This part contains smut!
They leave the party together. There is just no other option for them.
Luda waves them off with a delighted smile on her face, whereas Ulla reminds her brother to wear protection. Mal doesn't say goodbye, but Alina doesn't have it in herself to care, not when Aleksander's hand is on hers as they walk to his car, and he opens the door for her.
The car ride is pleasant. Alina assumes control of the radio and Aleksander watches her in awe as she sings, uninhibited, to whatever song she likes. He is completely mesmerized by her. They spent the party together, and all he can think is how he doesn't want another day to go by without her in his life.
He knows that she's twenty-four, that her favorite color is yellow, that the biggest dream she has, outside opening her own flower shop, is to see the world. Aleksander listened to her intently, as if he had decided she was the world as far as he was concerned. Aleksander's friends witnessed how he spent the whole party lost in Alina's words. Completely entranced by whatever came out of her pretty mouth.
She learned about him as well, how he was raised by an unconventional mother that moved around so much it made him crave stability. Alina learned that he found his love for tattoos in Shu Han and that his whole life now revolved around the parlor. She also learned that he was intense and everything he did, he did at 100% like paying attention to her. Aleksander didn't leave her side during the party, instead, he came with every excuse imaginable to remain close to her and she, of course, let him.
It was incredible to know that they were both invested in this.
During a red light Aleksander, instead of putting his hand on top of her thigh, distracts himself with a strand of her hair. It makes her feel slightly uncomfortable because he doesn't know the truth about her hair. Will he find her disgusting? He could very well decide not to fuck her after she explains she went gray at seventeen. It would hurt a lot, but she still decides to tell him the truth.
"It's not a wig," she starts to explain. For a second, she focuses on his fingers and how gently he's treating her hair. Then, she forces herself to look at him. He seems surprised, but that was a given. At least he doesn't look repulsed by her words. "The doctors can't quite understand why my hair is white. They think it's a mix between my poor health, the conditions I grew up in, and stress. I've been to a couple of doctors to find a reason and others say it could also be genetics, which I wouldn't know…"
Aleksander doesn't say anything for a second but then when he speaks he surprises her. "It makes sense, I suppose." She raises her eyebrows, waiting for him to continue and he does. "It compliments you very well. I like it. You're already beautiful, it doesn't matter your hair color but I think it gives you a certain je ne sais quoi."
Alina blushes after hearing his words because she didn't expect him to say that. People didn't compliment her hair, most found it curious and asked about it. Others found it off-putting. No one thought it was beautiful or that it suited her. And yet, Aleksander thought so and he was letting her know.
Once again, he saw her beauty and gave it back to her. She was already going to sleep with him, he didn't need to do that and yet, there he was, looking at her with those impossibly dark eyes and making her feel like she was the only girl in the world.
"Thanks," she says, almost sheepishly. He nods before the light changes and he continues to drive. His eyes are on the road but one of his hands remains on her hair, playing with it absentmindedly before it makes its way to the back of her neck.
Aleksander wants to touch her, he's unable to keep his hands to himself so he settles on letting his hand slowly make its way towards the back of her neck. As he drives to his apartment he thinks about her explanation about her hair. Sure, he had thought about it being a wig, a high-quality one but the revelation about it being her real hair made complete sense. It complimented her beauty and it also elevated her, made her stand out in a sea full of people. He already thought she was beautiful, but he clearly didn't have a clue of how beautiful she really was.
Alina spends the rest of the drive in a state of bliss. His hand feels warm around her skin and when he uses his thumb to draw circles around the nape of her neck she feels her stomach flip in anticipation. If she was being honest she thought having someone else's hand on her thigh was hot but Aleksander proved her wrong the second his hand settled comfortably on her neck. She wonders how it's going to feel in other parts of her body.
He drives to the nicest part of town, which is not a surprise to Alina. However, it is a surprise when he parks the car and once again opens the door for her, kissing her as if he made an effort during the ride not to succumb to her lips. She's had great hook-ups, mostly with girls that were nice and treated her right, but she's never been with a man that acts like Aleksander. He was passionate but not selfish like she had found most men were.
He kissed her fully as if every part of his body was dedicated to the kiss. His lips were soft, his beard was scratchy, his tongue was downright sinful and his hands… his hands were something else entirely. Aleksander was not like other people she had kissed, he was on another level entirely. As he pressed her against the co-pilot door, she realized he meant to give her pleasure as well. The kiss wasn't something only for him to enjoy, but for her as well.
And if this is how he kissed, she couldn't wait to find out how he did everything else.
She grinds against him, and he chuckles in response, kissing her cheek before looking at her. "Patience, solnishka," he says just as he grabs her hand and guides her to the elevators. Alina locks their fingers together after he presses the penthouse button. She tries not to show how exciting she finds that, but a smile betrays her. Aleksander notices and leans in to whisper in her ear; "The view is beautiful up there, especially in the mornings."
Alina feels her desire grow for him after he says that. It's a confirmation that he wants her there beyond tonight, and she feels like she could levitate. She's about to have sex with a man, not with a fumbling boy that isn't quite sure what he's doing, or with a girl that's soft and nice. Once again, she thinks that if his kisses can give a hint, she knows sex is going to utterly wreck her.
Aleksander wishes the elevator could go faster. Every second trapped in that metal box and not with Alina in his arms is pure torture. So, he seeks solace in the little things, like her soft hand against his own, her smile that could completely outshine the sun, her perfume that smells of irises… When the doors open to his apartment, he's surprised he doesn't drop to his knees right then and there to pleasure her.
"Welcome," he says as he steps into his place, with her following close behind. His dogs immediately leave the couch and greet them with more than their usual share of excitement. They're not used to anyone other than Ulla, Luda, or his team. He's not in the habit of bringing dates into his space. "This is Iris," he gestures towards his black Lab before he looks at Fjerdan hound, "and this is Volcra."
Alina lowers herself to pet his dogs. Both Iris and Volcra bask in her presence, just like him. Maybe the three of them share something other than their love for sweets because he can completely understand his dog's reaction to this incredible woman.
"They're beautiful," she exclaims, and Aleksander hums noncommittally. He would agree with her, but he can't, not anymore. Now she's the scale in which he measures all things, and as far as he's concerned nothing compares to Alina. Nothing is as beautiful as she is.
"They are also going to be here in the morning," he says, and she rises to her full height, looking at him playfully.
"You're also going to be here in the morning," Alina answers as she puts her hand on his chest. At some point during the party, she had decided to wear his kefta. He had laughed, finding it funny how big it was on her. Alina hadn't minded, it felt like a hug around her, even if it was big, it was also cozy, and she felt protected. She had to struggle to get her hand through the sleeve, but that hardly seems to matter, because Aleksander grabs it and quietly kisses her knuckles.
"Yes, I will. But I have been waiting all night to have you here with me. Do you not think I deserve all your attention?" He asks, and Alina nods, mesmerized by his honesty.
She rewards him with a kiss. Searing and passionate, just like the one he gave her against his car. This time, he doesn't waste any time; Aleksander grabs her in his arms and walks with her towards his bedroom. Alina, forever a dreamer and a romantic, practically melts around his body. She always wanted to be lifted and cradled in someone's arms.
Aleksander is still marveling about Alina. He's in awe of her, of how well they fit together. She's this powerful ray of sunshine he wants to keep to himself forever. Something almost animalistic has taken over him. He wants to devour her, to feast on her body. In the morning he'll make her breakfast, and he'll continue to learn more about her, but right now he needs to get to know her body. In the most primal sense, he wants her.
Although, when it comes to it, he realizes he doesn't want to strip her of the kefta. It seems to suit her so well, it should be considered a crime to take it from her. Such a beautiful view, Alina in all her golden light, covered by the darkness of his clothes. But when he sets her on the floor, and she moans against his lips, he knows he has to get her naked. It's not even a want, it's a need.
She almost pouts when Aleksander takes the kefta off her and dumps it on the bed. Alina knows it's a necessary step, but for a fraction of a second, she misses it. But then, Aleksander starts to kiss her neck, and she doesn't have the focus to care about anything other than his lips on her skin. Instead, she just arches her body and grants him more access to her neck.
His lips are soft on her skin, but he's not gentle per se. Aleksander is passionate, and his lips are scorching, sucking and kissing every available part of her skin which, granted, is not much, but he doesn't seem to mind. He takes his time, almost making sure every inch that's uncovered gets attention from him.
She's used to going on dates and dealing with people who pretend. People nowadays pretend in every aspect of their lives. Everyone pretends to be richer, more successful, happier, prettier… and in relationships, people try to conceal their interest, try to play it cool. Everyone is so afraid of getting hurt that no one seems to realize the opportunities they were missing. Aleksander isn't like that, he is wealthy, successful, and absolutely gorgeous. He also didn't hesitate in showing her his growing interest.
Her brain tried to point out that no one was that perfect, but then Aleksander kissed her again, using his tongue to tease her and turn her into a creature that only wanted him and nothing else. That promptly shushed her silly thoughts. She was not ruining this.
Aleksander takes his time, kissing her until he remembers he also needs air, which is ridiculous because what he needs is her. Alina, with red lips and ragged breath, looking at him through her eyelashes. He wants to undress her, but first, he needs to ask.
"Are you sure?" He asks with a hoarse voice. Alina is grabbing him by the shoulders as she looks at his face. Her pupils are blown with desire and slowly, her lips form a small smile. When she nods, he cannot help but mimic the gesture, completely mesmerized by how beautiful she looks.
His lips press a kiss at the back of her neck once she's turned around so that he can get her off the dress. Aleksander plans on fucking her with the headpiece and her heels because there's no doubt in his mind that she's going to look absolutely beautiful while coming around his cock. He wants to give her pleasure, there's no denying that, but he's also selfish and wants to keep some things on her. He'll have to fuck her without them in the morning.
His fingers work on her zipper without showing how eager he truly is. He has cultivated patience and restraint over the years. Aleksander savors everything and even if he's desperate, he refuses to rush and ruin the moment. Alina is a rare creature that doesn't seem to compare to anyone else he has ever met. Although he's sure this is going to be the first time they sleep together and not their last, he still wants to make it special for both of them.
The dress is a work of art. It's simple yet striking. The fabric is golden and although not suited for the colder temperatures, it compliments Alina and her natural beauty. It was a perfect match. His musings about the dress, however, do not compare to his thoughts when he slowly pushes the fabric off her shoulders and arms, falling to the floor in a golden circle that surrounds her feet. He can't see her face, only has access to her back, but what he sees is beautiful. There are some freckles and small scars on her skin and without thinking, he uses his index finger to gently trace them before he starts tracing her spine.
Such a simple gesture. It's something that isn't even sexual, but it feels like it. The atmosphere is charged as his finger slides down her back. Her skin is hot and Aleksander can feel how she reacts to it, how her breath hitches, and how she shivers under his touch. He presses a kiss to her shoulder when his finger reaches her cotton underwear, and a smile forms on his face when Alina bites down a moan. It's good to know he isn't the only one finding this extremely arousing.
"Am I going to find you wet, solnishka?" Aleksander's question makes her close her eyes and lean the back of her hair against his body. Alina didn't think a simple finger tracing her spine would make her feel like she was on fire, and yet that is exactly what happened. With one finger, which was used in a decidedly non-sexual way, Aleksander had managed to practically reduce her to nothing. She was a wanton mess because of him.
"Yes," she breathes. Her voice doesn't sound like her anymore, and she can feel Aleksander laughing under his breath as his hand makes his way inside her underwear. She doesn't even have time to feel self-conscious about her underwear choice because she feels his long, elegant fingers on her core. The noise that escapes her is downright embarrassing, but Aleksander doesn't laugh, instead, he kisses her shoulder and starts moving her fingers, teasing her.
The only reason why she's still standing is because he is using his free hand to hold her. The second he teases the tip of his index finger against her core, she's sure her knees are going to betray her, and she's going to end up on the floor. Aleksander, however, keeps her steady. He's still completely dressed, but she can feel his erection against her body. Alina can feel how aroused he is by what they're doing. Almost without thinking, she grinds against him.
"How impatient Alinochka." His voice has dropped a couple of octaves, and it makes Alina smile, to know that even if she's completely at his mercy, he's not unaffected by this. The smile turns into something else when he slides his finger inside her. It's so easy it surprises her because none of her previous sexual partners managed to get her so wet she's practically dripping. "Do you like that? I saw you looking at my fingers at the party. I thought you would enjoy this…"
"I want more," she demands, grinding against his crotch once again. Alina never makes demands while she's sharing her bed. She's used to giving and taking; making demands? Never. Aleksander, however, uses the hand that's been keeping her in place to turn her face and kiss her. His tongue parts her lips at the same time he removes his finger from her pussy. The whimper that escapes her is almost immediately shushed by his tongue teasing her.
She reciprocates eagerly as he gets rid of her underwear and helps her lie on the bed. Alina once again feels the softness of the inside of Aleksander's kefta, and she sighs into the kiss. His lips are perfect, his hands are perfect. He is perfect. It doesn't matter what her brain says. This feels like it's meant to be. She can't explain it, but it's like they know each other, like this isn't their first time going down this road. How else can she explain how well he seems to know her body?
Aleksander bites Alina's lip before speaking. "If it's another finger what you want…" She's laying over his kefta, the headpiece framing her face like she's the sun, like she's a goddess, like she's Sol Koroleva herself. Her hand lovingly touches his cheek before it makes its way through his hair, forcing him to join their lips once again. He complies to her silent demand as his hands start to roam all over her body. He touches her breasts and plays with her nipples before they need to separate for air.
That's when he decides to kiss her completely. Not an inch of her skin must be left without attention. He might as well be one of Sol Koroleva's worshipers because he gets on his knees and starts leaving a trace of open-mouthed, hot kisses. His tongue feasts on the softness of her skin, on how it's filled with little so-called imperfections that only manage to make her even more perfect. A mole just on top of her breasts, a little scar on her left ribs, another mole on her navel. Aleksander kisses everything while hoping he gets to hear the stories later. He will ask in hopes that she decides to open up and share everything with him.
When he finally reaches her core, his breath hitches. Alina is beautiful, there was no doubt of that, but as he looks at her, how wet she is because of him, he thinks he's about to come in his trousers. That and the fact that the sounds that come out of her are both sinful and enchanting. If he was a sailor, he would definitely throw himself out of a ship just to keep listening to her. Death would be a small price to pay for that.
Nothing prepares her for the moment Aleksander starts to circle her clit. She felt herself slowly losing her grip on reality as he kissed her body, but after he opened her legs and expertly threw one over his shoulder and decided to finally, finally touch her just like she wanted, she thinks… Well, the truth is, she doesn't think. Alina is pretty sure she has never experienced so much pleasure, so intense and somewhat meaningful as well.
"Fuck, yes, please," she ends up saying. It's nice to know that her mouth is still capable of speaking. Her fingers are tangled in his hair, keeping him there, but she knows there's no need because he looks like there's nowhere else in the world where he would like to be right now. Alina has never, ever met a man that looks so happy to be on his knees. She has also never met a man that knows what he's doing.
She arches her back, moaning a string of obscenities as he slides one finger inside her. No need for lube, for her to lick his fingers, she's just so wet it's ridiculous. He surprises her by sliding another one, and Alina swears she sees stars.
"You said you wanted another," he explains with a cheeky tone and a smirk on his face. She tugs on his hair in retaliation, just as she starts to move her hips, following the rhythm he sets with his fingers. It's like he knows exactly what she wants, his long fingers teasing that sweet spot but not going through with it. He wants to make them both enjoy this.
So when he goes back and starts to lightly suck on her clit, Alina cries out. She's pretty sure if they were doing this in her shitty apartment, everyone in the building would know how she sounds when having sex. But now they're on top of the world, or at least that's how she feels. And also, he seems to like hearing her, because his fingers start to move faster in response to her noises.
The fact that she hasn't come just from his fingers alone proves that at least one of her neurons is working because she wants to enjoy this for a little longer.
Aleksander uses his tongue once again, unable to keep himself. Why would he? When she clearly enjoys it and all he wants is to taste her. Alina is sweet, and Aleksander thinks he has found his favorite dessert. Fuck chocolate-chip cookies and honey cake, this is it. This woman, this gorgeous person who is looking at him with excitement in her eyes. Alina, who lies on top of his kefta, like a beacon of light surrounded by shadows. Sol Koroleva, filling his room with her moans and delicious sounds. If only she would say his name, how wonderful it would be.
They'll get there, he thinks as he goes back to her clit and sucks just like she seems to like it because she gasps in response. One of her hands is no longer in his hair, instead, she uses it to play with her nipples. She's so sensitive, so overstimulated and yet, Aleksander has done everything in his power to extend the moment just so that he can keep looking at her sprawled on his bed; so that he can keep giving her all the pleasure she deserves.
He's going to have to invest in a really good rug, both for his sake and hers.
Tomorrow Alina is going to have a beard burn in her thighs, but she doesn't care, not when Aleksander is eating her like she's his favorite meal. No, that doesn't sound right. Because how he keeps on using that sinful tongue and those damned fingers is not for a meal. She's dessert, and he's indulging in it, enjoying it thoroughly.
"Right there please, I just…" She doesn't know what she wants to say, but she needs him to keep his mouth and his fingers doing exactly what they're doing right now. His fingers are curled, and she doesn't want him to keep teasing her, she wants to come. "I want…" She's so out of it, it's very hard for her to finish a sentence. Aleksander, however, seems to know exactly what she wants because his fingers and his tongue end up being too much of a combination.
"So sweet, Alinochka," he moans, and Alina is sure no one has ever sounded more attractive in this world. "Be good and come for me." His fingers curl in just the right way, hitting the spot at the same time his mouth circles her clit, just the way she likes it. Alina doesn't have it in her to do anything other than obey. How could she not, when he's being so relentless about giving her pleasure?
"Yes, A…" She doesn't say his name, because that's the exact moment she comes. The first letter of his name echoes around the house as Alina closes her eyes and lets go. As far as she's concerned, she's never had an orgasm like this. It's so intense, she feels her eyes get very moist, and it takes her a second to get herself together.
Alina feels boneless, but Aleksander instead looks invigorated, so alive and full of energy it makes her smile. It's good to know he also enjoyed himself because a part of her is sure she's going to ask him to be on his knees quite often. Or if he likes it, maybe she can sit on his face. If the way he licks his lips and his fingers can give any indication, she thinks he's not going to mind. That is the face of a man that's very pleased with the whole situation.
Aleksander doesn't stop looking at Alina. Not when she comes and not when she tries to calm herself and keep her breathing steady. They lock eyes as he licks his lips and cleans his fingers. Normally, he would let her do that, but he doesn't want to share, what remains on his fingers is for him and him only. Maybe in another time he'll get to see those doe eyes twinkle with excitement as she licks herself on his fingers, not today though.
"Come here," she says, and Aleksander smiles as he crawls over her to kiss her. He was thinking about giving her another one, about staying a couple of more minutes on his knees and making her finally scream his name. But when Alina starts to kiss his beard, to lick all that remains of her, Aleksander finds himself thinking she's completely endearing. She's so thoughtful and gentle with him, it makes him smile.
The hands that pulled his hair and grabbed him tightly are now lovingly touching his face, cradling him as if he was someone important. It's not like his life has been devoid of love. His mother, as unconventional as she was, loved him dearly, same with his sister, with Luda and his friends. It is now, however, when Alina kisses his face that he feels loved. By a woman he met tonight, someone that, by all means, is still pretty much a stranger.
When she kisses him, oh so sweetly, Aleksander can't help but think they already know each other. Destiny, she had said back at the party and as her tongue teases him, he has to agree. Maybe destiny does have some hand in this, which would normally annoy him because he likes to be in charge of his life, but for her? If destiny did this, brought Alina into his life, then he has no complaints.
Alina whimpers when he breaks the kiss, and he responds with a chuckle as he stands up between her legs. "I need to get undressed. Didn't you want to see the rest of my tattoos?" She bites her lip at the question because of course she has. Seeing him naked, getting to explore his skin, and all the marks he must have accumulated in his skin over the years is something that turns her on. It was as if he was designed for her own pleasure.
She watches as his fingers start to work on the clasps of his tunic. Expert fingers that seem to excel at everything he does. Alina's eyes won't leave his hands as he slowly makes his way through the garment. It turns her on, to know how careful he is, to see his fingers work. Without even thinking, she slips her arms through his kefta and starts to touch herself. Aleksander's eyes, which had been focused on her all this time, do not miss how she starts to work on herself.
"Like what you see, Alinochka?" He's teasing, the smirk on his face tells her as much, but she doesn't have it in her to actually mind, not when he lets go of the tunic, and she can see his chest. It's a masterpiece, carved by the Saints themselves and decorated with so many tattoos she knows she's going to spend a good part of tomorrow simply watching him.
She nods as she starts to circle her clit. She's doing it slowly, trying not to get carried away. Her next orgasm has to be around his cock, but she can't help herself, not when he gets rid of his boots, trousers, and underwear. Aleksander is naked in front of her, and Alina thinks she has never seen anyone so beautiful. She vaguely remembers how she thought he had escaped from Ravka's National Gallery, and she thinks she was right.
"You're beautiful," Alina breathes, and Aleksander shakes his head. She can't see herself, but she's the beautiful one, especially now that she has claimed his kefta for herself. It strokes his ego to know that she has claimed his clothes because as far as he's concerned, she's free to wear whatever she wants, especially if it comes from his closet.
"I'd like to disagree with that," he says before grabbing her hand and bringing it to his mouth. What a lovely, delicate hand. It's soft and graceful, but he can feel some calluses, most likely derived from her work. However, her hand is also sinful, cheeky. As his tongue cleans her fingers, Aleksander moans her name. This woman is going to make him come right then and there, she doesn't need to do anything other than exist. "I already told you that you're beautiful."
He has told her what he thinks, and she dismissed it as a line, but as he looks at her with those eyes that are darker than the night sky, she cannot dismiss him. However, she still doesn't know what to do when the hottest man she's ever seen, the one that just gave her the best orgasm of her life, tells her that. So, she sits down and forces him to kiss her.
She lets him use his mouth anyway he sees fit because she focuses on touching him. Letting her hands roam around his firm, muscled body. It's soft and hard and perfect for her, so she doesn't hesitate one second to start kissing his neck, discovering almost immediately that he's ticklish and sensitive in this particular part of his body. Maybe that's the reason he doesn't have any tattoos there.
Aleksander doesn't even complain when she sucks and leaves a couple of hickeys on his skin. They're barely noticeable with all the ink on his shoulders. Alina will know, however, that she left a mark on his body, even if it will fade, for a brief second she also marked his skin.
"I want you inside me," she whispers in his ear before nibbling on his lobe. As much as she wants to keep on exploring his skin, he's hard, and she's ready. It will absolutely wreck her when he gets inside her, but she doesn't care. She wants him, she wants his dick to fill her up. Alina wants to come around his cock.
Aleksander tries to open his nightstand to get a condom when Alina kisses him behind the ear. "I'm on the pill, and I'm clean. I want to feel all of you." His breath hitches in response to her words. She's so sweet, it's almost impossible for him to deny her request. Protection has always been very important for him, but if she says she's clean and on the pill, then he believes her. It's not like he actually wants to wear a condom. He wants to feel that pretty pussy completely.
"Open up your legs," he says, and Alina shakes her head in response.
"I want to be on top." Aleksander smirks as he hears her. She's sweet, sure, but it's becoming increasingly obvious there's a bite to her. He has a sweet tooth, but she's not completely sweet. Alina is feisty. He's going to develop an addiction to her as well, that much he knows.
"Something else you want, lapushka?" He playfully asks as he sits on the bed, grabbing her by the hips and sitting her on his lap, inches away from his erection. Alina doesn't seem to mind, she uses her hand to touch him as she pretends to think about his question. He'll give her his hands, his body, his heart. Whatever she wants.
"I want you inside me, please. I want your dick inside my pussy. I want another orgasm…" She also wants him to come inside her and wants to feel her thighs sticky with his cum. Alina wants to cuddle with him and spend the night in his arms, just to wake up and do all of this again tomorrow morning. Wants to spend the weekend in his apartment, in his arms. Right now, she will settle with an orgasm.
His big hands grab her by the hips, and she holds onto his shoulders as he slides into her, slower than she would want, but she gets it. Aleksander wants to enjoy and savor the moment, and she gets it. Her whole body flushes once he's inside her. They don't move for a second, just taking it all in. He's bigger than anyone she's ever slept with, bigger than her vibrator, than her own slender fingers. Although she normally wouldn't particularly care, after all, what matters is if he knows how to use it, she can't help but moan. He fills her up completely, and it's delicious.
Nothing prepares him for what he feels once he's inside her. He shouldn't be surprised, because all Alina has done tonight is surprise him in many ways. He holds her, feeling her nails digging into his shoulders, and he doesn't have it in him to move just yet. The headpiece is still on her head, slightly askew, but it makes her look gorgeous, just like her white hair. Her lips are puffy and red, her cheeks are flushed and his kefta is still around her.
Aleksander wants to memorize this moment, wants to tattoo it in his brain. He doesn't want to, refuses, to ever forget about this single moment.
"Fuck, Alina, you're so tight," he curses. His forehead is resting on the space between her breasts, and he starts to kiss them as Alina moves. "This pretty pussy is taking me so well…"
Alina has never met someone who can dirty talk and can sound dignified. It turns her on more than it should, she thinks as she starts to roll her hips, meeting his thrusts. They move in sync, and this time she doesn't have it in her to be surprised about it. Most boys start with an awkward rhythm that Alina has come to detest, but Aleksander doesn't. It makes sense, because he's a man and a generous lover, that he lets her set the pace. It's deliciously slow, but there's something…
Her lips find him, and she kisses him, just as slowly as their fucking. His moans and hers make it a messy kiss, but it hardly matters when his tongue so expertly teases her and turns her on. His hands are on his ass, squeezing it so tightly she knows she's going to wake up with his fingers all over her skin. The mere thought of it makes her whine, speeding up slightly.
"Such a pretty girl, taking me so well…" His voice is low and husky as they break the kiss. Aleksander has a growing suspicion that the praise turns her on and when she bounces on him, he gets his reward. That is important information to have, after all. "Don't you see, Alina? We're a perfect fit," he says, and Alina responds by forcing him to lay back. His grip on her ass and thighs doesn't relent, and as she starts to bounce even harder on his dick he spreads her cheeks even further.
She's riding him like this is second nature to her like this is what she was born to do. What a perfect thing, looking all radiant while taking him so well. He's not lying when he says they're a perfect fit, this isn't a spur of the moment or sweet nothing. Aleksander means it when he says it. He has fucked a lot of people, but Alina is the only one that has ever made him feel like this. Like it means something, like this goes beyond the connection of their bodies.
"You're a vision," he moans, and Alina glows because of his words. It's an added layer of pleasure because right now she might as well be an animal, all she does is chase her desire. All she wants is what he gives her so selfishly, thrusting into her as she arches her back and rides him faster.
Her hands fall on his toned abdomen, she needs to hold onto him. She fears he's going to thrust so hard that she's going to split her open, and even if she should fear that, she doesn't. Aleksander might be rough, but he's careful, he's reading her so well, giving her what she needs before she even realizes she needs it. Right now, one of his hands moves to her neck, pressing slightly. A reminder that he's there, that he's going to mark her just like she did with his shoulders.
"Please, please…" She's incoherent, whining and rolling her hips as he drives into that sweet spot repeatedly. Alina is so close, and he hasn't even touched her clit. This damned man, she swears. His ridiculous hands and his dick and his mouth and everything. "Touch my clit," she shouts, and Aleksander shakes his head.
"Manners, pretty girl." All he wants is to hear her say his name, why won't she say it? He's dying to hear how Aleksander sounds on those pink lips. He's trying to give her pleasure, to get her so fucked up she has no option but to say it. As he once again drives into that place that made her come apart, he hopes she says it, but once again, Alina refuses.
"Please, please touch my clit." He obeys because even if she didn't say his name, he's powerless under her ministrations. Her own hand closes on top of the one he has on her throat, a small gesture to let him know which one to use. Aleksander uses the hand on his thigh to circle her clit, just like she likes it. He wants to see how pretty she looks when she comes around his cock.
"Saints, yes, just like that," she moans, arching her back as her hand tightens the one around her neck. She interlocks their fingers together as she continues to moan very loudly. "Fuck, yes." If the whole building knows by now what they're doing, he doesn't mind. He wants everyone to know she belongs to him, that only he gets to make her scream like that.
Aleksander once again hits that sweet spot as his thumb grazes her clit, and she comes apart, reaching her orgasm without warning, almost without realizing. She closes her eyes and arches her back, not caring about how she must look to him. After all, she's chasing her own pleasure because that's what he made of her. She doesn't know who she is, but she knows that this is the most pleasure she's felt in a while, all because of him.
He fucks her harder, and she spreads her legs for him. What a good girl, he thinks as he feels her cunt tighten around him. She feels so perfect, so delicious coming around his cock. As she arches her back and closes her eyes, he once again thinks she looks like a goddess, maybe that's why her skin glows, because she's a beacon of light, and she calls it, illuminating every shadowed corner of his bedroom.
Alina calls her light and she lits up every shadowed corner of his heart.
He ignores that Sol Koroleva is unintentionally calling her light to dispel the shadows that he has conjured and have enveloped them in a darkened cocoon. Aleksander also ignores what he is doing, as the part of him that knows how to manipulate shadows is still asleep within himself. But soon enough…
Alina follows the frantic pace he's set. She wants him to come as well, wants to make him feel as good as he has made her feel. The mere thought of his cum filling her up makes her bite her lip as she lowers herself, pressing her breasts against his chest. Their fingers remain interlocked as Aleksander's breath hitches a second before he comes inside her.
"Alina…" Her name is the only sound that comes out of her mouth, a low growl as he comes. She closes her eyes and rests her forehead against his. She doesn't want to move, especially as Aleksander removes the hand from her clit and slides under the kefta, wrapping it around her waist and keeping her close.
He sighs happily when Alina melts on top of him. She's careful and removes the headpiece before hiding her face in the crook of his neck. He can feel her breath come back to normal. It makes him smile, to know that she doesn't want to leave, that they're still connected. Aleksander softens inside her, but Alina shows no intentions of wanting to separate. Instead, her free hand cups his jaw as she starts to kiss his cheek.
Such a tender moment they share, a great contrast with the sex they just had. Alina basks in it. How he welcomes it, how he hasn't let go of their joined hands. He caresses her back lazily, smiling at her kisses, and she thinks… She wants to stay of course, but it's more than that. A relationship with Aleksander, a real one, where they do more than fuck is something that she would welcome, something she finds herself wanting.
"Are you going to stay?" He asks, turning his head so that he can look at her. They are so close, she's able to rub their noses together. A bright smile settles on her face as she nods.
Cuddling is something he doesn't normally do. It's not like he's allergic to human contact, as his sister would like to joke, it's just not something he feels like he has to do. Most of his sexual encounters are just that: sex. No need for romance or false promises of a relationship. He never wants to lead people on, and he's clear about not wanting nor looking for a relationship. He's married to the parlor.
Was, he was married to the parlor, Aleksander thinks as he closes his eyes and indulges in the warmth of Alina's body. They are still holding hands, and he's still caressing her back. He's happy extending the moment, letting her rest in his arms for as long as she wants to.
Alina has always loved to cuddle, always. Some people tried to accuse her of being needy and clingy, but she refused to listen to them. She liked human contact, she craved certain connection after sex. It didn't matter if she was never going to see the person ever again, she just wanted a second to breathe and enjoy the contact.
Butterflies float around her stomach as she thinks about how Aleksander just decided to cuddle with her. It feels right, it makes sense that is like this with him.
"I should clean you," Aleksander says after a while and Alina shakes her head, she's too comfortable, resting against his body. She doesn't want him to move. He chuckles in response. "Alina, we can't sleep like this."
"Can't we?" She pouts a little and bats her eyelashes at him. Aleksander thinks it's unfair how cute she is, especially because Alina is also beautiful and witty and just so sexy.
"We can, but we can be more comfortable," he explains. She's still got one hand cupping his face, so he takes it, watching her lovely hand. It amuses him to no end how she decided to claim his kefta especially when it's so big on her. "Don't you want to be more comfortable? Maybe that way you can see my tattoos."
At that, Alina's eyes twinkle with excitement. Got you, Aleksander thinks with a smile before kissing her wrist in the most gentle way he can. It's a small gesture, a simple touch before they separate, or at least that's what he thinks he's doing. Really, what happens is life-altering.
When Aleksander presses his lips to Alina's skin, there's an echo through time. Destiny decides to unravel itself, and because of it, all the past lives of both the Sol Koroleva and the Black Heretic reveal themselves to their twenty-first-century reincarnations. When Aleksander takes Alina's wrist and kisses it, showing her love instead of power, he echoes the first touch they shared, ages ago. When he was a Heretic, and she had yet to become a Sankta.
The past and the present meet when Aleksander awakens the power that lies within Alina. She had already awoken his shadows, they encircled them as they laid in the bed, surrounding them almost protectively from the outside world. But the second he touches her skin, he fully unleashes her Sun Summoning powers that had started to awaken as she orgasmed.
Suddenly, the room is bathed in a golden light that dispels his shadows instantly. It comes from Alina, and Aleksander isn't sure he's surprised by the realization that she is a source of light.
It's her, of course it's her.
He's mesmerized because the light is beautiful. It's blinding, but he finds that it doesn't matter. He looks straight at her and sees everything he has ever wanted. Alina, his beautiful Alina, the Sun Summoner, the only Sankta he has ever knelt for and the only one he ever will. It all comes back to him now, all the lives they have shared, all the tragedy, the blood, and tears that have sealed their fates over and over. And yet, all the love he has felt for her. Enduring and immortal, just like them.
Somehow, he has found her again.
The room is enveloped in a golden light that is so familiar to him, it feels like home. Like this is what he's been searching for his whole life. Aleksander has been waiting for her and now, she's in his bed, in his arms.
His Alina. He won't make the mistake of letting her go this time.
Alina looks around, at the light that's coming from her, and all she feels is fear. The memories haunt her as they come not in waves but like an earthquake, shattering her existence in a matter of seconds.
Everything starts to make sense now, that light comes out of her. It makes so much sense she would laugh if she wasn't consumed by fear. Of course she was obsessed with Sol Koroleva, of course she took refuge in her first life. It was just a way to connect with a part of herself that was dormant.
But so many other things made sense now. Like, how Mal doesn't like him, how her brother tried to keep them away from each other. Alina doesn't know if he has also reincarnated or if this was a coincidence. Either way, it didn't matter. This time he had failed and Alina found herself thinking that maybe he had succeeded then she wouldn't be consumed by the fear that's taking over her body.
Because the pull she felt towards Aleksander made sense now but in turn, that made her remember all the times she fought him and all the times she won; all the times her mouth tasted bitter, and her hands were stained with his blood. She thinks it was kind not to stain hers already.
How does one wash the blood of their loved one? Alina wonders why her hands are clean after killing Aleksander over and over again. She deserves to have them stained forever. Her skin deserves to be marked as well, just like his is.
Her eyes fall on him, on his dark eyes reflecting the light that comes out of her. Instead of finding fear like she expects to, she finds that Aleksander is looking at her like she holds the answers to the universe. As if this is something he has been expecting all his life. She knows that he's finding out at the same time she does about their intertwined past and yet, Aleksander, instead of fearing they are bound to repeat the same ending as before, looks as if nothing has changed. As if his plan was still to make her breakfast in the morning.
That terrifies her, so she scrambles to get away from him. Her summoning stops the second he no longer touches her body. Even if her brain is trying to get it together so that she can get to the exit, her heart breaks the second she's no longer in his arms. There's a longing that lives inside her, one that has grown deeper and deeper through the centuries, and yet, she still chooses to run away.
Aleksander watches as Alina gets away from him as if she's scared. He silently watches as she scrambles to get to the door. She's still wearing his kefta and her heels. Her purse, the dress, and the headpiece seem to be necessary casualties in her mission of getting away from his apartment; from him. It hurts, to know this is what she's trying to do after remembering, but as he follows her he reminds himself he has to fight for her.
"Alina," he says, trying to stop her. It doesn't do anything, so he tries again, this time louder because his voice is the only weapon he has right now. The shadows that circle at his feet are of no use to him. "Alina."
It works, she turns around and Aleksander can breathe again. He won't let her go. He won't let his ray of sunshine slip through his fingers.
Alina turns to look at him and immediately regrets it. He's still naked and she can clearly see, there's a small part of his chest that's not covered in tattoos. Near his heart, there's a scar, a small line, barely imperceptible, but she knows it's the place where the dagger has pierced through the skin so many times.
She did that to him, and yet there he stands, arms open to her. He's pursuing her so openly and earnestly it's painful. Why does she have this intense urge to run away from him? Why can't she let herself have him? Alina has wanted him for centuries and there she is, running from him.
It terrifies her, the mere thought of knowing she might have to kill him again. Maybe running is the best idea, maybe this way she can change their destiny.
She has no clue the destiny has already changed its plans for them.
She has no clue their fates are different this time.
"Don't go," he says, and his voice is so soft and broken it makes her cry. Aleksander has always been like this with her. To the outside world, as mysterious and harsh as his shadows. But she has never been afraid of the darkness, she welcomes it with a hug. The shadows have always been her home and now she knows why.
That's probably why she thinks she needs to run from him. She needs to protect him from her. Even if he's her home, she knows there is just no way for him to make it out alive if they are together.
"I have killed you so many times, why would you want me to stay?" Alina questions as salty tears fall down her cheeks. Maybe if she says it out loud, he will remember that is how their story goes, and he will let her go. There is no happy ending for them.
"Don't you know? That I have died willingly? That I will continue to do so?" Aleksander hopes she believes him. That even if she decides to run away, she understands there is no other option for him. He would die a thousand times over for her. If that's his destiny once again, then he will welcome it with open arms.
He just wants another second with her, if he has to die, then so be it.
"How can you say that?" Alina is openly crying by then, and when Aleksander tries to approach, she steps back. No, no, they can't touch again. She doesn't want to fall prey to destiny's plan. She needs to leave, to put as much distance between them as possible. Maybe she'll finally see the true sea, maybe she will go to Shu Han, she has no clue, but she does know she will not kill him again.
She refuses.
"Alina, I died willingly, but that doesn't mean I have to die this time." It's fair that she knows that he wouldn't have made a different choice. He stands by his actions, all of them but especially dying by her hand. Still, Aleksander thinks that this time can be different. They have made the same mistakes over and over, but he recognizes this time is different.
And if it isn't, he's willing to try.
And if it isn't, he's willing to die again.
Alina will hear none of it. She furiously wipes her tears but more fall from her eyes. This time, when Aleksander approaches, she doesn't run from his touch. Instead, she lets him wipe away the tears. How fitting it is that he's doing that right now, after all, he always consoles her after she drives a knife through his heart. "How can you say that? How can you guarantee this time it will be different?"
Aleksander smiles at her question. She focused so much on the past, she didn't realize how things have changed.
"I tattoo for a living. You want to have a flower shop. This time is different, can't you see? Maybe that is why we got this opportunity, to finally get it right."
Aleksander points out their present lives, and Alina blinks in surprise. Kings and queens, Sankta and Heretic, no longer. The only fold that exists right now is his parlor, Volcra is a dog, the Grisha belong to the mythology books, a footnote in the pages of history, forgotten and extinct. Only they remain because there was no one like them.
We remain because we deserve a second chance, she thinks. And yet, that is not what comes out of her lips.
"Won't you miss power?"
Alina knows the secrets that live in his heart, and she knows that, despite being enemies, Aleksander is the only person in the world, through the course of centuries, that really knows her. She also knows that he has always been a powerful man, a General, a Tsar… so many positions he has held while crusading against her. Won't he miss that? Maybe he will grow to resent this life, where power might look different from before. She doesn't think he will ever be ordinary or average, but even he has to agree that this is not what they are used to.
Aleksander hears her question and closes his eyes. She might consider it necessary to ask that out loud, and he appreciates that she's doing it because this is something he needs to tell her. He uses both hands to cup her face and while looking straight into her eyes, into her immortal soul, the one he has known forever, he speaks. "I do not need power. I just want you, Alina. There is no one like us and even if there were, I would still choose you. I will always choose you, even if there is a dagger in your hand. I just don't think… I do not think it will be like that again."
Like calls to like, after all. Aleksander just hopes Alina understands they have a chance, and he is not planning on wasting it. He is all in.
Alina believes him and rests her forehead against his, letting herself have this moment. She needs a second to understand that Aleksander is all in, that he doesn't care about anything and just wants her. They never got to have that in the past, they have always been burdened by the responsibilities they carried, by their ideals and morals and abstract constructs that always got in the way of them being together.
While their love for each other has always been real and very much present, it was never allowed to grow, to bloom, to live. It withered and died even before Alina drew a knife through Aleksander's heart. But now there's no responsibility for them to carry, nothing that actually impedes them from being together. She sees it now, how in this life it's not a matter of the situations they find themselves in. It's a matter of whether they want to make it work. There are no detractors now, they are free to choose each other without obstacles.
And she chooses him, a thousand times over.
Aleksander knows she has made up her mind when her skin starts to lightly glow. He knows she's in, just like he is, which now allows him to do something he wanted to do, but now knows he must.
"Will you say my name?" He asks as his thumb caresses her cheek. When she opens her eyes, Aleksander smiles, because this is it. The moment they change the course of their lives. For the first time since their first life, Alina will say his name and not while he dies in her arms, but in his apartment, with him and his dogs as witnesses.
It's far more perfect than he could ever dream of.
"Aleksander," Alina says, with a small smile on her lips. She was terrified of saying it, names had power, and he had claimed hers. It belonged to him, she knew, and the mere thought of saying it out loud and not feeling the same way scared her. The last thing she wanted was to break their bond. But now that she's said it, she knows his name belongs to her. It's hers, it always has been. "Aleksander," she repeats, crying again but this time of happiness.
She found him, and in this life, she gets to have him.
"I can't believe it's you," she says, and he chuckles. He can't believe it, but he also can. Alina has always been stubborn and his love for her is as eternal as them. It makes sense they got several chances to make it right, and yet it is now that things seem to be working in their favor.
Even if they weren't, Aleksander knows he will raise hell once again if he couldn't move heaven to be with her.
He cups her cheek before kissing her. This time he doesn't kiss like he's starving, like he's been waiting to do that forever. No, this time, Aleksander kisses her like he just got home after years of being away. Like he's a sailor coming back to the shore. He kisses Alina, and she feels like she's home. His lips welcome her, greet her like they always have. Aleksander has always been all in with her, she's the one who has resisted, the one who has fought her endless desire for him, but now, as she kisses him back, she realizes she's all in as well. As his tongue parts her lips, and she holds on to him, she concludes there is no need for him to kiss her like a starved man. He will always be passionate and generous, but they have all the time in the world now. And they plan to take advantage of it, they won't waste what they were given.
"Take me to bed, Sasha," she breathes once they break the kiss. Aleksander is all too eager to comply with her demands, so he takes her in his arms and starts to walk back to his bed. Their bed, he muses, all that belongs to him now belongs to her.
Including his kefta. "You can keep the kefta if you want, by the way," he says as he helps her settle on the side of the bed.
She can keep his heart, it's hers for the taking.
"I'd rather keep you," Alina answers as she takes it off. Maybe, if they hadn't realized who they were, she would've made a plan to take it with her and keep it as a memento, as a way to remember him. There's no need for that now, she thinks as he kneels to help her with her stilettos. What a sight, to have the Black Heretic on his knees. If people could see how devoted and loving he is.
"You can keep me, Alina. I have always been yours, no one else's," he answers, kissing her inner thighs before standing up and making himself comfortable in the bed. She fits perfectly in his arms, just like she always has. His shadows surround them again, protectively, keeping them safe against the outside world. Now that he knows who they are, Aleksander knows he will spend a great deal of his time protecting her, making sure she's fine, healthy, and happy.
"I have always been yours as well. I need you to know that. Despite everything, even if my actions said anything differently…" Aleksander kisses her forehead as a way to soothe her. Deep down, he has always known, he believes her wholeheartedly.
"I know, moya lyubov, I know. Let us rest tonight, tomorrow, the world lies at our feet," he says, and she nods in response, hiding her head under his chin. Alina is holding on tightly, not because she's afraid he'll disappear by morning, but because she missed him. She has missed him so much, she lightly glows against the shadows that protect them.
They don't know what tomorrow has in store for them, but as they fall asleep, bodies pressed together, limbs tangled, hearts beating in sync, they know they have each other. And as light and dark become acquainted with each other, Aleksander and Alina know this is their chance at happiness. They don't plan on wasting it.
fin