Fate

by Tia Wylder

  Which was why, when he found out what hospital Natalia Rhukov was staying in, he immediately broke into a toothy grin. He planned what he would say to Svetlana all day, shaking with the anticipation of a plan well executed. He would spring his idea on her, she would reject him of course, but that wouldn’t stop him. He’d sweep her off to the hospital, charm her sister, be the kid son’s hero, and then… he wasn’t sure where he’d go from there. He honestly hadn’t thought that far ahead. He liked to think Svetlana would plant a nice big smooch on him, but he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop at a simple chaste kiss and he wasn’t sure making out in the hospital was exactly respectable behavior. While he couldn’t care less about being respectable, he didn’t want to have his wonderful assistant tarnished.

  He rose to his feet in a flourish, slipping out of his office to seek the woman who danced through his thoughts. Jackson bore a brilliant smile, offering his cheeky grin to whoever passed him in the halls of the office. It must have been a rather startling sight, seeing the no nonsense boss all full of cheer. It had gotten to the point that his employees had given up on greeting him in the halls, prior to that day. He wasn’t surly by any means, he just never had time to dilly dally. Today marked a new day, however.

  His new day was knocked slightly off track when he found Svetlana in her office, cursing someone loudly in Russian. Her teeth were nearly bared in a snarl, her face flushed a pretty shade of pink. Jackson was certain he felt his heart stop in his chest, and despite how obviously irate she was, he couldn’t help but feeling the vaguest tug of attraction. She noticed his presence a moment after he stepped into her office, and she bit out one parting line that he couldn’t understand before hanging up the phone.

  “What’s going on, there?” Jackson inquired with a faint quirk of his lips. Svetlana brushed her hair away from her eyes, looking the most irate that he’d ever seen her.

  “My parents in Russia. They’re trying to challenge me for custody of Klaus, should anything happen to Natalia. They don’t have a pot to piss in, as I’ve been declared his godmother by my sister, but you… well, you don’t understand, but Russian parents can be very… aggressive,” she sighed, flopping back in her office chair. He quirked a brow, smiling despite himself.

  “I know how parents can be across all regions, sweetheart,” he murmured. He stepped closer, and she stiffened as she realized her boss had caught her in the middle of a fight with her parents.

  “I’m sorry, that was awfully unprofessional,” she blurted. Jackson couldn’t swallow a bark of laughter, waving her off.

  “Unprofessional is getting your personal assistant to be your pretend girlfriend,” he chuckled. She rolled her eyes, flipping through the messages on her cell phone. “In any case, I came to check in and see if you were up to taking a break with me,” he offered, bouncing on his heels. She quirked a brow at him, looking curious but quite interested.

  “Alright, alright. I’ll bite. What’s on the agenda, honey?” She grinned coyly, crossing her legs at the ankles. He resisted the desire to lunge towards her and ravish her with his mouth on the spot, instead returning her smile with a mischievous one of his own.

  “Well, you’ll just have to see when we get there,” he hummed, offering the gorgeous blonde his arm. She looked him up and down, seeming to consider her options. Seeming to decide there was little harm in humoring him, she took him by the arm and allowed herself to be led out of her office. Jackson’s excitement only grew as they stepped into the bright and sunny day. Svetlana’s curiosity seemed to be piqued further and further, especially as he led her to the parking lot and his black sports car. She quirked a brow at him, drawing away and crossing her arms over her chest.

  “How can I be sure you won’t take me out to some field and have your way with me?” She inquired, quirking her lips in a wry smile to show she was only teasing. Jackson could only smirk, leaning against the side of his car.

  “I could always make a change of plans,” he hummed. Svetlana blushed prettily, averting her eyes and clearing her throat.

  “I’m sure whatever you have prepared will be just fine,” she murmured dismissively. His expression warmed, and he took her gently by the hand and led her to the passenger side of the vehicle. He pulled the door open, allowing her to slip inside before easing the door shut. He circled back to the driver’s side, slipping inside and cranking on the vehicle. He revved it, smirking at the look of wonder on Svetlana’s face.

  “You ready to roll in style, sweetheart?” He murmured, shifting into reverse. She hesitantly nodded, fastening her seatbelt before gripping the seat’s armrests. He grinned wildly, speeding out of the parking lot and onto the main street towards the hospital. Svetlana’s eyes were wide and almost fearful, and she glanced over at him before speaking.

  “You are aware that there is a speed limit, correct?” She inquired loudly, over the revving of the car’s engine.

  “What’s a little fine when it comes to impressing your pretend girlfriend?” He hummed. She rolled her eyes good naturedly, sinking back into the plush passenger seat. Jackson idly reached down, shifting on the warming and massaging function of Svetlana’s seat. She whimpered softly at the sensations, and when he glanced over to her, her face was beet-red. “Just making sure you have a fun ride,” he murmured huskily. She said nothing, simply gripping the armrests more tightly and shifting her hips subtly. He could only imagine the sensations going through her body, and while it may have been a bit inappropriate to get her all hot and bothered considered their destination, he could only hope he could butter her up enough to keep her from getting angry. He had been snooping in her files, after all.

  She didn’t seem to recognize the direction they were going in, until they passed the hospital sign and they could make out the looming building just off the highway. She pressed her lips in a thin line, looking at him with an exasperated expression.

  “You really are eager to meet my sister, aren’t you?” She inquired sardonically. He shrugged, offering her a hesitant smile.

  “Like I said. I care about you. By association, I care about your family,” he said with a shrug. She smiled despite herself, and he felt the butterflies that seemed ever present in his stomach growing excited. Despite how self-assured he was presenting himself as being, he was nervous to meet the other members of the Rhukov family. At least, those in the United States. He was especially nervous to meet the little boy that would someday be in his assistant’s custody. He could only wonder what sort of strain her sudden shift to motherhood would put on a potential relationship. He knew the child wasn’t to blame, nor was anyone to blame. It was simply that terrible disease that was sweeping through Natalia’s body. He pulled into a parking spot, and the two slipped out of the car. Jackson slipped around to the back of the car, popping open the trunk and removing a large cooler as well as a stuffed tiger that was nearly too large to carry.

  “What on Earth,” Svetlana began, and he offered her a nervous look.

  “I figured that the hospital food couldn’t have been particularly appetizing to begin with, let alone after being here for months. I stopped by and picked up some takeout from my favorite cafe, and a chocolate cake for us to share,” he managed, hoping she didn’t think him foolish. She smiled tenderly at him, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. He felt his own skin grow warm, and she moved to take the stuffed tiger out of his arms to help him carry the load.

  “And this…?” She inquired, her eyes sparkling with delight. He hesitated, feeling rather silly now that he thought about it.

  “I just thought her son might like it. Obviously, it’s not going to take away the pain of losing his mother, but…,” he trailed off, and she nudged him in the side, bubbling with laughter.

  “You want them to like you! You’re really going all out, here, Jackson. A girl could get the idea that you’re genuinely interested in her,” she teased. He simply chuckled, swallowing any awkward feelings he may have had. The two made the short trek to the hospita
l doors, stepping inside. Svetlana took the lead, guiding him to a set of elevators and summoning one to the ground floor. They stepped inside, managing to catch one without a plethora of people joining them. She pressed the button for the fifth floor, and the two stood silently together as the elevator began to rise. “They’ll ask what your interest is, with me. My sister will, at least. What are you planning to tell her?” Svetlana murmured. Jackson’s face flushed, and he averted eyes, muttering under his breath for a moment. “Pardon?” She prompted.

  “I’m simply going to tell her that I’m a friend who cares very deeply about you,” he explained. She smiled, and the expression was so bright it could bring to light a dark and cloudy day. He struggled to ignore the warmth in his gut, the growing adoration for the woman who stood eagerly at his side. He had expected her to be angry, and he supposed she would have had every right to be. However, she simply seemed thrilled that he had taken an interest in her, as well as her family. He couldn’t deny his growing enchantment with the woman, and it was only a matter of time before his feelings came spewing forth. He could only contain it for so long. Just as he was sure he was going to blurt out his feelings, the elevator dinged to indicate they were on the proper floor. She led him out of the elevator, seeming to have a bit of a skip in her step as she led him down the hallways. The nurses recognized her immediately, greeting the blonde-haired woman warmly as she and Jackson made their way through the floor. He couldn’t help feeling as if their collective gaze upon him was mildly suspicious, but he managed to swallow the feeling as they stopped outside of Svetlana’s sister’s room. Svetlana knocked out a pattern; ‘Shave and a haircut’. Two knocks answered as well as an excited giggle. The door was pulled open by a young boy with curly blonde hair and bright blue eyes. His eyes widened dramatically upon seeing the tiger clutched in his aunt’s arms, and he scarcely seemed to even notice Jackson.

  “Auntie, did you buy that for me?” He asked with excitement resonating from every bone in his body.

  “My friend bought it for you, Klaus. Can you let us inside?” Svetlana murmured warmly, pressing the tiger into the young boy’s arms. It was nearly twice his size, but he managed to drag it deeper into the room, heaving it up and sitting it on a hospital chair. Jackson and Svetlana filed into the room, and Jackson was startled to see Natalia immediately scrutinizing him.

  “Your friend, huh?” She asked, her accent much thicker than Svetlana’s. His blonde-haired assistant laughed airily, taking Jackson by the arm and drawing him in closer. Natalia narrowed her eyes, looking between the two suspiciously. “That is no friend. That is your boss,” the gaunt woman commented with an authoritative tone. Svetlana laughed, and Jackson managed a nervous chuckle, setting the cooler of food beside the bed and offering his hand.

  “We’ve discovered as of late that it can be both,” he grinned nervously. Natalia narrowed her eyes upon him, reaching out to grip his hand with a surprisingly firm grip.

  “It has taken you long enough,” the older sibling said in a huff. Jackson chuckled, drawing away and opening the cooler of food. Natalia glanced over the side of the bed, eyes widening at the sight of the appetizing cold cut sandwiches. “Is this… for us?” The sickly woman inquired softly. Jackson smiled, grabbing one of the subs and handing it to the woman. She unwrapped it from its plastic, taking a tentative bite and moaning appreciatively.

  “I figured you were sick of hospital food. It’s not much, but,” he was cut short by her holding up a hand as she swallowed.

  “It is very kind of you, Mr. Wethers. I can only wonder why you are treating us with such kindness. You are only my sister’s boss,” she murmured.

  “If you think this is kind, wait until you see the cake he brought,” Svetlana announced as she rummaged through the cooler. Klaus gasped, and Natalia pointed a finger at him.

  “Real food first. Then cake,” she said firmly. The young boy groaned, but took one of the sandwiches out of the cooler and unwrapped it before taking a large bite. He grinned excitedly at Jackson, reaching out to tug at the leg of his pants.

  “Thanks for the food!” He announced happily, munching away at the sandwich. Jackson chuckled, reaching out to tousle the boy’s curls.

  “You’re quite welcome, Klaus. Miss Natalia, as far as only being your sister’s boss,” he paused, looking at Svetlana with warmth in his gaze. “I can assure you that my feelings run much deeper than that. I care about all of my employees, but your sister is quite special,” he murmured. Natalia considered the two for a moment, smiling mischievously.

  “You love her,” she bluntly remarked. Svetlana barked out a laugh, and Jackson could only nervously chuckle as he reached into the cooler to prepare the cake.

  “Auntie and uh… this guy, sitting in a tree,” Klaus sang, and Jackson could only try to mask his mortification.

  “Who wants cake!?” He blurted, slicing a large piece for the little boy. He was instantly distracted, grabbing the plate before digging into the chocolatey delight. Jackson went about serving everyone in the room a piece, and Svetlana moved to sit beside her nephew. As Jackson handed Natalia her slice, the older sibling gestured for him to move in closer. He did so warily, surprised at the warmth he saw on the woman’s face.

  “You will find I am less easily distracted than my son. You love my sister, but she does not know it yet. Yes?” She whispered. He hesitated before nodding the affirmative, his cheeks flushed. “Your secret is safe with me. I only ask that you treat her as she should rightfully be treated. You have my blessing,” Natalia murmured before taking the cake and loudly thanking him. He stepped away to enjoy his own slice. The remaining moments passed in relative silence, and Svetlana glanced at her wrist watch before gasping.

  “Oh, Jackson. We should be heading back soon,” she said, seemingly regretfully. He hesitated for a moment, looking at the woman who had so gripped his heart. His plan was perfectly set in motion. Initially, he had at least wanted some sort of recognition for his actions, but now he found that it seemed as if that would only tarnish the good deed. He smiled, gesturing towards the door.

  “Go on outside. I’ll be out in just a moment,” he cooed. When it looked as if she would protest, he winked at her before speaking again. “That’s an order.” She looked vaguely taken aback, but only rolled her eyes and laughed.

  “Alright, alright. I’ll meet you in the parking lot, boss,” she drawled. She slipped out the door, and Jackson hesitated before using the room phone to dial up the business office.

  “Yes, I’d like for a representative to come to room 525 to discuss a change in payment method.”

  Natalia watched him with a curious expression, and to their mutual surprise, it was only a moment before a representative from the business office stepped in the door. He winked at Natalia before finalizing his plan.

  “I would like to take over the payments for Miss Natalia Rhukov’s treatment,” he said with a smile. He could hear Natalia gasp, but he paid her little mind, providing his payment information to the representative. Once that was squared away, he turned to Natalia with a small smile. “Our secret, alright?” He murmured. She hesitated for a moment, but nodded her head.

  “You are a good man, Mr. Wethers,” she announced.

  “Just call me Jackson. And don’t give it a second thought. Family helps family,” he smiled. With a parting wave and another ruffle of the young boy’s hair, the man slipped out of the hospital room and towards the elevators. When he made it to his car, he was pleased to see Svetlana propped up on the hood. He grinned as he approached her, and she gave a slight start upon being caught. She scrambled off his car, immediately making sure she hadn’t left any scratches. “Well, weren’t you presented like the prettiest little present,” he hummed. Svetlana smacked him on the arm, rolling her eyes in exasperation. The two slipped into their respective seats, and as the engine revved, Svetlana reached out to adjust the seat settings herself.

  “Isn’t it hilarious that she thought you were in love with me?
We’re better actors than we gave ourselves credit for, it seems,” she smiled toothily. He chuckled, reaching out to grab her by the hand as they drove back to the office.

  “It’s not exactly the most difficult role I’ve ever had to play,” he teased, enjoying the way his assistant’s face reddened.

  “Oh, hush,” she muttered, shyly averting her eyes but tightening her grip on his hand. He smiled to himself as they made their way to the office, a feeling of warmth blooming in his chest once more. He was sure that Svetlana would eventually grow suspicious when her sister’s bills were no longer delivered to her home, but he could only hope he could keep up the act long enough to take off a bit of her financial burden. The woman who had captured his heart had enough on her plate without having to worry about whether she could provide for her sister’s treatment. His mind flickered to the young boy that had been so excited to see his aunt, and how that very aunt could someday soon be providing major care for him. Though Jackson was sure he was unprepared to take on a father role, he mused that for Svetlana, he could at the very least be there.

  God willing, if she allowed it.

  Chapter Six

  The following weeks at the office returned to a sense of relative normalcy. Svetlana and Jackson continued their farcical dating, and Jackson could only thank the stars that Lina had not been back. The line between farce and reality was growing increasingly blurred for the man, though he was quite sure the same could not have been said for his assistant. For her part, she carried on her normal duties as well as sneaking into his office for the occasional moment of alone time. He had initially questioned why she wanted to spend her off time with him of all people, but she had assured him that it was merely for the sake of authenticity. It had nearly broken his heart, but he’d managed to keep a cool expression, even as it grew increasingly evident that she would likely never care as deeply for him as he did for her. He couldn’t hold it against her; prior this arrangement, he’d not even known her name. He cursed every time he misspoke such a wonderful name, one that would come to send such chills down his spine.