by Koko Brown
“What’s taking you so long? You better not be in there stealing!” she called out.
“Yikes,” he muttered. She held grudges.
SEVENTEEN
Ex chose a bakery located in the city center that opened at six a.m. There were small tables near the window with a view of the square.
He watched as she ate her apple cake. “Dobre—Good?” he asked.
“Um, it is very good.” She smiled. “Really…I’m serious…this is good.” Then she forked into another chunk, and smiled while chewing. “Why did the Concierge ask if I liked my surprise?”
“Why did you say yes?”
“That’s not what I asked.” She took a sip of water and then ran her tongue over her teeth. “Answer the question and quit playing around.”
“I told him I wanted to surprise my fiancée.”
“Oh, the lies don’t stop with you, do they?”
“Have you ever lied to get what you want?”
Lynne’s mouth tugged sideways. “No.”
Ex smirked. “To thy self be true—liar American.”
Her eyes widened. “Did you just call me a liar?”
“Yes.”
“You know nothing about me to have that sort of opinion.”
Ex reclined in the chair while stroking the stubble on his chin. “Then tell me about Lynne.”
“I don’t want to.” Then she jumped in her seat. “Holy crap.” She took out her cell and began texting. “My friend is the kind that will alert the police if I don’t message that I’m alright.”
“That is a good friend,” he said and then finished off his coffee. When she placed the cell on the table he had finished the beverage and eager to know more about her. “Why have you come to Kiev?”
“I need medicine for my Dad.”
“In America, they do not have medicine?”
She fidgeted with the sleeve of her cardigan sweater. “It’s a long story.”
“I have time.” He leaned forward with interest, noticing the emotional shift.
“My Dad has leukemia. He’s undergone a whole bunch of treatments. He’s become frail and I—” She rested her chin on her hand and gazed out of the window to avoid him seeing the shine forming on over her eyeballs. “I um…I um…I keep thinking he’s not going to make it...and I don’t know if I’m prepared to say good-bye. My Dad…whew,” she held the tears in and continued. “He’s a wonderful father. He’s the only man in my life that I’ve known who is trustworthy and honest.”
Those were admirable traits, except, he doubted saints lived on earth. “And the medicine he needs is in Kiev?”
“Yes. The person who died had promised to ship a supply to America—free of charge.” She shook her head in dismay. “Now that he’s dead I’m uncertain whether anybody in the company will honor his verbal agreement.”
The explanation allowed him a better understanding of the great sorrow he sensed when she had cried. “And what is the name of the medication?”
“Hold on I have it written down.” Lynne went in her bag and after a brief search she presented him with a paper with the name. “I can’t pronounce it.”
Ex memorized the name and gave it back. “What if I can help you?”
Lynne’s eyes ignited and she cheered, and just as quickly became skeptical. “Wait…you’re after something…you admitted you’ll lie to get what you want. Why should I trust you Exeter Justas?”
Ex might’ve laughed at the question, were it a different time and place. But, there’s nothing funny when he used his Didus’ to bargain for his life and again to have relations with a vulnerable foreigner. “My Grandpapa died due to an incurable disease. You do not need to trust me Lynne Rayne to sense there is sincerity in my desire to help you. I have friends within the pharmaceutical industry that can provide you with this medicine—free as well.”
She struggled to believe. Then he observed the accented long lashes descend as she deliberated. She considered he might be telling the truth. Otherwise she would not have asked, “And what do you want in exchange?”
Before he answered her cell lit up and a name appeared. Her forehead furrowed and she threw the cell in her purse. “Forget it. I know what you want…if it’s sex, that’s a small price to pay. Let’s go!”
EIGHTEEN
Ex placed his bag against the door and crouched to remove his soft sole boots as Lynne put music on to set the mood. Now that he was perched to get what he wanted, he didn’t have that giddy excitement anymore. Somewhere between the bakery and the walk to the hotel, he experienced remorse. He rose, bringing his backpack along. The music drifted from the slender phone lying on the coffee table. He was unfamiliar with the artist but the melody’s intensity as the singer crooned had a pleasing effect. He listened to the lyrics and figured out the song was about hooking up at a club.
His eyes narrowed. They were not in a club; they were in a nice hotel room. But, he had ample sexual encounters in dance halls. The blaring music, vibrating walls and potential interruption by a partygoer heightened the thrill. Perhaps, her erotic song choice suggested she was open to exploration.
Lynne emerged from the bedroom wearing a black silk teddy, a waving a condom. “One size fits all.”
His attention zeroed in on the curvaceous hips, full breasts and strong thighs. As enticing as she looked, he experienced second thoughts. He didn’t want her vulnerable. Presently, she had no idea that if he fucked her—she wouldn’t be safe. No, he could die simply envisioning their future. Yes, he’d get her medicine as a good deed for years of hell-raising.
Her hand dropped to her side. “What happened?” she asked.
“You are beautiful Lynne. I will secure the medicine for your father.” Then he turned to leave.
Before he exited, she asked, “When you said you wanted a kiss before you were killed, were you lying?”
“No.”
“You’re awfully calm for a person who is about to die. And if someone is trying to kill you and succeeds, you wouldn’t have gotten your kiss.”
“I am calm because we all must die. But, I have time to do this one thing before I do and collect more than a kiss.”
She approached and he released the doorknob. “Why does someone want you did, anyway? Did you steal from them, too?”
“No, but I am a bad person and have angered a powerful man, more than allowed,” he answered honestly. His gaze burned with the souls of the dead. Perhaps, she witnessed a good man turned bad because she approached and silenced him with a slow kiss. He lifted her off her feet and the condom dropped as she held on to his neck during his forceful tongue action. A rapper shot lyrical dopamine, adding to Ex’s hyper arousal from her touch.
“I’m what you want…”
The control he exercised got tossed in the bin and he spun hard against the door, hoisting her up with ease, and bringing her legs over his shoulders for access to valley of sweets, guarded by a Mohawk trim. Highly aroused, his tongue inserted between her lips without getting scalped by a pussy guarding Native. Lynne squealed, clutched his head, and prematurely flowed when his tongue teased her clit. He sipped her fluids, sucked her lips and kept her pinned until she demanded his dick.
He brought her down, dropped his backpack and wrestled out of the material restraints. Dirty sex, he didn’t want—clean and passionate was the kind he wanted at the moment with Lynne. Once free of barriers, he pulled her to close and smiled when she caressed his shoulders, and then kissed his cross. Then she said the sweetest words which penetrated his heart. “We can choose our paths, you know. If you’re in trouble, go to the police or if that’s not an option—leave—change your environment—American isn’t that bad. I have friends that can hook you up with a place or a job. I’m just trying to give you options. Being macho is fine in a movie, but in real life there’s nothing weak about avoiding trouble. Think about it.”
The supplication stripped Ex’s resolve. He took her to the carpet, a tad gentler than a wrestler; hiked her teddy over he
r head and what she wanted he gave. The fingernails pinching his firm ass, and vaginal clenches to his dick were all appreciated.
“Fuck me Ex—remind me why life is better than death!” she exclaimed.
Why had she said that? Why?
His forehead rested atop her soft breasts. His tempo slowed as he lathered her skin. Then he withdrew and rolled her onto her stomach and was taken aback by the tattoo on her rump. The root of a tree inscribed with the word family formed decorative branches along her spine.
The music played on a loop. Hard and pulsing with venous branches protruding from his penis, he gripped her ankles, held her firmly and penetrated with a covert mission. She leaned on her forearms, legs bent as he pumped rhythmically between her legs. She whimpered his name during the complete occupation, as he ass clapped on his thighs. He withdrew slightly, allowing air to mingle with the shiny cum on his rod. The viscous connection when he inserted deeper, induced a primal growl when her walls clutched on. Her head flopped and lifted. She cursed him good as he gyrated unrelentingly to her g-spot.
The intense sensations branching from the tip of his penis gripped nerve endings and he mumbled in Ukrainian during the erotic electrocution. Her ass bounced from the penile friction and Ex leaned back until she performed a headstand.
“Lift your head…do not faint,” he instructed.
She panted, and followed his advice. “Shit…ummmm….oh damn Ex…oomph…this feels fucking good…Oooohhh,” she moaned.
Singed by desire, he lowered her down, refusing to detach and on all fours, he pumped even more while fondling her breasts, licking the coil of her spine. She screamed and he didn’t give a damn as he burned for more of her flesh. Her skin became moist and he used the slickness to massage her pubic mound, pressing firmly with his palm as he gyrated with erotic control as she shivered.
He wanted a new start in America—he wanted a future with Lynne. He cursed his weakness to want a woman he barely knew, who caused him to think of a family of his own. He’d been lost; he could see again.
Lynne gave him hope!
She trembled when heated semen exploded within her. Ex closed his eyes under the most euphoric sensation. He wanted Lynne Rayne and if she wasn’t on contraception, he prayed his seed took root and grew strong in America. He’d give her his name— provide her with comforts—anything she desired as long as she carried his family’s legacy. The Justas line could not end tragically. His Grandpapa survived wars; said they were, but Ex did not wish to die with regret. He wanted a child and he chose to do so with Lynne Rayne.
“Marry me today Lynne…here in my homeland, share my name,” he proposed with gruff urgency.
Breathless, Lynne slumped to the floor, rolled supine and searched his eyes for mirth. “You’re joking, right?”
He lowered to the floor beside her. “I am serious.”
“Then you’re crazy,” she answered.
“I have never desired marriage until I met you.”
“You know this is insane, right?” She grimaced. “I mean more than crazy.”
“Be daring Lynne. Trust what your feelings.” Ex glanced at her profile and smiled. She stared at the ceiling and he sensed she mulled over his proposal—Lynne Rayne was easy to read.
“I did once and then my former fiancé cheated on me.”
“There were signs. Perhaps, you failed to see them.”
“You’re right. It was all too good to be true. We dated for years…everything was fairytale perfect. I believed time was needed to really know someone. I wasted years on a fool that played me.”
“There is risk in love. You took it, but I have yet to try.” He slipped an arm under her neck and his bicep made a hard pillow. “I want to have a family with you.” He slapped his stomach. “I sense we have a strong connection. I do not know much about love, but I see in your eyes my future and it is with you.”
“Why me and why should I believe anything out of your mouth.” She shook her head, grinning. “I admit—there is chemistry and hello you surprised me just now. Hell I’m tempted to say yes for selfish reasons. But, marriage is a big deal to me and I don’t want to do it on a whim or to get back at someone who hurt me. I want to do it for love. I’m lusting for you, but that’s not enough.”
“Love builds. We have the roots to strengthen what is between us. If I go to America with you, I want to go as your husband.”
“So, you do want to leave with me.” She palmed her forehead. “I feel like Stella getting her groove back.”
“Huh?” he asked.
She laughed. “I’m referencing a book. The character brings home a guy from the island…wait…are you gay or trying to get a green card?”
“No.”
“You swear?”
“Yes.” He signed an air cross over the tattooed crucifix on his chest. “I swear in memory of my family. I have not lied to you.” Ex withdrew his arm to stand and retrieve his cell out of the backpack. He returned, took a seat and worked in silence. He grinned slyly at her surreptitious glances to his package. Ex enlarged the device’s screen and scooted closer to show her the figures in his bank account.
Lynne read the account holder’s name and as expected her mouth gaped open. “Whoa, you really should stop stealing wallets. Unless that’s how you attained your wealth.”
“I do not steal money. Agree to marry me and I will transfer every cent to you, today.”
She exhaled a cheek full of air, tempted and insulted. “That’s a lot of money, but I have my own money. I operate an interior design business and although it isn’t going to make me rich—I’m good at what I do—and it’s fulfilling.” She sighed. “I can’t take your money—nor do I want it.”
He sighed as he shook his head in acceptance of her decision. The Lynne caressed his shoulder before planting a kiss on his neck as a salve upon rejection. Ex frowned with disappointment. However, he was grateful to have touched a piece of hope. “Thank you for a special day Lynne. I am appreciative.” He then jumped to his feet, tossed the phone in his backpack and went for a shower. He had work to do. Lynne’s father needed medicine and he knew exactly how to acquire it, thanks to the forms he found in the attorney’s briefcase.
Once in the shower, he lathered roughly to cleanse his ego. Then Lynne poked her head through the side of the shower curtain. “Mind if I join you?”
He shrugged nonchalantly and she entered. He started soaping her down, caressing her with his fingers and a stone-face to avoid conversing during the intimate bathing.
Then Lynne stepped over his big feet to rinse. “Thank you, that was um…nice.”
He nodded. “You are welcome.”
“You’re accustomed to getting your way aren’t you?”
“I do not understand what you mean,” he said innocently.
“You’re thirty-one and I’m closing in on you. That makes us adults right? We can do what we want, right?”
Puzzled by her strange oration Ex responded, “I suppose.”
“People get married, saying they love each other and then the next thing you know, that fancy wedding is the backdrop to divorce court.”
He grimaced. “My family has long and happy marriages.”
“My parents are married going on thirty-five years. They met at a club, what was hot sex in the bathroom turned into a hot romance.”
“They told you that?”
“Well, when my Mom got drunk once, she goes TMI.”
Ex smiled with his eyes. “If she is like you, she is special.”
The suds cascaded into the drain. “I’ve said all of that because I thought about it and changed my mind. Yes. Ex I want to marry you. Let’s make this happen.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes—I’m sure.”
“And why should I believe you?”
“Because Mr. Exeter Justas, I admit to lying about things, too. I’ve gone against my instinct before and this time I trust what it says.”
He peered down at her oval head
getting pummeled by water set to massage. “What does your instinct say?”
“It says, if I let you walk after our business is finished, I might regret the decision.”
“That’s what it says?”
“Yes and stupid me got caught by you and in the event what we did today turns into 9 months of bloating, I want to find the person to blame.”
The elusive happiness he craved, surfaced after years of suppression. He cupped her face and kissed her passionately beneath a man-made waterfall.
Lynne Rayne Justas. He liked that. Once he bribed a judge to legally bind their union, he’d transfer all of his money into her account—yes—he plotted—prompted by necessity to secure her future in the event Viktor Alexi ordered his immediate execution.
NINETEEN
The couple stood in the office of a Surrogate Judge on a Saturday afternoon. Money opens what is closed, including documents and buildings. A clerk backdated the marriage license, after Ex and Lynne exchanged vows and the rings they purchased from a jeweler near the hotel.
Less than an hour later, the information regarding their marriage entered the database. For all legal intents and purposes; they were officially husband and wife.
“I cannot believe you have that kind of clout,” Lynne stated after they received copies of their license.
He took her hand as they walked back to the hotel. “Money is clout,” he said.
They reached the hotel and the Concierge greeted them with a smile. “Have you enjoyed your day?”
“Yes, thank you.” Lynne replied.
Ex escorted her upstairs and when she went to the bathroom, he lifted her cell and used his phone to access her confidential data. Then he hurried to the bedroom to change out of his new clothes. His smile faded. Tavas Ogen had a vacation home outside of Kiev where he entertained women guests. They were to rendezvous there in an hour.
