Lion of Midnight (7 page)

“No,” she responded in the same low tone. “I’m not used to public displays of affection. My ex wouldn’t even hold my hand.”

“He is a stupid man; don’t think of him.”

“Right,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s just easier said than done.”

“Get used to these displays, Cleo. I plan on touching you all the time.” Her quiver shot right through to his soul.

“Planning on coming back to the States with me?” she asked in a tone he knew was forced joviality.

“If that’s what it takes,” he answered honestly.

For a moment, she sank against him completely. Then, she pulled away, and Nik hated the feeling of loss that resonated through him. He wanted to haul her against him and never let her go. There was disbelief in her gaze when she looked over her shoulder at him.

“Right.” Her eyebrows lifted before she turned her attention back to the exhibit.

“You don’t believe me,” he stated, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Not for a second.” Cleo never looked at him. “But it’s a very sweet, albeit kinda freaky, thing for you to say.”

“I don’t say things just to hear myself talk, Cleo,” he promised her as he shoved his hands in his pockets so he didn’t grab her, again.

“Never said you did. Just said I didn’t believe you.” She moved on to another picture on the wall.

He narrowed his eyes as he recognized himself in it standing near the Tsar. There were differences, but there were also many similarities. Nikolas watched her cock her head to the side and look harder. She never said a word, just mumbled a bit under her breath. Took a step away and retreated back before totally heading on to another picture.

Nikolas was content to watch her enjoy Russian history. He stood back and observed as she continued to the end of the section. When she walked by the last bust of Tsar Nicholas the Second, she glanced over at him. He could see she longed to look back at the photo and do another visual comparison. Instead, she looked directly at him, and he was immediately lost in the depths of her eyes.

“Are you sure I’m not keeping you from something? I feel bad you’re staying here with me after the museum closed.”

“Not keeping me from anything. I would be here for a while. I usually come in closer to closing and stay late.”

“Well, I truly appreciate it. This is…more than I could have dreamed of.” She spun in a circle, looking around.

More than I could have dreamed of, as well. I’d move the heavens if it put that smile on your face.
“It’s truly my pleasure.”

“How can I repay you?” she asked as her eyes met his.

He shook his head.
Marry me.
“You don’t need to. It was my pleasure to be able to do this for you.”
Shut up, man, see what she’d do for you.
No, he couldn’t do that. That was behavior that no longer belonged in this world.

“Can I buy you dinner?”

Nik smiled. For all her knowledge of Russian history, she didn’t understand that no self-respecting Russian male would allow a woman to buy him dinner. Even if he were broke, he’d find a way to pay. “I would be honored if you’d accompany me to dinner.”

That brow arched, again. “Is that your way of saying I’m not paying?”

He flashed a grin. “Beautiful and smart.”

She snorted and walked away from him. Nik didn’t have to be told twice to follow her. He’d pursue her through the pits of hell if he got to be near her. Lengthening his stride so he was beside her, instead of behind her where he was hypnotized by the seductive motion of her hips, he stayed with her as they headed down the stairs. When they reached the bottom, he took the lead and walked to his office where their coats were.

Cleo waited in the doorway, a gentle smile on her face as she took in the décor of his office. Moving toward her, he held her coat for her and was pleased when she allowed him to help her on with it. Nik couldn’t resist taking another whiff of her hair as he allowed the leather to settle across her shoulders.

“I know just the place for dinner,” he remarked as he shrugged into his pea coat.

“Really?” She pulled on her gloves.

“Yes. And, afterward, you can look at some more things from Russian history.”

Her hands paused in the action of buttoning up her coat. “Where might this place be?”

“My home,” he said, meeting and holding her gaze.

“Your home?”

“I live just a bit outside of Novgorod. I promise you’ll be perfectly safe.”

She chewed on her lower lip as she peeked at him. He could see the indecision roaring within her. While he was glad she was cautious, he would really hate for her to decide he wasn’t safe to be with. That would leave one option, taking her with him to his house against her will and letting her learn that they were meant to be together.

“Okay, I’ll go with you.”

Relief filled him. He truly wanted her to be a most willing participant in everything they did together. “Wonderful.” Holding out his arm to her, he asked, “Shall we?”

She nodded, and together, they began to walk to the door. “
Dobroi nochi
, Maxim,” he said to the guard who appeared to lock the door behind them.

“
Dobroi nochi
, Nikolas,” the guard responded. “Ma’am.”

Nik’s heart was light when Cleo answered in near perfect Russian, “
Dobroi nochi
.” With a smile to Maxim, Nikolas led Cleo out the door into the dark, snowy night. It didn’t take long before the thick snowflakes had given her black hair a mottled appearance in the parking lot lights.

“You speak very good Russian,” he commented as he steered her away from the right side of his Defender to the left and unlocked the door for her.

“Thank you. Oh, sorry. I’m so used to being a passenger on the right side.”

“No problem,” he whispered in her ear, pleased with her sharp intake of breath. “You can drive if you wish.” Nikolas acknowledged to himself he’d never offered to let any other woman drive any of his cars.

“No. I don’t know where you live, and I’d feel horrible if I wrecked your vehicle.”

He lifted one shoulder lazily. “As you prefer.” Shutting the door, he walked quickly to the driver’s side and got in. Starting the engine, he made sure to buckle his seatbelt as they waited for the vehicle to warm up. Once he could see, he shifted into gear and began the drive through the snow-filled streets toward his home.

Chapter Six

Cleo was nervous. She’d admit it. Going to a strange man’s house wasn’t something she did. But then, to be fair, this trip wasn’t something she’d normally do, either. Without conscious thought, she reached for her necklace and held the pendant in her gloved hand. Even through the leather, she felt the familiar comfort it brought her.

Slanting her gaze to the right, she took stock of the man driving her through the darkness. The only lights visible were those from the dash and of the headlights as they splintered through the increasing fury of the falling snow. His newsboy cap was on backward, allowing her an unobstructed view of his face, and while he seemed totally focused on the road before him, she was totally confident he was well aware of her sitting there.

She licked her lips as the memory of his taste made an appearance. Her belly flipped as she let her mind run wild for a moment and envision what a night with him would be like. The touch of his callused hands, his stubble abrading the sensitive flesh of her inner thighs, the heavy weight of his body pressing against hers as he slipped in and out. The whimper was barely contained as moisture flooded her. Tightening her legs together, she fought the urge to squirm.

Focus on something else, Cleo,
she admonished herself. She took in the interior of his vehicle. It fit him, rugged, not extravagant. “Nice SUV,” she commented.

“Thank you.” His gaze didn’t leave the near non-existent road.

When he turned off the main path, she gasped as her eyes landed upon a large house. Mansion, really. “Oh, my,” she said on a sigh. “That’s absolutely beautiful.”

Before her stood a smaller version of the Livadia Palace. If she weren’t staring at it, there wouldn’t be any way she would begin to believe it.

“Thank you,” he murmured as he pulled up along the circular drive and stopped before the main entrance. “Welcome to my home, Cleopatra Laurens.”

His words rolled off her back as she opened the door and stepped out into the night. Her gaze still lingered upon the lavish building, outlined by the falling snow and outside lighting. The front looked like an Italian patio complete with the pillars and large archways. Lining the curved drive were low-sitting, amber-hued lights, which only added mystery and allure to the image.

On each side of the double doors sat a beautiful wall sconce with the same tempered amber light gently illuminating the dark wood. A warm, inviting feeling washed over her.

“This place is amazing. I’d love to look at it all in the daylight.”

“Feel free to stay the night and do just that.”

Her heart tripled in speed as she jerked her head to the side to see him intently watching her. He flashed a bone-melting grin.

“I have plenty of rooms; although, if you long to stay with me…” He let the offer hang in the air.

Biting her lower lip, Cleo took the required steps leading to the door. There was a bench off to her far left, and she could see identical statues on pedestals on each side of the tall double doors. All black. Upon closer inspection, she could see it was a sword shoved into a rock and the figure of a male lion with a full-bodied mane prowling around it.

“Damn!” she gasped. Stopping before the display, Cleo reached out with one hand before drawing it back at the last second. “I’m speechless.”

“Not yet, but you will be.” His promise was a low timbre of seduction. One hand rested against her back as one of the doors swung open on silent hinges. “Good evening, Vassi,” Nikolas said before she had a chance to blink over the door opening.

“Good evening, sir.” A man spoke, but she couldn’t see anyone.

With a gentle pressure on the small of her back, Nikolas guided her inside. If her mouth had dropped open at the outside, it surely must be dragging on the floor as she took in the appearance of the interior.

Six white double pillars seemed to hold up the entrance. There were long hallways down each side of the house, and before her was wide open. All of it, amazing. She stood on a plush runner that led to more large area rugs. Off to the right side sat a large round table with a huge floral arrangement in the middle, its colors blending perfectly with the rest of the room. Muted golds, blues, and reds. Beautiful art scrolling traveled along the top of the walls as the molding. It was so open and breathtaking. Interspaced along the molding sat golden colored reliefs made with swirling strokes.

Straight ahead of her was a fireplace—complete with a roaring fire—of which on either side sat a gentle spiraling staircase, which led to the second floor. The stairs looked like the same material that made up the rest of the building, granite or something like it. The railings seemed to be etched, as well.

The urge to go touch and explore swamped her. Never in her life had she imagined being this close to something so incredible. And, it wasn’t gaudy or pretentious, just absolutely amazing.

“I don’t know what to say, except you have an astounding home.”

“I’ll show you to your room then feel free to explore while dinner is being prepared.”

Cleo didn’t even think of arguing with him. Who in their right mind would insist on staying in a hotel when this was an option?

“Eating in the family room tonight, sir?”

Cleo smiled as a white haired gentleman became visible as he shut the door, closing out the night chill.

“Yes, Vassi. And, then, that will be all for the night, thank you.”

The man nodded slightly before slipping off without a sound. In that instant, Cleo realized just how alone she was with Nikolas in this huge sprawling home.

“Come, Cleo. You can put your coat in your room.”

She realized she didn’t have anything else with her. All her luggage was at the hotel. No clothes, toiletries, nothing. Worrying her lower lip, Cleo took a deep breath. “After you,” she said softly.

When he moved past her, she was faced with his cargo pants and what they contained. His coat had disappeared somewhere along the line. Closing her eyes, she sent up a prayer for some control before she began to walk up behind him. As attractive as his ass was, the intricate design in the banister caught her attention. Hand-carved, delicate swirls wrapped all the way around, and she could feel it on the underside when her fingers skated across it.

At the top of the stairs, there was a tiled landing covered by area rugs, followed by thick carpeting leading down the hallways. It was a royal blue and blood red color with some black swishes in it.

“This way,” Nikolas said in a low voice.

She followed the direction of his hand, and soon, they were walking down the hallway. Her gaze took in the paintings along the wall. His house was like a museum itself. The lighting was dim, giving off a very intimate and romantic feel. The longing to take off her shoes and let her bare feet feel the softness of the carpeting flowed over her.

He stopped before a dark oak door. This surprisingly was simple in appearance, no ornate carvings or depictions on it. Just a nice, solid door. With a turn of his wrist, he opened it, swinging it inward.

“Make yourself at home. I’ll be back in a bit to collect you for dinner.” Nikolas spoke by her ear, sending more of those delightful shivers throughout her body. “I hope you’re hungry.”

One feather-light touch on the base of her spine and he was gone. Cleo glanced over her shoulder in time to see him crossing the area rugs on the landing, his motion one of pure masculine power. It rolled off him in waves, and she couldn’t help the moan of appreciation that slipped past her lips.

Squaring her shoulders, Cleo headed into the room, which was lit not only with a soft lamp by the door but also by the flames of a large roaring fire. Her gaze moved around the interior, and she swore softly. “Sweet Jesus.”

It was a huge room. As with the downstairs, crisp white paint and gold trim accented of the walls. Beautiful oil painted landscape images in gold frames hung throughout the room. Dark caramel furniture graced the space. To her left was a beautiful queen panel bed—the beauty of it took her breath away. The color of the thick comforter was a subtle off-white, blending in smoothly with the rest of the room’s décor. Lots of plush pillows covered the surface of the bed.

Her gaze swept over the bachelor’s chests, some with and some without marbled tops. In one corner sat a round pedestal table with two chairs placed before it. Behind the overstuffed sofa in the room was a console table with a large crystal vase holding an array of yellow roses, orange tulips, peach gerbera daisies, and green hydrangeas, all silk but no less beautiful. There were smaller arrangements sporadically placed on smooth surfaces throughout the room.

“I could stay in this room quite contentedly.” She draped her coat over the arm of the sofa.

She walked to the bed and gently reached out to press on the thick mattress.
This is going to be a great night’s sleep.
Moments after she sat on it, a knock came to the door. It sent tremors of longing through her for she knew who it was. Mouthwateringly handsome Nikolas Andreyevich.

“Come on in,” she offered, getting off the bed and walking past the marble-topped round door commode. She stood in front of the Delano door dresser, staring at her reflection in the mirror.

The door opened, and using the etched mirror, she found herself seeing the tall form of the man who’d come to escort her to dinner. He hadn’t changed his clothing, and she was eternally grateful. Nikolas leaned against the door with one wide shoulder. His arms were crossed as he stared back at her. A half smile curled up on side of his firm, kissable mouth.

“Ready?” he asked, not moving from his spot.

“This room…the whole house is absolutely beautiful. I know I’ve said it before, but I truly mean it.” She turned around and faced him head on. “This is spectacular.”

With barely contained power, he pushed away from where he rested and prowled toward her. His gaze burned a hole into her as he came closer and closer.

“I’m glad you like it here. You look good in this room.”

“Where’s your room?” she asked and, then, clamped her mouth shut as the realization of what she just said hit her.

He stopped before her, reaching out to stroke one finger down the side of her face. “Just say the word, and I’ll take you right there. Just to forewarn you, once you go there, you’re staying.”

Resting her lashes against her cheek briefly, Cleo brought them up to gaze back at the man before her. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she murmured. His gaze reminded her of warm, smooth chocolate. Something she’d like to bathe in, submerge herself in, and never surface. His eyes had a way of changing from dangerous to inviting. Right now, they invited, and she seriously considered accepting.

“Good.” He took his touch away, and she felt the loss. Nikolas straightened and offered her his arm.

Steeling herself mentally, Cleo rested her hand upon the muscular forearm of the man escorting her. The material beneath her hand was soft to the touch, despite the denim look. There was nothing more she longed to do than forget about dinner and explore the feelings Nikolas evoked within her.

As they reached the landing, he pointed with his free hand down the other hallway. “My room is down there.” He winked. “You know, in case you wanted to take a peek.”

She shuddered at the pure sexual offer in his tone. Her steps faltered as she fought back the foolish side of her who damn near accepted his offer.
Imagine what a night with him would be like. Jesus, Cleo, take him up on it.

“Who knows,” she said teasingly, despite the internal turmoil she experienced. “Maybe after dinner.”

His head dropped so his warm breath fanned along her ear. “I promise it will be a night you’d never forget.”

Her eyes fluttered, and she swallowed hard before licking her lips. “Such a shame you aren’t confident.”

Nikolas chuckled. “I know. Something I need to work on.”

Cleo laughed with him, this time. Her ex-husband had been extremely arrogant, and she’d hated it about him. Always thought it a bad trait. But, on this man, it was totally different. He wasn’t just overly confident; he dripped with alpha male personality. And, honestly, it was such a turn-on.

In companionable silence, they walked down the stairs. Cleo used the time to absorb more of the treasures the house offered. The temperature was lovely, even without her coat on, so she was very comfortable.
Please, it could be freezing in here, and I’d be warm. Courtesy of the man beside me.

Once on the first floor, they headed into another room. Like the previous rooms in the house, Cleo eagerly took in the look. It was smaller but very warm and inviting. There was a fire in the fireplace along one wall. A rectangular table with four matching Queen Anne side chairs sat positioned in the middle. Long ivory tapers in hurricane holders graced the dark cherry table.

Silver covered plates sat before each end chair. Crystal water goblets shone in the flickering light from both candles and fire. Standing near one chair, Cleo recognized the man Nikolas had called Vassi.

“Good evening, miss,” he said in a low accented voice.

Removing her hand from Nikolas’ arm, she smiled. “Good evening. Thank you so much for this. Everything smells wonderful.”

Vassi blushed. “Thank you, miss.”