Lion of Midnight

by Aliyah Burke

  “Not really. I mean, with Vassi, I doubt I’d have to cook or clean. But, Nik, even you’ve told me you’d kill any man who touched me. I can’t be locked away. And just because a man touches me doesn’t mean he wants me in his bed.”

  She can’t believe that. “When did women become so damn independent?” he groused as he smiled. Cleo’s arms tightened when she hugged him. Okay, I admit it. I didn’t think about what she wanted.

  Getting up from the chair, Nik kept his hands under her ass. Her ankles hooked behind his back. He walked to the bed and lay them down. Cleo burrowed closer, and he felt himself respond.

  “Cleo,” he whispered.

  “Hmm?”

  “I need to tell you something.”

  “Do I have to move or can you tell me like this?”

  He put some space between them. “I need to see your face, Cleo.”

  “Okay.” She sat up cross-legged on the bed.

  The trust in her gaze floored him. Nik sat up, too, but hung one leg over the bed’s edge. With one hand, he reached for one of hers and kissed it. “When Freya saved me, she told me I would remain untouched by age until I found a love like Kit and Marcus had. You know this; I’ve said it before. Centuries went by with nothing. I’d given up hope until one day. One day, I was sitting in Mihailov’s Bakery, eating my ponchiki, when my woman walked through the door.”

  He kissed the palm of her hand. “From the moment I saw you, I loved you. But I can’t make you love me, so I don’t know how this changes things. All I know is I won’t allow Loki to hurt you as a way to get to me. But you have to understand, snežinka, I am a possessive man—fiercely possessive. And, I see it as my responsibility to take care of you, to give you everything you could ever want or need. So, while I understand you wanting to do your thing, please understand it’s not easy for me to accept.”

  “Nik—”

  “Let me finish, Cleo, please. My life is worth nothing without you. And, I will kill for you without hesitation. I have.” Her brows furrowed. “I hope you are happy, Cleo. And, as always, should you need anything, you can always call Vassi.”

  “Where are you going, Nik?”

  “I have to go eliminate a threat on you.”

  “Loki?”

  He nodded. “You want to be away from me, Cleo. I can’t protect you if I’m not with you. So, I’ll find him, so you can be safe.”

  Her eyes welled up with tears. “You can’t fight him; he’s immortal.”

  Wiping away a fat one that slipped down her cheek with his finger, Nik sighed. “Cleo, I’d sign away my—”

  Her hand slapped over his mouth.

  “Don’t say it.” She shook her head. “You don’t get to tell me you love me and, then, in the next breath, say something that could take you from me forever.”

  Nik found himself drowning in her eyes. He lifted his brow before nipping at the hand remaining on his mouth.

  “Did you mean it?” she asked.

  “Of course, snežinka. I’ve told you before.”

  Cleo shook her head. “I think I’d remember that.” She crossed her arms and frowned. “Say it for me in Russian.”

  Nik flushed. She was right; he’d never said it in English. “Ya tebya lyublyu.”

  With tears in her eyes, she smacked him in the shoulder. “How was I supposed to know what that meant?”

  “Thought you were studying up,” he teased.

  A sultry look filled her eyes. “I did.”

  “Really? What’d you learn?” All the blood in his body raced to his cock when she spoke. His mouth was dry, and it was not easy task to swallow, hearing her ask him to fuck her in his own language. “Cleo, where’d you learn how to say that?” His voice nothing but a guttural rasp.

  “Did I say it wrong?”

  He took her hand and placed it over his straining erection. “Does it feel like you said it wrong? Now, tell me who taught you.”

  “I learned others. Wanna hear?”

  “One more like that, snežinka, and I’ll come in my jeans.” He thrust against her hand.

  “Poceluj menja.”

  Struggling for control of his hormones, Nik did as she bade. He leaned closer and pressed his lips to hers. Then sat back, pleased her hand had stayed on his cock the entire time.

  She spoke again, and it took a second for it to sink in. Love me.

  “Da, snežinka, veuno. Forever.”

  Nik joined their mouths, lowered them back on the bed, and proceeded to do just that. Only once all pleasures had been satisfied did they drift into a well-deserved rest. Even so, Nik slept lightly. Because of that, he was awake when Cleo slid out of the bed. After she went to the bathroom, he watched her through lowered lashes as she sat down on the chair and crossed her legs before braiding her hair with her eyes closed. He could see it was an action that calmed her.

  He remained still when her eyes opened and settled upon him. It tore at his heart, the sorrow in her gaze. Why are you so sad, snežinka? Her tongue snuck out and wet her lips, which caused his cock to rise. Cleo sighed deeply, before going to the door, and slipping out. He didn’t move until he heard the click of the cabin door. Swinging out of bed, he reached for his clothes when he felt a warning snake up his spine.

  Turning his head, Nik sighed as he saw Freya standing there looking at him. A wicked grin curved up her face as her gaze dropped to his waist.

  “Am I interrupting?” she asked, staring pointedly at his semi-erect cock.

  Yanking on his clothes, Nik shook his head. “No. I’m the only one in here. Something I can do for you?” Flames of desire flared up in her eyes. “Anything but that,” he amended.

  Freya shrugged. “I just wanted to see how you were.”

  Alarm bells went off. That’s not her thing. Zipping his jeans, he ignored the button and walked to the bathroom to splash water on his face. Wiping it dry, he found himself staring into her blue eyes.

  “Why the frown?”

  “Last time I saw you, Cleo was being attacked.”

  “She’s fine. Has she told you she needs you?”

  “No.”

  Freya’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t forget what I said.”

  “Of course not.”

  “Of course not what?” Cleo asked, staring at him.

  What the…? Slicing his gaze to the left, he found Freya there. She winked and vanished. Placing his eyes on Cleo, he smiled. “Nothing.” Pushing away from the sink, he moved toward her. “Where’d you go?”

  Cleo arched a brow. “The corner store for some coffee. Where’d you think I went? I’m in an airplane.”

  A plane full of good-looking men. The taunting voice returned.

  Shaking his head, Nik looked at her, and a low string of cruses left his mouth. “Who the fuck gave you a hickey?” he growled.

  “A what?” she gasped, trying to see around him to the mirror.

  “Hickey. You know where some man sucks on your skin. Which one of them did it?”

  “Nik, stop this. You’re scaring me.”

  You know she’s just covering for her lover. Why else did she look so flushed when she came back in?

  “Who’s your lover?” he demanded in a low roar.

  Cleo grabbed his face and brought him down to her height. “Listen to me, Nik; he’s messing with you. I didn’t know I had any hickeys. Not unless you put them there. Look at me, Nik. Look. At. Me.”

  He did, and for a moment, they glared at one another. Her thumbs stroked along his cheekbones. Shame plagued him. Yes, he was arrogant. Yes, he was dominating, but to keep accusing her of such things…

  “I’m sorry.”

  “No, Nik. He’s messing with your head.”

  Her eyes were kind, and her smile gentle. Nik covered her hands and kissed her nose. “I’ll gladly give my life for yours. You are my salvation,” he murmured in Russian.

  “You know I don’t speak Russian. What’d you say?”

  He kissed her nose, again. “You spoke it just fine earlier
.” Nik winked roguishly at the blush tinting her skin.

  “Stop it. I came in to get you for breakfast.” She sighed and pulled free of his touch.

  “Okay, let’s go eat.” He grabbed his shirt and slid it on, leaving it open.

  She focused on his chest. “Not buttoning it up?” she asked, her voice deeper than normal.

  “Nope.” He waited for her gaze and held it.

  “Okay,” she said, turning around and preceding him out to the main section of his plane.

  Nik followed, his eyes transfixed on her swaying hips clad in her hip-hugger jeans. Possessiveness swamped him when she smiled at one of the pilots when he moved through the cabin.

  “Good morning, ma’am, Mr. Andreyevich.”

  Past the pilot, Nik saw Cleo staring with one eyebrow arched and a warning on her face. It screamed for him to be nice. “Morning, Dmitry.”

  Both the pilot and Cleo smiled at him, but only one mattered. Nik didn’t want her upset with him. Going toward her, he sat down, and they had a leisurely and filling breakfast. After it was over, Nik sat on a bench seat, and Cleo lay there with her head in his lap as they talked.

  “This is one hell of a way to travel, Nik.”

  He smiled at her and skimmed one finger over her features, memorizing them. “You are happy, then?”

  “Oh, yeah. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still tryin' not to freak out about that…that…whatever that was. But, if I have to fly to get back home, this is definitely the way to do it. No screaming kids, no obnoxious sweaty, stinky people who want to use you as a pillow, and no one kicking the back of my seat.”

  “I’m glad you’re happy, snežinka.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Anything,” he replied instantly, perfectly content to stay like this.

  “The writing on your sword—the jagged, heavy-as-hell-one—upon the hilt and pommel. What’s it mean?”

  He chuckled and shook his head. “I wasn’t lying to you when I told you I didn’t know. I haven’t any clue. In fact, I don’t even know what language it is. When I got it, the man said the meaning would be made clear one day. I just never thought about it after that.” Touching her lips, he asked, “Why?”

  Cleo kissed the tip of his finger. “I don’t know. It seems familiar to me, but I can’t for the life of me remember from where.”

  “Really? Familiar?”

  She shrugged. “Who knows? I’ve searched my memory banks and continually come up blank. It could just be I think I’ve seen it.”

  “Any more questions?”

  “Just one.”

  He tugged on her ear when she remained silent. “And what would the question be?”

  “How do we stop Loki?”

  His eyes snapped to hers and found her waiting. Her brown gaze was direct and the golden flecks more visible than usual. Along with the love he felt for her came a roar of refusal. How can she think I would put her in danger?

  “Not we, snežinka, me. I told you. I won’t put you in danger.” His tone rang with finality. Cleo shrugged and yawned before closing her eyes. “Cleo. Did you hear me?”

  Her eyes never opened. “Of course I heard you. My head’s in your lap.”

  “Then, we agree.”

  “No,” she said simply.

  “Cleopatra,” he growled. “I thought you said you heard me.”

  She slowly opened her eyes. “I did hear you. I’m just choosing not to listen.”

  Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Nik groaned. Cleo sat up and headed for the bedroom. He remained behind for about a minute before following.

  Upon their arrival in Tennessee, Nik took her home and promised to return shortly. Then, he went to Wyoming to check on Kit and Marcus, and within a few days, he was striding back to her apartment, anxious to see her, again.

  “So, Kit’s really doing okay?” Cleo asked as she ate a bit of her garlic bread.

  “She’s fine. As is everyone else,” he reassured her.

  Nik peeked at her over the rim of his wineglass. Her hair, unrestrained, cascaded like silk around her face. She wore a Tennessee tank top and a pair of dark gray workout pants. He’d laughed when he saw the matching Tennessee socks, also.

  “Good. I’d feel awful if something bad had happened to them.”

  “I’m sure Marcus has it covered.”

  “Really? He was a warrior, too?”

  “He was a knight. And a baron. Marcus Quinn, Baron of Blackthorne, better known as The Devil.”

  “Wow. I forget sometimes how lawless it was back then.”

  “There were laws. It was just very different.”

  “Do you miss it?”

  Nik sighed and put his glass down. Leaning forward, he stared at her. Cleo’s skin tempted him in the candlelight. “In a way. It was so open and uncongested. But there are definitely perks to this time. Indoor plumbing, for one.” Cleo laughed, and it warmed him completely. “A few others, too. But the best thing about this time is you. You, Cleo.”

  A flush heated her cheeks, and he smiled tenderly at her. Clearing her throat, she got up and grabbed some dessert. Nik reached for her wrist when she placed his down.

  “Did I embarrass you?”

  “Yes. I’m not used to a man saying things like that to me.”

  “No other man should. But, trust me, snežinka. I mean it.” He kissed her wrist, allowing his tongue to tease her skin. One more kiss and he released her.

  Nik flew her to California for her meeting and headed back to Russia after getting her promise to call daily. As his plane taxied down the runway and took to the air, he forced himself to remain seated and not demand they turn the plane around. This is her time. I don’t need to be with her for meetings.

  Even so, it wasn’t easy. He wanted to be at her side. Craved her smell in his nose. Her body against his. He remained torn about his decision when he entered his home in Novgorod.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Cleo enjoyed the warm California sun. Sitting at an outdoor café, her laptop open before her, she currently read the proposal offers to her from the colleges.

  “Both are amazing.” Drinking her tea, she scowled when the unsweetened brew slid down her throat. With a shudder, Cleo placed the glass away from her. “That’s shameful.” She ignored the drink and continued to read. Cleo jumped when her cell began to ring. Opening it without checking who it was, she said, “Hello?”

  “Privyet, snežinka,” Nik said in a sexy voice.

  A smile crossed her face. “Nik. How are you?”

  “Missing you.” Warmth flowed through her. “How’s your trip going?”

  “Wonderful. Winter in So Cal is not a bad way to go.”

  “And the school?”

  Cleo was touched he showed such interest. “I really like it here, too. This is not going to be an easy decision to make. I was going back over their offer when you called.” She closed her laptop. “What are you up to?”

  Nik talked to her as she walked back to her room. Her heart ached for him even more when she hung up, but she appreciated the fact he had been nothing but supportive.

  The remainder of her week out in California flew by. Nik called her daily, and Cleo found herself craving the deep, sensual pull of his accented voice had on her. As she sat on the plane heading home, she compared this flight to the private one Nik had provided for her.

  Definitely had its perks, flying with Nik. She grinned at the knowledge she was now a fully-fledged member of the Mile High Club. Taking a deep breath, Cleo opened her mystery and began to read.

  αβ

  Two months later

  “I’m very excited you chose to accept our offer. I look forward to working with you. Enclosed is a relocation packet you may find helpful in securing lodging.”

  Cleo squealed and flopped back on the couch. She knew the letter by heart. She’d gotten it three days ago and had been damn near giddy ever since. Her gaze settled upon the huge bouquet sitting on her counter. Nik had had it delivered to
her. A stunning mossed vase held the centerpiece. That was made up of beautiful greenery, purple verbena, gentle blue hydrangeas, lavender lilacs, and amethyst anemones. The card had read simply—

  Congratulations, Cleo.

  Yours,

  Nik

  When she’d called him to thank him, he’d told her to tell him before she moved, and he’d be there. Her eyes glanced over to the clock, and she got up. “Okay, time to go running.”

  After changing and doing warm-up stretches, Cleo headed out of her apartment. It didn’t take long for her to find her stride, and as she listened to her mix of music, her mind drifted over the five places she’d decided were the best options. The place she lived in now was great, she had explained her situation to the landlords, and they’d agreed to do a month-to-month lease for her. I’m not due at the college until June, so I could move early and get the lay of the town. Excitement poured through her veins. A new city, a new job, and endless possibilities. Behind the joy lingered the image of a tall, handsome, powerful, blond-haired, brown-eyed Russian.

  Cleo shoved him to the back of her mind and focused on the run. Back at her place, she found Kenya waiting for her, so after a quick shower, they whipped up a dinner and reminisced about days past. Waving goodbye to her friend, Cleo felt better. Kenya had that effect on her. There was no room for sorrow; Kenya helped erase the last of her doubt.

  “Another adventure,” she whispered to herself, sitting down on the couch.

  Opening the brochures of her options again, Cleo got to work knocking out four of the five. It was past midnight when she slid into bed, but she’d made up her mind. So, I just have to call them tomorrow…today, when I wake up. If I can get it all set up, I won’t have to do another two months here. Smile in place, Cleo sank into slumber.

  Her good mood didn’t even last through the next day. “Shit!” she swore, kicking the couch and cussing all over again as a shaft of pain ran through her foot and up her leg.

  Her phone rang, and she scrambled to find it. “Hello?” she snapped into the receiver once she found it.

  “What’s wrong, snežinka?” Nik’s comforting voice crossed the line to her.

  Tears pierced her eyes, and she blinked them away, knowing full well anger kept them at bay. Flopping in a chair, she winced at the pain in her shoulder.