Chapter 14 - Anoushka
Nikolai's lips trail down my neck, leaving a heated path of kisses. His hands roam over my body, teasing and caressing until I'm squirming against him.
"Impatient, are we?" His husky whisper sends a thrill down my spine.
"You're one to talk," I retort, my fingers dancing across his broad chest.
With a throaty chuckle, Nikolai scoops me into his arms. Before I can protest, he tosses me onto the bed. I bounce on the mattress, laughing despite myself.
"Now, now, don't think I'll go easy on you." Nikolai prowls toward me with a predatory hunger etched into his features. From how he looks, with his broad-chiseled chest and smoky brown eyes, to the way his hair flops ever so carelessly over his brow, I’m starting to realize just how blessed I am that he’s what I got served up in an arranged marriage.
My heart pounds. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Is that so?" Nikolai braces himself on his forearms, trapping me beneath his powerful body. He’s so close that I can smell the cider on his skin. "Then you'll get exactly what you're asking for."
His lips crash into mine, devouring and demanding. I respond in kind, delighting in the battle of tongues and teeth. My hands roam across his back, relishing the play of hard muscle under taut skin.
Nikolai shifts, sliding a thigh between my legs, sliding my dress up. I gasp into the kiss. His strong hands grip my waist, tugging me toward him.
My breath hitches as Nikolai's fingers skim up my inner thighs. At every place his fingers touch my skin, a warm burn develops, getting fiercer toward my panties. I squirm beneath his teasing touch, desire coiling hot between my legs.
"Nikolai… " I gasp out.
He chuckles, the sound sinful. "Yes, Anoushka?" His fingers reach the summit, and he curves them into the panties, pushing the thin lace right into me.
I clench my pussy and moan out loud, spreading my legs wider.
"Is there something you want?" he asks, sliding my dress up to my waist now with one hand while he continues to tease me.
I swallow hard, gazing up at him through half-lidded eyes. Nikolai watches me with a hungry gleam, waiting to see how I'll respond to his challenge.
Well, two can play this game.
I reach down and grab his hair gently, twining it through my fingers. "I think you know exactly what I want."
Nikolai's eyes darken with lust. "Is that so?" His fingers slip under the edge of my panties, stroking and teasing. "Then I'll be happy to oblige."
A strangled moan escapes me as Nikolai slides off my panties until they’re resting at my ankles. I shake them off my feet and barely have a chance to settle down when his finger delves into the crevice of my pussy slowly. He’s being gentle.
But what I want is something else altogether.
I rock my hips, seeking more of the exquisite friction. Nikolai chuckles again, keeping his ministrations light and teasing, intent on driving me out of my mind with desire.
"Please," I gasp out, too far gone to care about begging. I need him, need more, need everything he can give me.
Nikolai's eyes gleam with triumph. "That's my girl." He adds another finger inside me and then plunges them deep in one swift go as his mouth descends on mine, swallowing my cries of bliss. His fingers strike into me, over and over again, and his tongue battles mine, forcing me to bite down all words as pure pleasure seeps over me from every sense possible.
I dig my fingers through the back of his chest as he jams into me again, and my back lurches off the bed, my legs closing from instinct to contain the overwhelming desire to fall apart that’s threatening to seep over me. He takes his spare hand and parts my legs, not allowing me to allow the thrill to grow, and then stops kissing me, crawling back between my legs.
Nikolai's warm breath fans over my clit, sending a shiver down my spine. His eyes lock onto mine as his fingers part my thighs, a wicked smile playing on his lips.
"God," he murmurs before lowering himself between my legs. The moment his tongue makes contact with me, heat sweeps through my body. His tongue is soft and warm as it slides over my pussy, and edges it into me, flicking in and out until I writhe beneath him like a fish right out of water. When my body bucks, he places a large, strong hand on my chest to keep me down and makes his way to my breast, fondling it through the dress.
“Oh my god, Nikolai,” I clutch his hand in place. He squeezes my breast, and I say what comes to mind. “I should have been naked already.”
He chuckles into me, his tongue still lashing against me, refusing to be distracted by anything as futile as conversation. He takes his time, exploring every inch of me with an almost reverent dedication, his movements slow and deliberate.
"Ah, Nikolai… " I moan, feeling my self-control slipping away with each expert flick of his tongue. My hands instinctively find their way into his hair, gripping tightly as my hips arch up to meet his touch. He pulls back his hand from my breast, and the next thing I know, he has one hand on my clit, arousing it in circular motions, while the other reaches below my ass, squeezing it.
I’m on fire from within, outside, all around. I almost scream out his name and reach for the headboard, needing to feel grounded before I’m totally and utterly swept off from reality. A tiny seed of extenuating ecstasy grows where his finger massages my clit, below which his fingers tap my wall, and I know it’s going to erupt anytime.
My lips part open for air, and I look down to see his eyes on me. I blush at the possessiveness in his eyes, the obsession to please.
"Please, don't stop," I beg, the words barely audible as I'm consumed by the sensations he's creating within me. “I… I’m about to cum.” He obliges, resuming his devoted attention to my pleasure.
He licks and sucks me, taking his sweet time as I’m about to cum, drawing out my orgasm. I can feel the beads of sweat from his forehead, dripping down on the landing of my pussy, and my fingers gently tug at his hair, directing him just where I want his tongue. I gasp as his fingers hit my sweet spot, just below my clit, curving outwards.
“That’s it, baby,” I moan, and I feel his lips part in a grin, his tongue still going at it, his fingers still playing with my clit. It feels like my orgasm is right on the edge, waiting for the perfect moment to be unleashed, and when he takes his other hand and places it just below my pussy, under his tongue, just teasing me at the slit, my core buzzes like a beehive, and I know I’m getting close.
My moans become louder and more frantic, and my body trembles. “Nikol—” I stutter his name punctuated by the orgasm ripping through me. My body arches off the bed, my hips bucking and legs shaking as wave after wave of pleasure crashes over me. He continues to pleasure me, even as I come down from the precipice of orgasm, his fingers never leaving my clit, his tongue never stopping its lapping at my wetness. Finally, the storm inside me begins to subside, and I collapse back onto the bed.
When I open my eyes, I see Nikolai still massaging me gently, his gaze remaining locked on my face, a dark satisfaction playing on his features. I reach down, a slow, satisfied smile in place, and grab his shoulder, guiding him up beside me.
To my surprise, he jumps over and straddles me, his arms reaching for my waist. He slides them under and lifts me from the waist.
“What are you doing?” I ask, still gasping for air.
“What was it I heard?” he asks, amusedly as his fingers deftly work on the zipper of my dress. “Something about how you should have been naked already?”
I blush as the memory comes back.
The dress pools at my waist, leaving me clad only in my bra. But within a second, that’s gone, too. He then lets me fall back down, his eyes on my chest, as my breasts heave from nervousness.
I realize this is the first time he’s ever seen me wholly naked.
He takes his fingers and tweaks both nipples between them before looking back into my eyes, now cupping my breasts in his hand.
A dark, smoldering look comes over him, and he mumbles. “You’re beautiful.”
"Thank you," I manage to reply, heat rising to my cheeks.
"Have you been hiding all this from me on purpose?" he teases, his hands roaming my body, making me feel both vulnerable and desired.
"Maybe," I say coyly, enjoying the effect I have on him. "You know what they say—good things come to those who wait."
"Is that right?" He grins wickedly as he reaches for his own towel. It falls on the floor with a soft thud, leaving his cock in full display before me. “Are you glad you waited then?”
My eyes widen at the sight of him, and I can’t help but bite into my lower lip. He chuckles, drawing my attention back to the amused look in his eyes.
"Remember not to get too cocky, Nikolai," I warn playfully. "There are still plenty of surprises left to unveil."
"Then by all means, my love," he says, his voice thick with desire, "surprise me."
I narrow my eyes, a wicked smile on my lips, and spread out my legs as I lie below him.
We lock eyes for just a second, and then, with an unreserved groan, he jumps between my legs, his cock in his hands, as he positions it at my entrance.
I clutch the sheets, completely and utterly terrified from how much I’m enjoying this. We’re too far along now to stop. I never thought I’d find myself at the precipice of actually fucking my husband.
But god damn, he’s proved himself to be so wretchedly wicked at pleasing me that all common sense lies forgotten.
My breath hitches as I reach down and place my hands over his ass, drawing him closer.
In one gentle move, he glides into me, stuffing me whole. I feel every inch of him as he pushes into me. I gasp, sliding my hands to his waist to grip him tight, to have him tether me to this moment.
He stops for a moment, his eyes locked on mine as we take in this moment, and then starts moving, his hips rocking steadily in and out.
"Now, that's what you wanted, isn't it?" he says softly, his voice deep and sultry. I can't help but nod, my eyes locked onto his. I'm so wet now that I can feel the juices leaking down my thighs.
His eyes are dark and smoldering, and I can see the desire mirrored in them.
He leans down and kisses me, his lips the perfect balance of gentle and demanding. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me, our hips moving in sync, creating an intoxicating rhythm.
My body is warm, wet, and oh-so-ready for the invasion.
I dig my nails into his back, my eyes closed, and he chuckles and starts moving with thrusts fiercer than before. "You feel so good, Sofia," he groans, his voice thick with lust.
I moan, my body arching to meet his every thrust. He pulls away from my grip, now sitting upright, and bucks his hips to hit an angle closer to my clit. Then, he pulls out and jams into me in one swift motion.
I throw my head back, clutching the sheets. He grips my waist for support, his fingers digging into my skin, as he begins to fuck me mercilessly.
His cock grows larger within me, and I feel him everywhere. There’s nothing but him, and the sensation is so sweet, and the way he rams into me is blissfully painful. I moan and watch as he struggles to let his selfish side take over.
I can see him waiting to ravish me as he wants but holding back for my benefit. I clutch the sheets tight and whisper, “Fuck me harder, Nikolai. Make me cum.”
He smirks, and I think I see a touch of satisfaction in his eyes, like he knew this was what I wanted all along but was waiting for me to find out. His hands grip my waist, and he thrusts into me again, harder, and I cry out in delight.
His thrusts become deeper and rougher, and I feel him hitting that spot inside of me every time. My head falls up and down back against the pillow, and I claw at the sheets, my body bucking to meet his every movement.
“Yes,” I moan, my body trembling in anticipation. “Harder, Nikolai. Deeper.”
As his thrusts become more urgent, I can feel his cock stretching me, filling me up in a way I never thought was possible. My whole body is an explosion of sensation, and I can barely breathe. He leans down, grinding his hips against me with a fierce intensity, kissing me hungrily as we continue our frenzied rhythm.
My moans mingle with his growls, and I know that we're both reaching that point of no return. Suddenly, I feel it—the wave of pleasure building inside me, growing stronger with every thrust. I can hardly stand it, but I want more. I want to feel him claim me completely, to lose myself in this moment.
"Nikolai," I gasp, "don't stop. I need you to keep going. Please."
He needs no further encouragement. He picks up the pace, driving into me with a force that threatens to end me. I cry out, my body shaking, the pleasure so intense, it borders on pain.
And then, just when I think I can't take anymore, I feel it—the wave crashing over me, a tidal wave of ecstasy that sweeps me away. I scream his name, my body convulsing beneath him as I climax, every cell in my body alight with bliss.
But he doesn't stop. He keeps thrusting, pumping his cock into me as I shudder and writhe, riding the waves of my orgasm. And then, with a final, powerful thrust, I feel him jerk inside me, and his own climax takes precedence. He groans my name, his body tensing as he spills himself into me, his warmth dripping down my legs.
We collapse onto the bed, our bodies slick with sweat, our breaths ragged as we regain some semblance of control. After a few minutes, I pull away. As much as I want to bask in the afterglow of our lovemaking, a sudden wave of vulnerability washes over me. Shaken by the intensity of our encounter, I try to leave the bed, but Nikolai's strong arms wrap protectively around me, halting my escape.
"Where do you think you're going?" he asks, his voice teasing yet tinged with genuine concern.
"It's just… this is all so new to me, Nikolai. I'm not sure what comes next," I admit, my heart racing at the thought of exposing my deepest thoughts to him, afraid he’d weaken my resolve for how I want this marriage to be.
"Hey," he murmurs, using a finger to lift my chin so our eyes meet. "According to your rule book, this wasn’t supposed to happen either, was it? How about we carry on the streak? Stay the night, please. Just one night.”
Since he already states the obvious, I sigh and consider what he proposes. The truth is, leaving right now isn’t what I want to do. Perhaps he’s right.
Break a rule, break ‘em all, right?
Well, maybe not right. But he’s been patient for all this while. Six weeks we’ve been married now. Maybe sharing my husband’s bed for a night won’t be the end of all of it.
I can do this for him after all he does for me. And with that, all sense of preservation is thrown to the wind, and I nestle against Nikolai's warm, strong chest, wondering how we got here.
***
Sunlight filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. My eyes flutter open, and I suddenly become aware of Nikolai's strong arms wrapped around me, our bodies entwined. Panic surges through me as I realize how much I enjoy being in his embrace—how easily I could get used to this.
Last night, sleeping in his bed seemed like the obvious choice. Now, faced with the realization that I might wish to do this every night, a surge of panic overcomes me.
Carefully, I extricate myself from his grasp with trembling fingers, trying not to wake him. I need to get out of here. I need a small detox from him before I know how I truly feel. As I rise from the bed, I glance back at his peaceful, slumbering form. It's hard to reconcile this tender image with the man I was so intent on keeping at arm’s length.
"Get it together, Anoushka," I mutter under my breath before slipping out of the bedroom, closing the door gently behind me. I need breakfast, and a coffee maybe.
As I turn the hallway of the corner, I find Dima leaning against the wall outside the guest bedroom, looking grumpy and disheveled, his dark hair sticking up in every direction. He casts me a wary glance, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"How did I get here?" he grumbles.
"You were hurt badly after the fight at the club yesterday," I tell him gently. "Nikolai brought you in. I treated your wounds initially, cleaned them, and had your men help you to bed. The doctor came and visited you after. You were… quite beat up,” I explain.
I see his frown turn to a furrow as he processes what I just told him.
“And Nikolai?” he asks, at last.
“Nikolai was fine. I helped him clean up, too. He didn’t need the doctor.”
“Good,” Dima nods. “That’s good.”
I can see he’s relieved that his brother is fine because he releases a small gush of air.
I nod and begin to walk past when I hear his voice. I stop right opposite him, looking up.
“Thanks for tending to my wounds last night. Didn't think you had it in you,” he says, all serious in tone.
"Surprised? I'm not as helpless as you all seem to believe," I reply, feeling a flicker of pride in having earned his begrudging gratitude.
"Fair enough," he concedes, his expression softening. "Listen, I'm not usually one for heart-to-hearts, but… you better be careful with Nikolai.” he leans against the wall, his arms crossed together. “Don't play with his emotions. Nikolai's been through a lot, and I don't want to see him hurt."
"I know what I'm doing, Dima," I say with a hint of defiance, annoyed by his presumption that I’m all out to hurt him. The hallway suddenly feels suffocating, as if the walls are closing in on me. I clench my fists, frustrated by this constant underestimation from him, from Sofia, from what seems to be the whole, entire world.
" You think I don't understand the consequences of being involved with him? You think I walk through life hell-bent on making someone else’s life miserable?" My voice rises, echoing off the polished floors. "Nikolai isn't some fragile flower, Dima. He can handle whatever comes his way."
"Look, all I'm saying is—" Dima starts, but I cut him off.
"Enough, Dima!" I fume, glaring at him. "I appreciate your concern, but now I’m angry over the disrespect you bring Nikolai’s way. He’s your eldest brother. He’s made your business, your family, what it is. Trust me, while you’re all out thinking he needs your protection, he doesn’t. He’s extremely capable of knowing what to do, and if you just trace back his track record, you’d see it, too. It’s time for you to stop underestimating him. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need some time alone."
Dima hesitates, his eyes searching mine for a moment before finally nodding. He doesn’t say anything else, but he turns and heads down the hall toward his own bedroom, leaving me to stew in my thoughts.
As soon as Dima's door clicks shut, I let out a shaky breath, trying to calm my racing heart. A part of me understands that he's just looking out for his brother, but it doesn't make his words any less irritating. I lean against the cold wall, staring blankly at the intricate patterns on the wallpaper as I try to sort through my tangled emotions.
The truth is, I just realized how protective I feel of Nikolai, how I don’t want to fight against him, or hurt him, or stay away from him, how I want to run back into that room and take him in my arms.
"Anoushka." Nikolai's voice startles me, and I turn to find him standing at the corner of the hall, shirtless and tousled from sleep. I swallow hard, unable to deny the shiver of desire that runs through me at the sight.
"Did you… hear all that?" I ask hesitantly, my pulse quickening. The last thing I need is for him to hear me fighting on his behalf.
A faint smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, and he takes a step toward me. "I did," he admits, his gaze intense as it holds mine. "And I have to say, Anoushka, it’s nice having you on my team.”
The intensity in Nikolai's eyes sends a jolt of electricity through me, making my knees weak. He slowly approaches me.
"Anoushka," he murmurs, his voice low and sultry, "I never knew you could be so… passionate when it comes to defending me." He stands just inches away from me now, and I can feel the heat radiating off his bare chest.
"Neither did I," I confess, my voice barely audible as my heart races in my chest. "But I meant what I said. You're more than capable of handling your own emotions."
He smirks, his hand coming up to gently stroke my cheek. "You're quite something, Anoushka Zolotov Orlov," he whispers, leaning in closer until our lips are almost touching. "It's been a long time since someone has made me feel this way."
"Which way is that?" I ask, trying to sound braver than I feel. The memory of our passionate encounter still lingers in my mind, leaving me craving more, making me regret that we ever left his room.
"Desire," he replies, his breath hot against my skin. "Such an intense desire that it's almost unbearable."
"Almost?" I tease, my fingers finding their way to his strong biceps, tracing the contours of his muscles. "Is there anything I can do to make it truly unbearable?"
"Careful, Anoushka," he warns playfully, his eyes darkening with lust. "You might just unleash the beast inside me."
"Maybe that's what I want," I reply, surprising even myself with my boldness.
Nikolai groans softly, his grip on my waist tightening as he pulls me flush against him. "You have no idea what you're getting yourself into," he growls, his lips hovering over mine.
"Show me," I whisper, my heart pounding in anticipation as I throw all caution to the wind.