by Ruff, K. S.
We spent some time at the Regional Museum of Local Lore. We stopped to take pictures of Lenin Square before returning to the hotel. We gathered outside the hotel as everyone sorted through what they were doing for the evening. I was disappointed to learn that Konstantin and Shae would not be joining us for the ball. Konstantin was taking Shae, Sammi, and Cory out to dinner instead.
Ethan and Brady were planning to join Maxim and me for the ball, but they were struggling with the requirements. The ball was a black tie affair, so Ethan and Brady had to either line up their own tuxes or dress entirely in black. Maxim explained that an exception was made at black tie events for members of the mafia as long as they were dressed entirely in black. Ethan refused to dress like the mafia, so he went to track down tuxes while Brady accompanied me to Maxim’s house. Maxim insisted that we dress there.
My hands began trembling the moment I left my friends. I tried sitting on them so Maxim wouldn’t notice. I was relieved that he was allowing Brady to join us, but I didn’t like being separated from the rest of my friends. I began questioning my decision to trust Maxim.
Maxim reached for my hand as we pulled into a gated community. “You’re shaking. Are you nervous?”
I nodded.
Maxim’s thumb caressed the back of my hand. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
I glanced at Brady as I turned to face Maxim. “I know you won’t hurt me.”
“Then why are you nervous?”
My eyes widened as he pulled into a driveway. “It’s just so personal… you taking me to your home.”
He smiled. “Are you afraid you’ll discover I’m human?”
“Maybe,” I whispered. “Maybe I’m just afraid I’ll like what it reveals about you.”
His lips brushed over my hand. “I hope that you do.” He stepped from the car, walked to the passenger side, and opened the door for me. Brady trailed behind us as Maxim led me toward the house.
An incredibly stocky man stood just outside the front door. He opened the door as Maxim approached. “Good evening, Mr. Markov, Ms. Stone.”
I glanced at Maxim in surprise. “Does everyone who works for you speak English?”
He nodded. “The people I hire full time are required to speak English, but some of the individuals I contract with from the local mafias don’t speak English... like the man who was guarding the door to the lobby last night. We don’t often speak English. We just do it as a courtesy when we are conducting business with people from the United States or certain parts of the EU. I find people are more comfortable and less suspicious when they know what is being said in their presence.”
Two young women met us just inside the door. Maxim put his hand on the small of my back as he introduced us. “Kristine, this is Nika and Oksana. They work for one of the local spas. I’ve invited them here to help you get ready for the ball.”
I nodded politely at Nika and Oksana before turning to face Maxim. “Why… why do I need help getting ready?”
Maxim smiled as he reached for my hand. He pulled me toward a sitting room with a beautifully carved mahogany bar. “You’ll see.”
I looked around the room as he poured two glasses of red wine. Brown leather furniture sat anchored around a beautiful oriental rug. I studied Maxim with renewed interest. “Your place is decorated a lot like mine.”
He smiled as he handed me a glass of wine. “I think you will find this much more to your liking than the wine they served at the restaurant the other night.”
I glanced nervously at Brady.
Maxim rubbed my back. “I want you to take the wine upstairs with you. It will help calm your nerves.”
I nodded, then raised the glass. “Za vas.”
Maxim tapped his glass against mine. “Za vas.”
I took a sip and smiled. “This is much better. Thank you.”
He laughed. “I thought you’d like it. Now, follow Nika and Oksana upstairs. I’m going to take a shower and get dressed.” He looked at Brady. “You can follow them upstairs, but you are not allowed inside the room.” Maxim snapped his fingers toward a man who had been standing just inside the front door. “You will go with him to ensure he doesn’t enter that room.”
Brady looked annoyed, but he nodded. The two men followed us upstairs. They both settled into chairs in a small sitting area in the middle of the hallway. Nika motioned me through an intricately carved wood door.
Nika closed the door as I stood gaping at the room. “Is this Maxim’s bedroom?”
She motioned me toward the bathroom. “Yes.”
I ran my hand along the suede comforter on his bed. Like the sitting room, this room was decorated in rich shades of brown, tan, and ivory. “It’s beautiful.”
Oksana followed us into the bathroom. “I’ve already run your bath.”
Steam rolled lazily along the edge of the tub. “I didn’t know I was taking a bath,” I responded hesitantly.
Nika smiled. “Mr. Markov said he wanted you relaxed. It’s an aromatherapy bath. I’ve added eucalyptus and lavender oils.”
I eyed the bathtub longingly. The tiny shower in our hotel room made the scented bath all the more appealing. I glanced at the two women. “Do I really have time for this?”
Oksana nodded. “The charity ball begins in two hours. We have plenty of time.”
Nika dimmed the lights. She pointed toward a thick white towel folded on top of the vanity. “Be careful when you lift the towel from that tray. There are heated rocks underneath.”
Both women walked toward the door. Nika glanced back at me and smiled. “We’ll be in the bedroom in case you need us.”
Oksana nodded toward the glass I had left sitting on top of the vanity. “Don’t forget your wine.”
I swirled my hand through the silky water as they closed the door. The eucalyptus and lavender smelled amazing. I stripped down, grabbed my wine, and stepped into the bathtub. Soft music began playing from the other room as I sank into the warm water. I set the wine glass on the tile ledge surrounding the tub, then completely immersed myself so I could get my hair wet. I took a sip of wine, closed my eyes, and sighed contentedly as the silky water caressed my skin.
My eyes flew open as small but strong hands began massaging my shoulders and neck. “It’s just me,” Nika whispered. “I’m going to wash your hair.”
I opened my mouth to object, but Nika had already begun massaging my head. I closed my eyes and moaned instead. I couldn’t even remember the last time someone had massaged my head. Lavender perfumed the air as she massaged shampoo into my hair. She nudged me into a sitting position, then slowly began pouring water over my head. She leaned me back against the tub as she resumed the head massage, this time with conditioner. She rinsed my hair, then offered me the towel.
I sighed when the warm towel hit my skin. “This feels amazing.”
She smiled. “If you would like, you can keep the towel on during the massage.”
I followed her into Maxim’s bedroom. The lights and the bed had been turned down. She waved toward the bed. “We will do your massage here.”
My eyes widened. “In Maxim’s bed?”
Oksana was placing bottles of lotion on either side of the bed. She glanced at me questioningly. “Why not?”
My eyebrows furrowed. “Does Maxim know you’re massaging me in his bed?”
They both nodded. Nika’s hand settled on my back as she walked me toward the bed. “Mr. Markov asked that we massage you in the bed. This will be far more comfortable than our massage table.”
I was pretty certain that rolling around naked in Maxim’s bed wasn’t on the list of things Rafael was willing to tolerate. I took a step back from the bed. “I think I’d prefer the massage table.”
Oksana offered an apologetic look. “We didn’t bring the massage table. We left it at the spa because Mr. Markov specifically requested we use the bed. This is not all that unusual. People often make this request when they receive spa services in their homes.”
I g
lanced at Nika uncertainly as I perched on the edge of the bed.
She smiled. “Why don’t you lie on your stomach?”
I clutched the towel to my chest as I climbed onto the bed. My mind was immediately bombarded with images of Maxim. Deeply erotic images. I forced the images aside as I sank into his bed. The bed was so much more comfortable than the broken down mattress at the hotel, I immediately relaxed.
Oksana began rubbing lavender scented lotion onto my legs, while Nika towel dried and combed out my hair. Nika pulled my arms over the side of the bed when she finished combing out my hair. She massaged my hands and arms while Oksana massaged my feet.
My entire body hummed.
Nika nudged the towel down so it covered only my bottom. She slathered the hot rocks that had warmed the towel with oil, then gently worked them into my back.
I melted into the bed. My eyes slid closed as I drifted off to sleep.
Nika pressed wet, hot towels against my back to soak up the excess oil before she whispered in my ear. “You can roll over now.” She helped me adjust the towel.
Oksana resumed the leg massage while Nika began massaging my shoulders and neck. She slowly made her way down my chest, stopping just short of my breasts.
Nika whispered in my ear again. “We need to do your hair and makeup now.” Both women walked into the bathroom to wash their hands.
I wrapped the towel around me as I eased out of bed.
Nika motioned me toward a small sitting area near the window. The table held a variety of makeup products and a curling iron that was already plugged in. Oksana began painting my toenails a dark metallic gray while Nika curled my hair. Nika finished my hair and applied makeup while Oksana painted my fingernails.
Eventually, the two women stood back and stared at me. They smiled as they admired their work. Nika turned to face Oksana. “Do you think he will be pleased?”
She nodded her head as she continued staring at me. “Yes,” she whispered breathlessly.
Nika ducked inside the closet. She returned with a dark gray gown. Chunky silver sequins and sparkling rhinestones adorned the fitted bodice, then dripped a bit more sparsely along the dark gray fabric that fell to the floor. Oksana handed me a set of silver bangle bracelets, a pair of strappy gray heels, and a small shopping bag.
I peeked inside the bag and gasped. “I’m supposed to wear this?”
Oksana nodded. With a straight face!
I set the shoes down and tugged the bracelets over my wrist so I could pull the black lace g-string from the bag. I gaped at the silver beads that formed the string. “This is supposed to go between my legs?”
Nika giggled.
I eyed the dress again, then sighed. “I can’t wear a bra with this dress.”
Oksana shook her head as she motioned for me to put the g-string on. My cheeks heated as I slid it on under the towel. I groaned when I felt the beads settle between my legs.
Nika eased the dress over my head. The thin silk fabric dipped dangerously low against my back. Nika tied the strings that crisscrossed over the back and adjusted the dress so it didn’t reveal the top of the g-string. The dress skimmed my breasts and hips seductively before falling to the floor. A long slit ran down the right side of the dress.
Oksana slid my heels on before the two women pulled me toward the mirror.
I took two steps and froze. The beads from the g-string rolled against me with each step I took. I looked down in horror as my nipples hardened against the dress. Maxim was clearly determined to give me another orgasm.
I fought for my composure as I walked gingerly toward the mirror. I took one look in the mirror and gasped. The woman staring back at me looked like she belonged on the cover of a fashion magazine. The dress was breathtaking, the makeup was flawless, and my blue eyes had turned a stormy gray in the beautifully beaded gown. I turned and glanced over my shoulder as I examined the back of the dress. The strings that tied across the open back were clearly designed to seduce. The back was cut very low, but at least the g-string didn’t show. My hair hung halfway down my back in glossy blond waves.
The two girls grinned. “Do you like it?” Oksana asked.
I turned to face her. “How could I not? You two did an amazing job. Thank you.”
“Let’s see if Mr. Markov approves,” Nika said as she nudged me toward the door.
Ethan was standing outside the door with Brady. They had already changed into their tuxes. Ethan’s eyes widened as some expletive fell from Brady’s mouth. Maxim’s security guard reached for his crotch as he adjusted himself.
I looked at Nika and Oksana, who were now giggling. “This cannot be good.”
I stepped carefully down the stairs. Everyone hung back in the foyer when I entered the sitting room. Maxim was standing at the bar with his back to me. He turned when I entered the room.
My breath caught. The man looked devastating in a tux.
Maxim’s eyes turned black. The wine glass shattered in his hand. He didn’t even notice. Shards of glass scattered across the floor as he walked toward me.
I didn’t breathe a word as Maxim walked around me, examining the dress. My heart clenched. Michael had walked that same walk a million times. I squeezed my eyes closed, so I wouldn’t see Michael when I looked at him. My heart began to race even as it began to ache.
Maxim ran his hands down my arms as he stood behind me. Goose bumps danced along my skin. He traced the edge of the dress until he reached my lower back. His fingers dipped beneath the fabric until they touched the top of the g-string. He pulled gently. Pleasure tore through me as the beads rolled against me. “How do you like the lingerie?” he whispered silkily.
I swayed against him. “It feels… interesting.”
He pushed my hair to one shoulder, then gently kissed my neck. His hands skimmed my breasts as they ran down my sides. “You make me feel… interesting.”
I looked down at my hardened nipples, completely mortified. “That’s going to be a problem.”
He didn’t bother hiding his arousal as he pulled my bottom against his hips. “The dress is meant to show off your body. I think it looks amazing on you. Do you like it?”
“Yes,” I grudgingly confessed.
He slowly turned me in his arms. “I want you to be with me tonight. I don’t want you thinking or pretending I’m anyone else. See only me when you look at me.”
I sighed softly. I wondered how he could have possibly known I’d been thinking of Michael. I straightened the tie on his tux, then smoothed my hands against his jacket. “Kind of hard not to, given how you look in this tux.”
Maxim’s eyes softened as his hands cupped my face. His lips captured mine in a kiss so tender it brought tears to my eyes.
I stared at him, thoroughly confused. How could such a dangerous man have this effect on me? Was it his resemblance to Michael or something more? I shook my head as I tried to force Michael from my mind.
Maxim settled his hand on the small of my back as he steered me toward the door. “Thank you for being my date for the fundraiser.”
I tried not to smile as I shot him a sidelong glance. “Did I really have a choice?”
He chuckled. “No.”
Maxim’s eyes flared when he helped me into the car. The long slit was already proving problematic.
Ethan and Brady looked miserable as they folded themselves into the back seat of the car, but neither man said a word. Maxim’s security team followed in a second car.
Maxim pulled next to the curb in front of the hospital a few minutes later. He hadn’t overstated the importance of the event. The hospital was offering valet parking. The media was set up alongside the sidewalk that led into the building, and the sidewalk was now covered with a long royal blue rug.
Maxim reached for my hand as he helped me step out of the car. I was nearly blinded by the bulbs that went off. A few members of the media shouted at Maxim in Russian. He eventually responded, “Kristine Annabelle Stone.”
I leane
d toward his ear as he tucked my hand in the crook of his arm. “You’ve done your research if you know my middle name.”
His eyes captured and held mine. “I know you better than you know yourself.” He paused in the middle of the sidewalk and pulled me in for a sultry kiss. The bulbs began flashing all over again. “That should make the front page,” he whispered mischievously.
Ethan, Brady, and four other men trailed behind us as we entered the hospital. Maxim navigated us toward a large conference room at the end of the hall.
The conference room had been converted into a ball room. Endless reams of black, white, and silver fabric were draped along every wall. Three large chandeliers hung across the massive room. Maxim steered us toward a table near the dance floor. Elegant place cards marked our seats. I studied the card that held my name. I couldn’t believe they’d made the effort to print my name on the card when I was obviously a last minute addition.
Ethan and Brady stood against the wall directly behind our table. A waitress approached with flutes of champagne. Maxim handed me a glass, then took one for himself.
“Spasibo,” I whispered softly.
He smiled. “Budmo.”
I tapped my glass against his. “Budmo.”
A number of people came by the table to greet Maxim. They always began their conversations in Russian but switched to English when he introduced me. “This is Kristine Stone. She’s visiting from the United States. She will be teaching peacekeeping at the Tavrida National Vernadsky University next week.”
This would spark a number of questions about my life in the United States. A crowd gathered when I began sharing stories from the Great Urban Race, which had benefitted St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
I found it fascinating that so many people approached Maxim. He had no need to work the room or to seek out acquaintances because everyone came to him.
Eventually, Prime Minister Azarov made his way to our table. Every person at our table stood, including me. The Prime Minister spoke in Russian as he extended his hand to Maxim. He was an older gentleman with a kind face and snow white hair. His attention quickly shifted to me.
Maxim put his arm around me. “Prime Minister Azarov, I would like you to meet Kristine Annabelle Stone.”