by Raven Rivers
The woman looked shocked and whispered, “That must have been terrifying.”
Karl looked from Viktor to Cassandra and back again. He had honestly never heard that story before.
Demetrius was amused for once. “I was there. Trust me, she didn’t look terrified. She appeared delighted. Miss Cassandra even stitched up a nasty cut on his side. He got himself mangled on the skylight on the way out.”
The woman looked at her, wide-eyed.
Cassandra smiled and replied brightly, “Getting taken by a young, sexy Russian mobster was exciting. It felt like Christmas morning, actually. I adore Viktor. The only thing that really worried me was the possibility that he would leave me behind.”
“How did you know? About Demetrius, I mean.”
“I would have never put it together by looking at him, but your eyes are very expressive. I could tell you were head over heels in love with him the day we spent at the zoo. You two were kind of cute together. It would have been nearly impossible to tell just by looking at Demetrius, but after I noticed you going gaga over him, I studied him. Russian men are very guarded about their emotions, so it was really hard to tell. I noticed his expression softened ever so slightly around the edges when he looked at you. I took that to mean he felt the same way.”
Charlene looked up at Demetrius and saw exactly what Cassandra had seen. His expression was still like stone but there was a tiny bit of softening around the eyes, and his lips were curved ever so slightly up at the corners.
Cassandra pointed out, “Unless I am totally mistaken, that is his happy look.”
Charlene giggled, and Demetrius’ arms came up around her protectively.
“He is very possessive. I can see now, that I was not mistaken,” Cassandra murmured.
The woman shook her head in disbelief and said, “I will never be able to pay you back …not if I work for you my whole life.”
Cassandra held up a hand. “I would be happy to offer you employment helping me with the child, and as my personal assistant, but don’t feel compelled to accept because of today.”
The woman looked at Demetrius and said, “I think I would like that. Can we try it for a couple of months and see if it works out for both of us?”
Cassandra smiled warmly. “I think that would be a brilliant idea. Just remember that you don’t owe me anything. I only got involved for Demetrius’s sake. He saved my life once, and I wanted to return the favor.”
Demetrius mumbled, “That was just me doing what I was hired to do.”
Cassandra insisted, “Then we are back to Christmas bonuses and birthday gifts. I’ll hear no more about it. I am a wealthy woman and it pleases me to see Viktor’s friend with the woman he loves. I hope you end up finishing your degree, and that you love the medical profession as much as I do.”
The woman responded warmly, “I would actually love that. Thank you again.”
Chapter 19
Moving Stateside
~ Cassandra ~
Cassandra was surprised that Karl didn’t say one single word. He got out at their house, came in, and spoke privately with Viktor, then said goodbye to Cassandra and left. She wondered what all that was about. She worried that because she had been operating outside the box tonight, Karl was giving Viktor an ultimatum to get rid of her or be cut off. That would be what her father did in a similar circumstance. She had thought she could manage Viktor on this issue, but had not anticipated his father being present.
She slid into the shower, and Viktor was right behind her. They soaped up each other’s bodies. Cassandra was surprised that she continued to be so hot for him. His slightest touch turned her into a whimpering mess. She was usually wet for him before he even got her clothes off. Viktor was aware of her rather intense physical attraction to him, and he seemed to love it. He reveled in her love, and vice versa.
She said, “Are you going to tell me what your father said or leave me worrying for endless days and weeks? I don’t want you to feel like you have to choose between me and your family. I could just leave for a while and see if he calms down. Maybe he’ll let me come back in—”
Viktor interrupted her, his hands trailing over her soapy body. “It’s nothing like that. He adores you, and after tonight, he has a whole new level of respect for you. He demanded that we set a wedding date. I told him I was trying not to rush you but he is insistent. We could set a date about six months out, but anything more than that and the old man will lose his mind.”
“Do you mind if I ask why you are putting me off?”
His head jerked up and his expression communicated disbelief. “I am waiting for you to be ready. I know women don’t like to be rushed. I was trying to give you enough time to fall thoroughly in love with me…to be sure you want me with all my flaws. For my sake, I would have married you that first week and counted myself the luckiest man on earth.”
Then his voice became serious. “Cassandra, I have been giving you time to wise up and run away.”
She glanced over her shoulder at his tortured face. “We need to work on our communication skills. I thought you spent all this time trying to decide if I was your one. I definitely would have married you right away as well. I have been thoroughly in love with you since…well, the beginning. That has not changed. I think I may have even grown fonder of you.”
He wrapped both arms around her and held her close as the water ran over them. She could feel his sigh of relief on her neck. Cassandra just enjoyed the feeling of being held by him while the water warmed their bodies.
When they were cuddled in bed he asked, “So is there any reason why you didn’t just tell me what you were intending to do tonight?”
“Were you surprised that I bought a person’s contract tonight? Wait…it’s more like what Americans call a lease…anyway, were you surprised?”
He nodded, and she could see he was still a little weirded out by it.
She couldn’t help but tease him a little. “Maybe I feel like I have to keep you guessing. If I become too predictable, you might get bored of me.”
He laughed. “That could never happen. There are too many things I like about you, my little love.”
“Good to hear.” Cassandra looked up into his handsome face.
He caressed her cheek. “I’m always surprised that you’re so intuitive. I would have never guessed anything was going on between the two of them. It makes me think I don’t know my friend very well.”
“I’ll bet a lot of your friends felt that way about you. Remember in the beginning you played it pretty close to the vest with me.”
He sighed and disclosed his deepest fears. “I was always afraid you would find someone better looking, or that they would tell you all about me and you would run for cover. I just wanted to give you enough time to grow to like me before I began introducing other variables.”
Cassandra quipped, “Well, it worked like a charm. A couple of weeks in your arms and I was totally smitten.”
He pulled her close. “Thanks for paying attention, my dear. I would have purchased the woman for him. I wonder why he didn’t ask.”
“Perhaps he didn’t want you to feel he was using you. You’re kind of sensitive about that. Maybe they had agreed to just wait the year out. But no big deal, all’s well that ends well.”
They cuddled, and for some reason neither felt like making love. Cassandra knew something else was bothering him.
“Many of those women are destined to be lovers for men who can’t possibly genuinely care for them. It’s a little sad really,” Viktor mused out loud.
Cassandra sighed. “I don’t know, all the men were high level mob bosses. Let’s wait until the annual Christmas party, see how many show up and what they look like. I think sometimes mob bosses get tired of looking for love and just decide to settle. A small percentage of the cases have to work out.”
“Demetrius seemed so relieved and grateful. I think you made a friend for life.”
“You know, Viktor, you have few f
riends, but the ones you do have are very good people. I think that should be telling you that you are a nice person. Aside from that, I can always tell by the tone of your voice when something’s bothering you. Part of loving is trusting the other person with all your secrets.”
“My father had disturbing news for me today. News that will upend my life, and by extension yours as well my daughter’s. May I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Can you envision yourself living in Russia for the rest of your life?”
Swallowing down her anxiety, she answered cautiously. “This is where you and Viktorija are, and since I want to be with you, I suppose Russia will have to be my new home.”
“What I am hearing you say is you do not care for my country, but will accept living here to be my wife.”
Nodding, she whispered, “I know what the deal is, Viktor.”
“The deal has changed. My father and I discovered that Ivan and Timur are working together. My father will not allow his East Coast operation to be hijacked by Ivan.”
“This conversation is starting to sound dangerous.”
“He wishes me to relocate there and deal with the problem. It is becoming increasingly obvious that we cannot rely upon outsiders to manage such a large and complex operation. Being raised by an American mother makes me a good fit for that position.”
“It’s my understanding that our family isn’t in direct competition with Timur’s operation. I’m not supposed to know this, but Timur has a pretty good relationship with my father.”
“Yes. This is how we discovered that Timur is keeping new company. Your brother sent me information that our team is only just now fully understanding.”
“We’re moving to the States and getting married?”
“So it would seem.”
“You don’t sound very pleased about the prospect of living in the States.”
“The thought of living in your country seems like an exciting new opportunity. I am not looking forward to cleaning house once I get there.”
“I’m looking forward to putting this Ivan thing behind us once and for all. Even if it is risky, it’s got to beat sitting around waiting for him to slip poison in our food or drink. The guy is totally whacked. I’m not a big proponent of using violence to solve problems, but I honestly don’t see another way out of this. We’re getting death threats on pretty much a weekly basis now and I’m sick of it.”
Chewing his bottom lip, Viktor nodded. “You’re tougher than I ever gave you credit for, my love. I will make you proud by resolving this situation safely for us.”
Pulling him down into her arms, she murmured, “I know that you will.”
Suddenly realizing that they were officially engaged, she sat up. “We’re really getting married?”
Tossing her a lopsided grin, he nodded. “Yes. We’re getting married in America.”
“Can we call our folks?”
“Sure. Why not?”
“Let’s call your mother first.”
She grabbed his cell and his sleepy mother answered. Cassandra quickly delivered the good news. “Your wayward son finally popped the question.”
“Tell me you accepted and me the happiest woman alive.”
“You better believe I did.”
“Karl has told me all about the plan for Viktor to move to the States. Are you excited to see your family again?”
“I am, but I’m going to miss you and Karl. What do you think about coming for a visit. I’d love for you to help plan the wedding.”
The woman’s answer was a thoroughly excited squeal. “I love planning weddings. Thank you for thinking of me. It does my heart good to see Viktor finally settled with someone who really loves him. What kind of timeframe are we looking at?”
“We’re not doing anything really big. I was thinking about maybe setting a date three months out. My mother can get us a good venue and you and I will plan the rest.”
His mother replied, “That sounds like the best possible vacation I could imagine. What colors were you thinking of for the decorations?”
Viktor grabbed the phone away from her. “Hello, Mother, this is your disreputable son. Thanks for agreeing to help with the planning. Unfortunately, my fiancée can’t talk right now. She has other obligations.”
“Give the poor girl a break, at least until the honeymoon,” His mother admonished.
He responded, “We’ll call you in the morning.”
Cassandra interjected, “I really should call my parents.”
“Don’t give them bad news at night. Wait until in the morning. If you want to call someone, call your brother. At least he’ll be happy for us.”
Cassandra dialed Tony’s number. When he answered, she said, “I have good news.”
Tony teased, “Let me guess, you are finally setting a date to tie the knot with that handsome Russian mobster of yours.”
“How did you know?”
He immediately stated, “Because you sound so happy. My second guess was that you might be pregnant, but I think Viktor is more careful than that.”
She laughed. “You’re right about that. He’s wonderful. Thanks for giving us that little push in the beginning.”
“You’re welcome. Now let me talk to the king fish.”
Cassandra handed Viktor the phone.
Tony said enthusiastically, “Congratulations on setting the date. Might I suggest a no weapons policy for guests at the wedding and reception?”
Viktor sounded amused when he replied, “Your father is still gunning for me, then?”
“He sure is, my friend. I don’t see that changing without some next level intervention. Do you have any ideas?”
Viktor responded, “Maybe I could get my father to talk to him. He married a Winchester and has a certain amount of flair in communicating with Americans.”
“Our old man is stubborn as hell and outgrowing his usefulness.”
“I feel the same way about my father. But we can’t kill them, so we might as well make the best of it. I wish I had my father’s communication skills.”
Tony teased, “You seem to do alright with the females, and you’d better up your game if you’re taking over Timur’s operation.”
“We will leave within the week.”
“I didn’t know your mother was American. Cassandra never tells me anything about you or your family, except general statements about how wonderful you all are. I think the idea about getting your dad to talk to mine is a good one.”
“I am pleased to know Cassandra does not give information about my family. She is both cautious and trustworthy. Just like a mobster’s wife should be.”
“Yeah, she a sweet little peach, that one. Be careful you don’t piss her off. She’s good at getting her own back.”
Laughing heartily, Viktor replied, “I’ve never had cause to see that side of her personality.”
Tony then asked to speak to him privately about business. Cassandra immediately went into the bathroom, shut the door, and began brushing her teeth.
“What’s going on, Tony? Is there some sort of trouble?”
“No trouble for me or my family. However, Cassandra’s twin sister has taken up with a Russian who is all mobbed up on our end. His name is Aleksandr Koshikov. He tells me he is not free. I think this might be the real thing for her. I was wondering if you might be able to ask around to find out specifics about his contract. I would be interested in buying it. Something like that would make a wonderful wedding present.”
Viktor shook his head, and thought that Americans had very strange ideas about what made an appropriate gift.
“I will see what information I can find and e-mail it to you.”
Cassandra cautiously came back into the bedroom, and he could tell she was very excited.
“Is this engagement business top secret or can I gab it all over?”
Viktor rubbed his chin, thinking it over a minute. “Gab it, please. Perhaps their anger will have died dow
n by the time Cassandra speaks to them.”
“Will do. Good night, kids.”
Viktor pulled Cassandra over to him and murmured, “You look just about as pleased as I did on my birthday. Who knew the thought of marriage and moving back to America would be the magical combination to put a smile on your face?”
“I’ve been missing my family, but felt terrible telling you that. Seeing them again does make me happy, just not as happy as the thought of spending the rest of my life with you.”
“Happy enough to wear that sexy school teacher outfit with the plaid skirt for me again?” The teasing quality of his deep voice really got to her.
She smiled deviously. “Maybe. Now that we’re moving to the States, we get to dress up for Halloween. I’ve decided we’re going to dress up as Scottish highlanders this year.”
“We do not celebrate Halloween in Russia, so you would have been cheated out of that experience. You and my daughter are the only ones interested in dressing up and dipping apples in brown candy.”
“You’re getting sidetracked. If we dress up as Scottish highlanders, that means you’ll be the one wearing a plaid skirt.”
Before she had a second to think, she found herself pinned beneath her sexy Russian. He gazed at her intently. “That is never going to happen, my sweet.”
“Not even if I promised you really, really good sex?”
One hand came up possessively around her throat. “This you will give to me in any event.”
In that moment there was total understanding. He wouldn’t be wearing a skirt anytime soon but they would be having smoking hot sex until the end of time. As his hand slid down to tear off her panties, Cassandra decided she was on board with that plan.
Chapter 20
Never Liked Him Anyway
~ Cassandra ~
Readying themselves for the move to the States had been much easier than she thought it would be. Viktor had her pack enough for a couple of weeks. They got up bright and early one morning, spent the day at the zoo, and when they arrived back home, he’d directed a crew of movers and the entire apartment had been picked clean of their belonging. They were just putting the last few boxes on a moving truck when she arrived with Viktorija asleep in her arms.