A/N: Yay, another fic idea from the lovely celesse201, who for whatever reason, holds the belief I can bring her ideas to life. This is my first major AU. Not giving too much away. Miranda is Miranda but I am making her and the twins slightly younger for the sake of the fic. Andy is not the Andy you expect (Hence the AU)

Disclaimer: I do not own the main characters related to The Devil Wears Prada. They are owned by the original author and 20th Century Fox. Some characters will be my own.

Summary: Andy loves Miranda, and deep-down Miranda loves Andy. Can they mend the bridges Miranda broke when she rejected Andy's love?

WARNING: NSFW. You know Andy's a dude in this one and frisky times ensue. Don't like, please don't read.

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Andy disappeared after his breakfast only to return fifteen minutes later wearing board shorts and a muscle shirt with sneakers and carrying a picnic basket, blanket and his guitar. Even though he loved the idea of Miranda dressing him, he wished to be comfortable for what he had planned.

He grinned at Miranda and she couldn't help but return the smile. "I'm going to teach the three of you to surf." He told her. "And then, if they want, I am going to teach my three favourite women how to strum."

"Surf?" Miranda looked up fearful. "I'm not so sure."

"Do you trust me?" Andy asked.

"Of course, it's just..." Miranda trailed off. "...well, I'm scared of the waves." She admitted.

"I will keep all of you safe. We'll be riding the waves in tandem if necessary." Andy promised. "I thought we could head out to Ditch Plains or Main Beach."

"Okay." Miranda was reassured by his words.

They headed out, the twins almost bouncing in their excitement as he spoke about mastering the ability to catch a wave and riding it across the water. He described it as a life-changing experience.

Their arrival the beach had them all settling on towels and sipping water and soda. Andy told them about learning to surf in the summers of his teenage years and picking it back up when he returned to L.A.

"I hadn't surfed for years, and there I was in L.A having left my New York life behind and asking myself, 'What now?' I was considering applying to various business, looking to start my career. But what put me off was the fact I wouldn't have had the chance to get my hands dirty on a site and the only variation to my days would be the tie I wore, it sounded like absolute hell." He grinned at the twins as they giggled. "My Grandpa was telling me, he was happy to help me strike out on my own, to build my own business. One day, I headed off to the beach, watched some young guys surfing and felt a pang of longing to be in the water with them. That was the day I met Seb, who had a spare longboard and invited me to join them. I left the beach that day ready to tackle the world head on, with a bunch of new people that I was interested in becoming better acquainted with. Seb's now my head foreman, he's a fully qualified carpenter and joiner, he does my job when I can't be on-site."

Main Beach had very little surf but it was ideal for what he wanted. He knew the twins had a boogie board each, having purchased them when he worked for Miranda and the small boards allowed the twins to ride the white-water up the beach. These waves would push them into shore if they needed and had a leash for the wrist so they didn't lose it. But it was his 9-inch longboard that held the most fascination for them.

They spent hours on the water as he displayed his infinite patience for their questions and even their small temper tantrums. He took Caroline out first sitting her down on the front of the board, and just paddling around in calm water, he then did the same with Cassidy and Miranda.

Both girls wanted to try paddling for themselves but despite his advice, they positioned themselves too far back on the board so they didn't nose dive but they were unable to catch a wave. The result was an almost tantrum and telling Andy surfing was stupid.

Luckily the surf was small enough that it broke close to where he could stand, and spend the time pushing them towards the waves. Holding onto the tail of the board as the waves came, he guided them into the wave, not letting go until he'd set them on a line and they're on their way and rode the waves knelt upright on his board.

The little girl's joyful squeals were music to both his and Miranda's ears and many people came up and spoke to the editor about how good he was with his children. Not once did she correct their assumption.

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Miranda wondered how it had come to this. She was squirming around on Andrei's lap as they sat on the sofa on the terrace, the ache between her legs growing stronger as she ground harder against his hard denim covered cock.

They had enjoyed a wonderful afternoon on the beach before Caroline and Cassidy had run into friends and asked her if they could attend a sleepover.

Once Miranda had provided agreement the twins had happily grabbed their things and gone off with friends and their parents. They had returned to the house where they had showered and Andrei prepared a light dinner for them and opened a bottle of red and let it breathe while their dinner cooked.

Their conversation flowed as they ate and drank wine, as it always did, but Miranda could tell Andrei was a bit nervous about something. He finally admitted he couldn't understand why she found him attractive. He believed, from past experiences, his sensitivity was a turn off for most women. Once she knew what it was bothering him, she spent time reassuring him, explaining she wasn't playing games with him and that she loved his gentle side as it counteracted her own hardness. To prove a point, she had straddled his lap and with teasing kissing, showed her desire.

The need for more drove her closer as his lips trailed along her jawline and down her neck. Slowly inching her hand down his taut, washboard abs, she caught his low moan.

Andrei's hands were sat beneath her t-shirt, resting warmly on her hips. They made their way up and around to cup her breasts.

She felt her nipples stiffen at the light touch and groaned. "Please." She whimpered. The front clasp of her bra was flicked open without hesitation and his hands squeezed. His slightly calloused hands felt amazing on her sensitive skin. "More." She pleaded.

He broke away slightly and the t-shirt she wore was lifted carefully over her head. She felt the soft cotton against the skin of her back where he held it in his hands between them. She wondered idly if he liked her breasts.

She glanced up and saw the pleasure in his eyes as his eyes focussed on her bare chest. Lowering his head, he grinned and captured a nipple between his full lips, teasing his tongue over it, lapping and sucking slowly as he hummed.

The vibration of his low hum tickled her skin and shivers coursed through her as she reacted to his pleasure.

He nipped the tip and the sharp edge of his teeth sent another jolt of desire soaring through her, which settled deep within. He switched his focus to her other breast, paying just as attention to it as he had the first.

She was no longer self-conscious with Andrei. He made her feel loved and desired. She let him push her onto her back and settle between her legs, somehow his shirt had become unfastened and she couldn't stop her hands from mapping the tanned, well-defined muscles of his shoulders and chest. Her hand settled on his sternum and she felt his heart racing furiously beneath her palm.

She could feel his hard cock pressed against her, and her legs spread wider as he moved, his hips rocking and letting her feel him against her most intimate parts.

She wanted more, all that he could give her. The continued pressure and friction were making her wetter, no doubt destroying the silk panties she wore. She wanted to come undone with him inside her. She wanted to beg him to let her come.

She arched into him, moving her hips so he touched her right where she need it. "I need you, Andrei." She moaned breathlessly. "Please, darling I need to come," She begged pulling at his back in her frantic need.

Andrei stopped, pulling back and fiddling with his jeans. Miranda whimpered at the loss. "Miranda, look at me." He demanded. "I'm going to make you feel damn good." He promised. "Just be patient."

His hands moved, and she saw the foil wrap between his fingers. He placed the condom down beside them before moving to the button of her pants. Miranda nodded quickly when he stalled and glanced at her, searching for her consent. His hands trembled as he slid the button free and pulled her zipper down.

Butterflies erupted in Miranda's stomach as his hands and lips blazed over her skin. It felt like she had been waiting an eternity for his touch.

Andrei's lips found hers again as he slid his hand between the folds of her pants and into her panties, his fingers parting her outer lips and trailing lightly over her clit. Her hips bucked at the light touch. He chuckled low in his throat as she kissed him harder.

Miranda was so ready for this, for him. Lowering her hand between them, she rubbed her hand over his cock and causing him to groan. She unloosened the button and tugged at the zip, amazed when he sprang free. She was stunned to realise he wasn't wearing underwear.

Andrei rubbed slowly against her and sucked on the side of her throat lightly, ensuring he didn't mark her.

After opening his jeans, Miranda's hand was in his pants. As her palm gripped him, she saw him swallow hard as his eyes closed and he moaned in her ear. The combination of all these things caused her to tumble into her climax. Her body arched toward him, her hand pumping his cock faster as her body shattered.

Andrei's fingers don't stop when her orgasm ended and it felt like she was losing her mind. It was all too much. Trying to pull away, he wouldn't let her and when a second orgasm tore through her and she was shuddering against him, it was his name that rolled from her mouth. She wondered if it would always be like this.

As Andrei's lips pressed into Miranda's, she could feel his desperation. She parted her lips slowly and let his tongue enter her mouth to dance around her own.

Her hands moved down his body to the small of his back, gently drawing him closer to her. Her hands left the small of his back and continued down to his pert ass. Grasping the firm orbs and pulling them up and into her groin.

Andrei's hips buck and her entire body jumped a little but she pressed herself firmly into his solid form.

At last, their lips broke apart. Looking up into Andrei's eyes she saw a deep longing there. She hugged herself to him and whispered. "Do you wish to take this up to my bed?"

"I need you, here and now." Andrei groaned as she took his balls in her palm and squeezed gently.

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After their dinner, they had sat down on the terrace to watch the sunset in this distance. Miranda had clearly sensed his frustration. After coaxing an explication from him she'd been sweet, offering reassurances about their future.

She now understood, from their conversation, he wasn't one to put fast moves on a woman just to get her into bed. He wanted to know the women he slept with, to like them, and hopefully, should he be lucky enough, to love them. He'd admitted that since meeting her, he had been unsuccessful in finding someone he cared for enough. Until her, he had held off being intimate with another woman.

This wasn't something he did on purpose, he didn't string women along. He actually liked getting to know someone and feeling some sort of a connection with them before becoming physically involved. It was, in a way, old fashioned, but Miranda seemed to adore it. He could see she loved the idea it was love that he was seeking, and more so, that it was love that he found with her.

Finally, Miranda had gotten up, telling him she needed a drink and he watched as she stepped into the kitchen with their glasses. Settling back, with his eyes closed, he enjoyed the breeze from the ocean. It was so relaxing being here with Miranda, away from the rest of the world.

Andy didn't hear her come back onto the terrace. He had no idea how long she stood there watching him, unaware of her presence until she literally jumped onto his lap, straddling him and stroking her hands along his jaw.

He opened his eye and, looked down into her beautiful face and smiled happily.

She smiled too. "Are you going to kiss me or what, Andrei?" She asked.

He swallowed hard, "If you insist." He whispered cheekily. Andy moved to kiss her and their lips touched teasingly. He stopped and pulled back, watching as Miranda pursed her lips, her displeasure clear. Before she could say anything, he smiled mischievously and raised his hands to cup her full, firm breasts.

At that moment he felt a connection to the woman that seemed unbreakable. It was far more powerful than anything he'd felt with anyone before. He didn't want to just have sex with her, he wanted more. He wanted to create a memory that they'd be able to share forever. He wanted this woman as his wife.

He ran his hand over her still clothed body, lightly touching and caressing her, initially bypassing her most intimate areas. From the way Miranda's body undulated beneath him, he understood that she had no objections to his touch. His hands stopped at the hem of her shirt and pulling it free, he held it in his hands against the skin of her back before tossing it away.

He was stunned by her beauty under the pale full moon. He snared a perfect breast in his mouth, lavishing it with attention before switching to the other. Losing a sense of all time, he continued to lavish the woman he loved with gentle touches that had her calling his name and gripping his hard dick in her small, warm hand.

He needed her so much when she squeezed his balls he nearly came then and there. Moving down her body, he slid off of her and sat slightly below her waist and pulled her shorts and panties down her shapely legs in one fluid movement. She showed her desire to be completely naked by lifting her ass up, to assist in the removal of her clothes.

Once the woman was naked, he paused briefly to take in the image of her perfect body as she lay on the couch, bathed in the moonlight.

Slipping out of his shorts, he threw his shirt to the side and let her look at him. He saw the pleasure in her eyes as she raised her hands and continued to stroke down his body.

Miranda's body was relaxed after her two orgasms, but also expectant. He breasts were rising and falling as her breathing quickened, her legs slightly apart. He pushed her arms over her head. "Keep them right there." He told her gently.

Miranda could do nothing but nod her agreement as her eyes darkened. There was a hunger in her eyes he'd never seen before.

Kneeling at her feet, he reached for her knees, and slowly spread her legs further. He kept eye contact with her as I moved closer and lowered his mouth to her engorged clit. Miranda began to softly moan as his tongue explored every soft fold and he savoured the sweet essence flowing from within her body, lapping tenderly as he didn't want her to have another orgasm just yet.

Sensing how close she was, he slid up her body, her legs gently hugging his torso, he rose up slightly to gaze down upon her once again. Miranda's eyes were closed, her head, arched, her breathing shallow. He ground down lightly, careful not to slide inside the woman unprotected.

Miranda's moans stalled and she sighed in satisfaction. Her eyes opened and she gazed into his.

Reaching back, Andy grabbed his cock and rubbed it against her clitoris causing her entire body quiver. He controlled the movement as Miranda's breath caught in her throat. Her breathing accelerated and he could tell by the way she was tensing up that an orgasm was imminent.

He could feel his own orgasm building. Releasing his cock, he grabbed the condom and tore it from the foil efficiently he rolled it down his length and repositioned himself so he was positioned at the entrance to her pussy. He cradled her head in his hand as his other guided him closer and pushed himself into her body.

Miranda's legs locked around his back and as he began to pump inside of her his orgasm crashed over him quickly as the walls of her pussy contracted around him.

As their orgasms ripped through them simultaneously Andy's lips met Miranda's, his tongue teasing hers gently as he continued to move inside her until all he could do was groan as he continued to come.

When they recovered, Andy flipped them easily so Miranda was hovering over him and breaking the kiss grinned smugly up at her.

He watched Miranda shake her head and the movement had him gasping, twitching inside her. She looked down, her eyes dark and filled with a mix of love and lust. He knew she needed more and if he was honest, so did he. He needed her like he needed air. "I think we should take this to your bed now." He whispered.

Pulling himself from Miranda, he caught her small whine at the loss. Turning away from her, he removed the condom and tied the end. He grabbed the clothes lay scattered around.

Turning back around to gaze at Miranda he caught her appraising gaze and dropped the clothes when she crooked her finger at him. Oh yes, he wanted this woman and he would take all she was willing to give.

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Their lovemaking had been voracious and Miranda was stunned by the force of her need for the man. She was insatiable when it came to him.

She had always known she desired Andrei, but the aching need to be his in all ways had her acting with a wantonness that would usually leave her blushing. Instead, she acted on her feelings, even waking him in the night as her need for him overwhelmed her. She let her desire for him have free reign as she teased him until he was rock hard and ready for her and finally sat astride him, moving sensuously down his length until he exploded. She followed him over the edge immediately.

She had never wanted someone as much as she did her Andrei and he was hers in all ways, she made sure of it.

Unable to sleep any longer, she took pleasure in watching Andrei as he did so. He looked so peaceful in the dim light of the new dawn that was rising, casting a warm glow upon them from the open windows. He was beautiful. She loved how relaxed he was in sleep. She placed her hand on his bare chest, over his magnificent heart, and closed her eyes as it beat steadily beneath her palm.

She wanted to talk from her heart but knew she would struggle to do so while he was awake. It was hard, even after all they had been through, to show Andrei her vulnerable side. She knew he would not use it against her as the others had, but still...

Unable to resist, she spoke quietly. "That day I saw you walking towards Ana and I, at Le Bernardin, the rest of the world seemed to vanish. I often wonder what I did to deserve the moments we share...to deserve you, after everything that lay between us. I need to know what I can do to be better for you." Miranda's caught Andrei's hum of contentment and realised her hand had moved from his chest and was stroking his bearded jaw. "I'll love you more than I'll ever find the words to say, Andrei."

"Mm, gonna love you forever. Wanna marry you." Andrei told her, still asleep. She was delighted by the words outlining a future she also hoped for.

She had realised, after nights spent together in the city, Andrei often spoke in his sleep, speaking of his deepest wishes. At first, she had answered his queries and, offered up her own knowledge, but he seemed to have no recollections when he woke up. Now, she simply listened and tucked the titbits of information away. She would give him his heart's desire.

She turned away and sat up. Taking a notepad and fine tipped pen from her bedside table she slid her glasses on her nose and started to write down the things she still needed to have Emily arrange for her benefit and a range of other things needed for Runway to run smoothly the following week.

The catering for her benefit was finally organised and Glorious Foods would be providing a range of hors d'oeuvre's, including her favourite tortes filled with warm rhubarb compote, which would be prepared fresh on the night.

She had yet to find the entertainment for the evening. They had hired a live band that could play a range of music from modern hits to classic Motown but the vocalist had pulled out the week prior as she had sustained damage to her vocal cords and could no longer perform. She had, however, provided Miranda with a list of alternatives the band would be happy to work with. Now, all that was required was to begin auditions and hope she could find someone suitable at such short notice.

Feeling Andrei stir beside her, she smiled softly and continued to write her thoughts down. His warm body sought hers out under the comforter and he snuggled in close humming as his hand landed on her thigh.

Her desire rose and she squirmed as his fingers trailed over her skin to land between her thighs seeking her warmth. He hummed again and began to stroke her, his fingers moving painfully slowly through the desire freely flowing from her partially parted thighs.

She bit back a moan as Andrei's other hand pushed the notepad and pen from her lap before pulling her down beside him and throwing his leg over hers as his fingers moved with more determination between her thighs.

"You are so wet, my beautiful one," Andrei whispered hoarsely in her ear. "So very responsive to me." His tongue flicked out over her ear and she shivered. "I want you."

Miranda could feel Andrei growing harder and knew before he would be inside her, he would insist on using a condom. She wished he didn't feel the need to, she'd never been much of a fan of them, firstly due to her sensitivity to latex, and then because she often found she ached more afterwards, she felt dry and raw, even when she knew she wasn't. The after effects were not pleasurable.

"Stop." The words escaped before she knew they were forming.

Andrei halted his movements and took his fingers away. "What is it, my love?" He asked softly.

"I don't...the condoms are..." Miranda could feel herself blushing. How on Earth was she meant to explain it felt like his condom covered penis was wrapped in plastic wrap? Or that the thirty seconds or so they had to stop what they were doing to put the condom on had the moment losing some of its urgency, its intensity, making the moment seem less intimate? It was ridiculous really.

As if reading her very thoughts, Miranda was stunned when Andrei turned her onto her front and straddled the backs of her knees. He slid his hands up the back of her thighs before moving to her ass and lightly massaging.

Miranda loved the gentle touch, and although she was dripping wet, she was happy for him to continue massaging her for as long as he wished.

She was surprised when Andrei's teeth nipped at her earlobe and his voice filtered through her mind. "Your ass is simply begging to be fucked, Miranda" He whispered as he continued moving up to her back, unloosening each tense knot as she hissed at the pleasure-pain his firm touch created. "I can smell how much you want me. Your clit is dying for my touch too, isn't it?"

Miranda whimpered her agreement and he moved down, trailing his lips against her spine until he reached her ass. Andrei kissed her ass cheeks and she bucked as he stuck his tongue out and ran it slowly down from the top of her crack while his hands massaged her ass cheeks.

It felt so naughty, never before had she allowed anyone to focus their attention on her backside, she tensed in anticipation. When Andrei finally made his way to her most intimate entrance, it tightened around the tip of his tongue as he teased it, almost begging it to enter her. She felt the flick of his tongue and bucked.

Andrei continued to massage her ass cheeks apart, his tongue gently breaching the tight hole as he spread her further with his hands.

She could feel her orgasm about to hit and as if sensing it, Andrei slipped his other hand between the mattress and her body, pressing against her clit firmly. She cried out her orgasm crashed through her body.

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Andy lifted Miranda's ass so she was on all fours while she continued to moan as she rode out the waves from her previous orgasm. He moved towards her pussy, slipping under her so he could taste her.

Miranda tensed up over him as his tongue separated her pussy lips. They opened up under the gentle use of his tongue and he felt her clit standing proud. Flicking it with his tongue quickly, she ground into his mouth as waves of intense pleasure flowed through her.

Andy pulled Miranda down into sitting position over his head as his mouth continued to tease her clit. He looked up to see Miranda's eyes on his face as he ate her out, her lip held between her teeth doing little to hold back her whimpers.

His tongue worked to bring her over the edge for the second time and as her orgasm hit, he swallowed the exquisite nectar filling his mouth.

Pulling Miranda down beside him again, he moved over the woman and kissed her passionately, moaning as the head of his cock slipped between her wet folds. It felt amazing. He wanted her so much. To give her what she needed. Looking down into Miranda's eyes he saw the acceptance there but he wanted verbal consent.

"Miranda, are you saying you want me to forgo protection?"

Miranda wrapped her legs around him tightly, pulling him closer, her eyes falling closed. "Inside, now."

Andrei lowered his lips to Miranda's and while his tongue explored her mouth, he moved his cock against her entrance. He slipped the head inside effortlessly, moving deeper and deeper with every small thrust. He couldn't help the small whimper at being fully sheathed inside the woman.

Looking down, he could see Miranda's pleasure in the intimacy, how she adored being filled by him as he slowly started pumping as deep as he could before withdrawing until only the tip of his head was still inside her.

He increased the pace as he bent his head to suckle at her breasts. He was overjoyed when one of Miranda's hands entangled in his hair while the other moved down between them to play with her clit.

Unable to resist, he lifted Miranda's legs over his shoulders so she could feel every inch of him.

Miranda's orgasm was quick and intense. She came all over his cock, squeezing it as her walls contracted around his length. He could sense how sensitive she was but was unable to stop. He stalled as his fingers played with her ass, and she whimpered as she spasmed around him. A single digit teased her hole and she pushed down onto it, taking it inside her as his cock throbbed inside her pussy.

Crying out, Miranda stated to move, her eyes reflecting her amazement at the feeling of having both holes filled and pushing herself, and him towards yet another orgasm.

Andy could feel himself getting close and his cock was growing firmer with each shallow stroke. He groaned as he moved, fucking Miranda harder and faster.

"Oh God, I'm coming!" Miranda wailed.

Calling out to each other as they climaxed, his throbbing cock unloaded his semen deep inside Miranda as she orgasmed. They collapsed with his cock still buried inside her as they lay, holding each other close, breathing deeply.

After a few minutes, Andy looked down and grinned at the woman in his arms. "Good morning, beautiful."

Miranda smiled widely and leaning up, kissed him thoroughly. "Good morning, my darling. And what a glorious morning it is." She whispered against his lips.

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Miranda and Andrei showered and had just eaten breakfast when her cell rang, she frowned and answered quickly, stepping out onto the terrace to deal with the call. She watched as Andrei loaded the dishwasher and made his way to the Atrium. Finally ending the call from Nigel, she followed him to the atrium.

Looking around, she was surprised to see that Andrei was ready to work. He had pulled the lids of the paint he had mixed, covered the floor beside the wall and music was playing softly from his little speakers. He was whistling as he used a long-handled roller to paint the walls in the soft eggshell blue.

The colour was calming but would lift the light oak of the wainscoted walls and floors. It would offer a soft and fresh feel to the room, lightening it further and making it look much larger.

Picking up another roller, she stood a small distance away from Andrei and started to roll paint smoothly onto the walls. More than anything, she wanted to ease the pressure of having to redo the floor, as well as completing the little finishing touches, he was well known for.

She understood the next few weeks would be difficult for them both. Andrei and his team were due to start work at Men's Runway the following week, and this could potentially set them back, as well as leave them out of pocket.

She cursed James. It had been a long time since they had divorced, and she had married Stephen. But it was Andrei he saw as the biggest threat. Miranda glanced at the man whistling and humming along to The Beach Boys as it played in the background. She could, upon reflection, see why James was disturbed by their relationship.

For the first time, she wanted to give her all to someone knowing it would be worth it. Andrei was the kind of person who would always meet her halfway, no doubt going out of his way to make her smile and offering her a helping hand, even when she struggled to ask for help. She trusted him enough to let him see she was not infallible.

She loved having him in her life. As much as she loved her little girl's and her work, her life had been lacking something vital. It has been missing him. Miranda felt she had been truly blessed by his presence and she didn't want anything to change.

After James, she believed she couldn't depend on anyone but the days and nights without Andrei were long and vastly intolerable. She didn't want to sleep alone in her large bed anymore. As much as she always enjoyed having the bed to herself before, there was something infinitely soothing about Andrei's presence by her side, his snuffling little breaths easing her into a deep, restful slumber. She'd was even happy sharing Andrei's bed but found although her dream had always been to have a king-sized bed, there was often far too much space between them.

Thanks to Andrei, she was making more time for her family. She had always wanted to travel more, but Runway had kept her immensely busy, or so she claimed. She realised she had thrown herself even further into her work to escape the unhappiness of her marriages. But with Andrei and his adoration of her precious Bobbsey's, she had found someone who would stand proudly at her side supporting her and her children through each milestone. She could imagine how fun it would be now to travel, with the people she loved at her side.

Letting her thoughts roam, Miranda imagined holding Andrei's hands as they walked along the Champs-Élysées or perhaps down Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Having Andrei walk hand-in-hand beside her side in public, and being wrapped up in the safety of his embrace at home, she felt invincible.

She knew she was stubborn, and it would test their relationship at times, but in the weeks following that first date, she had learned to give a little, to remain quiet when necessary and to bite her tongue to stop herself from letting her inner dragon breathe fire. She wasn't scared of being judged by Andrei, but she did not wish to hurt the man with her Snow Queen or Dragon persona. She did not wish for him to be on the receiving end of her at her most devilish, or facing the brunt of her displeasure unnecessarily.

Glancing again at the captivating young man, she saw the smudge of blue on his cheek and grinned. She hadn't realised how sexy it could be to watch him work. She knew she found watching him sleep captivating, she adored seeing his mind tick as he processed information and the more time they spent together, the more she wanted to learn about him.

Andrei caught her eyes and offered her a blinding smile. "You know I didn't expect your help. You're the best!"

Miranda's heart burst open as the words lit up her world. Without even knowing it, Andrei had touched and inspired her. She understood when she saw his smiling, kind-hearted, generous, tender soul again that her life would never be the same. When she heard that he had gone through such an array of loss, she was awed by him, his strength.

She had loved a few different people over the years, but Andrei was so much more. She had met that one person who she had a deep affinity with. They were often in-sync. She knew she had finally found her soul mate and she swore to herself she would never let him go.

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Andy was stunned by Miranda's insistence to help him paint the atrium. Hours had passed and the painting was almost done. Once this was done all that was left was to replace the flooring and reinstall the wainscoting.

As they continued to paint, with him adding the detailed touches to the tricky bits around the light fittings and woodwork framing the doors and windows, he considered all that had brought him to that moment.

He couldn't get Nate's words out of his head from that fateful day in the park.

"You are nothing to her, Andy Sachs. You could be the most handsome man, be the most successful remodelling architect or have the fattest billfold or the world, but you will still mean absolutely nothing to her. You are meaningless to that bitch and her spawn, you are invisible, just another way for her to get them what they want. They feel nothing for you, they will never love you. If you think otherwise you are deluded."

Andy understood he was not the only person in the world to have lost people he once considered significant. But for him, it had caused him his greatest sadness and pain. Throughout his time at Runway he had tried to hold on to his relationships with Nate, Doug, Lily and his parents, even knowing they were not always particularly healthy. He had hoped things could go back to how they once were.

"Miranda is a cold, manipulative cunt. Anyone in their right mind would run screaming in the opposite direction, but no, not Andy Sachs, you poor deluded fool. I pity you. You think Miranda is completely trustworthy, that she is human, has a heart and actually cares. You are wrong. You think her children are perfect, wrong again. They are spoiled, entitled, worthless little shits and they will never amount to anything..."

That had been the moment he pushed Nate. He couldn't stand there and let him spew his filth. He needed the words to stop before he said something even more unforgivable.

After losing friends, he could have easily allowed the pain of his past to make him bitter and angry. He could have held on to the grief at his losses, unwilling to let go of his pain. Instead, he chose to thrive. He had let go of the past and the people in it upon leaving Paris for New York and then L.A but he had never been able to let go of Miranda. The lack of support from friends and family had been difficult but not impossible to overcome. And now, his better days were finally arriving.

He had worked towards his goals with determination, met many people that had helped him grow into the man he was. He appreciated the changes he had gone through knowing he would handle everything life threw at him. He trusted himself to do right by himself and those he loved. He finally felt he was close to his destiny. He was not the same person now that he had been three years ago but he believed who he was now had naturally drawn him into this situation, bringing Miranda and the twins back into his life. He was closer now to the future he had dreamed of all those years before.

Catching Miranda's eyes, he was amazed when she dropped her paint roller and stepped into his personal space. As she brushed her hand across his cheek, he was awarded one of her genuine smiles. She stood on her tiptoes and caught his lips with her own.

"What did I do to deserve you?" Andy husked, breaking the kiss.

"You're just lucky, I guess." Miranda's smile widened and her eyes twinkled with mischief briefly before turning serious. "You are as you have always been, Andrei. You are kind, gentle, loving and generous and lucky for me, you return the love I feel for you."

Andy smiled, a wide, dimpled smile, and he spun Miranda around as the music changed. He put his hands onto Miranda's hips and gently guided them to sync with his own as he swayed gracefully. He was confident dancing, bending slightly to nuzzle Miranda's neck with his lips and nose. He knew Miranda would feel the soft beard on his jaw.

He put his hand on the back of Miranda's neck, running his fingers through the short hair at the nape of her neck and tilted his head to touch his lips to hers, kissing her softly, almost lazily.

They kissed each other for a long time, slowly, he had one arm wrapped around Miranda's waist, holding her close, his other hand in her hair. His hand stroked down to her ass and he loved the sensuous feeling of his hands on her.

He continued to kiss Miranda softly, his hand moving between them to rest intimately between her thighs. He caught her small sigh as her body arched into him and she kissed him with more intensity

Miranda's breathing turned shallow as he pressed his fingers lightly against her. His fingertips massaged her gently. Andrei felt himself grow harder, his cock throbbing through his pants as he let out a shaky breath and moaned.

Unable to wait, his hand moved under the waistband of Miranda's pants and pushing her panties aside, slid two fingers into her. He felt the urgent need to have her unravel again.

He moved quickly but as Miranda made to unzip his pants, he stalled her attempts. He picked her up easily and as she wrapped her legs around him, he moved from the room, striding up the stairs towards the bed they'd shared.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Miranda straddled his thighs, pressing herself against his hardness. Removing his fingers, he urged her to pull her pants off and when she did so, he placed his hands on her thighs. He knew words were unnecessary, she lowered herself onto him letting him fill her completely as his grip on her thighs tightened

Miranda pressed her body closer to his and started to rock slowly, guiding his cock in and out of her. He was so turned on that he could barely think straight. She wrapped her arms around his neck to steady herself.

He attached his lips to the juncture between her neck and shoulder. He knew he was seconds away from his orgasm. Unable to stop. It, he buried his face into her neck, crying out as he climaxed. He felt Miranda tense around him as he continued to come hard.

They stopped, breathing hard, relishing the feeling bodies entwined. Tilting Miranda's head down, he kissed her hard. Miranda broke for air and hummed. She pulled herself off him and collected her panties and jeans from the floor as he zipped himself back up. Pulling her close again, he stood and offered her a gentle hug. Bending he whispered just three words in her ear. "I love you."

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