by Leona Lee
Russian Billionaire’s Reclaimed Lover
(Chekov Billionaire Series #2)
By: Leona Lee
All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2014 Leona Lee, J. Starr
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Note: This book is part two of a three part Chekov Billionaire series. It ends on a cliffhanger. Part 3 coming soon!
Part 1: Russian Billionaire’s Virgin Secretary
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Table of Contents:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Authors Note:
Chapter 1
Ivan exited the elevator to the sound of breaking glass. The tenth floor at VIC Enterprises had become Vitaly Chekov’s own personal war zone after his intern Sarah Jenkins quit. When he hired her to work for him over the summer, their working relationship rapidly developed into a sexual one, as he became obsessed with her.
Surprised at how quickly she understood his various projects, she became indispensable as she helped to secure contracts with two port authorities on the east coast. When she quit, she disappeared and if it wasn’t for the help of one of her friends, he would have no idea where she went.
It had been a month and Vitaly had been unable to tear himself away from work to drive down to her family’s cattle ranch. The longer he waited to do this, the more his temper flared. He had been impossible to deal with for the past week.
Smiling at Laurel and Susan as he walked past reception, Ivan sighed. Serving as Chief of Security should not mean having to talk his boss down off his angry ledge every day. He was just glad that he was significantly bigger than his boss was, although he hoped that he wouldn’t have to restrain him. Well known for his bad temper and controlling behavior, the boss wasn’t taking having his hands tied well.
Adjusting his gait and relaxing his shoulders, Ivan strolled into Vitaly’s office and shut the door, as he sent the contents of the top of his desk flying to the floor.
“Afternoon, boss. While it’s good to do some redecorating, your efforts have gotten a bit…how shall I put it…loud. We can hear you three floors down and you’re freaking people out.”
Sighing, Vitaly rubbed his face as he looked at him. Since Sarah left, he hadn’t slept. She was ignoring his calls and he was desperate to speak with her to explain. When she had called him, it was his ex-wife, or soon to be ex-wife who answered the phone. They had been celebrating their divorce. Never anticipating that he would ever fall for another woman, they had remained legally separated so that Nadia would still receive benefits, but since Sarah came to work for him as his personal assistant, he knew that he had to make things right. He just didn’t have the chance to tell her and now she was gone.
“You aren’t doing anyone any good as you are. Why don’t you drive out to her parents’ ranch, talk to her and tell her how you feel?”
“I can’t leave right now. There’s too much going on.”
“Of course you can. You have able employees in place who can handle everything that is going on. This isn’t a one-man team anymore. Delegate and get out before you start losing people!”
Nodding his head, “You’re right. As always.”
Standing up, he headed for the door with Ivan on his heel. As they walked past reception, he stopped to tell Laurel that he would be out of town for the next few days. Smiling tightly, he apologized for the mess in his office. As they reached the elevator, Ivan joined him in the car as they rode down.
“Following me?”
Shrugging his shoulders, Ivan leaned back. “Well, I could remind you that my office is on the main floor and I’m simply hitching a ride. Or…I could be honest and tell you that I’m escorting you to your car to keep you from causing any further damage. Pick one.”
Barking out a laugh, Vitaly stuffed his hands in his pockets as he waited for the elevator to stop. “Fair enough, my friend.”
* * * * *
As Vitaly drove out of the parking lot, he contemplated jumping immediately on the highway and driving south, as he had long ago memorized the directions to the Jenkins Cattle Ranch. But first, he knew that he would need clothes. A quick stop to his home to throw a bag together and issue instructions to his housekeeper had him back on the road in less than an hour. The drive would take him approximately four hours and he hoped to arrive in the early afternoon.
He contemplated the delectable young woman that he had grown so fond of in such a short time. She was as smart as she was passionate, that combination mixed with her lovely blonde hair, and equally desirable curves had her constantly on his mind. He should have listened to Ivan when he first hired her and either sent her down to marketing or let her go, but in the time she had worked for him, she had proven herself to be quite an asset both professionally and personally.
He groaned when he remembered the private dance she had given him in his living room. It still amazed him that someone as passionate as she was had been a virgin. He liked to think that he let out the vixen that had been smoldering under the surface.
He had been so lost in thought that he almost missed the turn off. After driving for more than an hour on a dusty two-lane road, he came up over a crest. He pulled off to the side of the road and got out. Looking down into the valley, the land was dotted with cattle, as far as the eye could see. He thought he detected riders on horseback, but at that distance, it was too hard to tell. Getting back in the car, he made the remainder of the trip before pulling up outside the Jenkins’ ranch. Spotting an office, he pulled up outside and walked in.
An elderly wolfhound lay sprawled in front of a heater, as a matronly woman who appeared to be in her mid-sixties walked out from the inner office.
“May I help you?”
“I hope so. I’m looking for Sarah Jenkins.”
“And you would be?”
“Vitaly. Vitaly Chekov. I-”
“I know who you are Mr. Chekov. You’re the one who broke my niece’s heart. Now why should I tell you anything about her?”
Fisting his hands, Vitaly dug his nails into his palms as he took a ragged breath. “I can understand your concern. But it is imperative that I speak with your niece. There has been a huge misunderstanding.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, Hannah Jenkins looked at Vitaly over the top rim of her glasses, as she tapped her foot. “She should be returning shortly from delivering food out to the ranch hands. If you wait by the barn, she’s driving an old red pick-up.”
Vitaly nodded his head in thanks and prepared to leave. “But if I find out that you hurt my niece again, you will not only be dealing with me. We presently have thirty employees on staff, all of whom would do anything for her. Have I made myself clear, Mr. Chekov?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
As Vitaly exited the office, he looked toward the barn. No red truck. Deciding to walk over so Sarah wouldn’t see his car, he heard the rumble of a diesel engine, as a truck came around the corner. Parking in front of the barn, a spry figure jumped out clad in jeans, boots and a sweatshirt with the ranch logo on it. Spotting blonde hair peeking out from behind an oversized cowboy hat, Vitaly quickened his pace.
When he was about a dozen feet from her, he called out her name. Sarah froze. She had been crying on the way back in the truck and she knew that her eyes and nose where bright red. Rubbing her face, she turned arou
nd to face him with a guarded look.
“Vitaly,” she finally managed to say in recognition.
Smiling in relief, he took a step toward her, but she took an immediate step back. And with each step he took, she put equal distance back between them. Pausing, he looked at her.
“You’ve been crying,” he stated flatly. Closing her eyes, Sarah counted in her head before responding.
“Is there something you wanted?”
“I’ve been trying to reach you, but you haven’t been answering your phone.”
“I changed my number.”
“I…oh. We have things to discuss.”
Holding her hand up, “Oh, I think that I’ve heard all that I want to hear. Now if you’ll excuse me, I still have chores to complete.”
Sarah turned and walked toward the barn as he stood there watching her go. Unsure how to proceed, he thought quickly, but every potential scenario seemed to have her moving farther away from him. Refusing to give up, he followed her into the barn. He found her unpacking supplies and placing them on shelves.
Sarah paused as she heard him walk into the tack room. Closing her eyes, she took a ragged breath. What was he doing here? Hadn’t he caused enough grief for her? When she had walked away from VIC Enterprises and Vitaly, she was determined never to have anything to do with him again. As far as she was concerned, she had made a huge mistake falling for him and she knew that the only way she would get over her heartbreak was not to see him again.
So, why did he have to come here now? What could he possibly say that would make any difference? Shaking her head, she ignored him as she continued to unpack the boxes. A shuffle to her left caught her attention as she turned to look. Vitaly was squatting quietly beside her as he shifted boxes closer to her. Reaching inside, he pulled out the contents as he silently handed them to her. Shrugging her shoulders, Sarah took them and between the two of them, they made short work of replenishing the inventory.
As Sarah stood up, Vitaly followed.
“Thank you,” she said simply before turning to leave. His hand shot out to stop her as he grabbed her arm. Closing her eyes, Sarah wavered slightly on her feet. It bothered her that he had such power over her. Rubbing her arm, Vitaly could sense her shift in emotion.
“Sarah, look at me.” At her stubborn shake of the head, he grasped her chin and turned her toward him.
“That woman who answered the phone was my wife, Nadia. We’ve been legally separated for years but never divorced. I didn’t see the point as I never anticipated meeting someone worth…”
Vitaly’s voice trailed off as Sarah gave him her full attention. Smiling gently, he looked down at her. “We were celebrating making our divorce official.” Seeing tears well in her eyes, he groaned as he pulled her into a tight embrace.
“I’ve been going crazy without you. I was shocked when I came back and you were gone. I had no idea what was going on or where you were. And when I found out, I couldn’t simply leave; there was too much going on.”
Tilting her head up, “So, why are you here now?”
“Ivan kicked me out. He said that I was frightening the staff.” At Sarah’s chuckle, he pulled her back into a hug.
“Oh, how I’ve missed you, kotyonok. My little kitten with the great big claws,” he told her as he rubbed her back. He wanted to kiss her, but at that moment, male voices were heard outside. Stepping away from him, Sarah left the tack room as he followed. Walking toward them were two older men who stopped when they saw Vitaly.
“Daddy. Uncle Max. This is Mr. Vitaly Chekov. He owns the logistics company I was interning for.” Turning toward Vitaly, she introduced everybody.
“This is my father, Bill Jenkins, and my uncle, Max Jenkins,” Sarah said as she introduced them.
Pulling his right work glove off and slapping it on his pants, Bill held out his hand.
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Chekov. What brings you by?”
Shaking his hand, “Well, sir, I was hoping to speak to your daughter about returning to VIC Enterprises on a full-time basis.”
“That your little bitty car out front?” Max asked, as he shook his hand.
“Ah, yes, that’s my car, why?”
As the brothers looked at each other and nodded, Bill replied.
“Well, looks like you’ll have plenty of time to discuss the matter with my daughter. Rain is coming and the road washes out. You won’t make it back to the highway in that car, so looks like you’ll be bunking here.”
Looking at his daughter, “Sarah, honey, why don’t you take our guest to a guest cottage and get him situated. Dinner is at six whether you are there or not.”
At that, the brothers left the barn, as Sarah stood there digging a hole in the hay with her toe.
Sighing, she headed out of the barn. “Well, come on then,” she called over her shoulder. “If you have anything to get out of the car, you should get it now and I’ll show you where you’ll be sleeping.”
As Vitaly followed her out, he couldn’t help but be amused at how casual everyone was. It was clear that Sarah hadn’t spoken about him, other than to her aunt, for which he was relieved. He couldn’t imagine what they would have done if they had known about their sexual activities.
Grabbing his bag from the seat of his car, he followed Sarah out to a cluster of small cabins. Heading toward the farthest one, Sarah opened the door and walked inside. Vitaly was surprised at how charming it was. Inside the one-room cabin was a small kitchenette, dining table with bench seating, a small living space and a queen-sized bed covered in what looked to be handmade quilts. There was a door off the kitchen that looked like a bathroom and a large potbelly stove took center stage in the cabin.
Pointing to the kitchen, Sarah explained the layout of the place.
“There’s a selection of snacks and coffee in the cabinets, in case you get hungry. The stove heats the entire cabin and the hot water runs on propane. We do have Wi-Fi, if you need to work, so long as the power stays on.”
“This is great. Thank you, Sarah.” Shrugging her shoulders, Sarah turned to leave, but Vitaly stepped in front of her. “We haven’t finished talking.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, she looked up at him. “I heard what you said, but it doesn’t change anything. I’m not going back.”
“Don’t you even want to hear my offer?”
Stubbornly shaking her head no, Sarah tried to scoot past him to get out the door, but he kicked it shut with his foot. Standing in front of her, he rubbed her arms as he looked down at her.
“I’ve missed you, Sarah. You have no idea how much. It hasn’t been the same without you. Please, give me a chance to explain.”
Taking a deep breath, Sarah placed her hands on his and stepped back. “As I’ve said before, there isn’t anything more to say. I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing but I’ve made my decision.”
Reaching for the door, she opened it enough to slide out, shutting it behind her. Moving quickly, she put some distance between them before stopping to catch her breath.
Why did he have to come, she asked herself as she fought back tears. Shaking her head, she refused to cry. She had cried over him enough already. While she realized that she was naïve in many ways and she was as much to blame for allowing their relationship to spiral out of control so quickly, she wasn’t going to allow herself to be sucked back in again. The things he did to her. They things she did with him. Sarah groaned as she felt herself growing wet at the mere thought of him.
After Vitaly’s betrayal, she had dropped everything, packed her belongings and headed for home hoping to put as much distance between them as possible. Her Aunt Hannah was the only one who had an idea as to what went on as she rubbed her head while she sobbed. Sarah had to smile at what would happen should her male family members get wind of exactly what went on.
Her daddy and brothers would not approve of the youngest member of the family strutting around and having sex in limos and airplanes. Well, almost an airpla
ne. If she hadn’t had too much champagne and fallen asleep..
Chapter 2
Vitaly headed toward the main house a few minutes before six. After Sarah had stormed out, he contemplated leaving and taking his chances on the road, but a look to the sky told him that it was better if he stayed put. At least this way, he might have another chance to speak with her. He knew that he had to tread lightly with her. While she may be a vixen in the bedroom, he understood that he did hurt her and he was determined to make things right.
He smiled to himself as he wondered what those who knew him would think of him taking a more passive route with a woman. He was so used to getting what he wanted that if the woman wasn’t already falling at his feet, sufficient cash would always do the trick. This was unchartered territory for him and he didn’t want to screw it up.
The sound of children snapped him out of his thoughts as several children ran past him and up the stairs to the back of the house. The screen door slammed shut as several adults shouted out, “Don’t slam the door.” Walking up the steps, he walked inside to witness what appeared to be controlled mayhem.
Looking around, he had walked into a large kitchen and dining room. An over-sized long table dwarfed the room with place settings for at least twenty people. Assuming the other adults to be Sarah’s brothers and their spouses, he smiled and nodded, unsure what to say. Stepping away from the stove, Hannah came to greet him as her husband, Max, joined her.
“Don’t mind the chaos,” Max told him as he slapped him on the back. “Takes a bit of getting used to, but the house is still standing.”
Max turned as Sarah came down the stairs. Dressed in hip-hugging jeans and a short-waisted sweater, and her hair in a ponytail, Vitaly closed his eyes as he was reminded of how beautiful she was naked. Her hair had grown out more and he couldn’t wait to run his fingers through it or wrap it in his fist as he pulled her back toward him, as he took her from behind.
“Ah, there she is,” Max said. “Sarah, come see to your guest,” he told her as she walked toward them. “He seems to have a bit of a deer in the headlights look,” he added chuckling. As Sarah nodded to Vitaly, Max shouted for everyone to sit down.