Nikolai

by Sandy Alvarez

  Forty-five minutes later, she showed up at the door with The Kings' women brigade, Bella, Mila, Grace, Emerson, and Sofia. Demetri's girlfriend, Glory, is the first to speak when I open the door to greet them. "Damn, those Volkov men don't fuck around, do they? Like father, like son." She strolls in, wearing a pair of strappy heels, a black hip-hugging pencil skirt, and a green silk blouse. Glory might be a schoolteacher, but she doesn't dress the part. She's even rocking a leopard print shoulder sling she has to wear due to her dislocated shoulder. Glory stops next to me and studies my face then looks to the group of women she came with. "Look at her. She even has the Volkov glow." Glory turns back to me and smiles. "I had to sneak out of the house. No way was I missing this. Took your asses long enough."

  "Like you're one to talk, Glory." Grace rolls her eyes, calling her best friend out.

  "Whatever," Glory waves her hand.

  Just then, Nikolai saunters in from the kitchen, stopping beside me and pulling me into his side. He tips his head. "Ladies."

  "Hi, Nikolai," they all say in unison.

  Taking his wallet from his back pocket, Nikolai produces a credit card and holds it out to me. "Have fun with the ladies today." I take the card.

  "What's our budget?" Alba asks.

  "No budget. Whatever Leah wants, she gets." Nikolai answers.

  "We can do that,"Bella grins.

  Three hours later, I'm standing in front of the girls wearing the sixth dress I've tried on. Polson doesn't have a bridal store, so we had to drive two towns over to Caroline's Bridal. "This is the one," I tell them, smoothing down the front of the gown with my hands, unable to take my eyes off my reflection in the floor-length mirror. The satin ivory gown hugs all my curves. Spinning, I take in the fabric-covered buttons traveling the length of my spine. I run my palm down the long sleeves, which feel baby soft.

  "I agree," Alba says, coming to stand next to me. "It's perfect," Bella adds.

  Mila, Grace, Emerson, Sofia, and Glory all nod their heads in approval. "That dress was made for you, Leah." Glory beams.

  The owner of the boutique walks over. "Do we have a verdict?"

  I look over at her and smile. "Yes. This is my dress."

  "Lovely," she clasps her hands together. "It appears the dress only needs a few minor alterations. Luckily, we have a seamstress in the house, and she can have your gown ready by tomorrow."

  "Perfect. Thank you."

  By the end of the day, I'm exhausted. Thankfully almost everything has been taken care of. I found my dress, Nikolai said he would take care of buying a new suit. Bella is handling the food and alcohol, Mila volunteered to oversee the flowers and decorations. Emerson informed me earlier that Quinn has insisted on officiating the ceremony, which is fine by me. And Grace is taking care of the cake. In fact, Maxim and I just left her bakery, where she whipped up six different wedding cake samples to try. By the end of the taste test, I went with a luscious lemon mousse, paired with tangy lemon curd, layered with fresh olallieberry compote.

  "Would you like to stop anywhere else Miss Leah, before I take you home?" Maxim asks, peering through the rearview mirror.

  Remembering I need to grab a change of clothes, I nod. "Yes, please. Can we stop by my apartment?"

  "That won't be necessary. Nikolai arranged for your things to be brought to his house today."

  Suddenly, I am wide awake. "What? He moved me into his house. Today?"

  "Yes. It's all been taken care of."

  "Well, I guess we can go home."

  Maxim jerks his chin.

  "Oh, wait! Can you stop at the store? I forgot I need to pick up a few things."

  Maxim acts as my shadow as I shop for the stuff to make homemade waffles in the morning. Next, I move on to the frozen food aisle in search of ice cream. After the mentally draining day I've had, I just want to go home and curl up in bed next to Nikolai with a pint of cookie dough.

  "That will be twenty-three seventy-eight," the cashier relays my total as I dig some cash out of my wallet. But before I can pay, Maxim beats me to it.

  "What are you doing? You don't have to pay for my things, Maxim. I have the money."

  Maxim shakes his head. "Bosses orders."

  The girl behind the register pops her gum. "Honey, if a man wants to pay, you let him pay."

  Not in the mood to argue, I zip my mouth shut and sigh.

  Later that night, I'm lounging in the bed next to Nikolai eating ice-cream while he types away on his laptop. "Did you really move me in today while I was gone?"

  "Yes," he replies, not looking up from what he's doing.

  "And did you tell Maxim I wasn't allowed to pay for my things?"

  At my second question, Nikolai tears his eyes away from his work and focuses on me. "You're mine. I take care of what's mine. It is my duty to see you have everything you want and need."

  "Okay, but I can still buy my ice cream, though."

  "This subject is non-negotiable, Malyshka. Part of being with me is accepting that."

  "What's next, are you going to tell me I have to quit working too?" Annoyed with the conversation, I lose my appetite and set my ice cream aside.

  "Leah." Nikolai's face goes soft. "I would never ask you to quit your job, not unless you wanted to."

  "Good," I huff. "Because I like my job."

  "I like you working for me too."

  "Well, if you're not going to let me help contribute to our finances, what can I do?"

  Nikolai tosses his laptop to the side, snags me around my waist, and hauls me up the bed, tucking me into his side. "You're fucking cute when you pout."

  I cross my arms over my chest and jute out my chin. "I'm not pouting," I lie.

  "Malyshka." Nikolai kisses the crook of my neck. "Don't be mad." He nips my earlobe, and my body starts to melt. Damn him.

  Reaching behind me, I thread my fingers through his hair as he continues assaulting me with lips. "I know what you're doing."

  "Yeah. And what's that?"

  "You're distracting me so that I won't pick a fight with you."

  I feel him smile against my skin. "You want me to stop?"

  "I didn't say that."

  I know Nikolai is holding back his laughter when his body begins to shake. "Like I said, cute."

  I roll my eyes even though he can't see them. It's impossible to stay mad at the man, especially when his hands are on me, one of which is currently down the front of my shirt, and his thumb brushes over my nipple.

  A sudden surge of bravery washes over me, and I ask, "Nikolai?"

  "Hmm," he hums his face still buried in my neck.

  "Will you…will you teach me how to use my mouth on you?"

  Nikolai goes solid behind me, and my breath gets caught in my throat.

  "Are you asking because it's something you want to do or because you think it's something I want you to do?"

  Turning in his arm, I sit up on my knees and face him. "Both."

  "Are you sure you're ready, Malyshka?"

  "Ye…yes. Unless you don't want me…"

  "Fuck yeah, I want you to," he cuts me off.

  "Okay. So, pointers. Do you have any for me?"

  "Do whatever feels natural. Just be careful of your teeth."

  Looking down at the bulge covered by Nikolai's boxer briefs, I lick my lips. I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to try. I have been thinking about using my mouth on Nikolai for longer than I care to admit. I want to give him the kind of pleasure he's given me.

  Crawling between his legs, I reach for the band of his boxers then pull them down until his erection springs free. Somehow, I knew Nikolai's cock would be just as beautiful as he is. It's long and thick, and I can't wait to run my tongue along the little veins that disappear into the neatly trimmed patch of hair at the base.

  "Take your shirt off for me, Leah. I want to look at your tits while my cock is in your mouth."

  Giving Nikolai what he wants, I pull my shirt off over my head and toss it to the floor. Next, I don't
hesitate to take his cock in my hand. I pump my hand up and down, loving the feel of the velvety smooth skin. And when a bead of precum leaks from the tip, I lean down and run my tongue over the tip, taking my first taste.

  "Fuck," Nikolai hisses, settling his head back on the headboard, his eyes closed tight. I smile, loving the effect I have on him. I wrap my lips around his length, taking as much of it in my mouth as I can. It doesn't take long for me to find my rhythm, using my mouth and my hand simultaneously. I also learn by the sounds coming from Nikolai he likes it when I pay special attention to the head.

  "Fuck, fuck, fuck," Nikolai curses, followed by a string of Russian words I don't understand but sounds sexy. I love his accent. It's so thick and growly.

  "Leah, I'm going to come. If you don't want it in your mouth, pull off," he warns.

  I hum and keep going, letting him know I want all of him. With my go ahead, Nikolai holds my stare as he grabs a fist full of my hair. Seconds later, his jaw clenches, his abs tighten, and his pupils dilate. I know he's about to come. I feel the head of his cock swell around my lips just before Nikolai growls and fills my mouth with his release. When I'm positive I've gotten all he has to give, I release his cock from my mouth and sit back on my knees. I take in Nikolai's relaxed form, feeling happy with my performance, and I smile. "Was I okay?" I bite my bottom lip.

  "Come here, Leah." Nikolai hooks his hands under my arms and swiftly maneuvers me to my back. He hovers above me.

  I squeal. "What are you doing?"

  "Your turn," Malyshka.

  "Got them!" Alba cheers holding up a little, white plastic bag as she comes bustling into the room with her daughter hanging off her hip. I commented earlier after Bella finished doing my makeup that I wished I had contacts. I don't usually mind my glasses, but after I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I realized it would be a shame to hide the perfected smokey eye Bella gave me, behind a pair of glasses.

  "Oh, my God. You're the best! How were you able to get them? The doctor's office is closed on Saturdays."

  "Emerson made a call," she tells me, and I make a mental note to thank her later.

  After I put my contacts in, Bella spends another thirty-minute putting the final touches on my hair, pinning red roses through my curls.

  The roses in my hair match the bouquet I'll be carrying, and it matches the outdoor décor. Nikolai and I decided to keep the ceremony simple by having it at the house and inviting just family. I caught a glimpse of the back yard earlier, and I was shocked at what the girls were able to throw together in such a short amount of time. The gazebo at the edge of the lake where Nikolai and I will say our vows is covered in white roses. Then closer to the main house next to the back patio is where we will serve the food during the after-party. Alba said Logan and Gabriel are in charge of that department. I figured as much when a friend to the club and local bar owner Charley pulled up in a van. Then I watched as he and some of the guys unloaded a couple of kegs of beer. It looks like we'll be partying King style later tonight.

  "Are you ready to get changed?" Alba asks, tearing me away from my thoughts.

  I smile, meeting her eyes in the reflection of the mirror where she stands behind me. "Yes."

  Alba walks over to where my gown is hanging on a hook next to the closet. Today Alba will stand in as my maid of honor. The dress I chose for her is a champagne gold, sleeveless, knee-length chiffon. It matches her golden blonde hair perfectly.

  Bella decides to take this moment to step out. "I'm going to make sure everything is ready. Are you still okay to start in thirty minutes, or do you need more time?"

  I shake my head. "No. I'll be ready."

  Once Bella leaves, Alba helps me with my dress by fastening the buttons on the back. "You're getting married," she says, her tone wistful.

  "Can you believe it? I, Leah Winters, am marrying Nikolai Volkov."

  Alba pauses what she's doing, and our eyes meet in the mirror once again. "I absolutely can believe it. Do you want to know why?"

  I don't say anything, but she continues anyway.

  "Because you're one of the kindest, most beautiful people I know. And because if anyone deserves a fairytale wedding and a happily ever after, it's you, Leah. So, yes, I can believe it."

  Turning, I face Alba and pull her in for a hug. "Thank you. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you and Sam."

  "I knew my ears were burnin' for a reason."

  I break away from Alba to see Sam standing at the door with a massive grin on his face. I take in his attire of dark wash jeans, a black button-down shirt, and his MC cut. He strides further into the room as he takes me in, stopping in front of me. "You look gorgeous, darlin'."

  I beam up at him. "Thank you, Sam."

  "Alba is right. You deserve your happily ever after, sweetheart." He kisses the top of my head. "I'll see you out there."

  Twenty minutes later, Alba is about to call Bella and give her the word that I am ready when there is a knock on the door, followed by Demetri entering the room. He's dressed in a crisp suit, which is his standard attire, but the black and white one he has on today is more fitting of the occasion. "Am I interrupting?"

  "Not at all," I smile.

  Demetri steps up to me and kisses my forehead. "Tih kra-sah-vee-tsa. You are beautiful. My son is a lucky man."

  "Thank you, Demetri."

  "I come here to ask if I may have the honor of walking you down the aisle. It would bring me great joy to escort you toward your future with my son."

  I release a shuttered breath. It's no secret I don't have any family to share my day with, but if I have learned anything over the past year and especially the past four days is family is not always by blood. The Volkov's and The Kings are my family.

  "Thank you, Demetri. I would love for you to walk me down the aisle," my voice shakes, and I blink away the tears that threaten to spill as I look down at the floor.

  Demetri places his finger under my chin, tilting my head back. "Today, I gain a daughter. And today, not only do you gain a husband, but you gain a father. Nothing will make me prouder."

  19

  Nikolai

  Needing a few moments to myself, I slip out the back entrance of the guesthouse Leah, and I have occupied for a short time. I stop and glance out at the lake, making my way to the giant oak tree near the water's edge, which mirrors the bright blue sky above. In my serenity, I let everything that has led up to this day sink in.

  "Thought I would find you here." My brother comes to stand beside me.

  "I needed a moment of peace."

  "Nervous?" Logan asks.

  "Not at all," I admit.

  "I'm happy for you, brother. And damn proud that you asked me to stand by your side as your best man." Logan clears his throat of emotion. I take a second to respond, schooling my own.

  "You are my brother—my blood. I would have no other man stand with me on such an important day," I tell him. Soft music begins to play in the distance, and Logan takes in a long, cleansing breath before facing me.

  "Ready?"

  "Let no man stand in my way, brother." I smile, as an eagerness to see my woman takes over me.

  On our walk to the gazebo, overlooking the lake, I take in our family. Though small, the men and women here today are the most important people in mine and Leah's lives. White flowers, along with lush greenery, cover everything from the gazebo to the chairs our guests sit on. To the side, sits a piano and a cello player. Waiting for my brother and me is Quinn, who is officiating the ceremony today. He leans in. "I now understand why you Volkov men like to wear suits so damn much," Quinn straightened his tie. "It gets you laid. My woman couldn't keep her hands off me earlier. I think I'll add this little get up to my roleplay wardrobe." Logan, who can't hold back his smirk, shakes his head, and I laugh, amused by Quinn's in your face I am who I am demeanor.

  "We don't need to hear about your sexual escapades, brother," Logan jests.

  "Sharing is caring, brother," Quinn quips.r />
  Turning my attention to the crowd, my eyes find Marta, sitting beside Leah's neighbor from her hometown, Mrs. Mae. Marta waves my way, tears already pooling in her eyes, and I flash her a smile. The fact that my father flew her to Polson means more to me than he may know. The only faces missing amongst all the others today are Sasha and Victor. Though it's been more than a month, Sasha has a long road ahead of him before he's back on his feet.

  The music changes and our guests rise from their seats. In the distance, French doors on the back of the house open, revealing my bride, with my father standing at her side. Suddenly, I find myself overwhelmed with emotion. Leah takes her first few steps onto the deck, into the warm glow of the setting sun. Captivated by her beauty, my heart races, and my breath catches as she floats gracefully down the steps, stopping for a moment at the end of the aisle. My woman is the most breathtakingly beautiful creature I have ever been blessed to lay eyes on. Dressed in a long satin gown, fitted to hug every curve of her body, she walks toward me, her amber eyes locked on mine. She adds to the beauty of the red roses she holds in her hands and those adorning her long, dark hair, cascading in curls down her back. Her bright smile causes a tightening of my chest from the abundance of love I feel for her.

  Leah and my father stop a foot away, and before placing her hand in mine, Leah whispers, "Thank you, Demetri." Her eyes are glistening with unshed tears.

  My father kisses her forehead. "It was my honor, daughter." Her tears finally fall, and I fight back my own. He then faces me, placing Leah's small hand in mine. "I've never been prouder of you than I am right now. I love you, son." My father takes his leave.

  I stare at my future wife's face, memorizing every aspect of this moment, and filing away every precious memory. Her eyes sparkle as she gazes at me, and I find myself leaning down to capture her lips.

  "Whoa. Hold up, Casanova. We have to get through all the mushy shit before you get to the kiss," Quinn interrupts, and bouts of laughter fill the air. Leah blushes, and it's so fucking adorable. Quinn clears his throat. "First of all, I'd like to say that I'm fuckin' honored that I was asked to hitch these two. Lord knows we've waited long enough." Again, more laughter and I laugh along with them, as my eyes never leave Leah's. "Alright, let's do this." Quinn gives me a nod, giving me the stage.