Lion of Midnight (11 page)

Nik started when Cleo’s hand rested across the black smoothness of the holder of his credit card and the receipt. Arching a brow, he met Cleo’s gaze, noting the impishness lurking in her amazing eyes.

“Cleo,” he said in a low warning tone.

“Nikolas,” she replied her voice full of teasing.

“You needn’t concern yourself with the amount of dinner.”

“I’m not concerned. I want to make sure you’re going to let me make it up to you.”

His member stirred in his slacks at the implication. “You don’t owe me anything,” he insisted.

Cleo’s fingers drummed on the white linen tablecloth. “How long are you in St. Petersburg for?” She licked her lips but maintained eye contact.

“Cleo,” he warned.

“Answer me, Nikolas Andreyevich.”

The way his name rolled off her tongue made his cock fully erect. “Cleo, no games. Don’t tease me. It’s taking all my control to remain a gentleman.”

“Stay the night?”

He gulped and shifted in his seat. “You want me to stay the night with you?” Not that he intended it to be any other way. But to hear it from her lips was another story entirely.

Cleo leaned toward him. “Let’s go where we can be alone.” Her soft drawl washed over him, sending him on a spiral of need he couldn’t get off of.

Plucking the leather folder from her, he signed the bill without paying much attention. Nik placed his gaze back on the woman across from him; he admired the way she watched him in return. Blatant desire was in her expression.

“Do you remember what I told you at my place, Cleo? About my room?”

Her eyes grew more heated. “How once I enter I wouldn’t be leaving?” Cleo nodded. “I do. I remember.”

Nik got to his feet and maneuvered to her side. Helping her to stand, he placed a hand on the small of her back, and as they headed for the entrance, he leaned forward so his mouth was by her ear. The gentle scent of her shampoo reached him. “I meant every single word.” Her shiver rocketed through him.

He had Cleo in his arms the moment the door of her suite closed behind them. Nik plunged his tongue into her mouth, tasting her unique and addicting flavor. His cock throbbed incessantly against his clothing. With a growl, he put some space between them. In the flickering light from the fireplace, he saw her eyes full of passion staring at him with not just longing but also trust. Swallowing hard, he forced back his raging desire.

“Nik,” she muttered on a half whimper, her fingers clutched the sleeve of his blazer.

“Talk first,
snežinka
. Talk first.” He groaned. “Talk,” he said, trying to convince himself. Nik guided them to the couch before the fire. He sat her before placing himself beside her, determined to hear this before he indulged in the pleasures of her body.

“After you left, Vassi came to the door and said you’d arranged for a car to take me back to my hotel.”

White-hot rage coursed through him.
Why would Vassi do such a thing?
Nikolas frowned.
He wouldn’t. Besides, Vassi was with me getting breakfast.

“I’m sorry,” Cleo began.

“No,” Nik interrupted. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
Going to tell her the gods are playing with your life?
He swallowed hard. That wouldn’t do at all. Nik had a very good idea of who was behind the mix-up. Loki, also known as The Trickster. Some said he could be heroic, but from his own personal experience with him, Nik would not trust him to save anyone unless there was something in it for himself. “It was a mistake. Because trust me,
snežinka
, I had
no
intentions of you leaving like that.”
Or ever.

Chapter Ten

He watched her amaretto skin in the soft light. Her expression showed shyness and vulnerability. Cleo’s beautiful brown eyes were staring at her legs as she picked some imaginary lint from them. Her innocence and uncertainty washed away his anger.

“Look at me,
snežinka
.” Nikolas cupped her cheek with one large hand. His heart clenched when she did.

“What?”

“I was scared for you. That’s all. I’m not mad at you.”

Nik leaned toward her and lifted her, maneuvering her so she sat straddled across his lap, their pelvises against one another. Her hands sank through his hair, and she put them nose-to-nose.

“So, now that’s straightened out, is there anything to discuss, or,” she traced his lips with her tongue, “can we play?”

“Wicked woman,” he muttered, placing his hands under her sweater.

Cleo nipped his lower lip, and he shuddered. Nikolas wasted no time in stripping her of her clothing and pushing her back upon the couch. The firelight highlighted her flawless skin, and he struggled for control. Cleo beckoned to him, and he dropped to his knees beside her. Kissing her, he laved a path down her neck and teased both breasts. She squirmed beneath his touch; her mewls and whimpers grew as he continued down.

“You’re skin is like satin,” he murmured, trailing his tongue around her belly button. “So athletic of a body and still so feminine.” He moved one hand up and down her leg.

“Nik,” she said faintly, shifting beneath him.

Lifting her leg, he turned his head and kissed the inside of her legs. The scent of her arousal made his mouth water. She shivered and wriggled under his light touches. Pressing her leg against the back of the couch, Nik nuzzled the flesh on the inner thigh toward the juncture. Cleo froze, and her breath hitched. He grazed the skin with his teeth as his face moved closer to what he wished.

“No,” she protested weakly, trying to close her legs.

Nik took his free hand, slid two fingers between the lips, and sank them into her pussy. “Yes,” he said.

“No—oh, fuck!” she moaned, her hips arched, drawing him in farther.

“No what?” he asked before covering her clit with his mouth, sucking it into his mouth.

“Nik!” she screamed, bucking against him.

Circling the nub with his tongue, Nik hummed against her and reveled in the way she writhed. His fingers pumped steadily in and out of her tight wetness, her muscles gripping him like a vice. He prayed for control when her hands delved into his hair and pulled as she ground against him. Her cries filled the room and he pulled his fingers out, slid his mouth over her slit, and stabbed his tongue deep into her.

“Ahhhh!” Her scream ripped through the air as she pushed hard into him more, coming in a rush.

Her thick cream flowed to him, and Nik took it all. Drawing back, he licked his lips, getting all of her essence he could. Cleo stared at him, naked, skin flushed, chest rising rapidly as she fought for breath.

Cleo took in the man before her. Blond hair tousled, eyes burning with fervor. His merlot shirt unbuttoned, showing off the hard expanse of his chiseled torso. Blazer and vest long gone.

“Inside…now…you…me…” she stammered, her head still reeling from the orgasms she had while he knelt between her legs.

Nik’s eyes drifted to her pussy one more time before he rose to his feet. His gaze reflected the firelight as he ogled her, again. With a lazy ripple of movement, he sent his dress shirt to the floor. The flickering light caressed his skin, making her mouth water even more.

Cleo swallowed hard as his hands drifted to his pants. First the belt, then the fastener, and finally the zipper. She squirmed with wanton longing. No care that she lay there naked. All she wanted was Nikolas. She watched hungrily as he removed the remainder of his clothing. Her mouth grew dry when his cock sprang free, large, thick, and proud. She licked her lips and moaned.

Nik stepped toward her, lowering himself over her body. His hair falling forward, yet not hiding the set lines of his face, and she knew he was trying not to lose control. Reaching between her legs, Cleo purred as her fingers found the straining erection. Nik swallowed hard, his eyes a swirling mass of lust.

“Now, Nik,” she pled.

“Yes.” His hips thrust forward, pushing his thick cock along her light grasp to the entrance of her pussy. “Now,” he whispered.

Cleo released him and moaned in pleasure as he penetrated her. Her body adjusted to his size immediately, and she tightened her muscles.

Nik withdrew. She whimpered. He pushed forward. Cleo groaned in satisfaction.

He kissed her, the thrusting of his tongue matching his hips. One of Nik’s hands was by her ears, and she shuddered when he placed her leg, the one against the back of the couch, over his shoulder.

“Ohhh!” she moaned as he stroked deeper.

“Cleo,” he said in a guttural tone.

Back and forth, his shaft moved within her. The friction sending pulse after pulse of electricity through her. Every synapse felt alive. She peeped at him through lowered lashes. Sweat beaded upon his brow, and his jaw was set.

“Nik,” she gasped, the tingling spreading through her body. Her toes curled as she neared the brink. “Uh, uh, uh, uh,” she panted as his thickness continued to piston within her.

“Come with me,
snežinka
,” he urged, moving faster and deeper within her. “Come for me, all over my cock.”

Cleo shuddered, and her body responded to his silvered timbre command. Her muscles gripped him as he stroked deep and erupted within her. She closed her eyes as the wave of pleasure washed over her. His raspy breaths and pounding heart adding to her own joy.

“Wrap your legs around my waist, Cleo.”

Removing the one from his shoulder, she did, hooking her ankles. Cleo opened her eyes when he kissed her. A gentle, tender kiss.

“Hang on,
snežinka
.”

Cleo wrapped her arms around his neck. “Where are we going? I’m quite comfortable here.”

“Bed, baby. I want you in a bed.”

A smile curved up half of her mouth. “Couch not good enough?”

Warmth spread through her at the heated look he got in his eyes. Cleo smirked when his shaft grew harder within her.

“Couch was fine. Damn fine,” he said, their lips millimeters apart. “I want more and was thinking of you.” Nik paused. “Unless you
want
rug burns.”

Her pussy clenched, and she shifted against him. “Take me—”

“Oh, I plan on it,” he vowed, interrupting her.

“Take me upstairs. Then, take me,” Cleo said, tugging his hair.

Nik muttered in Russian as he carried her up the stairs to the waiting bed. Cleo purred in contentment as he laid her down, and they began, again. All night, Nik paid homage to her body. Around four in the morning, he finally allowed her to seek the slumber.

Cleo woke to warm light streaming across the bed. Cracking open her eyes, she yawned and began to sit up. The steel vice around her waist prevented that. Turning her head, she found herself held by a pair of warm deep chocolate eyes, very alert and blatantly sharing their desire.

“
Dobroye utro
,
snežinka
. Where do you think you’re going?”

Shyness returned, and Cleo pulled the blanket up over her bare breasts. “Morning,” she said softly.
I wonder what he’s calling me.

Nik rose up on one arm, looking rakishly handsome and delightfully tousled. His face bore the telltale signs of growth, and Cleo swallowed hard as she recalled how it felt abrading the sensitive skin of her inner thighs. He drew her close with the rock hard arm around her midsection and kissed her. Explored her mouth so thoroughly her toes curled and longing rose swiftly through her, banishing any remaining shyness.

“I’ll ask again,” he murmured against her lips. “Where are you off to?”

“Bathroom. I should start getting ready. There’s a lot of exploring I want to do and a very limited time to do it in.” Cleo licked her lips then uncurled his arm from her waist. “Although, staying in bed with you holds many…many benefits and oh so much appeal.”

One side of his mouth curved up in a lazy, sexy grin. “Just say the word.”

She shook her head. “No. I’m desperate to explore this city.”
Must stay strong and not give in to baser desires.

“Can I show you around?”

Cleo was honored he asked. “I would love for you to share this place with me.”

“Wonderful.” He pulled her close and kissed her, again. “We’ll get ready, eat, and begin. I’m assuming you have specific places you wish to see?”

“Oh, yes,” she fairly moaned. Scrambling out of bed, Cleo headed for the bathroom. At the door, she paused and looked back at him. “Coming? I could use some help washing my back.”

A low rumble rose from his throat even as he tossed back the covers.
Damn! He’s all kinds of hot.
She licked her lips while scanning him from head to toe. When he stood before her, Cleo reached out and touched his thick erection, it bobbed. She grinned at the flare of heat in his gaze.

“Let’s shower,” she uttered, beginning to stroke him.

αβ

Nik smiled as he willingly followed Cleo as they moved through Palace Square toward the Alexander Column,
Aleksandrovskaya Kolonna
, in Russian. It was a single monolith. One hundred fifty-five feet and eight inches tall topped with a statue of an angel holding a cross. The angel’s face reportedly was modeled on Emperor Alexander the First. The column was created from a single piece of red granite—eighty-three feet six inches high and eleven feet five inches in diameter. About six-hundred-one tons and it had been erected in under two hours without aid of modern cranes or engineering machines. The muscles of three thousand men were used to accomplish that feat.

The pedestal was decorated with numerous symbols of military glory. The scene varying depending on which side one stood upon. Nik thoroughly enjoyed visiting this work of art. Being in Cleo’s presence didn’t hurt either.

Cleo wanted to see it before dusk when the day’s last beams of sunlight were reflected in the columns polished red granite. The day had cooperated with them, being clear and cloudless, allowing the sun to shine down upon them. They’d had a very busy day exploring the sights. For the life of him, Nik couldn’t imagine a better day. Cleo didn’t just
see
the attractions; she inhaled them. Absorbed them.

Each place they left, Nik could see her reluctance grow. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her to stay. Marry him, and he would take her anywhere she wished to go. But he kept his mouth shut.
For now, Cleo. For now.
He glanced down when a body brushed against his. Cleo stood there staring at the monolith. Her profile showed him her awe at the sight before them. A gentle smile curved up her lips.

“What… This is… I’ve never… It’s amazing.”

Tugging her, Nik maneuvered her so she stood before him. He wrapped his arms around her, sighing contentedly as she relaxed against him. The crisp air made their breath visible. The setting sun reflected off the piles of plowed snow. The lights around the square turned on to ward off the approaching dusk.

“Let’s get some dinner.”

“Okay,” she said, and he could feel her reluctance.

“Come on, we’ll grab a bite overlooking the Moika.”

She glanced at him over her shoulder. Cleo didn’t say a word, just watched him. Nik held her gaze, waiting for her to speak. She didn’t. And, he couldn’t bring himself to break the silence. The noise from the square seemed to fade away into the background.

Big flakes fell from the sky landing upon her black hair. He pulled his gaze from her and looked up.
Didn’t even realize the clouds have moved back in.
Nik dipped his head and found Cleo with her eyes closed, head back as the snow settled upon her. Reaching out with a gloved hand, Nik brushed his thumb against her skin, erasing a snowflake that rested there.

My snowflake. My
snežinka.

“So beautiful you are,
snežinka
,” he murmured.

The square began to fall mute. Almost as if the falling snow created a silence over the area. Her thick lashes rose slowly, exposing to him her expressive, rich brown eyes.

“What is that you keep calling me?”

He smiled. “Let’s go.”

With a slight shake of her head, she sighed, as if understanding he wasn’t going to tell. “Okay.” Her full lips turned up into a big smile.

“What?” he asked.

“I don’t know, but you, Nikolas Andreyevich, look very handsome.”

His body flushed hot at her admission. “Trying to make me forget about dinner?”

Cleo laughed. “No. I’m hungry. Sightseeing takes a lot outta me.” Her lids dropped halfway. “Plus, I need the energy to keep up with you.”

Nik grinned. “I think, Cleo Laurens, you keep up just fine. I’m an old man and need to rest.”