Chapter 21Mikhail
21
Mikhail
I step into the penthouse, my body heavy with lethargy but mind buzzing with the thrill of victory. The operation was a resounding success, and The Corporation lies in ruins. I shrug off my jacket, spotting Phoebe on the balcony with Masha.
She turns at the sound of my approach, looking relieved and concerned. “Mikhail, you’re back.” She crosses the distance between us in quick strides, wrapping her arms around me as Masha presses against my legs in greeting.
I pull her close, breathing in the familiar scent of her shampoo. “I am. I’m sorry for worrying you.”
She leans back to look up at me. “Are you all right? You look exhausted.”
“I’m fine,” I say, managing a small smile. “Just tired. It’s been a long few days.”
She nods. “I’ve got dinner waiting. You must be starving.”
I allow her to lead me to the table on the balcony, where a spread of my favorite Russian dishes awaits. The sight and smell of the food remind me how long it’s been since I’ve eaten properly.
We sit down to eat, and Phoebe is a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. I just watch her, amazed at how she’s become such an integral part of my life in such a short time.
“Mikhail? Are you listening?” Her voice breaks through my thoughts.
I blink, focusing on her face. “I’m sorry, lyubov moya . What were you saying?”
She smiles, reaching across the table to take my hand. “I was just asking if everything went okay with your plan?”
I squeeze her hand gently. “It did. Better than okay, actually. We’ve dealt a significant blow to our enemies. The city will be safer now.”
She nods, seeming relieved but still troubled. “I’m glad. I just worry about you. This life you lead is so dangerous.”
“I know,” I say softly. “And I’m sorry for putting you through this. You deserve better.”
She shakes her head firmly. “Don’t say that. I knew what I was getting into when I chose to stay with you. I love you, Mikhail.”
Her words fill me with warmth that has nothing to do with the food or the balmy Miami night. Suddenly, I know what I have to do. I’ve waited too long as it is. I stand up, scraping my chair against the balcony floor.
Phoebe looks up at me, confusion evident. “Mikhail? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” I say, moving around the table to stand before her. “Everything is right, for the first time in a long time.” I reach into my pocket, closing my fingers around the small velvet box I’ve been carrying for weeks. Taking a deep breath, I lower myself onto one knee.
Phoebe’s eyes widen as her hand flies to her mouth. “Mikhail...”
I open the box, revealing the emerald ring nestled inside. The deep green stone catches the light, reminiscent of the Scottish highlands Phoebe loves so much. My voice is steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. “When you came into my life, I was a man living in shadows, consumed by duty and obligation. You brought light into my world and showed me there was more to life than power and control.”
I take her hand in mine, wondering at how small and delicate it feels. “Our journey hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced dangers and obstacles that would have torn apart lesser couples, but you’ve stood by me and supported me even when I gave you every reason to run.”
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, but she remains silent, letting me continue.
“I can’t promise you an easy life. My world is dangerous, and there will always be threats to face, but I promise I will love you, protect you, and cherish you for as long as I draw breath. I will strive every day to be the man you deserve, and to build a future with you that’s filled with love, trust, and partnership. Phoebe MacKenzie, will you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming my wife?”
For an instant, the world seems to hold its breath. Then Phoebe’s face breaks into a radiant smile. “Yes,” she whispers, then louder, “Yes, Mikhail, I’ll marry you.”
Joy surges through me when I slip the ring onto her finger. It fits perfectly, and the emerald glows against her skin. I stand, pulling Phoebe into my arms and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.
When we finally part, both breathless, she looks up at me with happiness. “I love you, Mikhail Sokolov.”
“And I love you, Phoebe MacKenzie,” I say, my voice rough with emotion. “Soon to be Phoebe Sokolov.”
She laughs, the sound like music to my ears. “I like the sound of that.”
We stand there on the balcony, wrapped in each other’s arms, the city sprawling out below us. For the first time in years, I feel truly at peace. The future stretches out before us, full of possibilities and promise.
We return to our dinner, now a celebration, and I recognize how much my life has changed. The man I was when I first came to Miami seems like a stranger now. Phoebe has transformed me, softening my edges without dulling my strength.
“What are you thinking?” she asks, her voice pulling me from my reverie.
I smile, reaching across the table to take her hand. The emerald ring glints in the candlelight. “I’m thinking about how lucky I am, and how excited I am for our future together.”
Her answering smile is radiant. “Tell me about it. What do you see for us?”
I settle back in my chair, considering. “I see us building something beautiful together.”
Her expression is tender. We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, both lost in visions of the future we’re planning together. The city hums below us, but up here on our balcony, we’re in our own private paradise.
“We should celebrate,” she says suddenly with excitement. “Have a party to announce our engagement.”
I chuckle, amused by her enthusiasm. “Whatever you want, lyubov moya . This is your moment too.”
She grins, already starting to plan. “We could have it here, on the rooftop terrace. Invite our friends and your…associates... I could make some traditional Scottish dishes...”
I listen to her ideas, heart swelling with affection. This is the woman I’ve chosen to spend my life with—passionate, creative, and full of life. Swept up in the moment, I stand and pull her into my arms before sinking down onto the large sofa nearby. “I love you.” I kiss her before she can reply.
Phoebe melts into me, returning the kiss with equal fervor. Her hands roam over my chest, exploring every ridge and valley of muscle. She tugs at my shirt, untucking it from my pants, and I break the kiss long enough to pull it over my head and toss it aside. I do the same with hers, baring her luscious breasts to my hungry gaze.
Her nipples are already hard and begging for my touch. I bend down, capturing one between my lips and sucking gently. She arches into me, tangling her fingers in my hair as she lets out a soft moan of pleasure.
I switch to the other nipple, lavishing it with the same attention. At the same time, I slide my hand down her side, tracing the curve of her hip before slipping under the waistband of her skirt. I cup her pussy through her panties, feeling the heat and dampness of her arousal while I rub her clit through the thin fabric.
She rocks against my palm, seeking more friction. I oblige, teasing her with light strokes that leave her panting and desperate for release. “Please,” she begs, tugging at my belt. “I need you inside me.”
I grin, loving how eager she is for me. I unbuckle my belt and unfasten my pants, freeing my aching cock. I shove her skirt up around her waist and tear off her panties, tossing them aside. To my surprise, she slides down my lap onto the ground of the rooftop terrace on an outdoor rug, grasping my cock at the base.
“What are you doing?” I break off with a moan when she runs her tongue along the length of my shaft.
“Returning the favor,” she says, looking up at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Now shut up and enjoy it.”
I groan as she wraps her lips around the tip of my cock, swirling her tongue around the sensitive head. She sucks gently, taking me deeper into her mouth inch by inch. I rest my hand on the back of her head, guiding her movements as she bobs up and down on my shaft.
The sight of her kneeling before me, pleasuring me with her mouth, is almost enough to make me come undone. I grit my teeth, fighting back the urge to explode down her throat. Instead, I focus on the sensations coursing through me, savoring every second of bliss.
When I can’t take anymore, I pull her up and position her so that she’s straddling my lap, facing away from me. I spread her legs wide, exposing her glistening pussy to my hungry gaze as it weeps cream down her thigh.
I run my finger along her slit, gathering up her juices, and bring it to my lips. I suck it clean, enjoying the sweet-salty taste of her arousal. Then I guide her hips down, impaling her on my cock.
She cries out when I fill her, stretching her snug channel to its limits. I give her a moment to adjust before lifting her up and bringing her back down again, setting a slow, steady rhythm. She braces herself on my thighs, rocking her hips to meet each thrust while her palms are on the rattan table for stability.
The view of her ass bouncing up and down on my cock is mesmerizing. I reach around, cupping her breasts and pinching her nipples while I increase the pace. She moans, throwing back her head in ecstasy as she rides me.
“That’s it, krasotka . Take what you need.” I growl, gripping her hips tightly while slamming into her. The sound of skin against skin fills the area, mingling with our ragged breathing and soft moans of pleasure.
Her inner walls begin to flutter around my cock, signaling her impending release. I reach around to find her clit and rub it furiously. She screams my name, coming apart in my arms as she shudders with the force of her orgasm.
Her climax triggers mine, and I bury my face against her shoulder blade as I pump my seed deep inside her. We cling to each other, riding out the storm of our shared passion. When it’s over, I lift her off my lap and lay her down on the couch, covering her body with mine. There’s a hint of chill in the air that I didn’t notice until now, so I want to be proactive and keep her warm—and I adore cradling her naked body against mine.
I kiss her deeply, pouring all my love and devotion into that single gesture. She responds eagerly, wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling me closer. We stay like that for several minutes, lost in each other. Finally, I break the kiss and sit up, gazing down at her flushed cheeks, swollen lips, and tousled hair that makes her even more beautiful in the afterglow of our lovemaking. The emerald ring on her finger catches the light, a visible symbol of our commitment. I pull her closer, savoring the warmth of her body against mine. “You’re beautiful, and we should start planning our future,” I say, running my fingers through her auburn locks. “There’s so much to consider now.”
She nods, eyes sparkling with excitement. “I can hardly believe it. We’re engaged, and we’re having a baby. It’s like a dream come true.”
I kiss her forehead gently. “It is. Where would you like to get married?”
She hesitates. “I don’t know. I sort of imagined doing it in Scotland, but that seems impractical now.” She laughs, clearly not too disappointed.
I smile as an idea forms. “What if we had the ceremony on my yacht? A small, intimate affair away from prying eyes and potential threats.”
Phoebe’s face lights up. “On ‘The Scarlet Siren?’ That sounds perfect. Just us and our closest friends and family, out on the open water.”
“We could sail to a secluded spot,” I say, warming to the idea. “Exchange our vows as the sun sets over the ocean.”
“It sounds magical.” She exhales with pleasure while snuggling closer to me. “When should we do it?”
I consider for a moment. “How about in two weeks? That should give us enough time to make the necessary arrangements without waiting too long.”
Phoebe nods enthusiastically. “Two weeks it is. I can’t wait to be your wife.”
I kiss her deeply. When we part, I rest my forehead against hers. “And I can’t wait to be your husband.”
We spend the next hour discussing the details of our wedding, our excitement growing with each plan we make. Phoebe talks about the dress she wants to wear, and I promise to have my tailor create something perfect for her. We debate over the guest list, keeping it small and intimate as we’d agreed.
As the conversation winds down, she yawns, the events of the day catching up with her. Both of us still naked, I lift and carry her to the rooftop elevator down to the penthouse. Masha wags her tail as we step out, and I take Phoebe to bed. Since she’s nude, there’s no need for undressing. Getting in beside her, I pull the covers over us, holding her close as rests her head on my chest. I stroke her hair absently, amazed at how perfectly she fits in my arms.
Masha jumps into bed and lays across our legs, resting her head on knee and one paw on Phoebe’s leg. She seems as content as I feel.
“Mikhail?” murmurs Phoebe, sounding sleepy.
“Yes, lyubov moya ?”
“I’m happy. Really, truly happy.”
I press a kiss to the top of her head. “So am I.”
As she drifts off to sleep in my arms, I close my eyelids too. For the first time in my life, I’m not just surviving. I’m living.