She tightened her grip on his arms. “Oh God, Wyn.”
He chuckled, and her womb clenched. “So, do you want to be the woman?”
“Yes, I want that.”
He took her mouth in a raw kiss. Their tongues dueled and teeth banged. His thrusts quickened. She moved with him in a synchronized dance that cracked her heart open. Right in that moment, she knew the truth. She wasn’t just falling in love. She’d fallen headfirst too.
He pushed his cock deep and let go, moaning her name against her lips. She followed him on a whimpered cry of pure ecstasy.
Their joint release lasted forever, but not long enough. He separated their bodies and pulled her into his arms, dropping a leg over her so she couldn’t escape, not that she wanted to. She liked where she’d ended up, in Wyn’s arms.
Two weeks wasn’t long enough to plan forever on, but it was enough to plan tomorrow on. And really, what was forever but an endless string of tomorrows?
Chapter 14
A week later, Iona squinted against the morning light streaming through the skylight. The sun hadn’t woken her up. She’d gotten used to the warm rays bathing her body. Something had, however.
She rolled over. Wyn’s side of the bed was empty, not surprising. Unlike her carefree lifestyle, he had to work. She grabbed the note from his pillow. There always was one.
Hey woman,
Hope you slept well. I’m cutting out of work at two. Thought we could swim. Let me know.
She grinned. She’d mentioned missing her pool to Ronnie the night before. Wyn had been in the room, talking to Kyle, but it shouldn’t surprise her that he’d heard. His gaze always strayed to her no matter where they were or what they were doing. Yet not once had she ever felt smothered by his presence. He gave her space, but the moment she needed him, he was there. She clutched the note to her chest and savored the emotion he stirred within her.
She loved him.
She shook her head. She wasn’t foolish enough to jump into marriage, but her feelings for Wyn grew stronger every day. So strong, she’d told Blaine not to expect her back home anytime soon and had arranged a semipermanent presence at the office in Washington, along with what she’d need to do to get dual citizenship.
The nightstand drawer opened on a soundless glide with her tug. She dropped the note with the others and swung her legs over the side of the bed.
A few totes sat near the large wardrobe. Wyn had taken his winter clothes out of the dresser to free up room for her stuff.
With a grin on her face, she padded to the light-oak chest. She ran her hand across the smooth wood. It was simple and matched the rest of the airy room. Kyle had made it for him and was working on one for her.
She spun on her heel and surveyed the space she’d claimed. Open, relaxing, and inviting—it appealed to the part of her that had always felt trapped in her home. Everything had been too perfect, too neat…
Too cold.
There’d been no puppies to lick her face, no lazy Sunday mornings with the newspaper spread out on the floor, no walking around barefoot in comfy clothes. Instead her home had been filled with expensive artwork, a full staff of workers, and an expectation to always dress to her social position.
On top of that, she’d been spoiled and treated like a princess. The only things that had saved her from becoming a stuck-up brat were the orphanages and homeless shelters Dmitry hated. She couldn’t remember exactly when she’d started volunteering at them or why, but they’d changed her.
Sander’s Valley didn’t need an orphanage, but it could use a place where those in need could get assistance or counseling. She’d learned much about the local community while helping Ronnie plan the wedding. Everywhere they went, people stopped to welcome Ronnie home. The sheer friendliness of the locals had made it easy for Iona to slip into their conversations and uncover their issues.
She drummed her fingers on her bare thigh. The challenges facing the residents of Sander’s Valley weren’t much different from those in similar towns in Russia. Neither were the people, not at heart anyway. An organization that offered handouts or an easy means to sponge off the system would be just as detrimental here as it was in her homeland. No, she wanted a place where people could learn new skills and get support.
Start a new life. Like she was.
A purpose. She grinned. It gave her a reason to stay in Sander’s Valley, one that didn’t stem from her heart. Not that Wyn wasn’t a good enough motive to remain, but she needed to do more than be his girl. Although she had to admit she enjoyed the benefits that came with the role.
She yanked clothes out of the drawers and hurried to the attached bathroom. There was so much to do, including preparing a proposal to her bank’s board for money. They were always on the lookout for a worthy cause. She doubted she needed to go through the motions but didn’t want anyone to accuse her of taking advantage of her position. Dmitry would use it against her if he decided to get nasty. So far he hadn’t, but he still expected her to return to him.
At the doorway, she paused. Wyn had wanted to know about swimming. She could tell him about her idea. She hoped he would like it, but in her heart, she knew he’d support her whether he did or not.
His love for her was simple yet profound. It came down to wanting her happy. If something was important to her, it was important to him.
The warm feeling in her chest spread. She rushed to the desk, where her phone sat charging, to text him before she got caught up in planning. The indicator light flashed. Two missed calls and five texts. She had the answer to what had woken her—the ringing phone. The knowledge didn’t ease her. Anxiety quickened her pulse. She’d ignored Dmitry’s attempts to get in touch with her all week. It’d seemed wrong to even talk to him while she’d been sleeping in Wyn’s bed.
Her hands trembled, but she forced herself to read the texts. Three were from business associates. The other two were from Dmitry. He was planning a trip to the States to talk to her in person since she refused to return his messages.
He couldn’t come. If he saw her with Wyn… She dragged in a calming breath. No. She wouldn’t assume anything. Dmitry might not cause a problem once he realized they were really over. Besides, he hadn’t done anything since she’d left. Being annoying wasn’t a crime. That was all his texts and calls were too. Not too many and none threatening. After the incident with her mother, however, she couldn’t take the chance.
She dialed Dmitry’s number. It rang once.
“Why are you ignoring me?”
The harsh lilt to his tone hit her. She flinched. “I’m not.”
“Bullshit. My calls have been going to voice mail all week. I’m fucking done with this game of yours.”
“I’m not playing a game. I—”
“Stop, Iona. I’ve been patient with you. I know I hurt you. Scared you. Do you think I don’t remember the look in your eyes after you made me mad? I hate that you pushed me over the edge. Your goddamn haughty, self-righteous attitude pissed me the fuck off. It still does. You had no reason to be angry with me.”
“Excuse me?” She clenched the phone tighter. “Are you telling me taking an escort back to your hotel room wasn’t something I should’ve gotten upset over?”
“Yes, I am. It was your fault I gave in to her. Besides, I let that whore suck my cock, but I didn’t come. It wasn’t anything worse than what you’ve done.”
Her mouth hung open. She snapped it closed. “I never cheated on you.”
“You might as well have. You teased men enough. Laughing with them. Touching them. How many times have you hugged other men?”
Hugged other men? She blinked once, then again. No words would form. The man she’d planned to marry was unstable. “Look, Dmitry, I think you have a problem.”
“Damn right I do. It’s giving you too much space. No more, Iona. I want you to get on a plane and come home. If you don’t return willingly, I’m coming out there and getting you.”
Her chest heaved. All her anger b
ubbled over. “You don’t have the right to demand that. You and I are over. Finished. No reconciliation or second chances. Do you understand?”
He laughed. She cringed at the sound. What was she doing? She knew better than to engage him.
“I understand, but don’t worry, princess. When I’m done with you, you’ll be eager for everything I give you.”
She breathed through tension locking her muscles. “Never. I’m never getting back together with you. I’ve moved on.”
Silence filled the line. Her heart raced.
“Moved on?”
“Yes. I’m involved with someone else. You and I are done, and if you don’t stop calling me, I’m going to file for a restraining order against you.”
“On what grounds?”
He sounded so calm. Not a hint of anger mixed into his voice. Worry settled over her. She swallowed hard. “Harassment.”
“I see. And this”—he cleared his throat—“man you’re seeing, have you been intimate with him?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“And you just answered my question.”
The harsh growl to his words stopped her heart. “Dmitry, I—”
“Listen closely, Iona. I won’t ever say it again. You. Are. Mine. Any man foolish enough to touch you will regret it. Don’t forget who my uncles are.”
With that, the line went dead. She dropped her cell.
Dmitry’s uncles ran a shady transport business. They’d been accused of human trafficking and mob activity, but no hard evidence had ever been found. Any charges brought against them were dropped, but she knew the truth. They were into illegal activities, or, as they referred to them, profitable operations.
Dmitry’s family didn’t condone it. She’d asked him once about the rumors surrounding their business. He’d explained he had no control over his uncles’ activities. If she didn’t want to cause problems, she’d leave it alone. Since she had no hard evidence either, she did. She had no choice. She feared them too.
Iona shook her head. Dmitry couldn’t find out about Wyn. She’d been foolish to mention she’d taken another lover. A cold sweat broke out. Pain spread through her chest. She pressed a balled fist to her heart.
She’d endangered the man she loved. She didn’t question Dmitry’s promise. He would come for her. She couldn’t allow it. He’d learn about Wyn. Hurt him.
Maybe kill him.
No! She locked her jaw and forced her fear deep. Wyn wouldn’t suffer. She’d make sure of it.
She dialed Blaine.
“Hello?” Blaine’s rich voice filled the line.
A singer and an actress when the mood suited her, Blaine was naturally beautiful and talented. From her sultry tone to her curvy figure, she embraced the sex goddess role her agent encouraged her to play. Iona loved her like a sister, but she would be the first to admit Blaine was cold. She weighed everyone’s involvement in her life according to how it would affect her public image. When people no longer benefited her, she dropped them, all except her brother, Avery, and Iona.
“I want you to talk to Avery. I’ve decided to file a restraining order against Dmitry.”
Silence filled the line. Finally, Blaine cleared her throat. “But you don’t have any evidence, sweetie.”
“He just threatened Wyn’s life.”
“How?”
“He reminded me who his uncles are and said any man who touched me will regret it.”
“Did he actually say he would hurt Wyn?”
Iona closed her eyes. “No, but—”
“Did he text you a threat, leave an explicit message, or send you something frightening?”
Iona’s breath escaped on a long exhale. Blaine had been dealing with stalkers and overly adoring fans for years. There were certain guidelines she used to tip her admirers into the restraining-order category. While Iona could still get on record her complaint, it’d be social suicide without evidence. That was the point Blaine was trying to make. It didn’t erase Iona’s fear.
“No, but he’s going to do something. I know it. I refuse to allow Wyn to suffer for Dmitry’s possessiveness.”
“Then we need to collect some damning evidence if you want to make the accusation stick.”
Even if the order didn’t hold up in court, proof of his instability would ensure his family got him the counseling or medical intervention he needed. They’d want to avoid a public scandal.
She should’ve taken a stand against him months ago, but there’d always been the doubt. Except for that one time, he’d never physically hurt her. Even then, he hadn’t left a mark.
Wyn had helped her come to terms with the truth. No matter what Dmitry had done, he’d been the wrong man for her. He hadn’t loved her the way she needed in order to be the woman she was always meant to be.
“How? I’m not coming home just so he can stalk or harass me.”
“You don’t have to. How about we stage an event in the States and make sure Dmitry shows up?”
Iona glanced at the photos of Wyn’s family on the mantle. She couldn’t risk Dmitry turning violent around them. If Ronnie or one of Wyn’s relatives got hurt, Iona would never forgive herself.
“I don’t want Dmitry near Sander’s Valley. There’re too many people I’ve come to care about here. I can’t risk them if things go wrong.”
“You won’t need to. I was invited to a fund-raiser in New York this weekend. I’d turned it down, but I can change my mind. Avery’s security company is already working it.” Excitement quickened Blaine’s words. “Oh, it’ll be perfect. I’ll let it slip to Dmitry’s friends that you’re going to be there with your new love interest.”
“And Dmitry will come.” Iona didn’t doubt it for a second, not after the way he’d spoken to her. “I’m not bringing Wyn.”
“Of course not.” Blaine huffed. “You’ll come, start a fight with Dmitry, and Avery will make sure it’s all caught on tape. You can rile Dmitry, right?”
All she had to do was talk about how good Wyn was in bed. “Yes, but I’m not sure I want to push at him. What if he turns violent?”
“Don’t worry. Avery will be there. Besides, you have to do something about Dmitry. Otherwise, you’ll keep living in fear. And this will work. I’m sure of it.”
Her first reaction was to argue that she hadn’t been living in fear, yet she knew Blaine’s statement was true, at least to a point. Iona had always worried about when he’d call or what he’d say.
“Okay, let’s do it.”
“Good.” Blaine’s satisfied voice carried over the line. “I’ll put on my acting face and set the first stage.”
Iona only hoped it didn’t backfire on her. No, Avery would be there. If she couldn’t have Wyn at her back, Avery was the next best choice. It would be fine.
She hoped so. She wanted to enjoy her tomorrows with Wyn, not worry about the what-ifs over her past involvement with Dmitry.
Chapter 15
Wyn adjusted his grip before he stripped the nut on the car. A steady tug and the seized bolt loosened. Another couple of twists and the rusted metal gave way. He went through the motions, glad the job was second nature. His mind kept drifting to Iona.
A few days ago, she’d started acting differently. She’d turn her phone off whenever they were together and wouldn’t commit to plans for tonight. He’d called her on it. She’d claimed not to want anyone disturbing their time together. As for the weekend, she used the wedding as an excuse. It was a week away. According to Iona, there were tons left to do.
He’d bought her explanation until he’d offered to help Ronnie with the last-minute projects. She’d looked at him as if he’d grown two heads and informed him they had everything under control. Between her and Iona, they’d worked out a schedule and assigned everyone a task.
Unease had settled over him. Iona was hiding something from him. He hadn’t been able to figure out what. Not her feelings for him, he’d bet money on that. Her touch, the way she looked at him and sough
t him out to simply talk about her day told him everything he needed to know.
She loved him. Or was falling in love. It didn’t matter which, as long as she stayed in his life.
So what was she keeping from him?
He kept coming back to one conclusion—the ex.
Dammit, he had to get her to open up, but the few times he’d tried, she’d shut down. He’d been going nuts thinking about what Dmitry had done to her besides wrap his hands around her neck. And what fucking loser did that? Iona’s ex-fiancé, that was who.
Fortunately she’d wised up. Only, Wyn couldn’t shake the worry that if she didn’t trust him with the story soon, it’d come back and bite them in the ass.
A ding from the doorbell drew him out of his thoughts. He listened. No click of heels. A surge of disappointment swept through him. Iona had said she’d stop by after her appointment with the real-estate agent. She’d mentioned her plans for a community center. Today’s agenda had included searching for a suitable building for it. What to call the organization was up in the air, but she wanted it to be a place where people in need ended up helping themselves and others once they got back on their feet.
Listening to her ideas had made him so damn proud. He wasn’t sure many people would actually return to volunteer once they got the assistance they sought, but what did he know? If it worked the way she envisioned, it’d tie the community together. According to his pappy, Sander’s Valley used to be a place where everybody helped everyone else. It’d be nice to see that happen again.
“There’s fresh coffee and doughnuts in the waiting area. I’ll be out in a few minutes,” Wyn yelled.
The door clicked closed. He turned his attention back to his task. A few moments later, the rolling platform under him moved.
He dropped his tools. “What the—”
Slender and shapely legs he’d licked the previous night came into view. He swept his gaze over Iona. She wore the same outfit she’d had on the day they’d met, minus the heeled sandals. Those dangled from her hand.
Fix Me: Men of Sander’s Valley, book 2 Page 12