Chapter 11 - Iosif
That was a close call. Clara was more resourceful than I had anticipated. She had really impressive skills with words. She nearly got my brother to reveal everything, my biggest secret. But I couldn’t tell her the truth yet, the timing was very bad.
For now, it was better if it stayed in the dark. Stepping back from the door, I told myself it was a good thing she slammed it shut in my face. If not, I might have told her myself.
This would keep her on her toes. I headed back down and poured a cup of coffee. With my coffee in hand, I went to my office. She had not come back out. I wondered if I should check on her, just to ensure she was okay. I knocked and listened. Then I knocked again, but there was no response.
Placing my head against the door, I spoke softly. “Clara…, are you sleeping?”
“No!” She shouted angrily. But there was also something else. I wasn’t sure what, but it bothered me.
“Are you still mad at me?” I asked.
There was silence from within. I placed my free hand on the door, wishing she would talk to me. Then suddenly, the door swung open. I hadn’t even heard her coming closer. I started falling forward but found my footing just in time.
She looked at me, her arms on her hips as if waiting for me to speak. “I just wanted to make sure you are okay,” I said as I stepped closer.
Clara rolled her eyes at me before turning and walking back to the bed. I watched her as she sat down, folding her arms across her chest. Moving slowly, I sat down beside her. She glanced at me, tilted her head, and then looked the other way.
Maybe she needed a distraction. If she had something else to think of, she might not be so pissed at me. I leaned in and kissed her neck softly. Clara didn’t move. I studied her for a second but couldn’t figure out what was going on inside her.
So, I leaned in again. This time, I kissed harder and longer. I breathed in her essence. It was like taking a drug. My head swirled, my breath caught, and my heart started racing. I could admit to myself that I was addicted to her odor. The smell of her was intoxicating.
Still, Clara only sat there, so I licked her neck from her shoulder to her ear. I nibbled on her ear, hoping for some kind of reaction. Lying my head on her shoulder, I shifted closer. I placed my hand on her knee and slowly started moving up. As I went, I pushed my hand between her legs.
Suddenly, Clara got up and walked towards the window. She placed her hands on the window and lowered her head. I rose and walked up behind her. Placing my hands on her hips, I moved them up her sides. She lowered her arms, and I thought I was getting through to her.
Clara swung around. She glared at me with fierceness in her eyes. She didn’t look worked up or any friendlier. But she looked so much hotter in that moment. My heart skipped a beat.
“What are you doing?” Clara spat.
I smiled at her as I stepped up against her. She moved back, but there wasn’t much space as she was against the window.
“Maybe you need a distraction,” I breathed out. Lifting my hand, I caressed her cheek. As I moved down her neck, she slapped my hand away before I could reach her chest.
“I do not need a distraction!” she spat. Clara stepped around me to get away.
Turning, I grabbed her arm. With the movement, we both spun and ended up face-to-face. Staring into her eyes, I felt the fire ignite. My soul felt like it was an erupting volcano. I couldn’t stop myself. I leaned in and kissed her on the lips.
Sparks flew as I felt her kissing back. I moved my hand down to hers, raising her hands to my chest. Her kiss was soft but fierce. I pulled her into me and placed my hands on her ass. I felt her tighten, but she didn’t stop. Clara moved her hands down my chest, her nails digging lightly into me.
She got to the top of my pants, dragging her nails across the top. I felt perspiration forming in my neck. I bit my lower lip, keeping myself in check. I wanted to strip her naked and take her, but I was a patient man. Moving slowly, I started tugging at her shirt, lifting it.
Clara lifted her hands, allowing me to remove them. As I dropped it to the floor, she grabbed my neck and kissed me hard. Her tongue darted into my mouth, exploring it. Closing my eyes, I allowed her. I loved the taste of her.
I could feel us moving backward as she took control. Clara undid my pants as she pushed me. She took my bottom lip between her teeth, pulling on it slowly. I was so turned on I couldn’t open my eyes. I was floating in paradise.
Suddenly, she shoved me. Opening my eyes, I saw her slamming the door shut. I stood there, breathlessly and stunned. What the hell just happened? That wasn’t part of the plan. How did this go from me seducing her to her seducing me?
I was so hooked. She could probably lead me around with my pinky. Slapping my forehead, I made my way downstairs. This was bad, I couldn’t let it happen ever again.
I had to stay on track. She was a means to an end and nothing more. I had to focus on what needed to be done and why she was there. I stumped through the house for a little while, fuming.
Once I felt slightly calmer, I headed to my office. I sat staring at my emails. My mind kept running back to her, her tender, warm lips. I was too distracted to get any work done. Getting up, I paced the length of my office.
I couldn’t focus on anything but her. Pushing my hands into my hair, I felt like screaming. Suddenly, my phone rang. I jumped. Picking it up, I saw it was Avgust. I wasn’t in the mood for his bullshit, but knew if I didn’t answer, he would come here.
“Hi,” I huffed as I picked up.
“Brother,” he replied, sounding irritated. This was exactly why I didn’t want to talk to him. I knew what he was going to say. Before I could cut him off, he started rambling. “I must say we are not pleased with what you’ve done. Do you even realize how much pressure you’re bringing to the family?”
“Avgust,” I replied, sitting down in my chair. “I have a plan.” Anger rose in me, and I became annoyed at him.
“Yes, so you said,” he interrupted. “I know it’s done, and nothing I can do or say will change your mind. So, it’s fine. We are here and will assist you in any way we can, even though we disagree.”
I felt slightly relieved having them backing me up. He knew I was making a point. It had to be done. We couldn’t allow the Aslanov family to get away with what they did.
“Well,” Avgust added. “I think the Vasilievs can assist in monitoring things. They can keep an eye on the situation. I will also do my part to ensure nothing goes awry with your plans. But you have to promise me we’ll get this sorted sooner rather than later.”
“Yes, Avgust,” I breathed out half aggressively. Taking a deep breath, I continued. “Sorry, I know you’re just trying to help. But after what those people have done. We have to retaliate, or we’ll look weak.”
Avgust was quiet for a moment. His voice was clear as he replied without any hesitation. “Yes, I know. This is not the way I thought we would do things. But as I said, it’s done. So, we’ll just handle it.”
“Thank you, brother,” I said before the line went dead.
I stared out the window. I was unsure what my next move would be. But one thing I knew for sure was that I had to get a grip on my emotions. These feelings building for her were not part of the plan. I had to maintain a calm demeanor and stay focused on the mission.
I dared not go back to her room. My desire for her was overwhelming.
I went to the kitchen and had the chef prepare a late-night snack.
Once it was ready, I had to decide. I wasn’t sure if I wanted her to come and join me or not.
Maybe I should have someone take it up for her.
Letting out a deep sigh, I headed upstairs.
Knocking lightly, I spoke in a clear tone. “There’s some desert, if you care to join me?”
“No!” Clara spat back. Her tone was loud and clear. “I’m not interested.”
Rolling my eyes, I headed back down. “Well, be that way, it’s your problem,” I mumbled.
I ate alone, went to my room, showered, and went to bed.
I lay there staring at the ceiling. My mind was mulling over her.
Grabbing the pillows on both sides of the bed, I squeezed them to the sides of my head.
At some point, I felt sleep stepping in.
Waking, I sat up and flung my feet off the bed. I tossed the pillows to the floor, feeling irritated. Placing my head in my hands, I took a couple of deep breaths. After washing and dressing, I headed to the kitchen.
Breakfast was already made. I dished some up, poured a glass of juice, and added a cup with fresh coffee and cream. Before heading up, I stepped outside and picked some flowers. I placed them on one side of the tray, then headed to Clara’s room.
I knocked lightly, but there was no answer. Opening it, I peeked in. Clara glanced at me as I pushed the door open and walked in. She sat up as I got closer.
“I brought you breakfast as you didn’t eat last night. I’m sure you must be hungry by now,” I said, placing the tray on the bedside table.
“Thank you, but I would’ve come down,” Clara replied. Her tone was calm and relaxed. She reached out, grabbed a piece of bacon, and started eating.
I nodded and started back to the door. I would leave her to finish her breakfast. I didn’t want her to feel I was crowding her.