by K. S. Ruff
I tried to ignore the cloud of suspicion hovering over me. “How’s his campaign going in Ukraine?”
She reached for another pampushky. “Maxim and Yulia are tied for first place in the latest polls.”
“Yulia Tymoshenko was the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Ukraine. She helped lead the Orange Revolution,” I informed Rafael. I wasn’t sure how familiar he was with Ukrainian politics.
Oni nodded. “She’s pro-Western, like Maxim, but a lot of Ukrainians don’t trust her. Until recently she was serving time in prison for embezzlement and for abusing her power. I believe those charges were politically motivated, but not everyone agrees. Besides, there are a lot of men who won’t support a female president. Prime Minister is one thing, but the presidency is something else entirely.”
“I still can’t believe an individual with ties to the mafia could receive so much support,” Rafael remarked.
“The Russians elected a former KGB operative for their president. This is not so different. Maxim is one of the few people who maintains enough power and influence to end Putin’s meddling in our governance,” Oni noted dismissively.
Rafael’s eyes met mine. “It will be interesting to see if the U.S. government views this election the same way.”
My thoughts turned inward with a slight chill. I suspected they would.
* * * * *
I burrowed against Rafael’s chest. My body felt like it was filled with lead. “I wish you didn’t have to leave tonight.” We’d made the most of the last two hours, making love in his bed. Brady and Jase thought we were packing. Or not. They were settled in over at my house since Rafael’s flight was scheduled to depart in a couple of hours.
“Me too.” He gently caressed my back. “At least Oni is settled in at the dorms. Maxim is gone. You’re going to be busy with school, lobbying for Maxim, and preparing for your trip to Sierra Leone.”
My thumb skimmed his cheekbone. “Can you join me in Sierra Leone?”
“I’ll try. Do you have any vacation time remaining?”
“Three or four days,” I estimated. “Why?”
“I’d like you to fly to Portugal for Valentine’s Day.” His fingers teased my arm.
“I’d love to spend Valentine’s Day with you.” I reached for my cell phone so I could check the calendar. “Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year. If I take Thursday, Friday, and Monday off from work, we’d have five days together.”
“I’ll send the jet back for you.” He frowned. “How will that affect your coursework?”
“I’m already halfway through the assigned readings, and I plan to work on my midterms this weekend.” My final semester didn’t even begin for three more days, but I’d requested the syllabi and ordered my books early so I could stay busy while Rafael was working in Lisbon. Of course, those studies had ground to a complete stop when Maxim dropped his presidential bomb. “I only have nine credit hours this semester, and I purposely chose classes that were scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.” I’d been hoping to snag some long weekends with Rafael.
He tucked me beneath him. “Good. I’ll plan something special.”
A moan escaped my chest when he pushed inside of me again. There was no denying how perfect the world felt when our bodies were joined like this. “You are the only something special I need.”
We made love slower than I ever dreamed possible, with eyes and hands locked. Rafael pushed me to that place where nothing else mattered… nothing but the feel of his body driving deep and determinedly into mine.
My nipples pebbled against his chest as our bodies wound tighter and tighter. “Rafael,” I cried. My knees rose. My back arched as if begging for the next thrust.
He released my hands so he could grasp my breasts. “Let go, baby. Let me see you lose control.” He rolled both nipples between his fingers and thumbs.
Pleasure tore through me, shredding my emotions, my body, and mind.
Rafael captured me in a fierce embrace. “Mine,” he whispered hoarsely. With one final thrust, he filled me.
Softly, I began to cry.
Chapter 5 – Never Gonna Let You Down
I blinked back tears. I couldn’t believe the jalapeno and habanero peppers in Jase’s chili had literally driven me to tears.
“Can I taste?” Oni inquired hesitantly.
Jase shrugged. “Sure.” He pulled a soup spoon from the drawer and handed it to her.
“Iz spy-ee,” I warned with a slightly swollen tongue. Jase had aptly named his chili “A Slow and Painful Death.” I was still trying to numb the pain with a piece of bread.
Oni’s eyes teared. “Oh!” The spoon clattered against the granite countertop as her hand flew to her mouth.
I handed her a piece of bread. “Water won’t relieve the pain. Try Brady’s chili. It’s quite good and doesn’t hurt as much.”
Brady stood there expectantly while Oni worked up the courage to try his chili. His “Shark Bait” chili stood a good chance of stealing first place with clams, shrimp, bite size chunks of orange roughy, and Old Bay Seasoning.
“That is good,” Oni agreed. These recipes are very different. How do you choose?”
I laughed. “You can’t choose yet. You have at least five other recipes to taste when we get to Cenia’s house.”
Jase tugged a pair of oven mitts over his hands. “Are you ladies ready to leave?”
Oni retrieved the bright pink Dulce de Leche Ukrainian Waffle Cake she’d layered on the center island. “I’m ready.”
“I’ll get the door.” I grabbed the bacon cheddar scones from the counter before following them into the garage. I climbed into the back seat next to Oni.
Jase set his Crock-pot on the floor between my feet. He handed me the oven mitts before sliding into the driver’s seat. “Be careful. That chili is hot.”
“Too hot if you ask me.” Brady secured his chili on the floor between his feet.
“Chili is supposed to be hot. That ocean brew you concocted shouldn’t even be called chili.” Jase backed out of the garage.
Brady looked offended. “There’s chili powder and beans in there. You’re just bitter because you didn’t think to pursue something more original.”
I typed Cenia and Roger’s new address into the navigation system on my phone before settling in to visit with Oni. “Did you finish your homework?”
“Yes. I’ve completed the reading and the assignments for the next two weeks.” She looked relieved.
Oni was so much like me, it was scary. “I finished writing my paper. Rafael’s taking me someplace special for Valentine’s Day, so I’m afraid we won’t be around next weekend.” Since Oni had spent the last two weekends with me, I figured some advanced warning was in order.
Oni was under the impression that Rafael worked most weekends. She never questioned the fact that Brady and Jase were living with me. Rafael assigned bodyguards in Ukraine, and she knew what the SVR had done to me. “Where are you going?”
Jase sent a subtle warning through the rearview mirror.
“I’m not entirely sure. Last I heard, he was considering someplace in Portugal.” I’d become quite adept at telling the truth while still being vague.
Brady shared some unspoken communication with Jase before changing the topic. “How do you like your courses?”
“My professors and classmates are nice, but the courses are difficult,” Oni replied.
He shifted so he could face the back seat. “Because everything is in English?”
“Because students are expected to voice their opinions and participate in class,” Oni clarified. “University students aren’t permitted to speak in Ukraine.”
“They aren’t even allowed to ask questions,” I added. “It’s considered disrespectful.” That had proven one of our biggest challenges while teaching in Simferopol.
“Really?” Brady looked at me.
“I don’t like speaking in front of the other students,” Oni admitted. “I’
m afraid they’ll laugh or think I’m stupid.”
“I feel the same way,” I assured her. “So does Shae.”
“I felt the same way when I was in school,” Brady revealed.
“Me too,” Jase agreed. “I think we all do.”
Oni smiled appreciatively. “I thought it was just me.”
“Nope. It’s pretty universal,” Brady assured her.
Jase’s eyes sought mine in the rearview mirror. “Is your meeting with the Senator still on tomorrow?”
“Yes. We’re meeting at Ten Penh at one o’clock. I asked Jamie to add you to the reservation, so Senator Rockefeller knows you’ll be joining us for lunch.”
“Do you think he’ll support the rider?” Brady asked.
“I don’t know.” Jamie called to schedule the meeting, but she didn’t reveal what the Senator’s decision might be. I glanced out at the barren trees. “If he’s willing to support this rider, then I’m going to have my work cut out for me lobbying Congress over the next few weeks. There will be no guarantees, no way of knowing if we’ve chosen the right bill to attach this rider to, whether it will pass, or how long it might take.”
“Sounds impossible,” Brady noted skeptically.
“It would be possible if we had all the time in the world, but Congress doesn’t move quickly. I just don’t see how we’re going to secure this funding before the election,” I admitted worriedly.
“But we chose bills with a lot of support, bills that are very close to passing,” Oni reminded me.
“We’re still fighting an uphill battle with very little time on the clock.” Three and a half weeks had passed since I ran the idea by Senator Rockefeller. Each day that passed left me feeling even more anxious and depressed. Between the impending election and Rafael’s absence, I was a mess.
“What if he doesn’t support the rider?” Jase asked.
“He thought I’d fare better with the IMF, so I’d approach them rather than pursue anything further in Congress. I don’t know anyone who works there, but I’m guessing Senator Rockefeller does. I’ve encouraged Maxim to reach out to the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Hopefully, something will pan out there.”
“What is IMF? Is that a government office?” Oni asked.
“The IMF is an international organization that helps fund projects that stimulate growth, improve economic stability, and reduce poverty for member countries. And, yes, I’ve already checked. Ukraine is a member of the IMF. So, if Maxim approached them for a loan, as Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, and the U. S. supported him in this endeavor, odds are high he’d get the loan. The U.S. has more voting power than any other country in the IMF. There’s just one problem.”
“What?” Oni inquired breathlessly.
“Russia is a member of the IMF. So if we approach the IMF for a loan, and they put it to a vote, Russia would vote against us. Russia holds a small percentage of votes, so I doubt they could stop us, but the damage would be done. Putin would know what Maxim was planning. He would destroy Maxim and the pipeline the second he got wind of this.”
Oni’s eyes widened. “Putin has positioned troops along our eastern border. He’s planted people inside Ukraine. They’re pretending to be Ukrainian protestors, but their accents give them away. They’re from Moscow and St. Petersburg, not Ukraine. My father said they’re threatening people, trying to force Ukrainians to vote for the pro-Russian candidate in the upcoming election. If we don’t vote the way Putin wants us to, he’s going to invade Ukraine.”
“Which is why you need the missile defense system,” I reasoned. “Sadly, there are no easy answers. We’ll just have to wait and see what Senator Rockefeller says tomorrow.”
Jase turned onto an unfamiliar street. “Which house is theirs?” Cenia and Roger purchased a new home shortly before their wedding. This was our first time visiting their new place.
I studied the house numbers on the mailboxes. “Over there.” I pointed toward a brick house with black shutters on the other side of the street.
Jase parked alongside the curb. He stepped from the Jeep and opened my door. Brady helped Oni from the vehicle before grabbing his Crock-pot from the front seat.
Cenia met us at the door. “Kri! I thought you’d fallen off the planet.” She planted a quick kiss on my cheek. “Hey Jase, Brady. I can’t wait to try your chili.” She hugged them around their Crock-pots before beckoning them inside. “Hi, Oni. I’m so glad you could join us.”
“Thanks for inviting me.” Oni handed her the cake.
“This looks too pretty to eat.” Cenia nudged the door closed with her toe. She nodded toward the adjoining office. “You can leave your coats in here. I’ll show you around the house after everyone gets settled.”
The foyer opened into a great room. I set the bacon cheddar scones on the dining room table so I could give Kadyn a hug. “Hey, handsome. Where’s that award winning chili of yours?”
Roger laughed. “You’re speaking to the wrong guy. My chili is the only award winning chili in this house.” He pulled me from Kadyn’s arms so he could give me a hug. He kept me tucked under his arm as he reached for Oni’s hand. “You must be Oni. I’m Roger, Cenia’s husband.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” She peeked at Kadyn. “It’s good to see you again.”
He nodded politely. “How’s school going?”
Her eyes widened. She was surprised he asked. “Good. How are your classes?”
Kadyn shrugged. “They’re okay.”
“Hi, Kri.” Marie smiled and gave me a hug.
“Where’s Phil?” I scanned the room.
“Right here.” He’d snuck up behind me. “This must be Oni. Wow. Kadyn wasn’t kidding. You really do look like sisters.” His eyes narrowed while he studied her. “Only your eyes are green.”
“Thank you,” Oni answered uncertainly.
“Nothing gets by this guy.” I laughed. “Phil’s one of the most brilliant men walking the planet.”
“Not even close, but I’m glad you think so.” He gave me a hug.
Marie’s hand brushed gently against Oni’s arm. “Would you like a glass of Chianti?”
“Yes, please.” The tension in Oni’s shoulders eased.
“I’ll go with you. Kadyn…” I prodded expectantly.
He grinned. “Five Alarm Fire, third Crock-pot on the right.”
“You’re not supposed to know which chili is his,” Phil objected. “This is supposed to be a blind taste test.”
“Since when?” Roger scoffed. “Forget the ‘Five Alarm Fire.’ Try ‘The Smoking Gun.’ It’s in the stainless steel Crock-pot next to the stove.”
“I guess we know who’s winning the award for the manliest Crock-pot,” Jase teased. He and Brady sauntered by with their beer.
“There’s an award for that?” Matt yelled from the living room.
“Read your e-mail!” Cenia quipped from inside the kitchen.
Oni followed us into the kitchen. I dipped a spoon into Kadyn’s chili while Marie poured the Chianti. “Wow! That is good.” Kadyn confided that he was using a recipe that won best chili at the Chicago firefighters’ chili cook-off last year. The sauce was thick and meaty with the perfect amount of heat.
Marie handed me a glass of wine before grabbing a spoon and giving it a try. “Poor Phil.” She sighed dejectedly.
I handed Oni a spoon. “What do you think?”
“It’s quite good,” she agreed.
“Have you tasted chili before?” Marie handed Oni a glass of Chianti.
Oni shook her head before sipping the wine. “No. We cook with beans, but nothing spicy like this.”
“You should sample all of the chilies.” Cenia handed us a stack of paper cups. “Once you find your favorite, grab a bowl and dish up. Cornbread, scones, and chips are on the dining room table. Sour cream, onions, and cheese are over there.” She pointed next to the stove. “Oh, and don’t forget to vote. We’ll announce the winner
at half time.” Cenia strode into the living room, where she made the same announcement.
We sampled each of the chilies in turn. Cenia, Roger, and Kadyn followed suit. The remaining guests waited until the commercials. Kadyn joined Oni and me on the floor when we settled in front of the television to eat.
I nudged his shoulder with mine. “Any news on the missile defense system?”
Kadyn kept one eye on the television. “Last I heard, Secretary Gates was running it through the White House. I doubt I’ll hear anything further.”
I figured as much. A plan of this magnitude was only discussed on a need to know basis. “If we decide to position the defense shield in Ukraine, do you think we’ll be able to get it installed before Putin discovers what we’re doing?”
Kadyn eyed Oni, then me. “Maxim will have to position the shield in an area that minimizes the chances of pro-Russian forces passing human intelligence back to Putin. They’ll have to work quickly. Mobile launch pads and munitions convoys can be detected by satellite. Putin could discover what he’s doing before the defense shield is operational.”
My stomach turned when I considered the ramifications. “This could lead to war, not just between Ukraine and Russia but between Russia and the United States.”
Oni paled.
I set my food on the coffee table. I felt too nauseous to eat.
Kadyn’s arm braced my back as he whispered discretely. “You’ll see the U.S. position a carrier group in the Black Sea and run training exercises simultaneous to the installation as a precaution, a show of force, and a distraction.” He squeezed my shoulders reassuringly.
A chill stole through my bones. I feared what we’d begun so much so that I barely registered the football game and the tour of Cenia’s house. I perked up when the results for the chili cook-off were announced. Kadyn won best chili, Brady came in second place, and Jase came in third. Of course, Roger scored the award for the manliest Crock-pot.
