Chapter 16 - Abe
I broke away from the kiss, my chest heaving while I struggled to catch my breath. All the sounds rushed back. My eyes, still hazy with desire, swept across the bustling casino floor.
Fuck. We were still in public.
I wanted nothing more than to pull her close and claim those luscious lips once more. Damn those prying eyes!
I grabbed Pippa's hand and leaned in close, whispering, "Not here," unable to keep the mischievous grin off my face. I needed to get her out of here, somewhere more private, to show her exactly what I meant when I said I wouldn’t be giving her space anymore.
Pippa's eyebrow arched, a hint of sass in her voice as she murmured, "Oh? And where exactly did you have in mind, Mr. Ustinov?"
I chuckled, drinking in the sight of her flushed cheeks and the way her ample curves strained against that tantalizing pencil skirt. "Somewhere more… private. Unless you'd prefer to give these fine folks a show?"
Her green eyes widened, excitement flashing across her face. "You wouldn't dare," she challenged, but I could hear the breathless anticipation in her tone.
"Try me, Darlin'," I growled, my grip on her hand tightening slightly. The charged atmosphere between us was almost palpable, crackling with unresolved tension and desire.
She giggled and I tugged gently on her hand, leading her away from the crowded casino floor. "Come on," I urged, my voice low and husky, picking up the pace.
She laughed louder and we broke out into a run. The click of her heels against the marble floor echoed in my ears, matching the rapid beat of my heart. Neon lights flashed, slot machines chimed, but all I could focus on was the electricity coursing between us.
If it could have been channeled, it would have brought down thunder on our heads.
"Excuse us," I muttered, shouldering past a group of rowdy tourists. My eyes darted around, searching for the quickest route to my office. The anticipation was killing me, every second feeling like an eternity.
Pippa's breath hitched as I pulled her closer, navigating a particularly tight spot. "In a hurry, are we?" she teased, her voice barely audible over the casino's din.
I glanced back, a smirk playing on my lips. "You have no idea, Sweetheart."
Finally, we reached the corridor leading to my office. The sounds of the casino faded, replaced by the thundering of blood in my ears. With a swift motion, I yanked open the door, practically dragging Pippa inside.
The door slammed shut behind us with a resounding thud, courtesy of a well-placed kick. In an instant, I had one hand sliding to the nape of her neck, my lips against hers, and the other hand pressed firmly against her stomach as I walked her backward until her back hit the wall.
"God, you drive me crazy," I growled, recapturing her lips in a searing kiss. The taste of her, the softness of her skin beneath my calloused hands—it was intoxicating. I pressed closer, feeling the curves of her body molding against mine as I had her pressed up against the wall.
Pippa responded with equal fervor, her fingers tangling in my hair. When we finally broke apart, both gasping for air, she looked up at me with those mesmerizing eyes. "Abe," she whispered, her voice husky with desire.
I couldn't help but wonder how I'd gotten to this point. Me, Abrahim Ustinov, notorious player and hardened criminal, completely undone by this woman.
"You're driving me mad, Pippa," I warned while I proceeded to trail kisses down her soft, inviting neck.
She arched into me, her breasts squeezing against my chest and a flurry of sweet nothings escaped her lips. "Oh, I haven’t even started.”
I couldn't hold back a chuckle at her boldness. "Oh, you’re calling for trouble, Sweetheart," I murmured against her skin.
“Maybe I like a little trouble,” she whispered, arching her back to thrust her hip against mine suggestively.
My hands moved with fluid ease to peel away her layers of clothing. The dim light from the streetlights outside cast a soft sheen to her skin and I watched the smooth creamy expanse reveal itself with each layer that fell to the floor. First, her coat, below which she wore a sleeveless shirt. She raised her arms up, her breath hitching in her throat and I slowly slid off her shirt. There she stood before me, in her bra, her breasts spilling out beautifully.
I cupped her bra, flicked my thumbs over her skin and she jerked involuntarily. Fuck, “You’re gorgeous,” I proclaimed and within seconds, had her skirt on the floor.
Before me was a temptation I couldn't resist. My fingers danced along the edge of her panties, teasing, exploring.
"Abe," Pippa moaned, her arms wrapping around my neck. The sound of my name on her lips sent a jolt of electricity through me.
I let my hand glide over the curve of her ass, savoring the softness. "You're fucking perfect, you know that?"
Before I could react, Pippa pushed off the wall, wrapping her legs around my waist. The sudden move caught me off guard, but I recovered quickly, supporting her weight easily.
"Desk. Now," she demanded, her eyes dark with desire.
“Who am I to deny such a request?”
I carried her across the room, her warmth pressed against me, driving me to the brink of insanity. With one sweep of my arm, I cleared the desk, sending papers, pens, and God knows what else clattering to the floor.
Something shattered—probably that ugly paperweight Ivan had given me last Christmas—but I couldn't bring myself to care. Not when I had Pippa perched on the edge of my desk, a vision in lace and curves.
"You're so goddamn beautiful," I breathed, drinking in the sight of her. My hands found their way to her back, fingers working at the clasp of her bra. "I've been dreaming about this moment."
As the last barrier fell away and her breasts swung free, I couldn't help but marvel at the woman before me. How had I ever thought I could resist her, give her space?
Pippa's chest rose and fell, her breasts heaving with each ragged breath she took. I couldn't resist any longer. With a growl, I leaned in, taking a dusky nipple into my mouth. Her taste, a heady mix of vanilla and arousal, flooded my senses. I circled my tongue around her hardened peak, teasing, nipping, before moving on to the other one. Pippa moaned, her hands gripping the edge of the desk for dear life as she arched her back toward me, offering herself.
"Oh, fuck," she moaned, her nails digging into my shirt. Encouraged, I slid one hand south, exploring the softness of her stomach, further down to the damp lace that was the only thing separating us. I made quick work of the delicate fabric, revealing her glistening folds.
"God, you're so wet for me," I purred, my accent thickening with arousal. I dipped a finger inside her and dipped out.
"Abe, please," she whimpered, her hips writhing against my hand.
I smirked against her skin, enjoying the power I had over her. "Tell me what you want, Beautiful."
"I… I want… need…"
"Say it," I growled, my patience wearing thin.
"I need you inside me, right now," she panted, her cheeks flushed a wonderful shade of red.
Who was I to deny her that?
In one fluid motion, I laid her down on the desk, her legs dangling over the edge. With shaking hands, I parted her thighs, desperate to unveil the treasure beneath.
"Fuck, you 're soaked," I muttered with my head between her legs, inhaling her sweet scent. I couldn't wait any longer. Inching forward, I pressed my lips to her hot, wet core, my tongue lapping at her most sensitive spot.
"Oh, God, Abe!" she cried out, her hands fisting the edge of the desk. "Yes, right there!"
Taking it as an invitation, I slipped a finger inside her, then another, curling them in a way I knew would drive her wild. Pippa's cries of pleasure spurred me on, and I increased my pace, determined to make her come apart in my arms.
Her moans grew louder, her body tensing beneath me. "I'm… I'm… oh, fuck!"
“Go for it, Baby,” my voice roared out, and then I took my mouth down to her clit. I felt her muscles clench around my fingers, crushing them as they did, and then her back lurched off the table as her entire body trembled. When she came, she brought with it the most beautiful sound echoing through the room.
With one last teasing swipe off my tongue, I stood, my own breath ragged, and stripped off my clothes in record time. Pippa's eyes widened when she laid eyes on me, and I couldn't blame her. I was rock hard, ready to claim what was mine.
"Say it," I growled as I positioned myself at her entrance, my voice hoarser than ever. "Say you want me to fuck you."
"I—I want you to fuck me, Abe," she panted, her cheeks flushing a delicious shade of pink.
That was all the invitation I needed. I leaned horizontally along her body, holding her wrists above her head as I slid inside her. Slowly, so fucking slowly, until I was fully seated, my cock nestled inside her warmth.
"Fuck, you feel better than I imagined," I groaned, my accent thick with raw need.
Pippa's pussy clenched around me, her inner muscles squeezing me in a vice-like grip. I started to move, my hips meeting hers in a primal rhythm. Inch by inch, I plunged into her heat, withdrawing only to thrust back in, harder and faster.
"God, Pippa, you're so tight," I groaned, losing myself in the moment.
Pippa's moans filled the room, her nails digging into the desk as she arched her back, trying to meet my thrusts. Her slickness coated my cock, making every stroke inside her a wet, heavenly slide.
"I don’t know what I was thinking," I growled, lust swirling in my veins. “Depriving myself of this.”
"Fucking selfish, wasn’t it Abe?" she panted, her walls clenching around me.
I chuckled and pulled out, before ramming back into her punishingly. Pippa's scream filled the room as I filled her, marking her as mine in the most basic way possible.
She was close, I could feel it. And god knew it so was I, but I wanted to be in her deeper. Suddenly, an idea struck me.
I pulled out abruptly, ignoring Pippa's whimper of protest. "Change of plans, Darling."
She watched panting, with wide eyes, as I grabbed her hands and pulled her off the ledge, walking her toward the chair. I waited, let her pass by, and smacked her ass, the glorious red print making its mark.
Her entire body quivered and she turned back to me with a look of delighted surprise and shock. I grinned and curved my hand around her waist, resting it on her ass, her body pressed against mine as I led her to the chair. First, I sat and watched her standing there naked before me, the image of perfection, before pulling her onto my lap with one directive: "I want to watch you ride me."
Pippa's eyes widened, but a wicked grin spread across her face. She straddled me, positioning herself over my aching cock.
"Like this?" she asked innocently, slowly sinking down onto me.
I groaned, overwhelmed by the sensation. "Fuck, yes. Just like that."
She started to move, setting a rhythm that had us both panting. I gripped her hips, guiding her movements, completely lost in the feel of her. I dipped my head, buried my face in her cleavage, and felt every part of her move.
My hands reached for her ass, and I helped her slide her wet pussy up and down my cock. But never let her off. Then I began thrusting off the chair, my cock at just the right angle. The floor creaked, our breaths mingled and we went on and on and on until I felt the familiar coil of tension build to near peak, causing my cock to ache for release.
"Abe," she gasped, throwing her head back. "I'm close. I'm going to—”
"Cum with me, Pippa," I commanded, dying for my own release. "Together."
Our cries mingled as we climaxed, Pippa’s muscles milking me clean. I watched as I spilled into her, how her eyes closed shut, how her breaths came in short, raspy bursts, and then at the peak of my own, I saw little slivers of light in my line of sight. This feeling was the highest high I’ve ever felt and we clung to each other as waves of pleasure washed over us.
As we came down from our high, Pippa still seated on my lap, I felt a grave loss which is when a startling realization hit me. This wasn't just lust or a fleeting attraction. I was addicted to her—to her touch, her taste, the way she made me feel. Now that I’d fucked her, not fucking her felt like space.
The thought both thrilled and terrified me. I'd never felt this way about anyone before. The urge to protect her, to keep her safe, and most importantly, by my side, was overwhelming.
But with that desire came fear. Fear of the dangers that surrounded us, of the enemies who had her on their radar. Could I keep her safe?
As Pippa nuzzled into my neck, sighing contentedly, I felt like bringing her back to work was the dumbest fucking idea. What if something happened to her when I wasn’t watching?
God. I needed to find that stranger Pippa saw and find him now. Gently, I helped Pippa off me, and by the time she picked up her clothes off the floor, I was already half-dressed.
As I buttoned up my shirt with rapid movements, my mind remained fixated on the stranger. The threat loomed large, casting a shadow over the afterglow of our encounter. I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling up inside me. How dare anyone threaten what was mine?
I glanced at Pippa, her curves shifting beneath her blouse as she smoothed it down. The need to keep her safe consumed me, driving every thought, every action. My fingers reached for my phone, to set plans in motion.
"Abe?" Pippa's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. "You look like you're about to punch a wall."
I forced a smile, trying to mask my tension. "Just thinking, Doll."
She stepped closer, her eyes searching my face. "Bullshit. I know that look. What's got you so wound up?"
I hesitated, torn between my instinct to shield her and the raw honesty she seemed to pull from me. "It's nothing you need to worry about."
"Try again," she said, her tone both soft and unyielding. "I'm not some fragile flower, Abe. Talk to me."
Her compassion, wrapped in that fierce determination, hit me like a punch to the gut. I ran a hand through my hair, sighing. "I can’t help but feel worried that we haven’t caught him yet."
There was no need to explain who the him in question was.
Pippa planted her hands on her hips, her curvy figure accentuated by the stance. "Abrahim Ustinov, are you seriously working yourself into a frenzy over this?"
I bristled at her tone, my pride stinging. "This isn't a joke, Pippa. Your safety—"
"Is in the hands of one of the most dangerous men in the city." She cut me off, her voice softening. "You. The big, bad Bratva enforcer who's got half the underworld quaking in their boots."
Didn’t she understand, it wasn’t enough?
She stepped closer, reaching up to cup my face. The gentle touch sent a jolt of peace through me. "I'm serious, Abe. I know you'll keep me safe. But you can't let this consume you."
I wanted to argue, to tell her she didn't understand the depths of the danger. "It's not that simple," I muttered, leaning into her touch despite myself.
"Maybe not," she conceded, her thumb tracing my jawline. "But I trust you. And I need you present. Trust your brothers, your team, to do their jobs. You can’t handle everything yourself. You’re here, looking over the casino and me. You have to take care of what’s happening outside or you’ll stretch yourself thin."
Her words hit home, and I felt a reluctant smile tugging at my lips. This fiery, compassionate woman had a way of cutting through my defenses like no one else. "When did you get so wise?"
Pippa grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I've always been wise. You're just finally starting to notice."
Pippa's eyes lit up with sudden inspiration. "You know what? We need to get out of here. Change of scenery, stat." She tugged at my hand, her enthusiasm infectious.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "Oh? And where exactly are you planning to drag me, Pip?"
"Somewhere we can forget all about the lives we live today," she declared, her chin tilted in that stubborn way I was quickly coming to adore. "No phones, no business, no brooding. Just you, me, and maybe some good conversation to take us back to the basics."
I chuckled, taking her hand in mine. "Careful now, you're starting to sound like you actually enjoy my company."
"Don't let it go to your head," Pippa retorted, but her smile was warm. "So? What do you say? Trust me to take care of you for a change?"
The idea was tempting. More than tempting. I found myself nodding before I'd fully processed the decision. "Alright, Sweetheart. Lead the way."