by Aliyah Burke
Cleo wanted to see it before dusk when the day’s last beams of sunlight were reflected in the columns polished red granite. The day had cooperated with them, being clear and cloudless, allowing the sun to shine down upon them. They’d had a very busy day exploring the sights. For the life of him, Nik couldn’t imagine a better day. Cleo didn’t just see the attractions; she inhaled them. Absorbed them.
Each place they left, Nik could see her reluctance grow. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her to stay. Marry him, and he would take her anywhere she wished to go. But he kept his mouth shut. For now, Cleo. For now. He glanced down when a body brushed against his. Cleo stood there staring at the monolith. Her profile showed him her awe at the sight before them. A gentle smile curved up her lips.
“What… This is… I’ve never… It’s amazing.”
Tugging her, Nik maneuvered her so she stood before him. He wrapped his arms around her, sighing contentedly as she relaxed against him. The crisp air made their breath visible. The setting sun reflected off the piles of plowed snow. The lights around the square turned on to ward off the approaching dusk.
“Let’s get some dinner.”
“Okay,” she said, and he could feel her reluctance.
“Come on, we’ll grab a bite overlooking the Moika.”
She glanced at him over her shoulder. Cleo didn’t say a word, just watched him. Nik held her gaze, waiting for her to speak. She didn’t. And, he couldn’t bring himself to break the silence. The noise from the square seemed to fade away into the background.
Big flakes fell from the sky landing upon her black hair. He pulled his gaze from her and looked up. Didn’t even realize the clouds have moved back in. Nik dipped his head and found Cleo with her eyes closed, head back as the snow settled upon her. Reaching out with a gloved hand, Nik brushed his thumb against her skin, erasing a snowflake that rested there.
My snowflake. My snežinka.
“So beautiful you are, snežinka,” he murmured.
The square began to fall mute. Almost as if the falling snow created a silence over the area. Her thick lashes rose slowly, exposing to him her expressive, rich brown eyes.
“What is that you keep calling me?”
He smiled. “Let’s go.”
With a slight shake of her head, she sighed, as if understanding he wasn’t going to tell. “Okay.” Her full lips turned up into a big smile.
“What?” he asked.
“I don’t know, but you, Nikolas Andreyevich, look very handsome.”
His body flushed hot at her admission. “Trying to make me forget about dinner?”
Cleo laughed. “No. I’m hungry. Sightseeing takes a lot outta me.” Her lids dropped halfway. “Plus, I need the energy to keep up with you.”
Nik grinned. “I think, Cleo Laurens, you keep up just fine. I’m an old man and need to rest.”
“Old?” She pushed him playfully. “Please. What are you, thirty-five to forty?”
Almost a thousand. “Something like that,” he hedged.
“Far cry from needing a walker or those little blue pills.”
Drawing her in close, Nik rubbed his erection against her. “I definitely am not in need of any pill around you.”
Cleo wrinkled her nose up at him and walked away, leaving him to gaze after her or follow. He opted to follow, content to walk in silence with her as they left the square. They moved slowly, side by side yet not touching. When they got to the restaurant, Cleo took his hand and pulled him down to the edge of the bridge. He stood in silence as she faced out over the black water.
“Russia is so beautiful. Moscow, Saint Petersburg.” She looked at him. “Novgorod—each city has such personality.”
“Surely, cities in America do, as well.” He rested against his side, facing her, staring at her when she returned her gaze to looking over the Moika.
“Of course, but not like this. America’s just a baby if you want to compare ages of cities.”
She was right. Nik allowed her to observe and think what she wished up until he saw her shiver.
“Come on, Cleo. Let me get you indoors. I don’t want you sick.”
“Do you mind if we just have something sent to the room?”
Nik stepped closer. “Are you feeling okay?”
She sent him a small smile. “Yes. A bit overwhelmed today. Just need to decompress a bit is all.”
“Okay. Whatever you wish.”
Draping his arm around her, he brushed his lips over her forehead before they walked the remaining distance to the hotel. While he waited for their in-suite dinner to arrive, he observed Cleo strolling up the stairs. His gaze was glued to her ass as it moved in her jeans. He felt his cock stir, and he tamped it down. Going to the mini bar, he fixed himself a drink. Nik heard her cell phone ring and wanted to growl in anger but went to answer the knock on the door.
He was alone, food waiting, when Cleo walked down back toward him. She had changed into loungewear. There sat around her mouth a terseness, mirrored by one around her eyes. Nik tossed back the rest of his vodka and moved toward her. She tried to hide it by smiling.
“Bad news?”
“That’s putting it mildly.” There was a sharp edge to her tone.
Nik reached for her and cupped the side of her face. “Can I help?”
A crack of humorless laughter left her. “No. But thanks. No one can help.” He narrowed his eyes. Cleo kissed his hand and slipped past him. “Smells good,” she commented.
He turned. She stole a piece of bread and ate it while she poured herself something to drink. He remained mute when she tossed back a shot and quickly poured herself another. As she lifted it to her lips, he asked, “Are you sure I can’t do anything?”
Her whole body stiffened then she shook her head. “No. It’s all good.”
Nik frowned again and walked up behind her. Slipping his arms around her, he plucked the newly filled drink from her hand. “Good, come eat.”
She reached toward the glass he held briefly before her fingers curled into a fist, and she dropped her hand to her side. “Yes. Let’s eat.”
Kissing her cheek lightly, Nik placed the glass down and escorted her to the table. He sat himself after her, wondering and worrying about the strain she tried so desperately to hide.
Chapter Eleven
Cleo ate her dessert, feeling his intuitive gaze upon her. She just didn’t want to talk about it. The call had caught her off guard, in more ways than one. Can’t believe the bastard thinks I’d cook for him and pretend to still be married. Her fingers tightened around the spoon. Forcing deep breaths, Cleo tried to forget. Tried to focus on something else. Something that was right before her.
Nikolas Andreyevich.
Lifting her gaze, she found him watching her. His chocolate eyes stared endlessly at her. She slowly and hungrily ingested the sight he offered. His shirt was tight, the cotton molding to his massive, chiseled torso like a lover. The dark blue material made his tanned skin and blondish-brown hair more visible. She shifted against her seat.
“Keep staring at me like that, Cleo, and I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
The husky timbre of his words made her toes curl in her socks. Sucking her lower lip in her mouth, Cleo didn’t even try to stop the grin.
“Haven’t you heard about no exercise immediately after you eat?” she asked.
Nik stabbed a forkful of her dessert and ate it. “Nope,” he mumbled around the cake. “But I’m happy there’s no longer a scowl upon your gorgeous face.”
Gorgeous. The way he says that it’s like he believes it. The only time David called me that was when he wanted something.
“See now, that’s the scowl I don’t want to see. Tell me what’s wrong, Cleo. Let me help.”
Blinking rapidly, Cleo smiled at the handsome Russian she shared a table with. “I’m sorry. I…I…don’t mean to be so pissy.”
“Maybe talking will help.”
“I’m sure you don’t want to hear m
y problems…issues…whatever the hell it is.”
“Snežinka, anything that is a problem for you is something I want to know about. If it is within my power to help you with or fix, I will do so.”
“And, you’re not married? How is this so? A man as good looking and kind as you are. What’s your flaw?”
There was no smirk, no cocky look on his face. His gaze was honest and straightforward. “I’m not as nice as it may seem. I’m more than capable of being an ass when it comes to getting what I want.” He held up his hand when she opened her mouth. “No, you listen to me, Cleo. I can be a very nice guy, and most of the time, I am. But I am a man used to getting what he wants. Don’t get me wrong. Like to you, Cleo, I will never hurt you and will do everything I can to protect you.”
Is he for real? “So, that’s it. You’re nice until things don’t go your way?”
An arrogant smile appeared. “Are you scared?”
Am I? She laughed. “No. You make me feel a lot, but you don’t scare me.”
“Good. I don’t ever want to. Now, tell me how I can help you with whatever is bothering you.”
“Never give up, do you?” she asked not the slightest bit perturbed he wouldn’t let it go.
“Nope. Another thing about me.”
“So, no woman will put up with you,” she said offhandedly.
He took another bite of cake. “Until now, it hadn’t mattered.”
Cleo’s heart skipped a few beats. “I see.”
His gaze burned her. “Don’t want to know why?”
Yes! Tell me. “I’m not the kind of person to pry in people’s lives.”
“Lucky for us, I am. Now…about that call.”
He’s really not going to give up. Smacking his hand when he reached for more of her cake, Cleo nodded. “Okay. I’ll tell you, but you need to leave my cake alone.”
“I’m still hungry,” he pouted, portraying innocence.
“Figures,” she muttered.
“The call, Cleo.” Nik gripped her hand and used his fork to feed her. “Who was it?”
Cleo swallowed and sighed. “It was my husband. My ex-husband.”
A hard glint appeared in his eyes, reminding her less of mouthwatering chocolate and more like the dangerous animal she’d likened him to when she first saw them.
“And he wanted?” The question sounded forced out.
A soft smile filled her face. “He wanted me to come home. It just hit him Christmas is in two days. It would be helpful if I’d play his wife for his family, so they don’t know we’ve divorced.”
Nik licked his lips and arched a brow. “And?”
Cleo worried her lower lip. “Honestly. I thought about doing it. But, then, I remembered how it felt when I learned he’d been cheating on me.”
She watched without emotion as Nik’s expression tightened. “And, after that, he assumed you’d still want to help him.”
It wasn’t a question.
Cleo flashed him a resigned look. “That’s how he is. It was my fault, you know, his cheating.”
“Don’t,” Nik commanded in a low tone.
“Don’t what? You wanted to know about the call and what changed my mind.”
Nik stood and walked around the table to her. Barely slowing, he pulled her up from the seat and scooped her into his arms. Cleo bit back her squeal of shock.
“What are you doing, Nik?”
He strode up the stairs and to the window. There, he placed her on her feet. She gulped as his strong arms boxed her in on the sides and his warm body pressed against her back.
“Look,” he whispered, his hot breath fanning her cheek. “Look out this window.” He paused. “What do you see?”
Cleo licked her lower lip as she took her gaze off the likeness of the man she could see behind her and focused on the sight beyond the glass.
“What do you see, Cleo?” he asked, again.
“Saint Petersburg under a blanket of snow. An absolutely beautiful sight. I see hushed lights reflecting off the Moika, people moving about. I see peace and contentment.”
“Then, don’t give that fool another thought. Enjoy your time here. While we don’t celebrate Christmas the same time as you, I would love to have you spend it at my home.”
Cleo leaned against him, feeling safe and secure. Who would have thunk I’d be this content with a man I’ve known for barely a week? Spending her entire vacation with him held such merit to her.
“Thank you for the offer, Nik, but I’m just going to keep going with my vacation. Not even gonna think about the time of year it is.” Even as she spoke those words, she knew it was going to be difficult. She loved Christmas.
“Of course.” His lips brushed her ear. “Just an offer.”
“Well, thank you. Christmas is two days away. I have another few days left in this city before I decide where to go next. For the life of me, I never imagined I would love Russia this much.”
“Cleo,” he murmured, running his hands along her sides.
“Hmm?” She closed her eyes as his touch sent waves of longing through her. Heat pooled in the core of her belly.
“Come to bed.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll shut off the lights downstairs,” he said, stepping back from her.
It didn’t take long, and Cleo slid into the bed, joined by the hard naked body of Nikolas Andreyevich. She gave herself over, willingly, to his masterful touch. Nik made gentle love to her, cherishing her until they gave themselves over to the lure of Morpheus.
Her mood had lifted greatly when she woke. Even though it was once again snowing heavily. Her cell rang as she headed for the first floor of the suite. Nik was already down there, slipping on his jacket.
Glancing at her caller ID, Cleo smiled and answered, “Hey, sweetie.” It wasn’t who she thought. “Wow. Hi, Lane. I’m sorry. I thought it was Kenya.” She paused. “Is everything okay?”
Lane’s deep voice flowed over her, thick and heavy, and she felt the familiar tingle his tone gave her. His words barely registered until he’d hung up.
“Cleo.” A hand touched her shoulder, causing her to blink a few times.
“Huh?”
Nik’s eyes were stormy. “Who’s Lane?”
“Um…my friend’s…Kenya’s…boy…no…um…fiancé. And, apparently, the father of her child.” She sat on the step, still blown away by the news.
He crouched before her, snagging her gaze. “This is a good thing, da?”
“Yes. A very good thing. I’m just surprised is all.”
“Why?”
Good question. “Honestly, I’m not sure. I guess after hearing all her stories of her ex, I just wasn’t expecting it. I’m very happy for her. She and Lane will have beautiful children.”
“Do you have a picture of her? Of them?”
Cleo nodded amazed and touched by his interest in her friends. “Yes.” She slid past him toward her wallet and took out a photo of her with Kenya at Trollez. “Here. This is us at our fave hangout.”
His fingers grazed hers as he took the picture from her. “She is a very beautiful woman.”
“Yes, she is,” Cleo agreed immediately. He handed it back to her, and she put it away.
“And Lane?”
Cleo grinned. “I’m not in the habit of carrying pics around of my friend’s boyfriend…er…fiancé. But I can show you.”
Nik arched a brow. “And, you can do this how, without carrying his photo around?”
“Computer.” Cleo touched his face. “You’re jealous.”
“Yes,” he answered immediately. “Considering the way you shivered when you talked to him.”
Moving to the small table, Cleo turned on her computer. “It’s a female thing,” she said.
He placed his hands on either side of her and lowered his head to hers. “Is that so?”
Cleo chuckled as her fingers flew over the keyboard, pulling up Lane’s site. “This is him, and yes, that’s so.”
Nik whistled
low. “The country singer? Lane Strong?”
“That’s him.” Looking to her right, Cleo watched Nik’s face. He nodded and kissed her nose.
“Okay. I get it. Don’t like it, but I get it. He should be in Moscow around the time of our Christmas, I believe.”
“Really? That’s not far away. I wonder if I could get a ticket.”
“Would you like one?”
“Yes. He puts on a great show.” Turning back to her laptop, she pulled up his touring schedule. “One night only.”
“Let’s buy some. Right up near the stage.” Nik brushed her hands away and bought two. Cleo watched speechless. “Come, snežinka. We have more of Saint Petersburg to discover.”
I can’t believe he did that. She smiled, excitement welling up within her. “Yes. And, thank you for the tickets, but you have to stop doing that. I don’t deserve you spending your hard-earned money on me.”
He touched the tip of her nose. “If it’s my hard-earned money, allow me to spend it how I see fit.”
Before long, they were out exploring the debatable status of Saint Petersburg as “the Venice of the North”. Over the next week, Cleo—escorted by Nik—explored. They visited Yelagin Ostrov, summer playground for the Romanovs, the fine mansions of Kamenny Ostrov. He took her to parks, one of her favorites being Field of Mars where the Eternal Flame of Saint Petersburg was housed.
Today, they were going to the botanical garden, Nik’s strong hand placed lightly on the small of her back as they moved through the greenhouses.
“This is amazing,” she said, staring at some tropical plants.
“Built in seventeen-fourteen by order of Peter the Great to be the Apothecary’s Garden. It grew from that when people began bringing more exotics and saplings from their travels.” He stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “You should be here in May.”
“Why?” Cleo asked immune to the others in the garden.
“One night only, the exotic flower the Queen of the Night blooms. They keep the gardens open until midnight that night.” His warm breath fanned her ear, sending delightful shivers through her.
“Queen of the Night? That sounds so romantic.”
“It’s a white desert flower. An exquisitely scented one which opens as the night falls then it closes forever with the first rays of morning’s sun.”
