31. Nikolai
31
NIKOLAI
I watch through the thermal scope as Sofia sits at the head of the long dining table, her voice carrying authority I’ve never heard before. We had missed the attempt on her life last night, something my head of security got serious shit for. But now, my team is in position, ready to breach, but something holds me back.
“We need to deal with Lucia directly,” Sofia’s voice echoes through my earpiece. “She’s made too many moves against the family. Against me.”
My chest tightens. She sounds like a natural leader, commanding the room with the same steel I first glimpsed beneath her polish. Mario nods in approval as she outlines her strategy.
“I want eyes on every account she’s touched,” Sofia continues. “And I want to know who else is involved. This stops now.”
Pride wars with fear in my gut. She’s magnificent and everything I knew she could be. But seeing her take command, watching her family defer to her judgment... will she still want the life I can offer? Will she choose to stay with her blood family now that she’s found her place?
Erik’s voice crackles in my ear. “Nikolai? Are we moving or what?”
I grip my rifle tighter, unable to tear my gaze from Sofia as she rises from her chair, every inch the Castellano princess she was born to be. The woman I love is becoming someone new before my eyes. Someone who might not need me anymore.
“Hold position,” I whisper, my throat tight. “Continue surveillance only.”
Sofia leans forward, both hands on the table. I see the predatory grace I’ve always admired now turned toward her family’s enemies. “Lucia made her choice when she tried to have me killed. Now she’ll learn what it means to betray a Castellano.”
The steel in her voice matches my own; despite my fears, desire burns through my veins. She’s not just surviving in this world but thriving.
“Why aren’t we moving?” Erik’s voice comes through my earpiece again. “This isn’t the rescue mission we planned.”
I watch Sofia through my scope as she gestures to one of the guards, her movements precise and controlled. “Because she’s not in immediate danger.”
“Sounds more like she’s the danger.” Erik’s dry tone carries a hint of admiration. “Maybe we should let her handle this on her own. She’s clearly capable.”
My finger traces the trigger guard, an old habit when I’m processing. Sofia leans in to examine something Mario hands her, which appears to be documents from how she’s scanning the pages. Her brow furrows in that familiar way that means she’s piecing something together.
“She is capable,” I agree, unable to keep the pride from my voice. “More than I imagined.”
“Then perhaps it’s best you try and get to her alone. See if she even wants extraction.”
He’s right. Of course, he’s right. But watching her command that room, seeing her come into her power... I need to know if there’s still room for me in this new version of her life.
“Agreed. Maintain distance surveillance.”
The dinner starts winding down. Mario rises first, pressing a kiss to Sofia’s temple before leaving with his security detail. Others follow until only Sofia remains, still studying those documents under the warm glow of the chandelier.
“She’s different,” Erik observes. “But she’s still Sofia.”
I lower my rifle, finally allowing myself to breathe. “Yes. She is.”
We watch silently as she gathers her papers, every movement deliberate and controlled. This is no prisoner being held against her will. This is a queen coming into her kingdom.
I move silently through the villa’s shadows, Erik’s team providing coverage from strategic positions. The security system is child’s play for Alexi to bypass since he’s already looped the cameras.
Her bedroom still carries her scent, jasmine and vanilla. I position myself in the darkened corner, letting the shadows conceal me as I wait.
The door opens, and Sofia enters, still in the black dress from dinner. She looks... different. Stronger. More assured. My chest tightens at the sight of her.
“Hello, malishka ,” I say softly.
She whirls, hand flying to her throat. “Nikolai.”
I’m on her before she can retreat, my body caging hers as I kiss her with unrestrained hunger. Her response is instant as her fingers claw at my shoulders and she arches into me.
“I’ve missed you,” I growl against her lips.
“You shouldn’t be here.” But her body betrays her words as she presses closer.
“I’ll always come for you.” I slide my hand into her hair, tugging her head back to expose her throat. “You’re mine.”
“Things are different now.” She pushes against my chest, but I hold firm. “I have responsibilities. I have a family...”
“And me.” I bite down on her pulse point, drawing a gasp from her lips. “You have me.”
“A man who stalked me? Kidnapped me?” But her hands are already working on my shirt buttons.
“A man who loves you.” I capture her wrists, pinning them above her head. “Choose, Sofia. Your newfound family... or me.”
She trembles in my grasp, desires to war with duty in those green-gold eyes. “Why can’t I have both?”
“Because your grandfather wants to marry you off to cement an alliance. And I don’t share.” I press my forehead to hers.
“I’ve made it clear that’s not happening,” Sofia says, her eyes blazing with that familiar fire I love. “Mario can suggest alliances all he wants, but I choose who I end up with. Even if that person happens to be Russian.”
I tighten my grip on her, searching her face for any hint of deception. “Your grandfather is not a man who takes no for an answer, malishka . The Castellanos have maintained power through strategic marriages for generations.”
“Then he’ll have to adapt.” She lifts her chin, defiant even in my hold. “I’m not some pawn to be traded. He’s learning that quickly.”
“And when he pushes?” I press closer, my body caging hers against the wall. “When he brings suitable Italian candidates to your door?”
“Then I’ll remind him that his granddaughter has inherited more than just his eyes.” A small smirk plays on her lips. “I can be quite persuasive when needed.”
That flash of backbone in her voice awakens the predator in me. This is my Sofia—the perfect blend of grace and power. But doubt still gnaws at me.
“Are you going to kiss me or just stare?” Sofia’s challenge catches me off guard. That fire in her eyes, the slight tilt of her chin—she’s grown bolder in our time apart.
I crush my mouth to hers, drinking in her gasp of surprise. She tastes like expensive wine and defiance. My fingers thread through her hair.
“Daddy’s missed you, malishka ,” I growl against her skin. The shiver that runs through her body ignites my blood.
Her hands slide under my jacket. “Show me how much.”
I press her harder against the wall, grinding my hips into hers as I claim her mouth again. Her legs wrap around my waist, and I support her weight easily with one hand while the other works at the zipper of her dress.
“You’ve gotten bold,” I murmur, biting her lower lip. “I like it.”
“Brother,” Alexi’s voice crackles in my earpiece, amusement clear in his tone. “Just a reminder that we have eyes on the situation. Though I’m sure Erik would appreciate some... tactical insights.”
I growl in frustration, but Sofia’s already noticed my slight hesitation. “What’s wrong?”
“My brothers and team are watching,” I explain, resting my forehead against hers. “And my brother is being particularly annoying about it.”
She laughs, the sound both wicked and delighted. “Then let’s give them a show worth watching.”
“Fuck,” I growl, even as my cock hardens at her words. “While that’s hot as hell, malishka , I’m not sharing you with anyone. Not even my brothers.”
I tap my earpiece. “Going dark. Do not disturb unless the building’s on fire.”
“But Nik—” Alexi’s protest cuts off as I disable the comms.
Sofia’s eyes dance with mischief as I stalk to the windows. I yank the heavy curtains closed and flash my middle finger through the gap before they shut completely. Let them stew.
When I turn back, Sofia’s pressed against the wall, chest heaving, lips parted. Mine. All mine.
“Now, where were we?” I close the distance in two strides, caging her with my arms. “Ah, yes. You were being very, very naughty.”
Her breath catches as I descend on her, claiming her mouth with bruising force. She tastes like wine and defiance, and I can’t get enough. My hands slide down her sides, gripping her hips to pull her against me.
“Nikolai,” she gasps as I trail bites down her neck.
A growl from my chest rumbles against her delicate skin. “Say it again.”
“Nikolai.” Her voice hitches as my teeth close over that sweet spot below her ear. She shudders, her fingers curling against my shoulders. “I’ve missed this. Missed you.”
My blood roars in my veins, and my grip on her tightens. “Say you’re mine, malishka .”
“Yours,” she breathes, and I feel the word against my skin like a promise.
The need to claim her, to brand her as mine, consumes me. I lift her easily, my hands under her thighs, and she wraps her legs around my waist. Her dress rides up, revealing those long, artistic fingers digging into my back. Her hot breath fans over my ear, her soft breasts pressed against my chest. I carry her to the bed, lowering her onto the silk sheets.
Her eyes burn with desire, but also something more. Something that pulls at my heart. “I’ve dreamed of this.” Her fingers card through my hair, tugging me for another searing kiss. “Of you.”
My breathing turns ragged, my control fraying under the weight of her admission. I swallow, my voice hoarse as I rasp, “You’re the only thing I’ve ever wanted.”
Her smile is soft, a curve of pure temptation that undoes me completely. “Then take what’s yours, Daddy.”
I groan, my willpower crumbling in the face of her surrender. I lower myself over her, reaching for the hem of her dress. Silk slides over skin, and her hands are everywhere, stroking, exploring, reigniting the fire that’s always burned between us.
I pause, my hands on her thighs, looking down at this woman who holds my heart. Her eyes, twin mirrors of my soul, gaze up at me, trust and desire mingling in their depths. My thumb brushes her inner thigh, feeling the rapid thud of her pulse.
“Nikolai?” she prompts, her breath catching. “Don’t stop.”
In response, I kiss her again, my lips claiming hers as I thrust into her in one smooth motion. She arches off the bed, her fingers threading through my hair, her lips finding that spot just below my ear. I bury myself deep, shuddering at the tight heat surrounding me.
“ Ty moya ,” I murmur, withdrawing and thrusting again. “Always mine.”
Her fingernails dig into my back as she lifts her hips to meet my rhythm. “You’re the only one. The only one who’s ever touched this part of me.”
Hearing those words from her lips snaps my control. I drive into her, hard and deep, claiming her mouth, her neck, and her breasts in a frenzied rush. She matches my passion, her nails leaving marks on my back as she meets each thrust with abandon.
“ Malishka , my malishka ,” I breathe, my fingers biting into her hips as I surge into her. “Only mine.”
Her response sends a wave of possessive heat through me. I claim her mouth, thrusting my tongue against hers in a possessive kiss as she meets my rhythm, our bodies moving in perfect sync. I know this woman, this passionate creature in my arms like I know myself. And I know exactly what she needs.
I pull back, staring down into her dazed, passion-glazed eyes. Her lips open, a soft moan escaping as they seek my mouth again. I withhold what she wants, instead dragging my mouth along her jaw to that perfect point of submission. My malishka clutches at my hair as I carefully explore her exposed neck.
Daddy,” she whispers, her body arching in encouragement. Her breathy pleas turn my blood to molten lava. “Daddy, please.”
My cock throbs against her core, and I say against her skin, “I need to hear you say it again, malishka .”
“Daddy,” she gasps, her fingernails raking lightly down my back, leaving fire trails in their wake. “Please, Daddy, I need you.”
Hearing her call me that, coupled with that irresistible plea, is my undoing. I thrust into her with renewed force, claiming her mouth in a devouring kiss as I take her hard and deep. She matches my intensity, her hands gripping my shoulders, her body arching to meet each powerful stroke.
“You feel so good, malishka ,” I growl against her mouth, my voice thick with need. “So tight around me.”
“Nikolai,” she moans, her breath hot against my ear. “Don’t hold back. Take me.”
Her words send me over the edge, and I surrender to the primal need to brand her as mine. My mouth finds her pulse point as I pound into her with fierce, deep strokes. She cries out, her body clenching around me as she shatters apart, her orgasm ripping a hoarse groan from my throat. I follow her over the edge, spilling myself into her.
In the aftermath, I collapse against her, breathing heavily. She wraps her arms around me, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on my back. I close my eyes, inhaling her unique scent, a blend of jasmine and vanilla that’s become my addiction.
“I thought I’d lost you,” she murmurs, her lips brushing my shoulder.
I nuzzle into her neck, breathing deeply. “Never, Sofia. I’ll always come for you. Always.”
She turns her head, her lips a whisper from mine. “Say it again.”
“What, malishka ?” My hands stroke up and down her spine, branding her with my touch.
“My name. The way you say it.” Her eyes search mine, her expression vulnerable, making my heart ache. “It’s like home.”
Hearing those words from her, understanding the depth of her trust in me, shatters something inside me. At that moment, I know this is forever. She’s not just a woman I desire; she’s the other half of my soul.
“Sofia,” I breathe, savoring the taste of her name on my tongue. It’s my turn to show her how much those words mean.
“I love how you say my name,” I continue, sealing each word with a soft kiss on her skin. “I love how you challenge me, the fire in your eyes when you’re passionate about something. I love your sharp tongue and your even sharper intellect.”
I capture her mouth with mine, pouring every ounce of devotion into the kiss. When I finally pull back, her eyes shine with unshed tears.
“Nikolai,” she whispers, her fingers tangling in my hair. “This is... overwhelming.”
A slow smile curves my lips as I cradle her face in my hands. “Just wait until we’re back in Boston. I plan to overwhelm you in every way imaginable.”
The smile slips from Sofia’s lips, and my chest tightens. The question hangs between us, heavy and unspoken. Will she return to Boston? Leave behind this newfound family, this inheritance, this legacy that’s rightfully hers?
I can’t bring myself to ask. The possibility of her saying no would break something in me I’m not ready to face.
Instead, I trace my thumb across her lower lip, memorizing the softness, the slight tremor. Her eyes, those bewitching green-gold pools that first drew me in, search mine. I understand her uncertainty, a war of duty versus desire, all too well.
“Nikolai,” she whispers, but I silence her with a kiss. I’m not ready for whatever words might follow.
My fingers tangle in her hair, holding her close as if I could keep her through sheer force of will. She responds with equal desperation, her nails digging into my shoulders, her body pressing closer.
That same heavy silence fills the space between us when we break apart. For now, this has to be enough. I’ll take what she is willing to give, even as my heart demands more.
Her fingertips dance across my chest, right over my racing heart. The gesture is so intimate and unconsciously possessive that it tightens my throat with emotion.