Chapter 24 - Anoushka
My eyes flutter open as sunlight filters through the curtains. Nikolai lies beside me, his chest rising and falling with each steady breath. I carve the outlines of a chiseled chest, the perfect V of his abdomen jutting out from the elastic of his boxers. My body tingles with arousal at his proximity, heat pooling between my legs. I want him; pregnancy be damned.
I slide closer, trailing my fingers down his sculpted abs and placing gentle kisses down his neck.
He stirs, cracking one eye open. "Good morning, beautiful," he murmurs, trying to pull me into a cuddle.
Instead, I sit atop him, straddling him between my legs. Now, he’s wide awake, his fingers gently tracing patterns across my waist.
"I need you." I nuzzle his neck, inhaling his masculine scent.
“But, the baby,” he whispers, trying to deny me.
"The doctor said it's safe. In fact, even good for pregnancy. And I can't wait any longer."
Nikolai groans, running a hand through his hair. "Anoushka, you'll be the death of me." His hands glide under my nightdress, cupping my breasts as his thumbs graze my nipples. I gasp, desire burning through my veins.
"Please," I whisper.
Nikolai strips off my nightdress in one smooth motion, and I balance on my haunches, pulling down his boxers. I straddle him again, reaching back for his cock, stroking the hard length of him. He hisses in pleasure, fingers sliding between my folds to find me slick and wanting, his eyes transfixed on my breasts, gently sliding down to parting between my legs.
I shiver under his gaze. He truly makes me feel like the most beautiful woman on the planet.
I cry out as he circles my clit, sending an electric current through me. "Fuck me, now."
Nikolai grabs my hips and pushes me down beside him, immediately balancing above me and pins me beneath him, thighs spreading to accommodate his hips. He takes his cock and guides it to my entrance, and I feel the warm, velvety head nuzzle against my wet folds. He pushes in slowly at first, his eyes locked on our joined bodies, his expression a mix of tender longing and fierce dominance.
"You're so wet, Anoushka," he growls, pulling almost all the way out before thrusting back in one deep thrust, stretching my walls. I moan, nails digging into his back.
"So tight," he groans, pulling out slowly only to slam back in. He sets a brutal pace, fucking me with abandon as our breath mingles in frantic gasps.
The coil in my belly tightens, pleasure swirling through my senses. Nikolai rubs my clit in time with his thrusts, threatening to push me over the brink into bliss. And yet, I want to control the pace.
I place my hands on his shoulders and push him away. He looks at me curiously. “Did I hurt you?” he asks.
I shake my head and shove him down on the bed before getting on my knees and turning to face him. I push Nikolai onto his back, straddling his hips. His eyes darken with renewed hunger as I grind against his cock, feeling it harden beneath me.
"Again," I demand, lifting my hips to position him at my entrance. I sink down in one swift move, moaning at the delicious stretch.
Nikolai's hands grip my waist, guiding me into a punishing rhythm. I ride him shamelessly, chasing the sparks of pleasure that shoot through my core.
He puts his hands on my breasts as I ride him, pinching and pulling at my sensitive nipples. "You're so fucking hot," he growls, eyes locked on mine.
I lean forward, planting kisses along his chest, then bite his nipple hard, hearing him groan in pleasure. I keep riding him hard, our bodies slapping together in a symphony of lust. I can feel the familiar tightness in my core building, and I know I'm close.
Nikolai moves his hands down to my ass, gripping my cheeks tightly as I continue to move up and down on him. I place my hands on his chest for support, now sitting upright, letting his cock hit me just where I want.
"So beautiful like this," he rasps, thumb circling my clit. I cry out, inner walls fluttering around his cock. Nikolai flips us over without warning, pinning my hands above my head.
He slams into me, the pace brutal and demanding. I writhe beneath him, coherent thought fleeing my mind. Nikolai releases one of my hands to grab a fistful of hair, pulling back sharply, and bucks his hip to hit right below my clit.
I let out a loud cry. "Come for me, Anoushka," he growls, watching my face contort with pleasure as he begins to rub my clit, fucking me hard with his cock.
The sting of pain mixes with pleasure, sending me hurtling over the edge. I come with a sob, vision whiting out. Nikolai continues to pound into me, chasing his own release.
With a shout, he spills inside me, hips jerking erratically. Nikolai collapses half on top of me, chest heaving.
I curl into his side, sated and content. I’m so tired that in my head, I tell him I love him. I catch my breath, wondering if I should muster up the courage to say so, when he reluctantly pulls away, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "I must leave for work soon, but I will be home early tonight." He nuzzles my neck, stubble scraping my skin. "We have much to discuss regarding the baby."
I nod, tracing idle patterns over his chest. "I was thinking of going shopping for the nursery and some clothes today. It will give me something to focus on while you're gone."
"A good idea." Nikolai captures my hand, bringing it to his lips. "But you will not go alone. I will have Fedor accompany you for security." His eyes darken. "Dima will watch over Sofia and Natalia as well."
“What, why?” I ask, suddenly worried.
“Just until the baby is here,” he explains. “I want everyone looked after. I want no trouble on the horizon, so my focus can be on you both alone,” he explains, kissing my belly.
“Nikolai,” I ask, perching up to my side when he stands. “Are you sure everything is alright?”
“Everything is fine,” he says, his expression unreadable. “Nothing for you to worry about.”
I watch appreciatively as he dresses, desire stirring despite our recent activities. Nikolai smirks at me over his shoulder, eyes glinting with promise. "Behave yourself today, Milaya . I will make it worth your while tonight."
Heat floods my cheeks as I throw a pillow at his head. Nikolai dodges it easily, laughing. "Get out of here before you're late for work." I huff, trying and failing to hide my smile.
***
I get dressed and freshen up, anticipation building as I think of shopping for the nursery. It will make this whole situation feel more real, that we're actually having a baby together.
When I step outside, I'm surprised to find my car waiting in the driveway, along with an imposing black SUV and a security convoy. Fedor leans against the SUV, arms crossed over his chest. He straightens when he sees me, offering a charming smile.
"Sister, it's good to see you." Fedor pulls me into a hug.
"I'm glad Nikolai asked you to accompany me today," I say as we separate, shooting a pointed look at the security convoy. "But was all of this really necessary?"
Fedor shrugs, unrepentant. "You know how Nikolai is. He worries too much and takes no chances when it comes to your safety." His expression softens. "Especially now that you're carrying his child. He would move heaven and earth to keep you both out of harm's way."
"I know." A rush of warmth fills me at the thought of Nikolai's love and devotion. I shake my head fondly. "He's utterly impossible."
“Utterly impossible to deal with,” he jokes, giving me a wink.
I laugh, nudging his shoulder. "Come on, let's go. The sooner we get started, the sooner we can be back, and Nikolai will stop fretting."
"As the lady wishes." Fedor opens the passenger door of the SUV with a flourish.
I roll my eyes but slide into the seat, Fedor settling in beside me. The convoy starts their engines, ready to escort us to our destination. This is sure to be an interesting shopping trip.
***
We arrive at the multi-level mom and baby store and Fedor helps me out of the SUV. I pause for a moment, struck by a strange prickling at the back of my neck. I glance around, but the street is bustling with activity, nothing out of the ordinary. Shaking off the odd feeling, I loop my arm through Fedor's, and we head inside.
The store is filled with adorable outfits in pinks and blues, stuffed animals of every shape and size. I'm instantly charmed, running my fingers over the soft fabric of a pale yellow onesie.
Fedor watches with an indulgent smile. "I take it we'll be here for a while."
"Hush, you. This is important business." I retort, picking up a fluffy bunny. "What do you think, pink or blue?"
"I think either would be perfect," Fedor says diplomatically.
I laugh, setting the bunny back on the shelf. "You're no help at all."
We continue browsing, debating the merits of rattles versus plush toys. The uneasy feeling from earlier fades in the face of such joyful moments. Nikolai and I have been through so much; it's a miracle we've been gifted this chance at happiness. A fierce surge of love for my child and my husband washes over me. I know then, with sudden certainty, that I have to tell Nikolai how I feel.
I turn to Fedor, eyes shining. "I'm in love with your brother." The words spill from my lips, breathless and true. "So very much in love."
Fedor smiles, slow and sweet. "I'm glad you've finally admitted it. Nikolai has loved you from the moment he first saw you. You both deserve this joy."
“He… he has?” I ask curiously.
“Has he never told you?” Fedor looks confused.
I blush, the color probably bright red on my face. “None of us have ever admitted it to one another. Maybe tonight, I shall tell him how you feel.”
Fedor whistles and shakes his head with a huge grin plastered across his face. “I say, it’s about time one of you should!”
My heart flutters as warmth spreads through my body. I gently caress a small, delicate muslin cloth, sharing in the wonder of love and new beginnings. Today has been a day of revelations in more ways than one. The future is bright and filled with promise, and I can't wait to tell Nikolai I love him.
***
We head out of the shop, bags laden with tiny outfits and stuffed animals. I'm still glowing from my confession to Fedor, looking forward to telling Nikolai the depth of my feelings.
The street outside the store is busy, filled with people going about their day. I glance around idly, noticing a figure standing across the road, watching us intently. Unease trickles down my spine at the sight of the grim-faced man. I blink, and he's gone, melting into the crowd. I shake off the feeling, dismissing it as a figment of my imagination.
Fedor and I make our way to the car, surrounded by my security detail. Just as we're about to get in, chaos erupts around us. Shouts and the sound of scuffling reach my ears as the sounds of gunfire swiftly overpower my bodyguards. All around me, the streets overflow with blood.
I scream, my hands on my cheeks, feeling like I might pass out. Panic comes over me, my vision goes blurry, and waves of nausea hit me hard as the men around me drop like flies.
“Fedor? Fedor?” I scream for my brother-in-law.
A black van screeches to a stop in front of me, doors sliding open. Before I can react, rough hands seize me, dragging me into the van. I struggle and scream, terror flooding my veins, but my captors are merciless.
Through the haze of pain, I see Fedor on the floor of the van beside me, out cold. They’ve already taken him. Now, they’re taking me too.
“Who are you?” I cry out in desperation.
The doors slam shut, plunging us into darkness as the vehicle speeds off. Fear and confusion swirl in my mind, and a pain dulls all my senses.
“Fedor, Fedor,” I whisper, trying to feel for him, to shake him away. I’m met with silence. He’s out cold.
I clutch my stomach and let the tears fall down my cheeks. “I promise,” I whisper to my unborn child. “Mama will keep you safe.”
But the truth is that the words feel like a lie coming out of my lips.