by D. A. Young
“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Alexei crooned, caressing her bottom and giving it a firm smack. A laughing Vivienne eagerly backed her ass up for more before whirling around to face him.
“Enough!”
“Never,” he firmly insisted. “Vivi, I absolutely adore my grandchildren! You do know that, correct?” At her nod, Alexei smiled his relief. “Then you know that I would give them the universe should they ask for it. But under no circumstances will we be entertaining them or anyone else this weekend! That time has been reserved for you and me only. Disruptions will not be tolerated.”
Her fingernail traced his lips, and she giggled when he nipped it. “Oh, but Ruby and D.J. are enjoying this holiday season so much, Lex! It’s his first with us, and little missy now has a better understanding of it. As much as I love your idea, I thought we could build gingerbread houses and make sugar cookies with them.”
Lex swore under his breath, but Vivienne sensed him weakening. Family was always the way to her husband’s heart.
“Perhaps, you could read stories to baby Jack in front of the fireplace while we do that? Come on!” she cajoled. “I have it on good authority that you’re a storytelling aficionado.”
At Alexei’s surprised look, Vivienne explained, “Kat’s mentioned to me on more than one occasion how much she cherished story time with you.”
Quiet pleasure melted any objections Alexei was on the verge of expressing. “She’s always been inquisitive, but back then…my goodness! I couldn’t read fast enough nor answer her endless questions.” He smiled fondly, and Vivienne leaned forward, her head pressed against his shoulder, eager to hear more of the memories. “Sometimes, I would try to stall her by telling the story in Russian, but she always kept up with me. It never failed, though. No matter how excited she was, Katya always fell asleep before I read the last page.”
“Oh, Lex! I’ve robbed you of a lifetime of memories. Please give me a chance to try and make it up to you,” Vivienne whispered humbly, lifting her head to plead her case to him. “They don’t have to spend the night—”
“Bah!” Alexei interrupted her with a playful growl, knowing he could never resist his Vivi or their babies. “Fine; but after that, I will be focused on a peaceful year’s end with no further surprises, woman!”
“I agree, babe. We’ve had enough drama to last several lifetimes. From here on out, everything should be smooth sailing.” Vivienne’s grin stretched from ear-to-ear.
She adjusted his black bow tie and smoothed down his dress shirt collar while Alexei re-buttoned his tuxedo jacket.
“All done! Now, we look presentable. No one will guess that you’ve been taking advantage of me for the last hour,” she joked.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, Vivi, which we both know I never am, but was it not you who wore no undergarments tonight?” Alexei smoothly rebutted.
“Hell yeah, Romankov! Drastic measures were needed to get you out of your funk.” Vivienne reached up on tiptoe and slid her arms around his neck, kissing the corner of his firm mouth. “You and I are a forever thing, husband. Whenever you need reminding, I’ll be happy to do so in any way required to get your attention.”
A slight smile played around Alexei’s lips as he quietly contemplated his wife. Vivienne was just as boldly fierce, ravishing, intelligent, and incredible as she had been when she stepped into the tea shop years ago. With age, those traits had only magnified.
“I look forward to you keeping me on my toes for the rest of our lives, Vivi. Now, let’s go and tend to our guests. Hopefully, our children have made up for your scandalous behavior.”
Vivienne smirked at him cockily, running her fingers through her mussed hair, brazenly perusing him from head-to-toe. “But can you seriously blame me, though? You’re a major fucking deal, babe.”
Alexei acknowledged her acclaim with a kiss to her forehead. “Steel sharpens steel, Mrs. Romankov.”
They left the study, fingers twined together, and strolled down the long hallway, content to prolong their time together.
“I must confess that I’m not looking forward to one particular event that may take place tonight,” Alexei muttered darkly.
Warily, Vivienne glanced up at him, wondering what could have put such an ominous scowl on her husband’s face. Especially after their delightfully amorous tryst.
“That sounds awfully cryptic, hon. Care to share with me?”
“It would seem that things are moving at a much more accelerated pace than I anticipated between Brammer and Katya,” Alexei responded heavily. “He would like to have your blessing to ask for her hand in marriage.”
Vivienne hid her mirth by pretending to admire her black, crystal-embellished, Miu Miu pumps peeking out from beneath the mermaid skirt of her black velvet gown. Alexei currently resembled a sulking, little boy rather than the ruthless “Wolf” or business mogul that invoked quaking terror in his adversaries at the mere mention of his name.
“Ahhh, I see. Just mine? And why is that?”
Alexei’s lips tightened. “I might have rashly given my blessing already. Cedric was needling me at the Christmas tree giveaway in front of Brammer and mayhap, I was looking to prove a point. He insists on having yours, too. Feel free to withhold it. What is his hurry anyway? There’s no real rush, is there?”
Vivienne pressed her lips together; her husband’s struggle was exceedingly real. Sensing her amusement, Alexei squeezed her hand hard enough to draw Vivienne’s attention back to him. One look at his glowering indigo eyes and she lost it. Fiercely, he frowned down at his giggling wife.
“You find my discomfort amusing, Vivi? She is our only daughter! Our sweet, lovely girl is much too young to be tied down! Do you wish to throw her to that behemoth of a–”
He stopped when she dug her fingernails into his palm. “Enough! What I find funny, Lex, is the fact that you obviously want me to play the bad guy by refusing my consent! That man has done nothing but earn our approval and loyalty! Holton was decent enough to answer your call when you needed him, no questions asked! He obviously lives by a code of honor. I know he’ll do right by Kat. Have you seen the way he watches her?”
Brammer was like a lion, all deadly stealth and tail swishing leisurely, as he circled around his prey, waiting for the right opportunity to pounce and devour Kat. Except, his prey wasn’t as naive as her father believed. Her poor husband was choosing to wear blinders where their daughter was concerned. She was ready and waiting for whatever her suitor planned to unleash, Vivienne thought. All sensibility and propriety had gone out the window for Katerina where the Swede was concerned. Sometimes, Vivienne wondered if Lex should be protecting Holt instead.
“Da! That is precisely why I do not think she is ready for marriage! He can come back in a hundred years,” Alexei brusquely decided, and the seriousness of his tone made Vivienne’s laughter that much heartier.
“Pffft! Surely, you’re not serious! Have you forgotten that I wasn’t that much older than Kat when we hooked up? Lex? Lex?!”
He remained stubbornly silent until she elbowed him in the ribs, and he grunted his acknowledgment. Unsatisfied, Vivienne impaled him with a censorious glare.
“Unlike someone else who swept me into their bed shortly after meeting and never even bothered to ask for my hand in marriage. Hint, hint.”
Vivienne gasped as her husband suddenly pressed her against the wall, caging her between his arms, hands on either side of her face.
“Because you were always mine, Vivi!” he fumed. “We both know that! Who would dare tell me different?”
Eyes locked on her, Alexei’s finger trailed down Vivienne’s cheekbone to her jaw and lifted her chin as his head descended. “I, too, was raised with honor. That is the reason I did not ask Cedric for your hand. Your father’s refusal would have guaranteed his death. No one was getting between us, my love,” Alexei breathed against her parted lips. “No one.”
“Nor will they ever again…” Vivienne readily cosigned, her e
yes drifting shut as his lips claimed hers possessively.
“That is my promise to you always, husband,” she murmured when he finally let her up for air.
***
“Well, look who finally decided to come up for air,” Darby kidded as Vivienne and Alexei rejoined their group. “Everythin' alright in there? Y’all didn’t twist a hip or throw your back out, did you?”
Vivienne rolled her eyes at him, snuggling closer to an insulted Alexei as she came to his defense. “Little boy, please! You wish you had half the skills your daddy does! Between the sheets, my man is a–”
“Why?!” Jack, Darby, and Casey wore identical, aggrieved expressions as Vivienne finished bragging.
“Legend!”
While the women laughed and toasted their approval, Ian grabbed two champagne flutes from a passing server and clinked glasses with a now mollified Alexei.
“A happy wife means a happy life. Cheers to you, old friend. Salut!”
“Trust me,” Vivienne murmured demurely, plucking the glass out of Alexei’s hand. Their eyes met over the rim as she gracefully sipped. “You’ll be hearing no complaints, husband.”
Jack made a strange gurgling sound and Casey whimpered, “Hold me, baby” to Sidra, who looped an arm around his neck and patted his shoulder with a sympathetic, “I gotchu, boo.”
“You set yourself up good for that one, hon,” Avery teased her cringing hubby.
Darby was busy vigorously rubbing his eyeballs to immediately reply. He was trying to erase the appalling image Vivienne’s words had conjured up before they slid into his long-term memory.
Avery stifled a yawn, noting from her watch that it wasn’t even seven-thirty yet. Already, she was exhausted and ready to call it a night. At Darby’s concerned look, she gave a subtle shake of her head and lovingly touched one of her earrings. They’d been his wedding gift to her, designed by her talented sister-in-law. A platinum, kidney-shaped style from which large, freshwater pearls topped with diamonds dangled. They were extravagant and Avery’s favorite accessory to wear. Darby relaxed slightly, but Avery knew he was maintaining a low-key vigilance. The couple’s decision to keep their pregnancy to themselves for the first trimester was going to be a challenge with this astute group. Avery was going to try her best, though. She was content to let Sid have center stage for the time being. Avery rather enjoyed sharing this treasured information with only her husband right now.
“Well, hell, Ms. Avery, I didn’t think she was gonna do all that,” Darby finally grumbled, yet the twinkle in his green eyes contradicted his disapproving tone. “Why can’t she just be the nice, little ol’ Bible study teacher and Nana instead of lettin' her sparkly freak flag fly high and proud?”
Darby noted the exhaustion but also stubbornness in his pretty wife’s eyes. Avery had no idea how intensely his protective instincts were kicking in right now. She allowed him to hover but point blank told him if he was smothering her. Avery would lose her marbles if she knew that Darby was actually keeping himself in check. That if it were up to him, she’d be on lockdown twenty-four-seven and surrounded by bodyguards. It was killing Darby that Avery refused to let him do more than what she deemed necessary.
He couldn’t wait to get her home tonight. They’d listen to D.J.'s nightly recital of the five things he was thankful for and say prayers together and kiss him goodnight. Darby then planned to peel the grape, long-sleeved, silk and lace ballgown from her luscious body and untangle that side mermaid braid before taking her to bed and driving her crazy for a couple of hours. Afterward, they would whisper-read What to Expect When You’re Expecting before Avery dozed off with a serene smile on her lips.
Not Darby, though.
He was too hyped right now and overflowing with emotions to sit still. These days, he’d let his wife sleep while he wandered the house, thinking of safety precautions they’d have to make for the baby. Eventually, he’d wind up in the recliner in D.J.’s room, just watching his boy sleep. Darby used to think he would never have the blessings Jackie had in the form of a loving wife and family. He didn’t think it was in his cards. But man, had God shown up and out in his life! Darby hadn’t been forgotten, and the blessings just kept on coming. Before finding out about the baby, he honestly didn’t think his life could get any more perfect than his son and wife. Never had he felt so grateful to be proven wrong. Darby had already set up an appointment with Kat to design a ring to match the earrings Avery loved so much. It’d be the perfect ‘‘push’’ present.
“Don’t pay ‘Big Red’ any mind. The two of you are relationship goals for real,” Sidra praised her in-laws. She snuggled into Casey and covered her mouth as a yawn emerged. “Excuse me! I’m even more tired than usual this week. Anyway, I’m predicting many embarrassing moments in Moira’s future where we’re concerned. Right, babe?”
“I’m absolutely down for the cause, darlin’. It’s only right that I perform my due diligence. Especially if it keeps the boys away from my princess,” Casey agreed as he massaged her belly covered in hibiscus-pink sequins. Her dress for the night was a caftan style, high-necked, and open-backed with an asymmetrical hem that hit her knees in the front then trailed to her calves in back. It was driving her husband crazy. So far tonight, Casey had cornered her and trailed his lips down her back. Sid had already promised to return the favor down his front when they got home.
The soothing motion of his hands caused Sidra’s eyes to flutter once, twice, and then shut. For good.
“What in tarnation?! Baby, did she just fall asleep on her feet?” Jack asked Noelle.
He thought his wife looked particularly stunning in black, harem-style, satin pants that she’d paired with a long-sleeved, V-neck, jade, wraparound silk blouse. It tied in a bow at the center of her waist. The outfit was paired with black stilettos. Her curls had been slicked back and pulled into a low ponytail, drawing attention to her lovely face and the delicate, Celtic couples knot, diamond-drop earrings dangling from her ears. Matching bangles adorned her wrists. The jewelry was an early Christmas gift that Jack had custom-ordered from Kat. He’d presented it to his wife earlier that afternoon, and his body was still humming with lethargic pleasure from the way Noelle had expressed her gratitude.
Perplexed, he peered closer at Sidra, snapping his fingers near her ear, but she didn’t budge. “Sid? She must be plum-tuckered out!”
“Yes, she did the same thing last week at lunch,” Noelle answered with an understanding smile. “I say nobody wake her. Casey, why don’t you move her to the guest bedroom so she can be more comfortable? Poor baby. At least this gives the guests a chance to try the mini-chicken pot pie turnovers she’s been hoarding like a deranged squirrel. She’ll be up shortly, so I’ll go and make her some cocoa.”
“You’d better stay with her, Case,” Darby solemnly advised his little brother. “I once saw this little girl do the exact same thing to some animals on television. She was rubbin’ them, and then next thing you know…BAM! They were hypnotized!”
Casey rolled his eyes at the jokester of the family. “Oh, yeah? And then what happened to them?”
Mournfully, Darby shook his head, yet his eyes shone like green jelly beans. “Poor things weren’t ever the same after that! When Sid wakes up, there’s no tellin’ who or what we’ll be stuck with.”
“Good God! You mean she could actually be worse?” Ian was torn between being fascinated and horrified at such a theory.
“Well, if we’re takin’ a vote on wakin’ her, I’m goin’ with no!” Guy chimed in indignantly as he joined the group. “That way, the hierarchy can finally be restored around here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner requests.”
Alexei shook with laughter while Vivienne shot an unremorseful Guy a quelling look, which he chose to ignore.
“Lord, these children are just terrible, Lex!” she chided. “We’re going to have to start carrying tranquilizer guns filled with holy water to make them walk the line. Go on, Casey Sleeping Beauty and my grandbaby need their
rest.”
Casey carefully swung Sidra into his arms. Automatically, her arms encircled his neck, the wide balloon sleeves of her caftan billowing over him. Still, she didn’t wake, only nestling her head into the crook of his neck and emitting a loud snore. Before leaving, Casey kissed her forehead and laughed deviously at them. “I can’t wait to tell her the things y’all said about her! There’s definitely gonna be a reckonin’ in your future.”
“Unfair! You know she’s prone to flyin’ off the handle!” Guy complained. “What happened to bros before—”
“Shut. It.” The women automatically scolded him.
“Pip, I swear you might be a little biased because she used her leverage regarding Pearl at family dinner a month ago,” Jack tsked.
“Babe, sssh!” Noelle warned him, reaching up and planting a kiss on his ready lips. Cautiously, she glanced around. “Where did Fern go?”
“To call the kids. They’re spendin’ the night at Wade and Eliza’s. She’s anxious because this is their first night apart.”
Nervously, Guy stared in the direction Fern had disappeared. The kiss on the dance floor had shaken them, no doubt. It was everything he imagined it could be and leveled his fucking world. The tentative press of her silky lips made Guy long for so much more from Fern. He just didn’t know if she was ready for any of it yet. It didn’t matter. Now that Guy knew what she tasted and felt like, he wasn’t going to back off. She was who he wanted, her lap the one Guy wanted to lay his head in at the end of the day. Her eyes the last ones he gazed into at night. Fern was home. It was about damn time they got on the same page and did something about it. Everyone around him was getting a happy ending. Guy would be damned if he got left behind. He looked back at the group and found them staring at him with amusement.
“Whaaat?”
“Doesn’t he look too pleased with himself?” Darby teased. “Nothin’. It’s a rarity to see your wise-crackin’ ass so serious is all. Proud of you, brother.”