16. Nikolai
16
NIKOLAI
I stare at her, utterly dumbfounded. For a few moments, the room is completely silent.
“You want us to…” I trail off, my throat dry as I glance at Dmitri, whose lips are twitching into a grin. “This has to be a joke.”
Alice crosses her arms, her green eyes steady and unflinching. “I’m serious.”
She can’t possibly be serious. I’ve handled cartel leaders with guns pointed at my head with more confidence than I feel right now. Dmitri, on the other hand, looks like a cat who just stumbled into a room full of cream.
“Well,” Dmitri drawls, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed, “this just got interesting.”
“Shut up,” I snap, glaring at him before turning my attention back to Alice. “You’re not thinking clearly. This is ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous?” she echoes, her brow arching. “Because I’m trying to stop you two from constantly fighting and disrupting everything? You’ve been at each other’s throats for the last few days, and it’s exhausting.”
I clench my fists at my sides, heat rising in my chest. “This isn’t the way to fix it.”
“Oh?” Dmitri cuts in, his voice smooth. “And what exactly is the way? More shouting matches in the hallways? Maybe a fistfight in the garden?”
I whip around to glare at him. “Don’t test me.”
He shrugs, entirely unbothered, and I can see the flicker of amusement in his eyes. He’s enjoying this. Of course he is.
“Enough,” Alice says, her voice firm. “If neither of you can handle it, then forget I said anything.”
The dismissal in her tone grates against my nerves, and for a moment, I can’t respond. Dmitri, however, doesn’t hesitate.
“Handle it?” he says, pushing off the wall and stepping closer to her. “Oh, I can handle it, Parker.”
My stomach tightens as I watch him close the distance between them.
“Dmitri,” I warn, my voice low.
He ignores me, his gaze locked on Alice as he lifts a hand to her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin. “You wanted a kiss,” he murmurs, his voice dropping. “I’m happy to oblige.”
Before I can say another word, he leans in, capturing her lips with his. The sight hits me like a punch to the gut, and I freeze, my body tense as I watch them. She doesn’t pull away—in fact, she responds, her hands sliding up to grip his shoulders as the kiss deepens.
My chest tightens, anger flaring as Dmitri pulls her closer, his hand sliding to her waist. He shifts, lifting her effortlessly into his arms as her legs wrap around his waist, and he presses her back against the wall. His hips grind against hers, and I see the way her fingers tangle in his hair, the soft moans muffled by his lips.
“Enough,” I growl, stepping forward, my fists clenched.
Dmitri doesn’t stop, his lips trailing down her neck as he mutters something too low for me to hear. The possessive way he holds her, the way she melts into him—it’s too much. My restraint snaps, and I shove him back hard enough that he stumbles, setting Alice back down on her feet.
He turns to me, his smirk returning as he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. “What’s the matter, brat ? Jealous?”
“You’re a bastard,” I bite out, my voice thick with anger.
“True,” he says easily, stepping aside and gesturing toward Alice. “But I’m not the one pretending I don’t want her.”
I glare at him, but I don’t argue. I can’t. Because he’s right.
When I turn back to Alice, she’s watching me, her lips swollen, her cheeks flushed. Something shifts in her expression, a flicker of uncertainty, and it pushes me over the edge.
I close the distance between us in two steps, my hand cupping her jaw as I tilt her face up to mine. I kiss her, hard and desperate, my other hand gripping her waist as if she might disappear if I let go. She gasps against my mouth, and I take the opportunity to deepen the kiss, my tongue sweeping past her lips as my body presses against hers.
My hand slides to her hip, pulling her closer as I pour every ounce of my frustration, my desire, my everything into the kiss.
When I finally pull back, both of us are breathing heavily, her lips swollen and her eyes wide. I glance over my shoulder at Dmitri, who’s leaning against the wall again, his smirk wider than ever.
“Finally,” he says, his tone smug. “Took you long enough.”
I ignore him, focusing my attention on Alice.
I shift, leaning over her as I tug the strap of her top down her shoulder, exposing more of her soft, perfect skin. My lips follow, kissing her shoulder, her collarbone, until I reach her breast.
She gasps softly as I take her nipple into my mouth, teasing it with my tongue. My hand moves to cup her other breast, and I feel her arch into me, her fingers tangling in my hair. Every sound she makes spurs me on, the heat between us growing with every passing second.
But then, as my lips move lower, I notice it. Faint marks on her skin, just along the curve of her breast. Marks that don’t belong to me.
I freeze for a moment, my chest tightening as the realization sinks in. Dmitri. It has to be him. The thought ignites something primal and possessive in me, and I lift my head, my gaze locking onto hers.
“Those,” I murmur, my voice low and sharp as I trace the marks with my thumb. “Those aren’t mine.”
Her breath hitches, her cheeks flushing, and she doesn’t meet my eyes. That’s all the confirmation I need. My jaw tightens, but I don’t let her pull away. Instead, I slide my arm around her waist, my uninjured side bearing the weight as I lift her effortlessly.
She gasps, her arms wrapping around my neck as I carry her to the bed. “Nikolai,” she whispers, her voice trembling.
“Shh,” I say, my voice softer now as I lay her down gently. “We’re not done.”
I climb onto the bed beside her, kissing her again, deeper this time, pouring everything I’m feeling into it. She responds instantly, her hands clutching at me, her body arching beneath mine. For a moment, it’s just us, the rest of the world fading away.
But then, like a shadow I can’t escape, Dmitri’s voice cuts through the moment.
“Don’t stop on my account,” he says, his tone smug, laced with amusement.
I glare at him, my voice firm as I move to shield her from his view. “And what the hell are you still doing here?”
Dmitri’s smirk widens. “Just enjoying the show,” he says, leaning against the bedpost. “But I have to admit, I’m surprised. Didn’t think you’d get there before me . ”
The satisfaction that surges through me is immediate and undeniable. Dmitri is always so sure of himself, but I crossed that line with Alice before he did. She was mine in ways he couldn’t touch.
“You’re jealous,” I say, a hint of a smirk tugging at my lips.
Dmitri raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Hardly,” he says, though the flicker of irritation in his eyes tells a different story. “Just curious how you managed to pull it off. Didn’t think you had it in you.”
I lean back slightly, brushing a strand of hair from Alice’s face as I look at him. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Dmitri,” I say, my tone calm but edged with triumph.
Dmitri doesn’t respond immediately, his gaze flicking between me and Alice before he lets out a low laugh. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“More than you know,” I admit, my smirk widening.
Alice shifts beside me, her hand brushing against my arm as she glances between us. “This is ridiculous,” she says softly, her voice breaking the tension. “Why does it matter who?—”
“It doesn’t,” I say firmly, cutting her off before Dmitri can say anything else.
“Don’t let me interrupt,” Dmitri says smoothly, his voice low and teasing, his eyes raking over Alice. “Unless, of course, you need some help.”
I glare at him, but the look on Alice’s face surprises me. She turns her gaze to Dmitri, her lips parting slightly as if she’s considering his words.
And that’s when I know. She wants both of us.
“Do you want this?” I ask her softly, brushing my thumb over her cheek as I force myself to stay calm, to bury the jealousy clawing at my chest.
She hesitates, her teeth sinking into her lower lip, and then she nods. “Yes,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.
That single word sets something loose in me, but I don’t let it show. I glance at Dmitri, whose smirk deepens as he moves closer, sitting on the edge of the bed. He’s waiting for me to snap, to draw the line and claim her as mine and mine alone. But I don’t. Not yet.
Instead, I lean down, pressing my lips to Alice’s again as Dmitri trails his fingers up her bare arm. Her breath hitches, her body trembling beneath us as she tilts her head, giving me better access. My hand moves to the strap of her top again, sliding it down her shoulder and exposing the soft curve of her breast.
Dmitri chuckles softly, the sound low and dark. “You’re being awfully generous tonight, brat. ”
“Shut up,” I mutter, my lips brushing against Alice’s neck as I tug her top down further, baring her completely.
She gasps as my mouth moves lower, capturing her nipple between my lips. Her fingers tangle in my hair, holding me close as I tease her with my tongue. Dmitri’s hand, meanwhile, slides down her side, his touch deliberate but not rushed. He’s waiting, watching, testing my limits.
“Relax, Parker,” Dmitri murmurs, his lips brushing against her ear as his hand moves to the waistband of her skirt. “We’ve got you.”
I glance up at her, my gaze meeting hers, and I see the hesitation fade, replaced by something deeper, more raw. Trust. Desire. She nods slightly, and I feel my chest tighten.
Dmitri takes her nod as permission, tugging her skirt down her hips as I help her lift slightly to slide it off. She’s left in nothing but her underwear, and the sight of her like this—flushed, trembling, and exposed—nearly undoes me.
Alice lets out a soft moan as Dmitri kisses the inside of her thigh, his hands sliding her underwear down and tossing them aside. Her hands are everywhere, clutching at me, at Dmitri, as we both worship her. I feel Dmitri’s hand slide over mine briefly, a silent acknowledgment of the strange truce between us, and then he moves lower, his lips trailing down her stomach.
His hands part her thighs, and I hear the soft, wet sound of his tongue meeting her core. Alice cries out, her back arching, her hands clutching at the sheets as her body trembles between us.
I watch, my chest tightening as he continues to lick her slit, his tongue teasing her until she’s writhing beneath us, her hands clutching at the sheets.
Her soft gasps and moans fill the room, and I can feel the heat building in me, my restraint slipping with every sound she makes. My hand moves to her breast again, my thumb brushing over her nipple as I lean down to kiss her neck, her collarbone, and lower.
Dmitri pulls back slightly, his voice low and teasing as he glances up at me. “She tastes as good as she looks . Want to see for yourself?”
My jaw tightens, but instead of snapping at him, I lean down, kissing Alice’s trembling lips and then moving down her body to position my face between her thighs.
My tongue flicks out, tasting her, and I groan against her, the flavor of her sending a jolt of desire straight through me.
Alice’s breath hitches as my fingers slide against her, exploring her wet heat. She arches beneath me, her body pliant and eager, her moans filling the room.
I bury myself in her, my lips and tongue working her gently at first, then with more intensity as her hips begin to move.
Alice’s hands clutch the sheets, her moans getting more desperate as I explore her, finding every spot that makes her writhe and moan. My grip on her thighs tightens as I pull her closer, desperate to push her further.
Above me, I hear Dmitri chuckle softly, and I glance up to see Alice turning toward him. Her hand reaches for him, her fingers grazing his chest, his neck, before sliding lower. Dmitri’s cock is already hard, straining against the fabric of his pants, and Alice’s boldness takes me by surprise.
With a confidence I didn’t expect, she pulls him closer, her hand working to free him. Dmitri watches her with hooded eyes, his usual smugness replaced by raw hunger as she leans forward, taking him into her mouth.
“Jesus, Parker,” Dmitri groans, his head tipping back as her lips close around him. His hand moves to her hair, guiding her gently as she takes him deeper.
The sight sends a new wave of heat through me, and I redouble my efforts, my tongue circling her clit as my fingers slide inside her. Alice cries out around Dmitri, her body arching, her reactions spurring both of us on.
She’s fucking incredible—bold, responsive, and completely in control even as she lets herself be consumed by pleasure. I press harder against her, my tongue stroking in time with the movements of her hips, driving her closer to the edge.
Dmitri groans louder, his fingers tightening in her hair. “She’s amazing, isn’t she?” he says, his voice rough, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment.
I don’t respond, too focused on Alice, on the way her body quivers, her thighs tightening around my head as she spirals higher and higher. Her cries become frantic, her nails digging into Dmitri’s thigh.
Her body seizes, a broken moan tearing from her lips as she comes undone, her release spilling over me as I hold her in place, guiding her through it. Dmitri groans again, his grip on her hair tightening as she takes him deeper, her moans vibrating against him.
Alice collapses against the bed, her chest rising and falling as she tries to catch her breath. Her hair is a wild halo around her flushed face, her lips parted and glistening. She looks utterly wrecked and beautiful, and yet I know she’s far from done. The spark in her eyes, the way she looks at both me and Dmitri, tells me she’s ready for more.
Dmitri smirks, brushing her hair back from her damp forehead. “Parker, you’re full of surprises,” he murmurs, his voice thick with desire.
I sit back on my knees, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, my body burning with the need for her. I want her—all of her—and it’s clear Dmitri does too. There’s no room for jealousy now. No lines to draw or rules to follow. She’s made her choice, and it’s both of us.
“She’s ready for you,” Dmitri says.
I glare at him. I don’t need his permission.
My jeans are already undone, the fabric sliding down my hips as I position myself above her, between her thighs. She opens up for me, her body arching as she guides me to her.
“Are you sure?” I ask, my voice rough, barely able to form the words.
“Yes,” she breathes, her voice steady despite the tremor in her body. Alice shifts, her hands sliding over my chest, tugging me closer. “Nikolai,” she whispers, her voice low and breathless. “I need you.”
The raw need in her voice undoes me. I lean down, capturing her lips in a deep, searing kiss as I position myself between her legs. My hand slides down her thigh, gripping it firmly as I guide myself to her entrance. She gasps against my mouth as I push inside, her body arching to meet me, and I groan at the way she wraps around me—tight, warm, perfect.
“You feel so good,” I murmur against her lips, my voice rough with restraint as I start to move. Her hands clutch at my shoulders, her nails digging into my skin as she matches my rhythm, her moans growing louder with every thrust.
Dmitri moves beside us, his hand sliding over her body, teasing her breasts, her stomach, her thighs. He leans down, his lips brushing her ear as he murmurs something I can’t hear, and the way her body reacts sends a surge of heat through me.
“Nikolai,” she gasps, her voice trembling as I drive deeper, harder, chasing the sounds of her pleasure. Her cries fill the room, mixing with the soft groans Dmitri lets out as he strokes himself, waiting for his turn.
I pull back slightly, my hand brushing over her cheek as I meet her gaze.
“I can hardly believe I’m inside you,” I say.
She smiles faintly, her lips swollen, her body trembling beneath me. But then her gaze shifts to Dmitri, and I know what she wants. I don’t stop her as she reaches for him, pulling him closer.
“Your turn,” I say, my voice low as I slide out of her, my body protesting the loss of her warmth.
Dmitri grins, wasting no time as he positions himself over her. Alice wraps her legs around him, pulling him in, and he groans as he sinks into her, his head falling to her shoulder.
“Fuck, Parker,” Dmitri mutters, his voice rough as he starts to move.
I watch them, my body still burning with desire as I stroke myself, waiting for my next chance to be inside her. Dmitri’s movements are fast and precise, his hand gripping her thigh as he drives into her, her cries spurring him on.
Alice reaches for me, her fingers brushing against my arm, and I lean down to kiss her, my lips capturing hers as she moans into my mouth. I can feel the tension building in her again, her body tightening, her cries growing more frantic.
When Dmitri finally pulls back, his chest heaving, I don’t hesitate. I take her again, my hands gripping her hips as I drive my cock into her.
Alice’s fingers tighten in my hair, pulling me back to her. “Dmitri,” she whispers, her voice trembling, her gaze darting between us. “I want you too.”
“I’m right here,” he says, his voice low.
I don’t stop as he shifts Alice so she’s lying on her side between us, and positions himself behind her, his hands sliding down her body to lift her leg slightly as I continue to thrust into her. I hate the way my stomach tightens with jealousy, but I push it down, focusing on her, on the way her body moves against mine, on the building pleasure until I burst, groaning into her mouth as I come inside her.
After I slide out of her, Dmitri enters her slowly, filling the space I’ve just left, and Alice cries out, her body arching as her head falls back against his shoulder.
Her moans grow louder, her body tightening around Dmitri as I kiss her, her pleasure building until she shatters, her cries echoing in the room. Dmitri groans out his release as well, and Alice clings to both of us, her body trembling and breathless.
My gaze meets Dmitri’s; he’s looking equally spent. I hate to admit it, but it may have been the best sex of my life.