by K. S. Ruff
Shae and I walked arm in arm once we hit the tarmac. Jase walked alongside me, Kadyn alongside Shae. Brogan and Aidan stepped aside when we joined Maxim and Rafael.
Konstantin kissed Shae on the lips. “Thank you for coming.”
She nodded politely.
Maxim kissed my cheek before I could process her lukewarm response. “You honor me with your presence.”
I gave him a hug. “Thank you for inviting us.”
Amusement danced in his eyes. “Your security detail is larger than mine.”
I eyed the security forces standing stiffly along the tarmac. “I think you miscounted.”
Maxim laughed. “Most of these men have been ordered to protect you and your aircraft, and this doesn’t include the security team that arrived yesterday.”
I glanced at Rafael questioningly.
“I arranged for a security detail out of Portugal. They’re positioned between the airport, Maxim’s residence, and Mariyinsky Palace.”
“How many?” I inquired breathlessly.
“Twenty-eight intelligence and security officers,” Maxim answered.
My eyes widened. “Can you accommodate that many people?”
Maxim chuckled. “If this ensures your safety, then I am happy to have them.” He shook Kadyn’s hand. “Thank you for coming, Kadyn. Your assistance has proven invaluable.”
Kadyn nodded. Once.
I introduced Maxim to my remaining friends.
He reached for my elbow after shaking their hands. “You will ride with me. I can accommodate two more people in my SUV. I’ve secured additional SUVs for the remaining individuals.”
“Jase and I will join you,” Rafael assured me.
“Brogan and I will ride with Shae,” Kadyn announced decidedly.
Konstantin’s eyes narrowed, but Kadyn’s tone brokered no room for argument.
We piled into the long line of SUVs. All of the vehicles looked the same; black paint, heavily tinted windows, and no defining features such as presidential emblems or flags. Rafael, Jase, and I joined Maxim in the third vehicle. Maxim’s bodyguards sat in the front. I joined Maxim in the second row. Rafael and Jase sat in the back.
“I’ve arranged for a small, intimate dinner to welcome you and your friends at eight o’clock this evening. That should allow you some time to rest. The swearing in ceremony will take place on the floor of the Ukrainian Parliament at three o’clock tomorrow. I plan to sign the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement before the inaugural ball. The ball is being held at Mariyinsky Palace, which adjoins the Ukrainian Parliament,” Maxim advised us.
“I understand Mariyinsky Palace is merely a ceremonial residence. Did you acquire the former president’s home?” Jase asked.
“Yes, but I plan to dismantle that opulent resort, auction the items, and return the funds to the Ukrainian people.” His eyes sought mine. “Each president is allowed to select his own private residence. I’ve chosen a modest home that can still accommodate guests. The grounds are extensive, which helps ensure privacy. The layout is very secure. I promise, you will be safe there.”
“How has public sentiment been since the election?” Rafael queried.
“My countrymen are pleased about the pipeline. They are hopeful this will strengthen our economy. They are worried that Putin may retaliate, but the missile defense shield helps alleviate some of their concerns. The Ukrainian people recognize this defense shield is meant to protect all of Europe. They feel honored the United States would trust us to protect the EU. This has become a source of national pride, the fact that you would count us among your allies.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “Maxim, I am so happy for you.”
He grasped my hand. “I want you to know how much I appreciate your efforts to help my country. You owed us nothing… less than nothing when one considers what the SVR did to you… but still you helped us. I will never forget what you have done for me and my country.” He kissed my hand before releasing it.
My chin quivered. Maxim’s words evoked a confusing array of emotions, which threatened to release a floodgate of tears.
Our convoy turned onto a narrow lane interspersed with budding trees. We stopped briefly at a gatehouse. Our driver spoke with the guards before following the other vehicles through the tall wrought iron gate.
“The sleeping quarters inside the guest house are being used by your security detail and mine.” Maxim nodded toward a large stone house.
A sprawling lawn and a small pond separated the guest house from the Tudor style mansion looming before us. A number of guards were patrolling the grounds.
“It’s beautiful,” I breathed.
Maxim smiled, obviously pleased. “There are ten bedrooms, five in each wing, which should be enough to accommodate your friends.”
“Thank you for having us.” I still couldn’t believe we were staying at the presidential residence. A number of phone calls had transpired between Rafael and Maxim before Rafael agreed Maxim’s residence was the safest location for us.
Our SUV stopped in front of a massive garage. Maxim helped me step out of the vehicle since Rafael and Jase were sitting behind us. Rafael linked his fingers in mine when he joined us.
Maxim took it all in stride. Within minutes, he was ushering us inside. While the house was quite large, it was far from opulent. I found the stone walls, the deep mahogany wood, and the masculine undertones soothing. The warm hues reflected in the brown leather furniture, the artwork, and rugs were consistent with his previous home. They fit him perfectly.
“I’ll take your coats,” the butler offered in flawless English.
Rafael freed me from my coat before removing his own.
A low growl rumbled through Jase’s chest when he caught Maxim eying my dress.
Maxim shot Jase a disapproving look. “Kristine looks stunning. A man would have to be dead not to appreciate that.”
Kadyn helped Shae out of her coat.
“Where’s Konstantin?” I asked.
Shae shrugged.
Maxim reached for my arm. “I’d like to show you the house before escorting you to your rooms.” A modest sitting room sat to the left of the foyer. This room held brown leather chairs and a mahogany bar I recognized from his previous home. Maxim’s office was across the foyer, directly opposite the sitting room. His office opened into a good sized library.
Maxim stopped in front of the formal dining room, which was clearly designed to entertain large groups. “Dinner will be served here this evening. You will be my first guests.” A restaurant sized kitchen separated the formal dining room from a smaller, more intimate dining room. A powder room and a family room were secreted near the back of the house. The French doors inside the family room led out onto a massive stone terrace with a stunning view of Kyiv.
“What an amazing view,” Cenia whispered admiringly.
The terrace extended beyond a second set of French doors which opened into a formal living room on the opposite side of the house. A second powder room separated the living room from an unassuming door, the library, and Maxim’s office.
Maxim opened the door and started down the stairs. “You are welcome to use the sauna, gym, and lap pool. The central command center is located here.” He pointed toward two solid doors near the bottom of the stairs. There are a number of escape routes… tunnels that lead to various locations on the property where vehicles are hidden in case of an emergency. My security staff will lead you to those should the need arise.”
Our luggage was sitting at the top of the stairs by the time we reached the second floor. Maxim led us to the far end of the left wing.
I touched the intricately carved door sealing the room on the end. “This is the same door you had in your other house.”
Maxim’s eyes softened. “I’d like you and Rafael to stay here.” He opened the door to the right of his room.
“I think we should sleep in the other wing,” Rafael stated flatly.
“You are welcome to s
tay in the other wing, but Kristine will remain in the room next to me. You are not the only man who is concerned for her safety,” Maxim replied dismissively. He briefly considered Jase. “You can sleep in the room directly across from Kristine. I’d prefer Shae stay in this wing as well. The rest is flexible.”
Jase patted Kadyn on the back. “You can bunk with me.”
Maxim brought my hand to his lips. “I’ll ask the chef to serve dinner at nine o’clock so you can get some rest.”
“Thank you.” I edged closer to Rafael.
Rafael kissed my forehead. “I’m going to speak with the security staff. Jase will sit with you until I can join you.”
I was too tired to object. I changed into a camisole and sleep shorts in the adjoining bathroom before easing between the crisp, cool sheets.
Jase settled into the armchair next to the window. “Try to get some rest.”
“Thank you for being here.” I yawned and promptly fell asleep.
Rafael was sleeping beside me by the time I woke. He stirred when I reached over to retrieve my cell phone from the nightstand. “What time is it?”
“Eight o’clock,” I answered. “You can go back to sleep. I’m going to shower before dinner.”
He pulled me close so his body warmed mine. “Can I join you?”
His sleep-roughened voice left me longing for more amorous activities. “Sure.”
“I’d like to speak with my son first.” He lifted my camisole so he could kiss my tummy. “I’ve missed you. How are you doing? Is your mommy taking good care of you?”
I giggled softly. “I’m eating well and drinking lots of water if that’s what you’re asking.”
He rubbed his bristly cheek against my stomach. “I’ve missed this and you. How many more days must we endure this separation?”
“Three more weeks,” I answered. “We’re nearly there.”
He picked me up and carried me to the shower. “I would prefer we were never parted again.”
I nodded. “Is this going to work? Maxim’s place, I mean. Would you prefer we stay in a hotel?”
Rafael turned the jets on. He removed his clothes and mine while we waited for the water to warm. “No. Maxim’s right. This place is a virtual fortress, and he has it locked down tight. We’re safer here than we’d be at any other location in Ukraine. It’s just… Maxim’s affections toward you can be trying at times.”
I pulled him into the shower. “Maxim’s affections are irrelevant. I’m married to you, and I’m carrying your child.” I grabbed the soap and worked a lather into my hands so I could wash his shoulders and chest.
The tension eased from his shoulders. I knelt in front of him so I could wash his legs. His eyes darkened when I reached between his legs. “Kristine,” he pleaded hoarsely.
I pulled him deep inside my mouth. Around and around my tongue swirled while I clenched his hardened shaft. His fingers curled against the wall. I knew he needed this. He needed to know I desired him above all others, especially in this place where Maxim wielded so much power.
I yelped when Rafael lifted me by my armpits and pinned me against the cold tile. I wrapped my legs around his hips. “I want you… only you,” I whispered.
His lips collided with mine. He pressed just inside of me. “I need you. I need every part of you.” He lavished me with his tongue. My neck, my breasts, my mouth… he was everywhere at once.
Rafael thrust, pulled back, and thrust again.
I held fast as the water pelted us. “Don’t stop.”
His finger slid to that unthinkable place. My breath caught when he claimed this part of me. He’d never… no one had ever… claimed this part of me. My vision blurred as pleasure pulsed between my legs.
He stole my objection with a kiss. His tongue thrust, his finger thrust, everything thrust at once. Pure ecstasy pebbled my breasts. Rafael plundered every crevice while I clung to him. We spun higher, wound tighter, until my head fell back against the wall. Rafael suckled my breasts, forcing me over the edge. We exploded violently… pulsed relentlessly… as one.
My toes gradually touched the ground.
Rafael washed my hair while our breathing slowed. “Thank you.”
I offered him a wry smile. “That should make dinner a bit more bearable.”
He laughed. “I should think so. If not, I’ll request a ‘do over.’”
I lathered his hair. “I’d like a ‘do over’ either way, immediately following dessert.”
He pressed the entire length of his body against mine. “Maybe we should skip dessert.”
I trembled with anticipation.
We rinsed, toweled, and dressed quickly. “I don’t know what to do about these,” I complained when I stepped out of the bathroom.
Rafael’s eyes widened. We’d dressed separately, so this was his first glimpse of the dress. “I have a few ideas,” he murmured, then shook his head. “You can’t wear that dress.”
I blew out an exasperated breath. I hadn’t a clue what one wore to dinner inside a presidential residence. After conferring briefly, the girls and I had decided Maxim’s celebratory dinner required an evening dress. We’d packed multiple dresses to cover our bases, but this was the only other evening dress I’d packed besides the one I’d chosen for the ball. “This dress wouldn’t look so bad if these weren’t spilling out.” I tried smooshing my breasts.
“That just makes it worse,” Rafael choked.
The midnight blue gown was elegant enough, but it was cut low in the front. My breasts, which appeared to have grown yet another cup size, were spilling out. The built in bra was forcing a generous amount of cleavage. I glared at Rafael accusingly. “Your son did this to me.”
Rafael laughed. His thumbs tickled my nipples into hard peaks while his tongue traced the cleavage. “Remind me to thank him later.”
“That’s not even remotely helpful.” I rubbed my nipples back into submission while I backed away.
Rafael tugged me back against his chest. “Maxim’s eyes will be all over you either way. Now, let’s get this dinner out of the way so I can unwrap my son’s gifts.” A wicked smile played on his lips.
“You’re terrible,” I teased him. Still, my body hummed with anticipation.
Rafael knocked on Jase’s door. A pained expression claimed Jase’s face when he saw my dress. Kadyn just laughed. We collected Cenia, Roger, and Shae before meeting the rest of our friends downstairs.
The smile slid from my face when I realized everyone had a drink in his hand. This was Simferopol all over again. There were sure to be toasts, and I knew Maxim would notice if I wasn’t drinking. He’d take offense unless I offered a viable explanation.
Maxim met us at the base of the stairs. “You look exquisite, kotyonok. Please, won’t you join me?” He whisked me right out from under Rafael’s arm with nary a thought about how Rafael might respond.
I shot Rafael an apologetic look. “I… I’m not up for drinking alcohol this evening. I’m afraid my stomach hasn’t recovered from the flight.”
Maxim forced his eyes from my bodice. “Will cranberry juice and Sprite suffice?”
“Yes,” I nodded. “That sounds perfect.”
Maxim requested the drink from a nearby waiter. A number of waiters were milling about with appetizers and drinks. He led me into the formal living room. “Prime Minister Azarov and his wife are here. They are anxious to see you.”
My fingers clenched Maxim’s arm. My heart was pounding. Hard. Prime Minister Azarov offered me a job in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after meeting me at a charity event last year. Maxim and I joined the Prime Minister and his wife for the symphony, shortly before the SVR abducted me. The SVR had used me in the worst possible way, forcing the former President and the Prime Minister to sign a treaty allowing Russia’s Black Sea Fleet to remain in Sevastopol in order to secure my release.
Maxim’s eyes softened when he saw how scared I was. He pulled me close while gently caressing my back. “Mykola and Lyudmyla h
ave been worried for you. They have been praying for you for months. Mykola wishes to thank you for all that you have done, and they both want to ensure you are truly okay.”
I blinked back tears.
Maxim released me when the waiter arrived with my drink. He leveled Rafael with a single glance before testing the drink himself. He handed me the glass.
“Kristine!” Lyudmyla exclaimed. She kissed both cheeks before pulling me into a warm embrace. “Your courage and strength humble me. I am so sorry…”
Prime Minister Azarov promptly cut her off. “Milaya moya, I am certain Ms. Stone would prefer to discuss more pleasant things.” He wiped his wife’s lipstick away before gently kissing my cheek. “Thank you for helping us secure the pipeline and the defense shield.” He waved dismissively toward the rest of the guests. “And they thought it was your beauty that inspired me to offer you that job. We showed them, didn’t we?” He winked.
“Mykola, who is this exquisite creature you hold in your arms?” a distinguished looking gentleman with glasses demanded.
Prime Minister Azarov laughed. “This is the woman who encouraged Maxim to steal your job so he could secure the presidency.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Ms. Stone, I don’t believe you two have met. This is Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Leonid Kozhara.”
I sucked in a breath. “Minister Kozhara, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…” I glanced at Maxim worriedly. “Well, maybe I did mean…” My cheeks heated as words failed me.
Maxim’s laughter warmed the room. He tucked me protectively under his arm. “Do not worry, kotyonok. Leonid agrees that was a brilliant move. I doubt Secretary Gates or USAID would have negotiated with me if I hadn’t been representing the Ukrainian government in some formal capacity.”
Understanding dawned in Minister Kozhara’s eyes. “Ms. Stone, I should have recognized you, but alas those photographs did not do you justice. You are the young woman who stole my country’s heart in that media storm last year.” He gently kissed my hand. “As well you should have. We owe you a debt of gratitude.”
Tears threatened once more. “I… I just hope it helps. I’ve been so worried about how Russia might respond.”
