Fixing Broken Hearts

by Raven Rivers

  Pulling her close, he murmured in her ear, “You, my little love, are so naive. You think that all women are looking for love and are honest about their motivations in being with me. Trust me, I have had several relationships in which the woman did not warm up to me at all. Once a woman tried to use me to meet wealthy oil sheiks. Another woman was very insistent on being with me, however, didn’t want to spend time doing anything with me except shopping. When we had sex, I could tell she didn’t care for being with me because we had to use lube every time.”

  Cassandra looked empathetic. “I’m sure they are the exception, rather than the rule. Honestly, they both sound a little broken to me. It was them, not you, baby. You’re hot and sexy. I promise. In fact, I think about you all the time, even when we aren’t together. I wonder what you are doing and if you are happy.”

  He smiled at her and held her close to his chest as the waiter filled their wine glasses. Viktor noticed the slight smile on the man’s face, and realized he probably thought the beautiful woman cuddling him was romantic.

  She whispered, “I am tickled that you like your birthday presents so much.”

  “I would be hard pressed to say which I liked better. Though I’ve never been drawn to teens, you do make a cute school girl.”

  Feeling a slight blush creeping up her face again, she glanced away.

  His hand came up to cup her chin. “Do not turn your face away. I love seeing you blush. Though your school girl uniform was very naughty, I know you are nothing but sweet innocence on the inside.”

  Chapter 16

  Making Her Wish Come True

  ~ Cassandra ~

  “Cuddling in bed after wild sex with you is always good. You’re extra cuddly tonight.”

  A small smile played about his lips. “This cuddling is something I never had before. I am loathe to let you go when there is so much warm, sexy female flesh to run my hands over.”

  “You’re a big, sexy tease.”

  “Perhaps. Are you looking forward to the hospital benefit? I’ve signed you up to auction off a dinner with a dance, you know.”

  She bolted up. “You what?”

  “Do not panic. It is a very old tradition in Russia to raise money. Whoever bids the highest amount of money gets to dine at your table that night, and have the first dance with you.”

  He smiled as he noticed her look of apprehension and quickly consoled her. “Don’t worry, I have no intention of allowing anyone else to dine with the guest of honor.”

  Her head tilted and he clarified, “We are raising money for the children’s wing in your honor.”

  She tried not to look mortified. “Victor, I’ve only been there five minutes and I’m not even permanent staff. We should be honoring someone who’s been there for a long time.”

  He continued to try to sooth her. “Nonsense, they wanted to honor you as a guest physician. You are prominent in your field. I will bid whatever it takes to keep you at my side all night. Remember, it’s for a good cause.”

  She quickly realized Viktor seemed to be looking forward to the fundraiser for the children’s center a little more than other similar events they had been to. She paused to contemplate what was different about this one. He had taken her shopping for gowns and seemed genuinely pleased at her final selection. It was a deep ruby red designer dress that hugged every curve. He immediately took her shopping for jewelry and bought her enough rubies to choke a horse. Now she knew it was because the benefit was in her honor.

  This was likely the Russian equivalent to a coming out ball for her. Probably, everyone who was anyone would turn out for this event. She suddenly got very serious about the situation. She had every intention of sticking right by Viktor’s side and protecting him from any unpleasantness. She glanced at him. Exactly when she started thinking of a Russian mobster as someone who needed her protection, she didn’t know. She only knew she didn’t want others being disrespectful to him. He was sweet and sensitive. He didn’t deserve that.

  There were only a few weeks before the fundraiser. She decided to speak only Russian until then so she would be as fluent as possible.

  ***

  Three weeks later, she sat in their bedroom while a hairstylist gave her a beautiful up do. The woman was very talented. She looped thin red ribbon through the twist and studded it with rubies. Cassandra slid into her dress, and Viktor slipped her ruby necklace around her neck. She added the matching earrings and donned the exquisite high heels.

  He stood with his arms around her, looking into the large full-length mirrors that covered his closet doors. Cassandra didn’t think of herself as all that special but she realized, for perhaps the first time, she actually was quite beautiful when she was presented properly. Tonight, she felt every inch the princess, much like she did a small child wearing the silver tiara from her new father. Nothing added to her presentation more than being on Viktor’s arm. The man was absolutely stunning.

  She realized early on that he loved watching her get dressed, particularly for formal events. The sexy mobster could be quite the voyeur at times. She kind of liked that about him. He was so masculine in every way. Watching his woman make herself beautiful for him seemed perfectly normal behavior in his world. Tonight, he was wearing a black tuxedo with a black bow tie. The only thing linking their physical appearance was a small red flower the exact shade of her dress, which he wore in his lapel.

  They arrived at a very posh ballroom in an upscale Moscow hotel. Cassandra began to realize how very over the top the whole situation was. She noticed the individuals ahead of her being introduced. When they entered the main ballroom, their names were announced. Every single person in the room turned to look at them. Cassandra took an instinctive step backward on the stoop. Viktor took two steps down, and held up his hand for her. The look on his face was so sweet and loving, she immediately placed her hand in his and moved forward as the fear ebbed from her body. He drew her to his side and wrapped a protective arm around her waist. She was beginning to recognize the pose as his protector stance.

  They moved through the room, meeting and greeting the other guests. She saw Inga and Kary. They immediately made their way to her. She tried to go to them, but Viktor just tightened his grip on her hip. She glanced up at him.

  His expression was relaxed, and faintly amused. She kissed him on the neck and asked if she could get him a drink. He reluctantly released her waist, sliding his hand down her arm, and brought her hand to his lips, saying, “Return swiftly, my love.”

  She nodded to him and moved over to the open bar, motioning Inga and Kary to follow her.

  They huddled at the bar and Cassandra placed her order. “Double vodka, please.” She turned to Inga and Kary.

  Inga asked, “What’s up with Viktor tonight? He is being extra possessive and he doesn’t even look angry.”

  Cassandra shook her head, feeling the one long tendril of dark hair slide over her perfectly formed shoulder. “I honestly think he’s just naturally that way. He did sign me up for some kind of dance and dinner auction. I can’t imagine that would worry him, because he has more money than God.”

  Kary quipped, “Well, he should be worried. You are the talk of the town. There are multiple millionaires here tonight. They may very well decide to bid. They may even decide to bid on you.”

  Kary apparently saw what a mistake telling her that was by the expression that jumped onto Cassandra’s face. Feeling a surge of panic, she glanced around the room. Sure enough, several well-dressed men were staring curiously at her.

  Inga’s hand came out to steady her. “Viktor’s possessive posturing is telling the men here you are his, and he will win the bidding on you. Don’t worry about it. Viktor would never leave you to struggle through dinner with a strange man.”

  Cassandra whispered, “It’s not the dinner. It’s the dancing he won’t allow. Seeing me in another man’s arms would make him crazy. I hope no one else bids on me.”

  Kary and Inga looked at each other. Cassan
dra looked down and saw Viktor’s drink sitting on a small white bar napkin. A familiar script was scrawled across the bottom.

  C,

  Your death will make me smile.

  Love,

  I

  Sighing, she dropped her head forward, unsure whether to laugh hysterically or burst out crying. She was an emotional wreck and Ivan’s latest threat was in danger of pushing her over the edge.

  Cassandra gave them a weary glance and grabbed the drink and napkin before heading back over to Viktor.

  Viktor saw her coming, and she watched a confused expression slip onto his face. He made his excuses and stepped forward to meet her.

  “What is wrong? Did someone bother you?”

  “Nope. Everything is just fine.” Seeing he wasn’t buying it, she said, “Got another message from our boy, Ivan.” Handing him the napkin, she watched his face darken with anger as he examined it.

  “When the day comes for me to exact my revenge, promise you will not object, my sweet.”

  “Object? I’ll hold him down so you can punch him in the nose.” Handing him his drink, she said, “Until then, drink up, gorgeous.”

  “Thank you for the drink, my sweet, but I think you should take a small sip to help steady your nerves.”

  He brought the glass to her lips, and she took a small sip. She could feel it sliding smoothly down her throat, and she realized it was warming her stomach a little. The Russians certainly knew how to make good vodka.

  He placed her back at his side, and they continued to walk around, visiting with other guests. Cassandra noticed Viktor’s uncle and nodded to him from across the room. He gave her a curt nod. She glanced up and realized Viktor was introducing her to a small group of women. A couple of the women were quite polite, but three were downright frosty.

  When they walked off, she sighed.

  He glanced down and murmured, “You can always tell, can’t you?”

  She nodded.

  A slight smile curved up his lips. “You are unbelievably perceptive. My apologies for screwing my way through half the eligible women in Moscow. I must admit, I never anticipated it would come back to haunt me.”

  She couldn’t smother the laugh the bubbled up. “I can tell you’re a catch because they are all such sore losers. I’m betting it is the bedroom shenanigans they miss.”

  He smiled down at her, shaking his head. “Trust me, it’s the money.”

  “I’m pretty wealthy. Maybe I could pay them all to just go away.”

  His laughter rang out like a beautiful baritone. He quickly stifled it with a drink of vodka. “Miss Cassandra, you make me forget myself in public. Any more of that and I’m afraid I’ll have to spank you.”

  “Fine, but you are really only proving my point about you being too sexy for your own good. You know that, don’t you?”

  His laugh was soft as he kissed her neck and smelled her hair. She could tell he loved flirting with her. The anticipation of having sex with him was the most exhilarating feeling in the world.

  Suddenly, the master of ceremonies for the night moved onto a large, custom built stage in the corner of the room and cleared his throat into the microphone.

  “Thank you for your support of the first annual fundraiser for the children’s cardiac unit. We appreciate your support more than you can possibly know. I would like to take a moment to present to your our guest pediatric cardiac surgeon, Dr. Cassandra Nash.”

  Viktor walked her to the stage and helped her up the steps. She walked to the speaker, and he gave her the microphone. She spoke in her best Russian.

  “Hello, my name is Cassandra Nash. I’m a pediatric cardiac surgeon and I pride myself on fixing broken hearts, especially the very little ones. I do not have words to communicate to you how very fulfilling my work here in Moscow has been. Cardiac abnormalities are the third leading cause of death among children under the age of five. It is a preventable tragedy that takes only properly trained physicians, cardiac medications, proper equipment, and support for families to come to Moscow for the surgeries. The money we raise tonight will ensure the small hearts entrusted to our care are given the very best care. This is honestly your opportunity to save a child’s life. Please give generously tonight, because this is a worthy cause.”

  Everyone clapped as she stepped away from the microphone. She was surprised that Viktor stepped up to the microphone next. He appeared to have a speech prepared. When he spoke, he had small white note cards.

  His voice was deep and serious. “Good evening, and thank you for coming to support our cause tonight. My daughter was born with a rare genetic abnormality in one of the valves in her heart. It tormented me to see her struggle for survival when she was first born. Her small, underdeveloped heart could barely pump enough blood to keep her body supplied with oxygen. Her development was slow, and she has always been considerably smaller than her peers. Her brilliant mind, and beautiful soul, were trapped in a broken body.

  “There is nothing more heart wrenching than worrying if your own child will survive to adulthood, much less if she will have a full and productive life rather than becoming a burden to society. Fortunately for my daughter, Dr. Nash has talented hands. She specializes in performing the types of high-risk surgeries that, many times, parents are simply too terrified to subject their children to. I am here tonight not only to raise funds for the children’s cardiac care unit, but also to encourage parents of children with high-risk conditions to reach out to the center. Place your trust in the person who gave my daughter her life back. I would like to introduce you to my little Viktorija, and thank the woman I love for making her whole again.”

  Cassandra’s hands flew to her face as Viktor turned his warm smile on her. Viktorija walked onto the stage wearing a red dress in exactly the same color as Cassandra’s. Viktor scooped the little girl up, and drew Cassandra into his other side as the crowd applauded wildly. He kissed her chastely on the lips, then handed her his little one. Cassandra took the little girl into her arms and Viktorija immediately wrapped her little arms around Cassandra’s neck and laid her head on her shoulder.

  Viktor stepped up to the microphone and spoke again. “When I first met Cassandra, I was grateful to her for saving my daughter. I asked her, if she could have any wish granted what it would be. She told me a very humbling story which immediately stole my heart. She said that often children who have had cardiac surgery feel that no one could possibly understand what they are going through. Because so few of the surgeries are needed, most children never meet another child who has had it done. Cassandra told me her fondest wish was to have a children’s party, where all the Russian children she had operated on could meet each other, talk about their experiences, and understand that they are definitely not alone. Tonight, I’m happy to make that wish come true for her. I must admit, I never realized my beautiful love mate had touched quite so many young lives.”

  From the back of the room came several dozen children and they all clamored to the stage to see Cassandra. Cassandra did the math—four per month for a little over a year…there had to be around fifty children present. Cassandra was overwhelmed as she kneeled down to meet them.

  Viktorija scrambled out of her arms and ran into the group of children. Cassandra took her time hugging and kissing each and every one of them. She could remember every single child’s name. Viktor gave the microphone to several of the older children to speak about what a difference having the surgery made in their lives.

  One of the older children was twelve-year-old Andre. He came from a poor but proud farming family in one of the Siberian provinces. He tried to sound mature as he spoke. “My name is Andre. Dr. Nash fixed my heart a year ago. Before the surgery, I could not run for long distances without fainting. I could not do work on my family farm or play sports with the other boys. I was not afraid. I went to America to have my surgery done by Dr. Nash. She spent a lot of time with me, brought me fresh fruit, and even cookies sometimes, though it wasn’t on my diet plan.
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  “She talked to me about what to expect, and helped me understand that not every surgery is one hundred percent effective. I told her I didn’t care because my life was not one that made me happy. I needed to be healthy and strong to help my family. Dr. Nash made that happen for me. She is a really nice person, but I think she could use a better boyfriend.”

  Viktor immediately reached out, ruffled his hair, and the boy smiled up at him. Everyone laughed. It was obvious from his tone of voice, and Viktor’s response, that they were joking with each other.

  The children were seated at several large tables in the back of the room, with servers to attend to them. Viktorija was talking amiably with two younger females and didn’t even look at Viktor when they were ushered away.

  Viktor wrapped his arm around Cassandra. “Guess I will have to settle for your company tonight since my daughter has cast me aside.”

  Cassandra giggled and looked into his handsome face. “That’s exactly how I feel when she insists on spending time with Sylvika instead of me. Thank you for tonight. This is by far the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

  He gave her another short kiss and left her on the stage. As he walked off, she realized the host was asking for the women who had volunteered for the auction to come to the stage. Cassandra was surprised that about thirty to forty women stepped forward. The auction started with Cassandra, and she was thoroughly embarrassed.

  The speaker intoned formally, “I would like to begin tonight’s charity auction by auctioning dinner and a dance with the lovely Dr. Nash. Do I hear ten thousand?”

  Cassandra watched in amazement as the bidding went on and on, back and forth all over the room, among about eight men. She was mortified that Viktor was not bidding on her at all. She wondered why. The bidding ended up at $600,500, and then Viktor bid $750,000.

  The gentleman who had hung in the bidding was wearing a dark charcoal grey tuxedo and had grey hair. He was really quite handsome. He had brilliant blue eyes and looked a little like Viktor.