“After cutting off Popov and Zaytsev’s funding, our next step is to find and cut off their supply line. This is why we’ve increased patrols and security checks at our properties. We’ve also got tails on all four of your father’s highest associates, tracking their movements and who they meet with,” Mikhail explains.
“What about Callaghan?” I really don’t like that fucker, especially after he threatened my woman and my organization.
“Still digging. We’ll find something sooner or later.”
“Make it happen sooner rather than later,” I tell him. Mikhail sits back in his chair and smiles at me like he knows something I don’t.
“What’s with the look?” I ask him.
“How was your evening with Emma last night?”
“It was good,” I tell him, schooling my features so as to not give anything away.
“Uh huh,” Mihail responds with a smile like he knows Emma is upstairs in my bed right now. “How does it feel to go on a real date with a woman?”
“Go on one yourself and find out,” I say sarcastically. “Emma knows she is mine, and I have now publicly claimed her with this date. It may have been private for her safety and security, but people out there know she is with me. My number one priority moving forward is keeping her safe.”
“As it should be,” Mikhail says.
“I’ll be giving her lessons in self-defense for those times when I need to be away. I also need you to stay on the property until this is over. All my brothers, too.”
“We’ll all be here by the end of the day,” Mikhail says.
“Good. Now, I have some things to take care of before those meetings today. Make sure they’re scheduled for as soon as possible,” I tell Mikhail as he rises from his chair.
“I’m glad you’ve found someone, Ivan,” Mikhail says as he pats my shoulder in friendship. “She will be good for you.”
“See you later, Mikhail,” I tell my friend.
Mikhail leaves to carry out his instructions and set up those meetings I asked for.
I smile as I climb the stairs to my bedroom. Mrs. Ivanova will be here soon to make breakfast, and I’ve left a note asking her to make some of Emma’s favorite things and bring them up to my room. She’s been wanting to see me settle down as much as Mikhail has, and this will make her happy. I make a mental note to make sure she always keeps Emma’s favorite things stocked in the pantry.
I am eager to return to Emma and wrap my body around hers again. There’s plenty of time to give her more orgasms before breakfast, and I can’t wait to provide them.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
EMMA
I’M IN THE middle of a dream when I am jolted awake by the feeling of falling off a cliff. I realize I’m in the safety of Ivan’s bed when my eyes pop open, so my heart and brain settle down pretty quickly.
I stretch and roll onto my back, feeling a delicious soreness between my legs. The memories of last night come back to me, and I smile. Ivan was gentle like he promised he would be, and made my first time something to remember.
Speaking of Ivan, I reach over to his side of the bed, only to find it empty. The sheets are cold, so he’s been gone for a while, and that makes me sad. Doubt starts to creep into my head, so I roll back towards the window and tuck the sheets under my chin.Did he not enjoy last night as much as I thought he did?
I hear the bedroom door open and close, then the bed dips behind me. Ivan pulls me into his chest and places a kiss on the side of my head.
“Good morning,lyubimaya,” he whispers in my ear.
“Good morning, Ivan,” I say as I turn to face him, placing a kiss on his lips.
“Did you sleep well?” he asks.
“I did. Thank you,” I reply.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Ivan asks. His hands start moving up and down my body, tracing my curves like he’s taking a slow drive down a winding road.
“Good. A little sore, but a good kind of sore,” I reply.
