“It’s from Illya. He said he and Ivan will give my place a good clear-out and make it habitable for me so I can come back home tomorrow.”
“Aw, that’s sweet.”
“Jenny, what part of that is sweet?” In spite of the situation, Blossom giggled. “I’ve got two Russian men cleaning my house. Is that the premise to an erotic novel?”
“Well, it certainly is for me,” Jenny laughed. “And it is sweet. Two big Russians are looking after you. Make the most of it.”
Blossom conceded that. It wasn’t every day that she had a handsome neighbour with an equally handsome brother doing cleaning duty for free. And it would certainly be very helpful when Adrian turned up again. If he was stupid enough to break the restraining order yet again.
Blossom had a feeling that he was.
*****
Ivan groaned and straightened up, stretching his arms with a grimace.
“Gods, Illya. I thought we did all of this two days ago with your house. I’m brawn, yes, but not like this.”
“Well, you always wanted to be a cleaner.”
“That’s not funny.”
Illya chuckled. He and Ivan had started working very early, rolling up their sleeves and tackling the downstairs. They had friends coming in to decorate and get rid of the spray paint. All he and his brother needed to do was clean up and put everything into the bin Illya had ordered the night before from another close friend.
The Russian community certainly had the gift of coming together when one of them needed help. And the fact they were doing it as a favour for Illya made him even more grateful.
“Just get going on it.” Illya went back into the bedroom with another trash bag. “I’ve nearly got all the ruined clothes out. Then we can start on the bed.”
It was a sight to see. All of Blossom’s clothes had been ripped or splattered with bleach. Illya couldn’t find a piece of clothing that actually looked wearable. Not even the white cotton panties. Illya had to stop himself thinking naughty thoughts when he was handling Blossom’s underwear, now was not the time.
“What’s Blossom going to do about clothes?” Ivan asked, appearing in the doorway. He had taken his t-shirt off at some point, leaving his sculpted marble torso on display with his jeans low on his hips. He wiped his sweating face with his t-shirt. “All her clothes are destroyed. Even her underwear and socks. Who destroys socks?”
“I’ll get her a new wardrobe.” Illya stuffed the bag with the pile of clothes he had put on the bed. “I’ve seen what size she takes. Half a dozen outfits should do it to tide her over until she gets her own things.”
When was the last time he'd bought women clothing? Nat had refused to let him buy anything for her, saying he would simply get it wrong. Illya was sure he wouldn’t, he had an eye for things like that.
“And I bet you’re going to get her some lingerie as well,” Ivan said slyly.
Illya stuck his middle finger up at his brother. Ivan laughed.
“I don’t know why you’re getting defensive. You’re just doing this to get into her bed. I don’t blame you, though. She's gorgeous.”
Illya could agree with that statement. But the mention that someone else found Blossom attractive had his possessive side rearing up and he almost snarled at Ivan.
“Hands off her.”
“I wasn’t planning to put them on her.” Ivan looked smug, folding his arms. “I have someone else in mind.”
“You mean Blossom’s friend Jenny.” Illya considered and smirked. “She’s a hot little number herself.”
“I’m not into sharing, Illya.”
“Neither am I.” Illya wiped the sweat off the back of his neck. “If Blossom wants me in her bed, that will be a bonus. But I do like her. A lot. I can’t turn down a woman who needs help.”
“And it’s the easiest way to get into someone’s pants.”
“Shut up.”
Illya turned away so Ivan didn’t see his red face. He tied up the trash bag and picked up the other three he had managed to accumulate. He would never understand why a woman needed this much clothing.
Leaving Ivan laughing behind him, Illya went downstairs and put the bags in the hall. Once they had cleared the upstairs, they would be going into the bin. With any luck, they would be able to get everything clear before their decorator friends came in.
Illya was going back up the stairs when he heard a harsh male voice behind him.
“What the hell are you doing in here?”
Illya turned. Adrian was standing in the hallway, glaring at him. The nerve of the man. Illya couldn’t believe how brazen he was coming back after threatening Blossom. Coming back to see his work? Illya went back down the stairs, aware that Adrian’s eyes were drifting to his bare arms, where his tattoos were on display.
“I was going to ask you the same question, Mr Rollins.”
“I came here to talk to Blossom.”
“She doesn’t want to speak to you.”
“Well, that’s for her to say.” Adrian looked around. “Where is she?”
“She’s not here and even if she was, she wouldn’t come down.” Illya folded his arms, making sure his biceps flexed. “You didn’t listen to her when she said she didn’t want to talk to you two nights ago.”
“That’s our business, not yours,” Adrian snapped. “Why are you in her house?”
“Are you seriously blind?” Illya heard Ivan coming down the stairs behind him. Ivan stepped past Illya and gestured at the walls in the lounge. “Do these look familiar?”
Adrian looked. His face paled when he saw what was written there. Illya moved towards his backpack on the hall floor. Maybe he didn’t need his gun but having it close by with this man made him feel better.
“Come to admire your handiwork, have you?” He asked smoothly. “That’s a pity, because we’ve cleaned up most of it.”
“What?” Adrian’s head snapped around. “You think I did this?”
“You were here two nights ago threatening Blossom because she wouldn’t talk to you. Your mother attacked her at work yesterday.” Illya shrugged. “What are we supposed to think?”
“But I didn’t do this,” Adrian protested. He looked like he'd been backed into a corner. “I wouldn’t hurt Blossom!”
“Oh, really?” Ivan sneered. “Does the fact that she walks with a limp jave anything to do with you?”
Illya stared at Ivan. He hadn’t noticed a limp. Then when he really thought about it, he realized that Blossom seemed to put most of her weight on her left leg, her right leg dragging a little behind her when she got tired. It was subtle but it was there.
How had he not noticed that before? And had Adrian done that? Illya felt the anger building.
“That…” Adrian floundered. “That was an accident! She doesn’t hold anything against me for that!”
“I think she does or she wouldn’t have a restraining order on you.” Illya took his cell phone from his pocket and started dialling. “You’ve got five seconds to get out of here before I notify the police. Or I could just call Anton Romanov to get over here with some of his own cleaners. You know of the Romanov family, don’t you?”
That was a fair bet. The Romanov family were known throughout the state. And from the way Adrian looked like he wanted to run, he knew them as well.
“Oh, shit.”
Illya finished dialling and put the phone to his ear.
“You’ve got three seconds.”
Adrian didn’t hang around. He bolted out the door, not bothering to shut it behind him. As he drove off, spinning his tires, Illya got put through to the operator.
“Hello, I’d like to report a violation of a restraining order. Thanks.”
“What are you doing?”
Ivan looked confused. They never called the police. Illya smirked.
“I’m letting the cops know of the violation.”
“You really think that’ll do any good?”
“I don’t know but it should certainly sp
ook the bastard enough to keep away.”
At least, Illya hoped so.
*****
The day had gone by very slowly, almost sluggish. Blossom struggled to get her work done so she hid away in the office, Jenny taking over her caseload for the day. Their boss wasn’t in that day so Blossom felt comfortable getting away with it, she didn’t think it was fair to not give the women who needed her full attention.
An hour before they were due to leave, Blossom received another text, this time from Ivan. He said they were done and she could go back to her place once she finished work. Blossom was surprised at that. How much could two men get done in a few hours?
Jenny drove them back to Blossom’s house and they found the brothers sitting on Illya’s porch. Blossom was aware of how Jenny’s face darkened and she spruced her hair up with her fingers, her hair now devoid of the braids. That had been a very long night getting them out. They climbed out and the two brothers stood, jumping off the porch to join them. Illya gave them a beaming smile and bowed.
“Welcome, my pretty ladies.”
Blossom couldn’t help but laugh at him.
“You’re such a flatterer.”
“I aim to please.” Illya gave her an approving look, his expression softening. “You look like you’ve slept well.”
Blossom snorted.
“I don’t feel like it.”
“Well, you hide it very well.” Illya took her hand. Blossom didn’t object. “Come on in.”
Blossom was surprised that she didn’t pull away immediately. No one had held her hand since Adrian. But this felt nice, almost comforting. And his hand was very warm. Blossom didn’t want to pull away.
Ivan opened the door and beckoned them inside, giving Jenny a long look that had Jenny ducking her head. Blossom bit back a smile and turned to inspect the house.
What she saw made her gasp. The furniture looked exactly the same as her destroyed things, albeit in different colours. They matched the walls, which were now in warm tones of orange, red and golden yellow. The hallway was the same colour. The carpet had been taken out, leaving smooth wooden flooring. Stunned, Blossom went into the kitchen. It was still the same as before but the décor was different. Much different to the cool blues and greens she had before.
Blossom liked this much better.
She turned to Illya, who was standing in the doorway watching her.
“Is this really my home?”
“It certainly is,” Illya chuckled. “Ivan and his friends are good with a paintbrush.”
Blossom couldn’t believe all these people would help her out when they didn’t know her. And also turn her home into something even better than before.
“This is beautiful, Illya.”
“You like it?”
Blossom grinned. She was so relieved to have her home back that she forgot herself.
“I love it!”
She flung her arms around Illya’s neck and kissed him. Illya stiffened and Blossom realized what she was doing. She drew back sharply, her face going red.
“I’m sorry…”
“Don’t be.” Illya reached for her and pulled her into his arms. “I think I like it when I’m thanked by you.”
Blossom lowered her gaze. Now she'd embarrassed herself. And Illya had let her down gently. Then she felt something nudge her belly that caused her to gasp. There was no denying what it was.
Illya was turned on. By her. The thought had heat pooling in her belly. Before Blossom could respond, Ivan and Jenny appeared in the doorway. Jenny gasped as she saw the kitchen.
“God, it’s gorgeous. Your friends did a good job.”
“That’s what they’re paid to do.” Ivan grinned at Blossom, who used that moment to step away from Illya. “Just be careful in the bathroom for now. It’s still got wet paint.”
“I’ll remember not to plaster myself to the wall,” Blossom quipped.
Illya chuckled. Jenny laughed. Then she turned to Ivan and gave him a flirtatious smile.
“Fancy giving me a tour, Ivan?”
Ivan glanced at Blossom, who shrugged.
“Sure, go ahead. Just don’t go in my bedroom.”
Chapter 5
Ivan chuckled. He and Jenny disappeared into the hall and Blossom could hear them going up the now bare stairs. Illya sighed and shook his head.
“Why do I get the feeling they’re going to mess up the hard work?”
Blossom giggled.
“I hardly think so. Jenny might be making eyes at your brother but she does things in a relationship, not as a one-off. She doesn’t do one-night stands.”
“Well, Ivan can be very persuasive.”
“I’m sure.” Blossom looked around her kitchen again. “I can’t believe you would do this for me. You barely know me.”
Illya smiled and stepped up close behind her, his hands going onto her arms.
“Well, it’s the least I can do.” His voice was low and very close to her ear. “We’re neighbours. You did make me dinner, after all.”
“But this is much more than dinner.”
Illya chuckled. His lips brushed against her ear and Blossom bit back a gasp.
“I like to go all out.”
Blossom couldn’t help herself. She stepped back against him, leaning against his broad chest. Illya’s arms went around her, cupping her breasts as his erection pressed against her bottom. Blossom sighed as his hands gently squeezed, his thumbs flicking over her nipples as they hardened through her bra.
Then Illya was kissing her neck, gentle brushes of his lips against her skin. Blossom sighed and leaned her head to the side. Illya growled and nipped at the skin with his teeth. His hands squeezed a little tighter over her breasts, causing Blossom to gasp.
“Should we be doing this?” she whispered. “Ivan and Jenny could walk in any moment.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t,” Illya growled, slowly turning her around to face him, “but I had to do this. I’ve been wanting to do this since I met you.”
Blossom didn’t object as he pulled her against him, his erection prodding her in the stomach. God, he felt huge. Would he actually be as big naked? Blossom bit her lip, her hands fisting in his sweater.
“Don’t stop,” she said hoarsely. “Not now.”
Illya didn’t hesitate. His mouth was soft and warm against hers, taking control of the kiss as Blossom held on to him for dear life. She'd never been kissed like this before, not even by Adrian. And Blossom didn’t want it to stop.
Illya’s hands were slipping under her sweater and running up her bare back when he pulled back with a curse in Russian. Blossom swayed, still in his arms.
“What? Why did you stop?”
“Your cell phone’s going off.”
That was when Blossom heard it. Her cell phone was ringing in her bag, which was still hanging from its strap across her shoulders. She growled and stepped away.
“Dammit. Am I not allowed to enjoy something now?” She grabbed at her cell phone and almost snapped at the caller as she answered. “Hello?”
“You’re going to die.”
Blossom froze. The husky voice, the snarl, it all sent a shiver down her back.
“Who is this?”
In front of her, Illya tensed. He touched her waist.
“Blossom?”
“You are going to die,” the caller hissed again. “You did the wrong thing. I will make you pay.”
And then all Blossom could hear was the dial-tone.
*****
“Hey, girl.” Jenny stood over Blossom, holding a glass of wine. She held it out to Blossom. “Here you go. I think you need it.”
“Thanks.”
Blossom took the glass gratefully and took a hefty gulp. The anonymous phone call had scared her. She was still shaking now. Even after Illya took her phone away and made her sit outside, holding her until she stopped trembling so badly, the fear hadn’t stopped trickling through.
After what she'd been through with Adrian and Loui
sa, Blossom didn’t think much else could scare her. But that phone call, that had certainly frightened her.
Jenny sat on the other lawn chair, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees as she frowned at her friend.
“How are you holding up?”
“I don’t know.” Blossom held her glass in both hands. “I’m scared, yes. Angry and I’m just coming down from the shock.”
“Well, that’s something.” Jenny shook her head. “I can’t believe Adrian and Louisa would do something like this.”
“Neither can I.” Blossom took another hefty sip. “They’ve never called me like that. I don’t think they’ve ever called me; it’s all been in person.”
“Physical threats seem to be their thing,” Jenny said grimly. “Plus, you haven’t got physical proof of a threat if it’s in person.”
“Exactly.” Blossom stared out over her garden. “I’m going to kill Adrian once I get my hands on him.”
“I’ll join the line, then,” Jenny grunted. “He’s done too much damage to you.”
“And I never realized it until I left.”
“It’s called emotional abuse, honey. You’re never quite sure what’s going on.”
“I do know now,” Blossom huffed and downed the rest of her wine. “I feel like I’m floundering now.”
She was going to need a lot more alcohol.
They were interrupted by Ivan coming out onto the deck. He looked like he'd been dragging his hands through his hair with the way it was standing up on end. He gave the two women a tired smile and leaned against the railing.
“How are you two doing?”
Blossom gave him a small smile.
“I’m okay.”
Jenny gave a half-hearted shrug. Ivan nodded towards the house.
“Illya’s still checking with our tech wizard but nothing right now. All we know is that it was a burner phone and we have a general idea where it was when the phone call was made.”
Jenny smirked.
“Adrian’s going down.”
“We don’t think it was Adrian.”
That had Blossom sitting up. Had she heard him correctly?
“What?”
“We managed to get Adrian’s alibi. He was locked up in the local precinct.” Ivan didn’t look happy about that. “They caught up to him this afternoon and he’s cooling his heels before he goes before a judge tomorrow.”
In Too Deep_BWWM Romance Page 5
