by Bella Rose
Kira loved the camaraderie of the stage. She loved having real friends for the first time. And even though they were also rivals when it came to winning roles, the ballet company was fair for the most part, and it left the dancers to be more of a family than competitors.
“Kira, don’t you think he’s hot?” Tiana pressed. “Even though you’re an old married woman, of course.”
Kira was enjoying this immensely. She was never the one with a leg up in these situations. Not when it came to men. Tiana was the brave one.
Now she winked at her friend. “I know him, actually. Would you like me to introduce you?”
“Seriously?” Tiana’s mouth popped open. “You know that guy?”
Jessie grinned. “Whoohoo! Looks like Kira just pulled one over on you, Tiana. How about that?”
Kira already knew Viktor was watching. She could feel his gaze like a physical caress. It gave her a sensation of safety she had never experienced before. Now she turned and gave him a tiny wave and a smile. He stood up and began walking toward the side of the stage where she and the other dancers were stretching and getting ready to wrap up practice.
“Hey,” she said softly as she took his hand in hers.
If he was surprised by the contact, he didn’t say anything. Instead, he cupped her cheek and kissed her forehead. She felt warm and fuzzy inside.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked. “I thought we could stop for a bite on our way home.”
Meanwhile, Tiana and Jessie were both staring in open fascination.
Finally, Tiana nudged Kira’s arm. “Excuse me. You said you knew him. I’m thinking there’s more to the story?”
Kira grinned. “This is my husband, Viktor.”
“Whoa.” Tiana breathed. “Okay. So you do exist!”
There was a round of laughter while Kira made the introductions. She had the odd thought that this was the most normal she had ever felt in her life.
Chapter Eight
“So I’m guessing that your friends have no idea what your family situation is like,” Viktor said over a plate of French fries in a pub around the corner from the theater. He had suggested they share a few things only because he knew she wouldn’t really eat anything on her own. It was something he was quickly learning about her.
“No.” Kira glanced down as though she felt guilty. “Sometimes I feel like I’m leading a false life or something because I don’t tell them what my family does. Do you think that’s like lying?”
“No.” Viktor shook his head. “You’ve been taking great pains to separate yourself from the mafia lifestyle. We’re the ones who keep dragging you back in.”
“Do you like it?”
He considered her question. “I like certain things about it.”
“Like the money.” She shoved a fry into her mouth.
He hated the idea that she thought he was all about the money. “It’s not just about the money, Kira. And you know you benefit from the money too.”
“I know.” She looked chagrined. “I didn’t mean to imply that you were greedy. I know you’re not like my father.”
“The men in the organization are my family. I grew up with them. Like Anatoly. He’s always been like a crotchety uncle who might bluster a lot, but who can be counted on.”
“I understand,” she said softly. “It’s like the other dancers. For the first time ever, I feel like I really belong to something.” She sighed.
He took a sip of the sangria he had ordered. It was good, tasting like fruit and very mild. “Have a taste. I got this for you.”
“Really?” She sat back in her seat, looking shocked. “I’ve never drunk alcohol before.”
“You’re twenty-one now, right?” he teased. “You should at least give it a try.”
A pretty blush stained her cheeks. “I guess I am twenty-one. I don’t think about it much.”
“So?” He had a few reasons for wanting her to taste the alcohol. The biggest being that he fully intended to be inside her that night.
She picked up the glass and sniffed. “It smells sweet!”
“Don’t sound so surprised. If it all tasted terrible, nobody would ever drink it.” He laughed. “Go ahead. Everyone deserves to do something wild and crazy a few times in life.”
KIRA SNIFFED THE drink once again, savoring the blend of sweet fruits and the slightly bitter tint of the alcohol. “What is it?”
“It’s called sangria. It’s made from wine and lots of fruit extracts.” He looked so calm and safe. How could she refuse?
She tipped the glass back and let the liquid brush her lips. Then she licked them lightly with the tip of her tongue to try it. Surprisingly, the flavor was wonderful. Feeling bold and maybe a little bit wicked, she took a few swigs. The effect was almost immediate and felt amazing.
It was like the room went fuzzy for a moment before coming back into sharp focus bigger and more intense. The fries on the plate looked even more scrumptious than they had a moment ago. And she most definitely wanted more of the drink.
“Whoa there,” Viktor said in a low, warm voice. “Slow down.”
“It tastes incredible. How have I never tried this before?”
“I’m going to guess that dancers probably avoid that kind of empty calorie overload,” he suggested.
Kira made a face. “Yeah. We do have to watch what we eat. Nobody likes a fat girl in a leotard.” She giggled and then slapped her hands over her mouth in shock. “I can’t believe I just said that out loud!”
Viktor chuckled. “That happens with alcohol.”
“So what happens when you drink?”
“Me?” He raised an eyebrow. “It takes a lot to get me drunk these days. Half of council meetings or gatherings with the lieutenants involve the consumption of several bottles of vodka.”
“So the secret to the mafia is that you all sit around and get drunk together?” For some reason, that was really funny.
“I suppose you could say that, yes.” He chuckled. “Did your father drink?”
She scoffed. “My father pickled his liver before I was born! I think he had my brothers drinking before they were out of their teens. The four of them would sit around and make grand plans for the expansion of the Berezin territory while they drank themselves to oblivion.”
“Grand plans?” He raised his brows. “Like what?”
“Like taking over your father’s position.” Kira sucked down about half the glass in one pull. Her head was swimming now, but strangely enough it wasn’t an unpleasant sensation. She felt rather floaty. “Viktor?”
He seemed distracted. “Yes?”
“Will you have sex with me?”
She must have said that a little more loudly than she had intended, because several people at the surrounding tables turned to stare. Kira pretended not to notice and just smiled at them.
“Kira?”
“Yeah?”
“I think it’s time to go home.”
Viktor stood up, but to Kira’s surprise, when she tried to stand she found herself gripping the table as a wave of dizziness overwhelmed her. She grabbed for Viktor and let him support her as she tried to look somewhat normal on their way out of the pub.
VIKTOR FILED WHAT Kira had said about her father into the back of his mind for further examination. For now, he was fully occupied trying to figure out how one tiny glass of sangria had turned his graceful dancer into a lumbering bear.
He finally gave up trying to walk her to her apartment. He swept her into his arms and carried her there. It was damned distracting the way she kept kissing his neck, though. His cock was already hard as a rock, and he hadn’t even managed to get her home.
The last flight of steps was agony. She had threaded her fingers into his hair and lightly scored his scalp with her nails as she bit his throat with her teeth. His skin was tingling everywhere she touched, and he wanted her so badly he was afraid he was going to come as soon as he sank his cock inside her tight little channel.
“Kira,
” he grunted. “We need to calm down here for a moment.”
He fished in his pocket for her keys and finally managed to find the right one. She wasn’t having any of the calming down, though. As soon as the door was closed behind them, she scrambled out of his arms. He tried to steady her when her feet hit the floor, but that wasn’t necessary. She was suddenly balanced and graceful again and determined about what she wanted.
Her leggings hit the floor first, followed by her leotard as she scrambled out of her clothes.
At that point, his brain fogged over. “Kira, wait.”
“No more waiting. I’ve been waiting three years already.”
All of that smooth skin beckoned to him, and Viktor could hardly form a coherent sentence. He’d only seen her with her clothes on until now. The form-fitting leotard had given a hint as to the perfection of her shape, but now he could see every inch of her pale, perfect body. Her breasts were high and firm, the perfect size to fit his palms. Each nipple was dusky rose. Her areolae were drawn up into tight little puckers, and her nipples were hard as diamonds.
Unable to resist one second longer, Viktor closed the distance between them and knelt before his wife. He kissed her belly and then cupped one breast and took her nipple in his mouth. He sucked and licked at her skin. The way she moaned and writhed against him urged him on. He cupped the other one in his hand and pinched her nipple until she squealed with delight.
He had to remind himself that she was a virgin still. There was a bed just a few feet away in the small confines of the studio apartment. Standing up, he swept Kira into his arms and carried her the short distance.
“I’m going to make you come first,” he told her gruffly. “Then I’m going to have you. Do you understand?”
“Yes!” She arched her back, planting her feet on the bed and spreading her legs to show him her pussy. “I want you to touch me the way you did last night.”
“No.” He knelt between her legs and kissed her inner thigh. “I’m going to do better.”
KIRA’S MIND WAS still a little fuzzy, but when Viktor’s tongue encircled her clit, she knew exactly what she was getting, and even more so, what she wanted. Everything inside her woke up all at once. The sensations were exquisite. Sharp pleasure left her gasping for breath. She felt her inner muscles bear down as they sought the delightful feeling of penetration.
He worked her pussy as though she had been made for him. He nuzzled her mound and slipped a finger inside her while he continued to tease and suck at her clit. The noises he made were so damn erotic! She opened her eyes and watched his dark head move between her thighs. The knowledge that he was licking and sucking at her with his mouth was devastating.
Seconds later, she dissolved into a fierce orgasm. Her thighs clamped closed, locking against the sides of his head as her hips bucked and she whimpered over and over again. Still, it wasn’t enough. She felt empty and achy inside. Reaching for Viktor, she tugged at his clothes. She wanted him naked.
“What do you need, little one?” he asked gently.
“I need you. I need more.” She couldn’t even come up with the words. “Please, Viktor?”
She heard him move and felt the bed shift. Moments later, she felt the warmth of his skin next to hers. She groaned at the exquisite sensation. There was crinkly hair on his legs, and more on his chest and belly. Yet he felt wonderful. Then he settled between her legs, and she spread her thighs wider to welcome him.
“Take me,” she whispered. “I’m yours.”
He kissed her. His lips made love to her, and his tongue slid deep into her mouth just as his cock probed her virgin entrance. Kira twined her arms around his neck and kissed him as deeply as she dared. Seconds later she felt the pressure of his entry. There was brief pain, but the friction made it almost pleasurable. She was full of him and eager to feel him move inside her.
His hips began thrusting against her, driving his cock deeper and then retreating. Kira gasped in awe as she felt her own orgasm building at the base of her spine. Every nerve in her body seemed to fire at once as he drove in again. She felt him tremble against her, felt the pulsating warmth of his cock, and realized that he was spilling his seed into her body.
“Kira,” he groaned. “You’re so damn tight. You feel so good. Come with me, little one. Give me more.”
She threw her head back and shut her eyes as a wave of intense pleasure whipped through her body. Holding onto Viktor, she made him her anchor in the storm of passion that left her nearly senseless in its wake. If this was what she had been avoiding for so long, then she was a fool!
Chapter Nine
Viktor tried not to disturb Kira’s sleep as he opened the front door of her apartment. “It’s good to see you, Aleks.” He smiled at his friend and longtime mafia comrade. “I can’t thank you enough for this favor.”
“I’m still trying to figure out why you’re moving in here instead of taking her to your penthouse,” Aleks said, scratching his beard. “This place is a shoebox.”
“But she’s comfortable here,” Viktor explained.
Aleks’s blue eyes glinted. “Nicolas told us what his plan is.”
“Did he?”
“It’s low to use a woman as bait.” Aleks’s tone was flat. “None of the men approve. Your brother is making enemies fast. Soon we will be backing you to take over the leadership. I would rather have you for a boss anyway.”
“While I appreciate the compliment,” Viktor told his friend. “I support my brother. You know that.”
Aleks heaved a giant sigh. “Da. We know. Even if we think you are mad.”
“Go on then. I’ll see you at the next meeting.” Viktor clapped Aleks on the shoulder before the man headed back out the way he’d come.
Viktor closed the door behind him and exhaled a giant sigh. He took the bag that Aleks had brought and headed for the bathroom.
“Who was that?” Kira’s groggy voice came from the bed.
“My friend Aleks brought me some things.”
She rolled in the bed, giving him an enticing view of her breast and hip. “What things?”
“Clothes, bathroom stuff, you know. The type of things required to stay someplace for awhile.”
“You’re going to stay here with me for awhile?” She sounded almost apprehensive. “How long is awhile?”
“I’m not sure.” He shrugged. “Does it matter?”
Kira sat up in the bed. “I guess not. It’s just that moving in together sort of means we have a real relationship. You know?”
“Don’t we?” Viktor asked quietly. “We are married, Kira. I care deeply about your safety.”
“But you’re not going to tell me that I can’t dance?”
He shook his head. “Of course not.”
“Then I’m glad!” She bounced out of the bed. “I never thought having a husband around would be fun, but I really enjoy just being with you.”
He was taken aback by her sudden enthusiasm. It reminded him of Elena and the first time they had gone apartment shopping together. She had been so happy that they were finally moving in and getting married after being sweethearts nearly all their lives.
“What’s wrong?” Kira asked softly.
“Nothing.”
“No. What were you thinking of just then?”
He pursed his lips. There was really no reason to hide it. “Elena.”
“You miss her still?” Kira guessed.
KIRA WONDERED IF anything would ever change the way that Viktor felt about Elena. Would there ever be a place in his heart for her? The thought made her sad.
“I’m sorry.” Viktor walked toward the bed. He sat on the edge and gently stroked her shoulder. “Elena will always be my first love. I can’t do anything about that.”
“I wouldn’t want you to,” Kira said firmly. “You shouldn’t stop loving her just because she’s gone. I just wonder if there’s any room in there for someone else too.” She placed her palm in the center of his chest.
“I
t would be very hard not to feel something for you, Kira.” He nuzzled her temple, kissing her cheek. “You constantly amaze me with your determination and toughness.”
“I do?” She was astounded. “I feel like a mouse on most days.”
“I would call you more of a lion.” He picked up his bag and started pulling out items.
Kira stared at the unfamiliar accessories of this man who was her husband. She ran her finger over the bottle of shaving lotion and touched his toothpaste with a feeling of strangeness that would not go away.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, getting up to put his bathroom items away.
“I’m not sure. I think I’m just trying to get used to the idea of actually being married. I’ve always considered myself married, but living it is much different.”
“Yes. It is.”
She took a deep breath, well aware that she was overstepping in the worst way. “I won’t have you sleeping with other women while we’re together like this.” She crossed her arms over her chest for emphasis.
“I don’t need other women, Kira,” Viktor said gently. “I have you.”
The earnestness in his expression drowned out whatever was left of the mafia visage that so terrified other people. She watched him put his things away and then got up, realizing that she probably needed to clear out a drawer. It all felt so awkward.
“Is this usually what it’s like to move in with someone?” she asked.
Viktor laughed and shoved his boxer briefs into the drawer she had just cleared. “I haven’t done this before, but I would imagine that the answer is yes. Anytime you shift your life around to make room for another person on a regular basis, you’re bound to feel a little off balance. Wouldn’t you think?”
“Are we going to have sex again?” Kira belted out the question before really thinking it through. God knew how that sounded.
Viktor didn’t mention her brash forwardness, which she appreciated. “Yes. I would imagine we will have sex again. Why? Do you want to?”
