Chapter Twenty-two

“Stop, stop,” she cried, between laughing and tears.   

He released her slowly, letting his eyes wander over her body. He sat back on his knees, reaching behind his neck and tugging his t-shirt over his head. He watched her eyes admire his toned body.  Hockey was a rough sport. To be his best, he had to work out and take care of himself. She made it very clear that she appreciated his hard work. He loved how she ran her hands across his chest and across his shoulders. Her need to touch everything certainly didn’t bother him at all.  She licked her lips and reached for him. He was only too willing to oblige. He placed his hands on either side of her shoulders and enjoyed her fingertips as they traced the muscles in his arms, lingering over his biceps and continuing their journey across to his shoulders. She looked at him as if her were a delicious morsel that she couldn’t wait to taste. She sat up slightly, supporting her weight on her elbow and ran her right hand across his shoulder to the back of his neck. Her soft lips nibbled at the base of his neck.  He felt that spark of electricity as she nibbled his ear lobe. It felt so good. Everything about her felt so good. She sat up even more, putting gentle pressure on his chest, pushing him away.

“Lie down Alex,” she purred with a seductive smile. 

He lifted his eyebrows ever so slightly and did as she asked.  He rolled over on his back stretching out across the king-sized bed. He wondered exactly just what she had in mind.  She lay on her side next to him, her fingers caressing every inch of his chest. She began licking and sucking his nipple, adding tiny nibbles every so often that made his cock tingle.  The tips of her fingers were driving him mad as she ran them along his lower abdomen and toyed with the band of his jeans. She unfastened the button and slid the zipper down slowly. She played with the fabric of his briefs before she moved down to stand at his feet.  She urged him to remove his pants and his cock sprang to life, being freed from its confines. She had that look in her eye again, as if she were ready to devour him. He breath quickened.

He watched her shimmy out of her own pants and stood before him in only a red thong.  He took a deep breath, drinking in her beauty.  He wanted her so bad, but was content to let her do as she pleased. She began rubbing the instep and ball of his foot, gently but firmly. It was very relaxing and surprisingly seductive. He had never had his feet massaged in such a way by a woman before.  She concentrated on his ankles and achillies tendon gently massaging away and soreness that may have ever lingered there. She kneaded his calf muscles over and over making him groan, not only from the massage, but also in anticipation of what was to come. She spent ages, it seemed, on his hamstrings and quadriceps until his cock was screaming to be touched. When she started kissing his inner thigh, he moaned a soft, “Please, Zoey.”

She smiled and took his penis firmly in her hand. She squeezed gently, rubbing up and down the shaft until he was dripping. She slowly licked the precum from the tip and he moaned deep in his throat. She teased the tip and all around the head of his cock with her soft tongue, licking up and down the shaft. Just when he thought he could no longer take it, she finally took as much of him in her mouth as she could and he cried out. She went down on him over and over, squeezing the base of his cock with her hand, sucking the tip with her beautiful mouth. Her hair fell across his hips as she continued and he pulled it away from her face. The only thing better than watching her full, rosy lips go down on him was actually feeling it. That familiar tingle began at the base of his balls. He wanted so bad to grab her head and fuck her mouth so hard, but he was so far gone, he was afraid he might hurt her. He satisfied himself with twisting his fingers in her long, soft hair until he erupted finally with an incredible orgasm. She drank him in until he was completely spent. He caught her smiling as she licked her lips and he grabbed her and pulled her down on top of him. He kissed her hard.

“God, Zoey,” he grunted, holding her close in his arms.

He rolled her quickly over on her back and slid his hand between her knees. He pulled her legs apart as he rubbed his fingers up her inner thigh.  He intended to make her as crazy as she just made him.  He stroked her clit lightly.  Her gasp was music to his ears. Then he rubbed his hands down her other thigh. He smiled to himself as he heard a soft whimper.  He teased her over and over. He would rub her softly and stop, kiss her breast, then stop. He watched her bite her lip as he sucked his own finger and left a trail of moisture down her stomach and between her legs yet again.  Her breathing was coming quick now. He slid his finger inside her and she raised her hips to him. He buried his face in her hair and kissed her neck up and down and he pumped his finger in and out.  He added his thumb to the party rubbing her clit as he continued to fuck her with his fingers.  She was moaning more rapidly now. He loved to make her moan.  He loved that she was completely at his mercy. She grabbed his face and kissed him hard. He could feel her chest rise against his as her breath became shorter and shorter. He knew she was close now. Just another minute and she would be moaning his name over and over. It was music to his ears. He sucked her nipple into his mouth and pinched her clit lightly and she erupted against him. He loved feeling her body convulse in pleasure. 

“Alex, oh God, Alex,” she cried breathlessly against his chest.  Her entire body trembled against him. He held her close and kissed her softly.  She sighed softly snuggling into his arms.

“Don’t get too comfortable. I am not done with you yet,” he said.

Chapter Twenty-one

The day in St. Petersburg became a night as well.  When their boat tour was over, Alex took her hand and they walked down a tree filled street. A large hotel, with balconies covered with tiny lights came into view as they turned the corner.  It was a lovely very large building with beautiful detail over each of the infinite number of windows.  Zoey commented on how grand it was.  Alex stopped at the front doors and she looked at him questioningly.

“It is too late to drive back to Moscow tonight. We should just stay here.”

“Stay here?” she exclaimed in disbelief.

“We already have room. We stay if you want.”

“When did you get a room for us?”

“This morning, when I got the boat,” he smiled slyly.  She proceeded him inside and stood in awe of the sight before her.  The lobby was a rich red with wood paneling and a turn of the century feel that left Zoey breathless.  A young woman approached them both as Alex stopped at Zoey’s side.  She was tall, thin and absolutely beautiful, with a long, blonde hair pulled back in a classic ponytail. She was dressed in a dark, pinstripe suit jacket and skirt, with a delicate white blouse beneath.

“Г-н Овечкин, Добро пожаловать в Гранд Отеле,” her lips lifted in an exquisite smile and she nodded to Zoey and addressed her as госпожа.

“Спасибо,” he replied and turned to Zoey with a smile.  “This is the Grand Hotel.”

“Ваша комната готова,” she handed him a pass card while shaking his hand warmly. “Если вам требуется что-нибудь вообще, меня зовут Лара. Я в вашем распоряжении.”

He thanked her again and led Zoey up the red carpeted steps to the elevator. 

“What did she say?” Zoey asked.

“Oh, only that if we need anything, the same in every hotel.”

“She was very pretty,” Zoey commented innocently.

“Oh? Yes, I suppose,” he answered. Zoey looked at him, but he didn’t seem to be acting for her benefit. 

He opened the door to their room and ushered her inside.  For the second time, she stood in awe.  The first thing she noticed was the huge window and terrace just opposite her.  They were on the top floor of the hotel. She passed the huge king sized bed with its cream color duvet and many pastel pillows and stood in the doorway to the terrace.  The view was incredible. She could see for miles.  The room faced the Arts Square and the Russian Museum. She even had an incredible view of the Church on Spilled Blood.  Even though it was late, the white night illuminated enough of the landscape for her get a beautiful picture of the city. 

“Alex, this is just amazing.”

He smiled at her and moved out on the terrace with her.  He stood at the rail and looked over the side.

“Is it a very long way down?” she asked, suddenly nervous.

“No, not so much. Come here, Kroshka.”  He held out his hand for her. She hesitated and he waved his hand at her impatiently.

“I really don’t like heights so much, Alex,” she said and offered a small smile.

“Look this rail. No chance for you to fall. Beside, I would not let that happen.” 

He stood there with his hand still outstretched, waiting.  She let out a nervous breath and moved to him, taking his hand.  She joined him close to the rail and he put his arm across her shoulders again.  It was a long way down to her and she quickly turned her focus from the street below to the man beside her. 

“You are not scared?” he asked.

“Just prefer other sights,” she said, biting her lip slightly.  His mouth was on hers in an instant. He brushed his fingers across her cheek to the back of her neck and held her tightly around the waist.  If the street below didn’t make her dizzy, his kiss certainly did. She caught her breath as he finally pulled away from her.

“I want you so bad all day,” he whispered in her ear.  She couldn’t keep a whimper from escaping her lips.  His large fingers brushed down the front of her shirt, fumbling with the buttons on her blouse.  She lifted his t-shirt and placed her hands against his skin. He was so warm.

“You tickling me,” he warned.

She grinned up at him with a gleam in her eye.

“Ah, no,” he ordered, laughing as she continued with the torture.  He wrapped his arms around her and picked her up holding her tight to keep her hands still.  He kissed her again, hard and all thoughts of tickling him flew out of her head. He slid his hands down to her buttocks and pulled her legs up around him.  He carried her back inside and lay her on the bed.

“You think you can tickle me and get away with it?” he said, smirking at her.  He pulled her shirt away from her and relieved her of her bra.  He gazed down on her and licked his lips. Then he grabbed her wrists, held them above her head and proceeded to tickle her bare skin unmercifully.

Chapter Twenty

They spent the rest of the day touring the city, from St. Isaac’s Cathedral with its portico columns of red granite to Kazan Cathedral and its stone colonnade with huge fountain in the center.  He even took her to the Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood, built on the site where Alexandre II was assassinated.  It looked very similar to St. Bazils to Zoey.  It was an amazing day and she found herself thankful to share it with him every time she held his hand. All of the sights were beautiful, but none compared to the sight of him sitting on the grass with the breeze lifting his hair.

With every smile and every laugh, she was becoming more and more enamored with him.   She loved the way he found joy in the everyday things. She loved how he told her stories from when he was a kid, how he laughed at himself.  They stopped a small café for just a little refreshment.  The gentleman at the table next to them was drinking a familiar kind of beer. Alex laughed to himself and she looked at him questioningly.

“I have had experience with that beer a long time ago.”

“Oh?” she said urging his new story.

“Mishka and I were playing outside when we were kids, just some street hockey. It was very hot that day.  We were very thirsty.  My pop had his car parked on the street and we sat inside to get away from the sun.  He had one of those beers inside.  We drank it.”

“You did?” she looked at him with trepidation.

“Da. When Pop realized that we had drank it. He was mad.  I don’t think I could sit down for a whole day.” 

She covered her laugh with her hand and he laughed too. He took her hand away and kissed the top of her knuckles.

“Do not hide your smile from me.  It is gift you should share,” he said, glancing from her hand up into her eyes.  She smiled at him all the more, her heart warmed by his compliment.

Just before dusk, he surprised her with a private canal tour of the city.  She was not surprised, however, that he found someone with a powerboat as opposed to a regular tour boat.   Alex was all about speed. 

“This is Andrei,” Alex said, as he held out his hand to help her onto the boat. 

“Privet,” she said and Alex grinned at her. “What? I said it right!”

“Yes,” he laughed. “Yes, you did.”

“What then?” she demanded.

“Nothing.”  He was still grinning when he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

He sat down on the bench seating in the back of the boat and patted the leather next to him.  She joined him and he put his arm across her shoulders.  She loved the feel of his arms around her. 

Andrei set off down Griboedov Canal at a moderate speed.  He spoke to them in English which Zoey much appreciated, since Alex did not have to translate for her. She laughed when Alex asked how fast the boat went.  Luckily, Andrei said that they could not go top speed with all the canal traffic. They passed by many of the sights that they had seen today, but seeing them from the canal was just as impressive.  Zoey got a lovely shot of Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood with the canal in the foreground.  It was beautiful to see the shimmer on the water. The White Night effect in St Petersburg was an awesome sight.  Zoey had never been anywhere where the sun didn’t actually go down completely.  She heard that at times it was bright enough that the city didn’t even need to use street lights.  It was not that bright on this night. Andrei said it would be near twilight all night long.  So the beautiful sunset that she was sharing with her handsome Russian knight would not end for hours.  She snuggled up to him with a sigh.

“Are you cold?” he asked, rubbing her arm.

“No, I’m okay. You’re keeping me warm,” she said looking up into his eyes.

He smiled at her and brushed her wind-blown hair from face.  She loved how gently his fingers felt as they brushed across her cheek. She closed her eyes at his touch.  She felt his warm lips on hers as he kissed her.  It was a soft, gentle kiss. She looked up into his eyes again as he pulled away.  She was overcome with feelings for him at that moment. All she wanted was to be with him, to have his arms around her, to love him.  Love him?  her brain scoffed.  Yes, love him, her heart responded and ignored everything else her brain might have to say.

Chapter Nineteen

They walked through a beautiful wrought iron fence and into a lovely park.  The gardens reminded her a little of Versailles with the geometric arrangement of the trees and bushes to make pathways.  There were statues and fountains scattered throughout. The elm and oak trees were very tall and made Zoey wonder about how much history they must have seen.  The day was becoming warm and the shade from the trees was a welcome reprieve from the sun.  There we so many trees that Zoey felt secluded even though she had seen others in the park. It was a very intimate garden and she squeezed Alex hand with affection.

“This is the Summer Garden of Peter the Great,” he said in explanation.  “The Summer Palace is that direction. We take our time, but we will see it.” 

“It’s beautiful, Alex,” she said with a smile, pulling him over to one of the statues.  “This is Peace and Abundance.  I’ve seen pictures before, but it’s more beautiful in person.”

She looked up at him with excitement. He smiled at her clearly pleased that his choice of sights made her happy.

“Very beautiful,” he said, though he wasn’t looking at the statue.

He continued to lead her through the garden. He pointed out statues and fountains, surprising her with his knowledge of art and history.

“I have been here before,” he said when she questioned him.  “I like this place. It is quiet and peaceful.”

She found herself wondering how often he craved peace and quiet. They emerged from a clump of trees and the Palace appeared before her.  It was lovely and intimate compared to most of the royal residences that she’d seen. It went well with the feelings evoked by the garden.  It backed right up to the water where the Fontanka and Neva met.  Zoey could imagine what it was like when there used to be a small harbor where the Tsar could step from his ship right up to his front door.  The tour through the Palace museum was lovely.  Many of the original paintings and furnishings were still there and the oak staircase was actually the one that the Tsar stepped upon.

She watched him as he paused on the staircase. He placed his hand on the rail and rubbed the oak and looked down at her.

“This would tell some stories, you think?”

She rubbed her hand across the oak and over his hand and nodded with a smile, understanding that he was not making fun of her, but seriously listened when she spoke. He took her hand and led her back outside.  They followed a path down toward the water.

“This is Karpiev Pond, sometimes they call it Swan Lake,” he said.

“Oh, why?”

“You will see,” he smiled.

Down the edge of the river ran a small clump of trees, their branches hanging low over the water.  Alex pointed and Zoey turned her gaze to them.  Out from beneath their branches, floated a pair of beautiful white swans. They floated together in perfect unison, moving gracefully across the pond.  Zoey pointed her camera and got lost in snapping pictures of them and the refection of the trees on the water.  Finally, she turned back to see Alex sitting in the grass watching her. 

“What?”

“You disappear,” he said.

“What?” she asked again with a puzzled laugh. 

“When you take pictures, nothing else is there but your subject.”

The breeze caught his hair and lifted it slightly. She raised her camera to take his picture.  He smiled at her and looked away bashfully.  She put her camera away and joined him on the grass. 

“I did not mean that I feel neglected,” he said.  “Only find it interesting.”

She moved closer to him and stroked his cheek.

“Maybe I need a little attention,” she said and brushed her lips across his. 

Chapter Eighteen

She could see their destination before they even got near it. The great angel spire of the Peter and Paul Cathedral emerged from the landscape like a spear.  The golden angel gleamed in the sunlight as they approached the fortress.  It’s Petrine Baroque style was breathtaking as Zoey walked up to the cream colored stone walls. She should begin with taking pictures of the whole of the church, but she couldn’t keep herself from wanting to see it up close, to feel the stone under her fingers, stone that held many years of memories of good times and bad.  There were other churches in St. Petersburg that she hoped to visit, but this one would be the one she would use for the book. This was St. Petersburg, this fortress, this Cathedral, this angel holding the cross, the final resting place for the great rulers of Russia. This was what the rest of the world saw when they thought of St. Petersburg. 

Zoey began to take pictures from different angles.  She was particularly fond of capturing the face of buildings from close up, with her camera angle toward the sky.  She was able to manage a beautiful shot of the golden spire and angel against the blue of the open sky. She busied herself with her work, periodically stopping to touch a part of the building, the wall or a column.  She had nearly lost herself in her work until she noticed him watching her with a smile.

“What?”

“You touch everything. Do you always touch?”

She was surprised by his question, but since there was a note of humor in his voice, she did not think that touching was disrespectful. 

“I guess I do. I like to feel it. The roughness of the stone feels strong, like it will hold up to any foe. The smoothness of the columns makes me think of easier times, of beauty and culture. Buildings always have a story to tell,” she felt her face flush.

“You are…” he paused, “very romantic,” he said finally and brushed a stand of hair from her face back behind her ear.  She began to get that excited feeling in the pit of her stomach again.

“How do you know what kind of picture to take?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” she said stepping back from him slightly, trying to remove herself from his magnetic field.  “I just see it. I think, ‘oh that would be beautiful’. Some of the time, it is. Lots of times, I can’t get the camera to take the picture that I see in my mind. Then I take lots of pictures and hope that there is one that is just as good.”

“It’s gift then, to see?” he asked intrigued.

“You mean to see what pictures I want?  I guess it is. I don’t know if it is something one can teach to someone else. It just happens for me.”

He smiled at her, “like shooting puck, just happens. I practice all the time, but sometimes, it just happens. Sometimes, even I am surprised.”

She returned his grin and forced herself back to her work.  She finished taking the angles that she wanted and started to pack up.

“Time to go inside?” he asked.

“Can I take pictures inside?” she asked excitedly.  Some of the places she had been to did not allow photography inside. She was terribly disappointing in one instance.

“Yes, I think so.”

He held his large hand out for her. She placed her small one in his. He led her inside.

It was an amazing sight.  She was stuck by the golden iconostasis above Holy Doors at the dome of the bell tower that rose like a tower themselves.  It was very opulent inside and terribly beautiful.  The noble rulers of Russia sat entombed before her. The sacred marble tombs were encircled by a metal fence, to keep people from touching them.    She was overwhelmed with a feeling of such history.  The mosaics on the ceiling and the stain glassed windows were exceptionally beautiful and she found herself wondering what it would be like to experience a service here.  The bell tower held fifty-one bells.  What a massive sound must be capable with such a carillon, she thought.

“Are you going to take pictures?” Alex asked her.

She had been so taken in by what she was seeing that she had not even lifted her camera.  She proceeded to click away and after a few minutes, she took his outstretched hand again.

“Done?” he asked and she nodded looking up into his eyes. “Good. There is something I want you to see.”

Chapter Seventeen

For the second morning in a row, Zoey woke with the most incredible contentment. She opened her eyes to the same sight as yesterday morning, an amazingly huge Russian child lying next to her.  His baby face was hidden behind that beard and it certainly didn’t go with the man’s body below, but the peace on his face gave him away. He was a giant man-child with a magnetic personality that made him impossible to resist.  She snuggled into his chest, completely at peace in his arms. He stirred slightly, but did not wake.  She lay her cheek against his chest and listened to his steady heartbeat. She was slowly drifting back into sleep, when she remembered.

ST. PETERSBURG! Oh, my God, what time was it?  She jerked at the realization that she might be late and started to move out of bed.  He held her tightly betraying the fact that he was actually awake.

“Where you going?” he asked sleepily.

“St. Petersburg. I have to go. What time is it?” she said struggling against his grasp.

“It early yet. What time you have to go?”

“Well, I was going to get an early start.  I was going to spend the day there,” she said, looking into those azure eyes.

“The whole day?” he asked.

She hesitated, wondering if she heard a note of disappointment in his voice or not.

“Well, yes. I have never been there before. It is a beautiful city, isn’t it?  I wanted to see it.”

“Of course, it is. It is second only to Moscow in beautiful sights.”

She noted the pride in his voice as he announced his preference for his own city.  She smiled at him. She gathered her courage and swallowed.

“Would you like to go with me?”  Until she asked the question, she really didn’t know just how much she wanted the answer to be yes.  She did not want to think of being separated from him for the whole day. She would not enjoy St. Petersburg half as much if he was not there to share it with her. Please say yes. Please say yes, her heart cried, while her brain reminded her that she had a job to do and she didn’t need him to come with her.

He smiled at her and she knew he could see right through her. How would she ever win with him if he could read her every thought so easily?

“I could go, but it still early, don’t get up yet.” 

He pulled her against his chest and rolled her over on top of him. Her hair cascaded into his face. He brushed it away from him and kissed her softly.  The same delirium from last night threatened to wash over her again.  She resisted.

“Alex, I have to shower. It is later than you think.”

She pressed her hands against his chest, but he wouldn’t release her. He shook his head at her.

“No, no, no. It is not late. Early yet.”  He kissed her again and slid his hand between her legs, fondling her purposefully.

She could feel his cock harden against her.  She couldn’t do this now or they’d never get out of bed.  She pushed against him again.  He stopped kissing her and looked up into her eyes. 

“Please Alex, I really need to shower.  It will take some time to get to St Petersburg and I have lots to do when we get there. I have to get out of bed.”

“No. Not yet,” he said, whispering in her ear.  “No go yet.”

He kissed her again, urgently, his fingers still probing between her legs.  She felt herself swoon. She couldn’t get out of bed now if she wanted to. He was not going to let her go and he’d made her want him so bad, she was at his mercy, yet again.  She kissed him back hard and breathless.  He turned her quickly and was on top of her in a second.  He pressed inside her. She arched her back, throwing her head back at the incredible sensation.  She wrapped her arms and legs around him and clung to him, reveling in the way he made love to her.  He was slow and gentle.  He slid his hands up under her shoulders and cradled her head.  He kissed her lips over and over and then her neck, again over and over.  He pressed his right hand down on the mattress and leaned down to suck her nipple between his lips. He continued to pump as deep as he could inside her, slowly, over and over.  

“Oh, Alex,” she moaned and he smothered her mouth with a kiss again.  She raised her hips against him, matching him stroke for stroke.  His pace quickened.  His breathing was becoming heavier.  Her skin felt so alive next to his, so warm.  Her climax began to tingle. His thrusts were faster and faster as she came, moaning his name.  He buried his face in her neck and thrust one last time as he came inside her.  He collapsed on top of her and she heard him snicker in her ear. 

“What?” she said, rubbing her check against the stubble on this jaw.

“Still want out of bed?”

Chapter Sixteen

Their drinks were set before them --shot glasses and a bottle. Alex took the bottle and poured them both a shot.  He lay his arm across her shoulder and slid the glass across the table to her. 

“Time for another Russian lesson,” he spoke into her ear. “This a very smooth Vodka, Putinka. Taste, then drink all at once.”

Zoey slowly raised the glass to her lips, hesitated and sniffed.  It had a very strong scent.  She pressed the glass to her lips for a taste. It stung her tongue, but only slightly.  She followed his instructions and drank the shot in one gulp.  She breathed in and coughed only slightly. She watched him smirk at her.  The vodka did go down smooth. She could feel it warm her torso and then out to her extremities. It was a sensual sensation.  It was almost as good as the sensation of his warm leg against hers.

“You like?” he asked, drinking down his own shot.

“I like,” she smiled at him.  She liked everything within her reach. 

Their food was delivered, a small variety of sushi, all looking very appealing. Alex flashed his brilliant smile up at the waitress. Zoey watched her blush when he thanked her.  He picked up a Shrimp Nigiri and tossed it back. 

“Eat.  Vodka is better with food.”

She picked up a Surimi roll and tasted it.  It was quite good. She couldn’t keep from smiling at him.  He was enjoying the music. She could feel his leg moving to the beat against hers.  He poured them another shot of Vodka. This one did not cause her to cough at all. She nibbled on another piece of Surimi.

“Come,” he ordered, taking her hand.  He led her outside the Sushi bar and up to the fourth floor. This was a huge club with a live band and lighting to match the techno sound.  It was filled with people.  He held her hand tightly as they made their way through the crowd.  It was very loud in here. She doubted if he could hear her if she spoke.  She watched him dance with a smile. He was so like a child, jubilant and carefree.  She didn’t really dance to this kind of music.  It was a little to chaotic for her, like having a heart attack, but she did her best.  She had fun trying to keep up with him. They danced until she thought she would drop, then the band began to play something a little bit slower and she felt more comfortable. She closed her eyes for a moment.  She enjoyed music that allowed her to sway her hips a little bit more.  This music washed over her like waves from the ocean.  She felt his hands on her hips. He began to sway with her, pressing his hips against her and sliding his hand around to her lower back.  She ran her hand up to his strong shoulder.  She looked up at him.  His blue eyes sparkled in the lights of the club.  She enjoyed feeling his body against hers.  By the way he was looking at her, he enjoyed it too.  She brushed her fingers up to the back of his neck and into his hair.  She couldn’t take her eyes off of him.  He had her mesmerized with his gaze until there was no one left in the club. There was no one but the two of them on the entire planet.  

The Hotel National was quiet when they stopped outside her door. He placed his hand against it over her shoulder and leaned in slowly for a kiss. But he pulled away with a smirk.  He leaned in lower against her neck and brushed his lips across the top of her collarbone.  He stopped and pulled away again.  She let out a frustrated sigh.

“Why are you teasing me?”

“The last time I was at this door, you make me wait.”

“Oh, um, yes,” she breathed and looked up into his eyes.

“Maybe I make you wait,” he teased. She swallowed hard.

“You could,” she whispered and bit her bottom lip.

He slid his hand up the back her neck and pressed her body up against the door with his.  He smothered her mouth with his and kissed her urgently.  He firmly grabbed her buttocks and slid his knee between her legs.  He began to slide his hand under the hem of her dress and up her thigh. He released her slightly and smiled. She stared up into his eyes deliriously.

“Open the door.”

Chapter Fifteen

She slowly opened her eyes and smiled.  He was still sleeping, his chest rising and falling gently.  With his features relaxed in sleep, his face looked so much like a little boy even with all the whiskers.  She smiled wider looking at his unruly hair. It was sticking up all over. It gave new meaning to the phrase “bed head”.  She grazed her finger across his shoulder and lightly kissed it.  She was going to snuggle in and go back to sleep despite the sun, but his eyelids fluttered and slowly opened to reveal two magnificent orbs of blue.  She watched the soft smile spread across his face.  He stretched and wrapped his arms around her and rolled on top of her.  His kiss took her breath away. 

“I could keep you here, you know, just for me,” he said and brushed his fingers across her chin.  She looked up into his incredible blue eyes.  He was right. He could do whatever he wanted with her here and no one would ever know. At this point, the idea of him keeping her didn’t disturb her in the least.  Hiding away from the world here with him definitely held some appeal.

“You could,” she stated. She watched his eyes travel across her face and her hair and then back to her own. He sighed slightly.

“Time for food,” he declared and jumped out of bed.

He spent the day telling her about Moscow and his childhood here.  He told her more about Mishka and several friends who used to play hockey with him in the streets where they lived.  He smiled so much when he talked about his childhood that she got the impression that he longed for simpler times.  He stopped and looked at her for a minute.

“You have pretty dress, like one you wore to lunch?  We go back to Moscow. Get your stuff,” he ordered. He shooed her into the bedroom and started to help her with her bag. She shook her head at him. When he got an idea in his head, it seemed, he didn’t have the patience for anything else. 

“Why do I need a pretty dress?” she asked, slapping gently at his hand and taking her crumpled clothes from him.

“I take you out tonight. You like it. Be fun.”

“Out where?” she asked.

He just smirked at her making the dimples in his cheeks more prominent.

She managed a peaceful shower back at the hotel.  Alex didn’t just stay at the hotel occasionally. He kept a room all during the summer.  While he was gone, she had the opportunity to check in with her publisher. She just sent a quick email. She was still on schedule and ready to leave for St. Petersburg tomorrow morning.  She wondered if Alex might like to come with her.  Even though it was for the book and she’d have to be busy working for most of the morning, she would rather share it with him than go alone.  His smile was so infectious; she didn’t want to be away from him for a minute. 

She had just finished fixing her hair when he knocked on the door. He was standing there in a maroon button up shirt and black jeans.  He looked so handsome to her, she felt a tingle go through her.

“Wow,” she said and he flashed that amazing grin at her.

“You like to dance, yes?”

“Oh, um, yes, I guess so. Is that where we are going?”

“We go to B2. You will like. Has everything you could want.”

He wasn’t kidding. The music enveloped them as they walked in.  It was huge. There were hundreds of people.  She’d never seen anything like it.  She clung to his hand almost afraid to lose him in the crowd.  It seemed as if every person in the place said hi to him or waved at him as they passed through the lower level and to a sushi bar on the third floor.  She had almost forgotten that he was famous.  She certainly didn’t think she would ever forget again.  Every girl in the place had their radar set to the most eligible bachelor in Russia.  She held on to his big hand a little tighter. It was much quieter in the sushi bar.  It reminded her of a regular sports bar back home-- dark wood, televisions on the wall.   

They sat at a table near the back and he quickly ordered them something to drink and eat.  He smiled at her. It was a grin with a little mischief at the corner of his mouth.  She eyed him cautiously, wondering just what she was in for this evening.