do it. Learn practical things, not writing an essay that I’ll never use again,” she said.
“I’m sure you can do it. You’re smart, Alia.”
No one had ever called her smart. “You think I’m smart?”
He looked down at her, with a surprised look on his face. “Of course you’re smart.”
“No one has ever said that to me,” Alia said.
“That’s a shame. I’m proud that you’re doing this. Maybe your brother can help you.”
“Good idea.”
Viktor left her to her class. She sat in his office, since he didn’t have a computer in his house. He’d promised to buy her one, but she didn’t want to remind him. He’d been so generous for so long she didn’t want to push it.
She dialed her brother’s phone, hoping he wasn’t busy.
“Hey Alia.”
“Hey Deion. I need your help.”
“Okay.”
“I’m taking an online course and I’m already stumped. I have to write an essay about some pivotal moment in my life. Can you get me started?”
“Why not when Mom died? Or when she got sick? I remember that time vividly.”
“I guess I was too busy just doing what needed to be done,” Alia said.
“You were always there. I always remember you helping me with my homework. Making sure I ate,” Deion said. “That was so important to me.”
“But how do I start?”
“You need to do an outline.”
“Outline?”
He gave her some pointers and some websites to investigate. She hung up, feeling better after they talked,
The club was beginning to get crowded. She could hear the baseline in the background. Standing, she looked down to see Viktor walking through the bar. She’d kicked him out of his office.
Maybe she should do this another time.
She frowned and sat down. She had to at least start. This was her plan. She had to do this and she had her first step lined up. Surfing around the sites that Deion had given her, she had a better idea of how to get started.
She hoped that her brain was willing to work tonight. She wasn’t tired, but she was anxious to produce something. She paced.
Viktor looked in on her. “How’s it going?’
“Okay.”
“Was your brother any help?”
“He was. I think I have an outline. Now I just have to write, but I’m a little nervous. What if I fail?”
“What if you succeed?”
Her life would be so good if she got her degree and was able to get a job. She wouldn’t have to rely on Viktor. She could stand on her own two feet.
If the murderers were brought to justice, she could stand on her own.
“I guess I’ve just not done this in a long time.”
“Did school come easily to you?”
“In some ways, yes, but I was never able to enjoy it, since my mom was sick,” Alia said.
She didn’t have those wonderful memories of high school. Those days were not carefree for her. She had to be the mother for Deion at that point. And nurse to her mother.
“Just put your mind to it, Alia. With determination, you’ll be fine.”
“You make it sound easy.”
“It isn’t, but I have faith in you.”
She frowned at him. How could he have so much faith in her? He barely knew her. He came around the desk, then kissed the top of her head.
“Take a break. Maybe if you come back to it tomorrow, things will be more clear.”
“You’ll let me kick you out of your office again?”
“No need.”
“No need?”
“I can’t leave right now, but go upstairs. I have a present for you. It’s on the coffee table,” he said.
She kissed him, then raced up the steps. There was a box with a ribbon in it. She stared at it for a moment, then tore off the bow. Inside the box was a laptop.
And a card.
“For Alia.”
Of course it was from Viktor. When had he bought this? He was the best.
She raced back down to his office with the laptop in her hand. “Oh, Viktor.”
“You like?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Now, make me proud and get good grades.”
She kissed him then went back upstairs. She bet she could get her work done now. By the time Viktor came up to check on her, she had her essay done.
“I can’t believe you did this,” she said as he sat next to her.
“You need the proper tools. I just provided it for you.”
***
Since they both had been working hard, Viktor closed the club on Sunday. Alia had turned in her paper and had once again wowed the crowd on Saturday night. He took her out of the city for the day.
With a driver and a bodyguard, they headed out of Manhattan. Viktor was excited to get out of the city and spend some time alone with Alia. Well, as alone as he could be with his entourage.
Better safe than to have anything happen to Alia. He was growing more and more fond of her as the days went on. He couldn’t decide if that was a good idea or not. Many things could take her away from him. Including college or the end of the murder investigation.
She held his hand as she gazed out the window.
“I haven’t been out of the city in years. Probably since I was a kid.”
“I don’t get out as much as I should. I’m a city person.”
“I guess I’m a city person. I’ve never seen a reason to leave,” Alia said.
He studied her for a moment. She was a beautiful woman. Out of his league, if he wanted to be honest.
Congested streets gave way to smaller, tree-lined avenues. They didn’t have to drive too far outside of Manhattan to be in the country. The cool thing about New York State. “You don’t go to the beach?”
“No. I’ve never been much for water.”
“I love the water and would love to take you to the beach when the weather is warmer.”
“I’d go. Probably different when I’m an adult. And when I can drive there instead of taking a bus or a train,” she said.
He’d never thought about how limiting life was without a car. He hadn’t needed one when they first arrived, but he’d obtained his license as soon as he could afford it. Then, when he was making money, he bought a car.
Sometimes he missed that clunker. It had served him well. Now he had his driver take him everywhere. He’d have to get a car again and brush up on his skills. It had been years since he drove.
“Or be driven,” Alia said. “Since I don’t have a license.”
“You don’t have a license?”
She shrugged. “Never had a reason.”
“I guess not, if you can get anywhere you need on public transport.”
“I’ve relied on it my whole life, Viktor.”
“I can’t remember the last time I was on a bus or train.”
“That’s because you have someone to drive you through Manhattan traffic.”
“That’s true. I’d miss it,” Viktor said.
Despite having been poor, Viktor had forgotten what it was truly like. The day-to-day frustrations that can come with having no money. And no options.
“You have a bright future ahead of you, Alia. You won’t have to rely on things like that or, I bet, even me in the future. You’ll get a degree and a great job and things will be better.”
“I hope so. You’re certainly optimistic about my future.”
“You will remember me when you’re successful?”
She laughed. “I’ll owe
it all to you.”
“Only part of it. You’ll be doing all the work,” Viktor pointed out.
He’d bet that part wouldn’t be hard for her. If she raised her brother, then college would be a snap.
“How old were you when your mother died?”
“I was sixteen.”
“That’s young. And you raised your brother? How come Social Services didn’t help you?”
“We fell through the cracks. At least we were together. I think Deion would have taken a darker path if I hadn’t been there to guide him and keep him accountable.”
“He’s a lucky boy to have a sister like you.”
“Not sure he always thinks that.”
“He’s still young,” Viktor said.
The driver parked in front of the distillery. Viktor held Alia’s hand as they walked in. He liked her hand in his. She was his.
What was he going to do with their future? He had no idea. He still wanted to do some traveling. He actually needed to for business, but would Alia be with him?
He wasn’t ready to give her up yet. He had feelings for her and he wanted to see where they were going. And she was so amazing in the sack. Responsive and willing to try anything.
He had no idea how long they would last, but he was going to enjoy Alia’s presence until he no longer had it.
“This place is really beautiful.”
The tasting room had barrels that stuck out of the wall. The bar was made of cherry and had some wear to it that gave it character. A short, blonde woman greeted them as they entered.
“Welcome to Jackson Distillery. You here for a tasting?”
“Yes, we are. I’m Viktor. This is Alia.”
She put a paper in front of them and they spent the next half hour tasting whiskey. Alia’s face was a little flushed at the end.
“I’m a little buzzed I have to say.”
He laughed. “In Russia, kids drink vodka on special occasions. Teens are allowed to drink. Sadly, there is a lot of alcoholism, but I don’t think it is due to supply. I think it is due to the conditions.”
“You never talk about Russia,” she said.
She lounged at the bar, her head against Viktor. She was relaxed, which had been the point of this trip. He felt relaxed too. They hadn’t talked about the murder and hopefully Alia wasn’t thinking about it either.
“It was a long time ago.”
“You make it sound like you’re ancient.”
“Some days I feel ancient.”
“How old are you?”
He looked down at her. Would his age bother her? He hoped not. “Thirty-eight.”
“That’s older than I thought you were.”
“Problem?”
“No. You’re still the same Viktor as before I knew your age.”
He laughed. “No I haven’t changed in the last few minutes.”
Chapter 12
Alia woke a few mornings later. Viktor was not in bed, but she wasn’t worried. He didn’t seem to need as much sleep as she did. She stretched and yawned. The weekend had been wonderful. Getting out of the city had been just what she needed.
She stretched, then yawned, in the most comfortable bed she’d ever slept in. Leaving this apartment and this bed would be hard. It would eventually happen, she was sure. He would tire of her, eventually.
A man who could have any woman he wanted would get bored with her. She wasn’t that pretty. Her body had curves and sometimes men didn’t like those curves. Viktor seemed to enjoy them.
“You’re thinking too much,” he said from the doorway.
He was dressed in jeans and nothing else. He looked sexy that way. He also looked sexy because he had a mug of coffee in his hands.
“Is that mine or yours?”
“I’ll share,” he said.
He strode into the bedroom and sat on the edge of her side of the bed. Her side. Might be a little presumptuous, though they had sorted out who slept on what side. She wasn’t sure she could take full ownership of it.
“Why do you think I’m thinking too much?”
“Because you’re frowning. You get a wrinkle between your eyebrows when you do. Try to enjoy the now.”
“But I’ve spent most of my life planning for the future. I need to know what’s going to happen next.”
“Well how about this. I’d like you to meet my mother.”
Meet his mother? That was serious, wasn’t it? That meant a bunch when a man wants you to meet his mother. “Wow. Okay.”
“You ready for this? I don’t want to assume anything.”
Would he just come out and tell her how he felt? She didn’t want to say it first. “I think I can handle it. What’s your mother like?”
“She’s a tough woman, but loves me a lot.”
“Of course she would. She’s your mother. All mothers love their children.”
“Not all, but they are supposed to,” Viktor said.
“What else?”
Viktor shrugged. “I don’t know. She’s my mother. She cooks and loves to knit.”
“Knit? I don’t think I know anyone who knits. Interesting.”
She sipped from his coffee, pondering what his mother would be like.
“She was tough on us growing up, but she has a big heart.”
“I hope it has room for me,” Alia said.
He kissed her forehead. “I’m sure it will.”
“Will she come here or will we go to her place?”
“She’ll want to cook, so we’ll visit her.”
“Can I make dessert or something?”
“No, that would be an insult. We’ll bring her wine.”
Never good to go to anyone’s house empty-handed. Even less so when meeting your lover’s mother. Alia began to have a little bit of nerves. “I hope she likes me.”
“I can’t imagine why she wouldn’t. I like you a lot.”
She leaned in and kissed him. What began as a sweet kiss, turned to passion rapidly. Viktor put his mug on the nightstand and shoved the covers away from Alia. That thrilled her when he took charge.
She was already naked, so he broke the kiss then he dropped his pants on the floor. He was already hard.
Damn, this man was a stud. He lay on top of her, kissing her neck and nipping it, too. Her body came alive.
“Viktor.”
“Mm.”
She ran her hands down his back, loving the feel of his muscles. They bunched and released as he moved across her body with his lips. He ignited fires as he went. She reached for the condom she knew was in the nightstand drawer.
“Let me put it on,” she said.
He rolled off her and she rolled it onto him. Before he could do anything, she straddled him, then took his whole length into her body.
He filled her and her body didn’t want him to ever leave. She moved on top of him, taking him then letting him loose so that only his tip was inside of her.
“You’re going to kill me, Alia.”
“You exaggerate.”
He smiled up at her, his hands on her breasts. Her hands braced herself on his chest as she moved her hips in a circle.
“Oh, God.”
He was right. She sped up as her body was on the verge. She liked being in control some of the time. There it was. That edge. She could see it. Feel it.
Then she was over it, and Viktor was pushing into her, his hands on her hips.
She slumped onto his chest, her breathing ragged from the effort. Viktor ran his fingers through her hair.
“So we’re good to see my mother tonight?”
“Yes, but I’m a little insulted that I’m naked on top of you and you’re thinking about your mother.”
Viktor laughed. “No, I’m thinking about you and what we’re doing later. It just happens to be going to my mother’s house.”
“I’ll forgive you.”
“Good. What’s on your agenda today?”
“I have another paper to write and I want to see if I got my grade for th
e other one,” Alia said.
“Hard at work.”
“What are you doing? Working? Always?”
“Yes, I run a large empire.”
“Yes, I know.”
He nudged her off him then got rid of the condom. She would be glad to done with them. Viktor had never protested using them. He was too much of a gentleman to complain. She really loved him.
The thought made her go still. She didn’t say that out loud, did she?
“What’s wrong? You went tense all of a sudden.”
“Nothing.”
She couldn’t say that to him. No. She needed to hear it from him first. That’s the natural order of things. Men say it first. Women already know they love the man, but he has to be sure he feels it before anyone says it out loud.
***
Viktor paced as he waited for Alia to get ready. He was as nervous as she’d been when her brother was coming to visit. Now he understood how she felt. This was important. He’d never brought a woman to meet his mother. None had been this significant to him.
This was a huge step, and he hoped his mother would like Alia. He’d still date Alia. He was a grown man who didn’t let his mother choose his dates, but during the holidays, he spent a lot of time with his mother.
His mate and his mother getting along would make it all better. Make it easy. He didn’t ever want to have to choose between his mother and his girlfriend. Alia finally emerged from the bedroom. She looked wonderful as always. She had a nice sense of style.
“Ready?” he said.
“Ready, though I have the sense that I’m going into a wolf’s den.”
“It won’t be that bad.”
“I hope not.”
He held out his arm and she took it. He led her down the steps. The car was waiting outside. Viktor had opted not to have Arkady come with them. He was pretty sure his mother’s high rise building was as secure as the Pentagon.
They drove and the driver parked the car in the underground parking lot. Then they rode up to the eighth floor.
Alia had the wine in her hand. Viktor squeezed her other hand. “You’ll be fine.”
“Thanks.”
He knocked on his mother’s door. She answered it as if she’d been waiting on the other side. Of course she would know he was in the building. She was that way.
“Viktor.”
She gave her son a hug and a kiss.
Viktor, Her Russian Billionaire: A BWWM Billionaire Romance Page 12