by Cait London
Mikhail’s strong fingers circled her wrist and brought her hand to his lips. “I’ll trade you. No pity for no pity.”
She couldn’t breathe, her heart racing. “Deal.”
His lips burned, excited, dragging slowly, seductively, just parted across her palm. Mikhail leaned down to nuzzle her cheek with his. “You look like a little girl in that coat.”
There was the surprising tenderness he’d shielded. “I’m not. Maybe I never was. I had to grow up fast…. I know quite a bit about you, you know. I read the detective’s report in my father’s files—he’s like that, extending his tentacles into private lives. Your wife wasn’t as private as you are.”
“No, she wasn’t. JoAnna was unhappy and didn’t care who knew it. We fought.”
His smile curved against her cheek and Ellie’s body tensed, quivering just that once. “I know this is a bad situation for you. I’m sorry. But just a moment ago, you looked so fierce—I’ve never seen you like that. What are you fighting, Mikhail?”
“You,” he said quietly, as he bent to gently kiss her. “I was fighting the taste, the feel and the scent of you. I think of you sleeping in my bed at the house and I want to be there with you.”
So, Mikhail thought distantly, darkly, he was in pursuit of Ellie whether he liked it or not. Perhaps the chieftain’s curse had tangled around him. It seemed his lot to choose another woman much like his ex-wife. A woman to twist him, to cut his pride, and yet he wanted her, his body hard now, aching for her softness and warmth.
Ellie stiffened and drew back, her face flushed, her eyes wary.
Terms, he thought, always a woman set terms for a man wanting her.
“She’s in there, isn’t she?” Ellie shot at him fiercely. “I see that look and I know you’re thinking of your ex-wife. A socialite, wasn’t she? Just like me? Wealthy? Just like I was? Maybe spoiled, too, just like me?”
Her hand grabbed the front of his shirt and a few painful hairs with the cloth and kissed him hard. “What we have between us, buddy, may not be nice, but it is honest. Fight me, kiss me, but make certain you’re thinking about me. Don’t go mucking up me with someone else.”
Here was the fighter, the woman fierce in her anger and truth, and Mikhail admired her, wanted her even more. He couldn’t help smiling. “Tomorrow, it’s business. But be careful tonight.”
The tilt to Ellie’s chin said that she’d taken his warning as a challenge—but then, as only Ellie would, she served it back to him. “I can handle you, any time, Mikie.”
“Please do, then. Handle me,” Mikhail murmured, before he tugged her into his arms.
Ellie needed the chilly, damp night to steady her senses. Mikhail had offered to walk her to the Stepanov home, and the gesture was too old-fashioned, too courtly, for the man she had always pitted herself against.
Oh, there was plenty of that, she thought, remembering the deep, sensual kisses that still hummed in her body, the need to lay Mikhail out on that unfinished dining room table and—
She tugged up Fadey’s coat. She was simply on edge, still dogged by exhaustion, and not up to Mikhail just now. He’d been too tender, cupping her head between his hands, slanting her head slowly, perfectly, to fit his lips. Those bone-melting kisses had slowly changed, and he’d unbuttoned her coat. Watching her, he’d smoothed her cheeks, her throat, and skimmed over her breasts.
Ellie could have purred, but just then she didn’t know if she was breathing. She’d definitely floated as Mikhail’s big hand had gently smoothed and cupped her breast.
His unsteady groan and the heat pouring from him could have warmed Ellie until the next century. The pounding of his heart coursed through her veins as she touched him, her hands skimming his chest beneath the shabby work shirt.
The tide lapped at the shoreline, the fog tingling on her face. Mikhail was a seductive beast, all right, once he got started, and always that raw passion simmered beneath….
She wanted to hold it in her hand, to claim him fiercely so that he would never look or think about another woman.
She laughed shakily to herself. Handle me, he’d invited. There certainly was a lot of him—aroused and close and…
A big man moved out of the shadows. “Mikhail?” she asked.
The voice was a sneer and coarse, and the mist carried the sharp tang of alcohol. “I’m the better man, honey. Lars Anders at your service. What’s a pretty little thing like you doing out alone?”
“Walking.” There was something frightening about that big, round face, those small eyes—the man was a predator, looking for weaker prey. She could feel him breathe, feel the coarse animal hunger inside him stir….
“Don’t ignore me,” he ordered and spun her around as she tried to walk past him.
Mikhail’s too-quiet voice came from the night and suddenly he was beside her. “Leave her alone.”
“Stepanov.” The word was a dark curse slicing through the mist.
“Lars.” Mikhail’s voice was cold and firm. In that moment, Ellie sensed how dangerous he could be, how taut that powerful body had become, as if coiled….
“I was just walking—” Ellie began. Over her head, the two men were watching each other like fighters, ready to step into the ring. Lars was beefier, and she couldn’t bear to see Mikhail get hurt.
Mikhail’s arm went around her waist, placing her a little behind him. Clearly, Lars would have to deal with Mikhail to get to her. “Yes, of course. Good night, Lars.”
But the man’s small eyes darted from Mikhail to Ellie and back again. “So that’s how it is. The great man has a woman. Your father took mine, and my brat.”
“You abused them. He protected them.”
Fury boiled in those small eyes, Lars’s face puffing up. “All you Stepanovs—”
“Leave it.” Mikhail turned Ellie firmly and wrapped his arm around her as they walked toward his parents’ house. “Stay away from him, Ellie. He’s bad news and he’s got a grudge. If you need to walk at night, tell me.”
Mikhail was silent and Ellie hurried to keep up with him. “You should have told him that we—that we aren’t… I’m not your woman. It sounds so coarse.”
“It would, from him.”
Ellie’s senses told her that Mikhail would cherish the woman he considered his and that was terrifying. He would want more than she had ever given….
At his parents’ door, Mikhail smoothed back her hair and looked down at her, no longer grim and hard. “So then, the next time you need to walk and think, let me know, okay?”
He made her feel young and sweet and protected, a girl walked home by her sweetheart. Ellie found herself blushing and looking away.
“Hey. What’s this?” he asked, smoothing her cheek.
She didn’t understand his gentleness, his seeking look, that thumb cruising lightly over her hot cheek. Her emotions were all tumbling, churning, melting inside her. “I don’t know.”
“Sure you do.” Mikhail bent to kiss her lightly, and suddenly Ellie couldn’t let him get away. She gripped his coat and tugged him closer.
Mikhail’s chuckle should have startled her, but it didn’t. She was too busy feasting on him.
Five
“I understand, exactly,” Ellie said, as in his office, Mikhail reviewed her duties as his assistant. “Conference coordination and special activities. Focus on pushing Stepanov furniture, the local artisan work, and offering conference special, interesting activities, giving grand tours of the conference planning committees and, of course, making certain that conferences have shuttle facilities for tours—maybe afternoon sails. I’ve arranged all this before, for my father. Oh, yes, and big promotion for the celebrity charity golf tournament.” She nodded as she ran through the notes on her pad of paper. “I understand that Edna is your secretary and that I am your assistant and that I am to inform her of my schedules so that our timelines can run smoothly. I will be working with you mostly in promotion and as a social director. I’ll do a good job.”
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nbsp; Dressed in his gray suit, Mikhail did not look like the man who had kissed her last night, or who had trembled in her arms, the sensual fever running between them. This morning, he was an employer introducing a new staff member to her duties. He unlocked the door to Bella Sportswear near the indoor swimming pool. Inside was a Mardi Gras of colored swimwear accessories.
“Leigh runs this, but you may have to step in. Leigh’s contractions started this morning. She’s two weeks early, but the doctor said she’s okay.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. She and the baby will be just fine.”
“I think so, too. You’ll have to do the best that you can with the shop. If it is false labor, then Leigh will be here to help show you around. Meanwhile, pick out something for you and Tanya from the shop.”
“What we have is fine. Thank you.” Ellie pushed away that twinge of shame that she hadn’t provided better for Tanya, that secondhand clothing served the purpose.
“You’ll need other things. Sunglasses, hats, totes, I want you to be a walking style show for anything available at the Amoteh. But nothing too…revealing. You walk, talk and think Amoteh.”
“I see.” He hadn’t meant to insult her. When it came to the Amoteh, Mikhail was all business.
Just once, his gaze had taken in her long sleeve cream blouse and sweater, her loose, flowing navy slacks and walking loafers. She’d sold her suits, and on short notice, these clothes were her best for business. She’d learned how to make do and re-do with thrift-shop clothing, enough to get by until she could afford better.
Mikhail’s nod said he approved of her clothing, good for moving around the Amoteh in the preseason. He touched her shoulder lightly, indicating the pool. “No swimming without lifeguards. Ryan, Leigh’s brother, doubles up here sometimes. I do not wish to deal with wedding parties. Sobbing, frantic mothers of the brides are definitely your problem. My mother or Leigh usually handles them, but they’re going to be busy. Where’s Tanya?”
“At Bliss and Ed’s, playing with their goat and learning how to tie-dye T-shirts. I think there are plans for planting seeds in growing boxes. Leigh said that’s exactly how she grew up—with lots of love and understanding, only in a van, not a small cottage. Tanya couldn’t be happier.”
“Not a bad way to grow up,” Mikhail said quietly. “Do you like the suite?”
“It’s perfect. Thank you.” It was too close to his. “I’ll be very careful not to bother you, Mikhail.”
Mikhail looked out over the Pacific Ocean. “Too late. You already do. Make certain that Tanya is never alone, not even around a corner from where you can see her…that someone trustworthy is always with her. And if I’m not here, that you and she are moved into your suite tonight. I’m afraid my family can’t be with you now.”
Ellie frowned slightly and clicked her notebook closed. “This sounds more than a baby coming. Why are you so specific about Tanya? Of course I wouldn’t let anyone untrustworthy near her.”
Mikhail turned to look down at her. “I called Paul last night. He’s not happy. I expect him to arrive any day. Or Hillary may come.”
She’d trusted him and he’d betrayed her. Paul and Hillary would be on their way…. “You called him? You called him? How could you? You didn’t even let—”
“They’re not getting Tanya. She’s going to be watched at all times. But with Leigh’s baby on the way, we’re going to keep this from her, from Bliss and Ed, and away from my parents. They know the situation and the danger, but now is the wrong time for Paul to start playing tough guy. I don’t want them bothered by Paul’s hot temper or Hillary’s foul mouth. Your suite has top security devices and I’ve moved one of the single men into night duty. I want you moved in tonight.”
“Or gone,” she said, shaking with anger. Or was it fear?
“I didn’t betray you, Ellie. I merely chose the battlefield. You can’t keep running. I know about the attempts Hillary made to steal Tanya—once from the day care center while you worked. She’s not above kidnaping. Paul will try other methods. Tanya stays here at night with us.”
Us…us… “You and me?”
Mikhail, the cool businessman, spoke quietly, firmly, logically. “Your suite opens into my apartment. Keep the door unlocked. If you need me, all you have to do is call. If I’m at the clinic, waiting for the baby, you have my beeper number. I expect you to use it if you have any trouble at all.”
Mikhail turned to view the ocean again. He’d placed his job and the Amoteh in danger…for a child.
Yet something else troubled him, and Ellie knew that it was the coming birth. She touched his arm and felt the muscles contract. “Leigh and the baby will be fine, Mikhail. Women are very strong when they have to be.”
“I know. Look what you have done. Are you going to let me help you?”
“Is the sky blue? Do I love chocolate and a bubble bath?” she asked and wondered why she felt to dizzy and happy, just looking up at him.
Mikhail’s expression changed, smoldered. “Keep looking at me like that and we’re not going to make it through the day.”
“Threats and promises,” she whispered.
He made a sound like a low, hungry, desperate growl. “Games? I wouldn’t, if I were you.”
“You’re not me. You’re a step-by-step, righteous sort of guy. I’m impulsive.” She grinned and reached up to pat his head, as if he were a little boy. Mikhail tensed and bristled so nicely beneath her touch, not at all like the methodical businessman he’d been moments before.
She turned and, with a smile, strolled away. She was woman. She was strong and fierce and wise and in control.
Mikhail stopped her with one word. It sailed across the empty pool to wrap around her like a lariat. “Lunch?”
Her warning senses started the flash. She’d teased Mikhail and now she wasn’t certain. “In the kitchen? With Georgia? A learning tour? Sure.”
“In my apartment? Now?” His voice was a husky, sensual invitation she wasn’t ready to take.
“Sorry. I’m going driving on the golf course. Sand trap inspection, you know.” She continued walking, but the sound of his chuckle followed her.
Two tense weeks later, mid-March sunshine slid though the windows of Jarek’s new home. Leigh sighed luxuriously and lay back on the recliner covered with a sheet. “I’ve gone to heaven. No hovering husband, just girl talk. A pedicure, manicure, a facial and my favorite soap opera on television. I can cry all I want when Jonas is unfaithful with his sister-in-law and his daughter is blackmailing the chauffeur, with whom she had an affair, and his mother has forged his name on contracts he doesn’t want for kickback money…. And Katerina is being pampered by Mary Jo and Bliss. I think she’s going to have Mary Jo’s green eyes, just like Mikhail and Jarek…. Thanks, Ellie. I love my family dearly, and my baby, but I really needed this.”
Ellie placed her hand against the window of Leigh and Jarek’s home, overlooking the beach. The afternoon was warm and on the beach, Tanya ran to discover whatever the tide had left. Grinning, she scampered back to show her shells to Fadey, who was obviously enjoying himself as he picked up the little girl and whirled her around. He tossed her lightly into Jarek’s arms, then Jarek nuzzled her playfully before passing her to Mikhail.
That was how Mikhail had handled Ellie, after their first kiss, tossing her lightly to Fadey. I kissed her. She liked it, and now she’s mad…. She wants me, of course.
Of course she wanted Mikhail. She wanted to run him down, stake him out and devour him until he was helpless.
Ellie rubbed her arm. But Mikhail had never been helpless, and she could be the one to be devoured, an experience she wasn’t likely to forget.
Leigh came to stand beside Ellie, watching the big men play with the little girl. “I grew up like that, racing and playing and loved. Most of all, I was loved. Bliss and Ed liked to follow the winds of the universe, and for a time, as an adult, I resented it. But now I know that I had the best of everything—love. Um…I should warn you that Bl
iss and Ed think children shouldn’t be burdened by clothing in warm weather. Most of the time, I just wore love beads and sunshine.”
In the sunshine, Mikhail had knelt to examine Tanya’s collection, and the little girl stood beside him, her arm looped loosely around his neck.
The peaceful scene contrasted sharply with Hillary’s burning, erratic calls to Ellie. “I’m going to get my kid, one way or the other.”
Paul’s call had been fierce and brisk, and he didn’t waste threats or empty words. He would make good his promise to rip the Amoteh from Mikhail and shatter the incomes of people depending on him. And he would take his time, making Ellie wait. Paul knew how to build fear of reprisals.
“Let’s just play this game out, shall we?” Mikhail had said easily as he worked on business in her suite. Asleep in the other room, Tanya was always well watched. Like most rooms in the Amoteh, Ellie’s suite was furnished with Stepanov furniture, bold against the softer shades of mauve and cream. Just like the family, it was made to last, and the linens and bathroom soaps and oils all bore the strawberry logo. The small fireplace was perfect, guarding against the cold mist outside; the kitchen tiny and complete and the business work center well fixed with a computer and faxing and intercom facilities.
During the evenings, as they worked, listing ideas for the promotions and conferences, the door to Mikhail’s apartment was open, and he was very proper about knocking before entering. He’d sit beside her on the sprawling cream couch, comfortable in jeans and stocking feet and concentrating on meshing their ideas. Mikhail took every idea and turned it around carefully, asking questions before either approving or rejecting.
Mikhail hadn’t touched Ellie, and she missed him. He had returned to the cool methodical businessman, and she was too busy getting the feel of the Amoteh, and exploring the possibilities for conferences and entertainment. They worked together well—if she followed his orders, which she was doing for now. She had other ideas she hadn’t told him, ones that she knew he would squash.
