Chapter Four

Michail rolled off of her, tucking her in beside him. Her head resting on his chest. She could feel the hammering of his heart. They stayed like that for a while, his hand absently stroking her back as his breathing returned to normal. Finley thought she would be just fine staying right here forever.

"Bath or food first." He asked.

Both sounded pretty good, but Finley wasn't quite ready to give up naked Michail.

"Bath I think." She replied.

She felt him press a kiss to the top of her head, and then he slid out from underneath her. She wasn't really sure how he even had the energy. She felt like a rag doll, tangled in the sweaty sheets unable to move. Even forming coherent thoughts seemed like a lot of effort.

Finley watched as he stood up and walked to the closet. He had the body of a predator. Lean, muscular and well defined. His movements were as powerful as they were graceful. There was nothing even remotely domesticated about him. She was mesmerized. From his broad shoulders to his fine ass, everything about him was perfection.

On his left shoulder he had the tattoo of an eagle fighting a snake. She realized it probably covered the exit wound from where Ivan had shot him, and a shudder went through her. So many things about that night, about that moment, haunted her.

"What does it mean?" She heard herself ask. "The eagle and the snake."

Finley saw him still and a beat went by. He didn't turn around, but he did answer her. "It symbolizes the two sides of yourself, your higher self, and your more basic urges." Michail shrugged. "Both sides are within you. I'm never really sure which side will win the fight in me."

Finley understood that on some level. She knew Michail probably wrestled with the things he had to do sometimes. She knew her father had. Yet her father was a good, kind man to those he loved. She knew it was possible to be both, but she also knew that came at a cost. It certainly did for Nikko, and for Declan. Finley understood and accepted it. It never really bothered her, and she wondered what that said about her. She accepted them for who they were, who they needed to be, and she was more than willing to be the glue that held them together when they needed that. Something, she would do for Michail a thousand times over. But Michail wasn't asking, so she needed to simply accept that as well.

"I am. I'm sure. You are a good man Michail." Finley's voice was strong and confident. She might have a lot of doubts about a lot of things including her sanity, but she had no doubts about that.

Michail snorted. "I am not so sure about that. But for you krasotka, I will do my best."

She was supremely disappointed when he reached in and pulled out a robe, shrugging into it. Michail turned and looked at her for a long moment. His words echoing between them. She could see the longing in his face along with the realization that he was still a Petrov and she was still an O'Shea.

He took a second robe out of the closet and brought it to her. He leaned down and kissed her, slow and deep. "You make me want a lot of things I shouldn't want and probably can't have."

He stood up and she saw the shutter come down. He handed her the robe. Their fingers brushing, sending a little tingle through her.

His silky voice wrapped around her. "Just so you know, I prefer you naked." He gave her a wicked grin and walked off. "I'm going to go run the bath."

Finley blew out a big breath. Holy shit, what was she doing. She'd just had raw, screaming, curl your toes sex with Michail Petrov. If that wasn't a complete mind fuck, she wasn't sure what was.

No, that wasn't entirely true. The fact that she desperately wanted to do it again, and had to literally bite her tongue to keep from confessing her feelings. That was the real problem. The spectacular sex was just a bonus. One that no doubt was clouding her limited judgement.

This had been a horrible mistake. She knew there was no way she was going to get out of this one unscathed. He was going to haunt her dreams and leave her breathless. She knew that with absolute certainty.

Finley hauled herself up and pulled on the robe. The soft terrycloth felt good on her skin, soothing somehow as its warm comfort wrapped around her. Every nerve ending in her body was still tingling, and her skin was sensitive from Michail's beard, his hands, and his teeth. He had made good on his promise to touch and taste every inch of her.

She padded into the bathroom, it was warm and steamy. The mirrors already obscured with fog giving it a slight other-worldly feel. With only the light from the shaving mirror illuminating the room, it felt intimate. The room itself was an impressive display of luxury. All light-colored marble with its double vanity and rain forest shower. Finley was pretty sure the shower was bigger than her entire bathroom. Off to the side was an oversized soaking tub. The tub was impressive, but the man in it really took her breath.

Michail had slipped into the tub, and was reclined back, eyes closed. Little tendrils of steam coming off the water. He looked relaxed, younger even. She wasn't sure she'd ever seen him quite so unguarded and vulnerable. She felt a little stutter in her chest that she chose to ignore.

When he heard her, his eyes opened and the look he gave her sent a thrill up her spine. Clearly once wasn't enough for Michail either. He watched as she pulled her hair up and secured it. He seemed mesmerized by her every move. When she shrugged out of her robe, his eyes went dark, and her mouth went dry.

"You are beautiful." He murmured.

Finley felt herself blush. The intensity of his stare both embarrassed and ignited her.

She could see by his reaction, exactly where his thoughts were. He held out his hand to her and she reached out and took it. She climbed in the tub. The water was warm, just bordering on hot. She sunk down into the water, with her back to him, letting it wash over her and ease her muscles. Leaning back resting her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her neck. She knew she needed to be careful. Being here with him like this could be addictive.

She relaxed into him and exhaled. The tension, the fear, the doubt leaving her body. They were here now, and that is what she wanted to focus on.

After a few minutes of just relaxing, she heard Michail's voice, soft and silky.

"When does your internship start?" Michail asked her.

Finley was resting on him eyes closed. "In three weeks. I'm planning to take a little time off unless Nikko has other plans for me. Even if he does, it should still give me enough time to get ready. I have to buy some boring office clothes." She smiled when he made a commiserating sound.

"Suits kind of suck." He replied.

She chuckled. "So why do you wear them all the time. You are the guy in charge. Maybe mandate everyone wear jeans."

She could hear the smile in his voice. "You have a point. Maybe I'll look into that. It might require some logistical changes though."

"Like what?"

"Suits hide guns better, krasotka." He kissed the side of her head.

"Good point." She turned her head and captured his lips. This was such a dangerous, slippery slope and Finley knew it.

They talked for a while longer about everything and nothing. Both of them avoiding the real question between them. When or if they would ever see each other again.

Michail picked up the sea sponge and dipped it in the water. He squirted some bodywash on it and ran it over her neck and back. Gently scrubbing.

He lightly inhaled near her neck.

"Tonight, you will smell like citrus. I'll have to get Ralph to stock your favorite bodywash. I like the strawberries."

Finley's heart stuttered to a stop before it started hammering against her ribs. He'd said it all so casual like he planned on them being here again. Like he planned on them being here regularly.

Of course, he could just be making conversation she reminded herself. Just something to say.

She was supremely pleased that her voice came out relaxed and not like a high-pitched squeak. "That would be nice."

The more he washed her body, the harder he got. She could feel him pressing against her backside.

He took the sponge and ran it down the column of her neck, over her chest, and her breasts. The slightly rough texture caused her nipples to tighten. When he abandoned the sponge for his hands, all bets were off. He massaged and tugged on her, the slickness of her skin making it all the more pleasurable.

She felt his mouth on her neck, kissing and exploring. The bite he gave her was none to gentle, and she knew this night would leave a mark. The thought only spiked her need for him.

When he slipped his hand between her legs, she was lost. She grabbed his wrist and guided his hand to exactly the place that she wanted it. She closed her eyes and pressed back against his hard chest, pushing against his hand as the rhythm of his fingers hit just the right note. He cradled her breast in his other calloused palm, stroking, massaging and tugging, until she was clenching, trembling, and saying his name over and over.

She reached up and pulled his head down. She felt him kiss her neck and nip her earlobe.

"I think I'm about done with this bath." She whispered.

His only response was a growl as he hauled them both up out of the water. Water sloshed on the floor and neither of them seemed to notice. Both focused on each other.

Michail didn't even bother with grabbing a towel before his mouth was crushing her lips, as she hungrily kissed him back. His hands were around her touching, exploring, teasing, as he pushed her back until she was against the vanity. He lifted her onto the cabinet. Their eyes locked, and the look of raw desire and possessiveness stole her breath.

He hooked one arm under each knee, dragged her to the edge and pushed in. The sudden connection was startling and intense. She gasped and gripped the edge of the cabinet. She'd never felt so taken before. That was really the only word for it. He was filling her, stretching her, demanding her surrender. The feel of him growing more familiar.

She ran her hands over his wet back urging him to give her more. When he complied, she raked her nails over Michail's back leaving welts as she cried his name. Michail had been right about one thing. His was the only name echoing in her head as she tumbled over the edge. Her release hitting her with such an unexpected force that she bit the top of his shoulder to keep from crying out, or maybe it was to keep her from begging him to stay. I want him she thought. I want him just like this.

Michail was yanking her forward to meet him as his hips ground against her, the intensity growing as he passed the limits of his control. His face was buried in her neck as he held her in place, moving against her hard and fast. His head arched back and he said her name with such ferocity that it shook her as his release tore through him.

He rested his forehead against hers, panting. "You are going to be the death of me beautiful girl. I know it."

Finley's entire body pulsed and tingled. Even though she knew it was meant to soothe, the feel of his fingertips tracing her temple, along her jaw, and down her throat felt like fire. She was pretty sure there was no way to ease the burn. Finley knew her instincts had been right, that he would destroy her, ruin her, shred her control. Anything that burned as hot as Michail was bound to leave a mark.

He kissed her and gently unhooked her legs from his arms, disengaging and helping her stand. Her legs felt weak. She felt intoxicated by his closeness. He held her wrapped in his arms for a minute. Chin resting on her head. It felt like he was going to say something, but the moment passed and he let her go.

Michail stepped back and unhooked her robe, handing it to her. She pulled it on and he did the same. The distance between them started to grow.

"How about some food?" He asked.

"Sure." Her voice sounded tentative and small. If he noticed he didn't let on.

He held out his hand and she took it.

A couple of minutes of awkward silence passed. Finley busied herself by drinking water like it was the most exquisite champagne.

"Do you like to eat strawberries or just smell like them?" He teased her.

She smiled at him. She knew he was trying to lighten the mood. She reminded herself she was here to enjoy him, just for tonight. Tomorrow she would go back to the real world.

"Because I don't think I will ever be able to eat another strawberry without thinking of you." Michail gave her a wolf grin. "They are probably going to be my favorite thing to eat." Michail laughed when she blushed.

Finley cursed her damn pale skin, and gave him a little fake side eye.

A few minutes later they found a much better use for the dining room table than eating. After, she was glad Michail still had some strength left, because she certainly didn't. He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom tucking her in bed. She felt him spoon around her. His strong arms pulling her close.

"Khotel by ya prosypatsya s toboy kazhdoye utro." He whispered against her hair. (I wish I could wake up with you every morning.)

"But wishing is for fools Michail, and we are not fools. You said so yourself." Finley murmured back before drifting off to sleep.

The room was still dark when Finley came awake. She knew she was in bed alone, the strength and warmth of Michail were gone. She heard a slight rustling, and she propped herself up, scanning the darkness.

Michail was finishing getting dressed. The time had come. Michail was leaving. She forced herself to swallow past the lump in her throat and ignore the dull ache starting in her chest. She'd signed on for this. They had agreed.

"I'm sorry I woke you." His voiced drifted across the room.

"No, I'm glad you did." Was Michail just planning to leave without saying goodbye?

"You wouldn't have left without saying goodbye, would you?" She whispered into the darkness.

"It's not really goodbye, if a part of me never leaves you, now is it." His voice sounded wistful, and maybe a little harsh. Almost like he was angry.

Finley noticed he didn't answer the question, but she let it go. What was the point.

She started to get up. "No, stay in bed it's very early. Get some more sleep."

"What time is it?" She asked.

"Almost four." Michail answered. "I am sorry krasotka, but it is safer this way."

"I know, I understand." Finley was a mob kid. She knew the cover of darkness could cover a multitude of sins. She just wasn't sure it could cover a broken heart.

Michail approached the bed. She could see he was fully dressed and her heart sank a little.

"Ralph will be up around seven. He'll bring your breakfast, and whatever else you need. I've arranged for the hotel car to take you home. Just let him know what time."

Finley nodded, and then realized he probably couldn't really see her nodding in the dark. "Thank you."

Michail leaned down and cupped her face, his mouth finding hers. He kissed her like she'd always wanted to be kissed. Soft, sensual, sharing one breath, touching each other's hearts, maybe even her soul. No man had ever kissed her quite like that and she was awfully afraid no man ever would again. This man could steal her breath, and, if she wasn't careful, so much more.

The kiss ended all too soon. Finley desperately wanted to know if she was going to see him again, but she bit down on her lip to keep the words from escaping. She was not going to be a needy, clingy mess. A deal was a deal after all.

He stepped away and headed to the door. He stopped in the doorway and turned back. "I've left you a phone. Maybe we could talk or text sometime." He seemed uncertain.

"Anytime or all the time works for me." She replied.

She heard him exhale, and he turned and then he was gone, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpet.

When she heard the soft click of the door closing, Finley was just a little afraid a piece of her heart had walked out. She flopped on her back and stared at the ceiling. A lone tear popped out and ran down her cheek. She viciously wiped it away. She didn't cry over men, and she was not going to cry over Michail.

She heard a dink next to the bed. She reached over and fumbled around until she found the phone. It wasn't hers, so it must be the one Michail had left her. She unlocked the screen to a text message.

"Я влюбля́юсь в тебя́ ка́ждый день." Shit, the damn thing was in Russian. She had no idea what it said. She narrowed her eyes. Michail had done that on purpose. He knew she could barely speak any Russian let alone read it. She'd have to get out her phone and go to a translation site. The phone Michail had given her was a typical burner with no internet access just text and talk.

Well screw that, right now she was going to go back to sleep or at least try to. Then she'd get up and get on with her day. Get on with her life. She had things she needed to figure out. At the top of that list was Declan. Last night had only muddied the waters.

Finley flopped around in the big bed for a couple of hours trying to get comfortable and go to sleep. Without Michail it just seemed cold and empty. No matter how many times she hugged the pillow to her, it just wasn't the same. She finally gave up and got out of bed.

Michail's text was niggling at the back of her mind, so she went into the living room hunting for her clutch. It had fallen somewhere last night. Much like her dress. A little tingle worked its way through her body at that thought. Not even her fantasies had lived up to last night. She kind of wished Michail had been bad in bed or been a selfish lover. Or at least had a tiny dick. Something, anything that would have made him less appealing. But no, he'd been perfect.

Except Michail had been wrong about one thing. He'd told her the night he brought her the flash drive with Ivan's files that looking at him would always remind her that Ivan killed her father. Michail was wrong about that. When she looked at Michail she saw a man that helped bring her father's killer to justice. A man that risked everything to protect her. A man that had taken a bullet for her. When she looked at Michail, Ivan was the furthest thing from her mind. She thought maybe if she ever saw him again, she'd tell him that. He deserved to know.

Finley rooted around looking for her clutch. It took a minute but she finally found it stuffed between one of the couch cushions. She didn't even want to speculate how that had happened. She snapped it open and retrieved her phone. Finley blew out a frustrated breath, her phone was dead. She dropped it back in with disdain and snapped the clutch shut. Michail's text would just have to wait.

She padded into the big bathroom. What had seemed cozy last night, just seemed too formal and lonely this morning. Finley stepped into the rain shower, and after a couple of failed attempts finally managed to figure out which knobs did what. She only sprayed herself in the face about ten times before she got it right. She figured it might take a degree in engineering to fully understand what all the knobs did. She had to admit though, it was pretty nice. She stood under the water for a really long time, wondering what Michail was doing. Was he washing the remnants of last night from his body too? Erasing the memories and putting the armor back on. Probably.

She finally forced herself to turn off the water and she grabbed a towel wrapping it around her. Finley avoided looking at the soaking tub. Those memories were a little too vivid and a little too raw. She took her forearm and wiped the mirror. Despite not getting much sleep last night, her eyes looked bright. Her lips were red, and maybe a little swollen. She guessed that's what kissing Michail could do for her. She also had a couple of pretty obvious love bites on her neck and shoulder. She let out a little groan. Fabulous, maybe she should just announce to the world she'd had sex with Michail. They weren't really too bad, and would probably fade in a few hours, but not before she had to do her walk of shame.

Although, she couldn't help but smile. There was something just a little kinky about having lasting proof from last night, even if it was for only a few hours. She was a little afraid that made her off in the head, but she figured she'd just go with it. It was that or go invest in a bunch of turtlenecks, which might prove awkward in warm weather, of course that assumed she would have a need for them again. Michail said he wanted to text sometime, that was hardly a declaration that they were going to see each other, yet here she was creating an entire fantasy world where they were dating. She was definitely off in the head, and it didn't have anything to do with love bites. She really needed to get it together.

She dried off and pulled the robe back on. Her only other article of clothing was a cocktail dress. She went over and retrieved her dress from the floor where it had fallen. It looked like a sad little puddle laying on the floor, forgotten. Much like she felt this morning. Finley forcefully pushed those thoughts away. That wasn't fair and she knew it.

Finley put her dress on a hanger, and put it in the closet. She hoped some of the wrinkles would release before she left. She wasn't looking forward to the walk of shame. That dress would be like wearing a strobe light. She sighed and took a sip of her coffee promptly burning her tongue. Yep, it was going to be one of those days. It was just the universe balancing itself out she guessed. One glorious night balanced by one shitty, lonely morning coming right up.

At exactly seven the doorbell chimed, announcing the arrival of Ralph. Finley let him in. His expression as impassive as ever. If he thought it was odd that she was in a robe he didn't let on. He rolled the cart in whisper quiet.

The cart contained several covered food containers, coffee and juice. Ralph reached under it and handed her a big white box.

"What time would you like the car brought around Ms. Petrov?" Ralph asked her. Finley's heart stuttered to a full stop and she just stared at him unable to speak. Ms. Petrov, no she was definitely not Ms. Petrov. She should have been utterly horrified by that, but somehow, she thought it had a nice ring to it. She'd clearly lost her damn mind somewhere along the way last night. Apparently being with Michail had also taken what little common sense she had left. She could a feel a flush creeping up her neck.

Ralph was just waiting, his expression blank. Geez get it together Finley thought. Ralph would have no idea who she was, and listing her as a Petrov simply protected her identity. It wasn't some sign from the universe or some silent proposal from Michail, it was about security. Absolutely nothing more. "How about eight?" Her voice did sound like a strangled animal this time.

"Of course. Is there anything else?"

Finley shook her head no.

Ralph gave her a nod. "Have a good day Ms. Petrov." It was like a dagger right through her heart.

Finley forced herself to smile politely as Ralph let himself out. She stood there transfixed looking at the closed door willing herself to breathe.

Finally, she took a couple of deep breaths and went over and lifted the lid on the various plates. She was pretty sure Michail had ordered everything on the menu. Omelet, pancakes, yogurt, cereal, fruit, and croissants. There was also an envelope.

Finley selected the omelet. She looked at the dining room table, but thought better of it as a huge smile spread across her face at the memory. Somehow eating at that table just didn't seem right. That man was a machine. He'd done things to her on that table, she didn't even know were possible.

Finley carried the plate into the living room and flopped down on the couch. She took a couple of bites, savoring it. It was a goat cheese, spinach and artichoke omelet. The flavors were just the right combination, and her stomach growled for more. She didn't realize she was quite so hungry.

Finley picked up the envelope and pulled out the folded paper inside.

"I didn't know what you liked, so I got one of everything. Next time, I'll do better." Finley smiled. There was that next time word. It sure seemed like Michail was planning to see her again, or at least he was when he wrote the note. Who knows by this morning, maybe the novelty had all worn off and the reality had set in. He certainly didn't make any promises when he left.

Finley finished the omelet and took her plate back to the serving cart and retrieved the box. It was tied with a big satin ribbon that displayed the logo from the boutique downstairs. Finley's brow creased as she worked to untie the ribbon. She had no idea what it could be.

She popped the box top off and gave a startled little gasp. She reached in and fingered the silky material. Inside was an emerald green jumpsuit. She pulled it out and held it up. It had wide-legs, a rounded neck and cap sleeves. A sash in the same silky material tied around the waist completed the look. It was gorgeous and sophisticated. Not only would she not have to do the walk of shame, but it could also be worn to the law office. Her first office outfit and it wasn't even boring. There was more tissue paper in the box, and she pushed it aside to find a matching set of fleur du mal panties and bra in pale blue.

She smiled. Michail had done everything he could to make her morning easier. She wasn't sure when he had done it or why, but she was certainly grateful. Her eyes cut to the lingerie and she did a little eyeroll. She figured she had a pretty good idea what the text said. She thought about texting him a thank you, but she didn't want to appear too eager or needy. She'd text him later. After she translated his text so she could respond to that. Finley sighed. She missed him already.

It was time to leave this beautiful suite and get back to the real world. Finley packed her cocktail dress in the box. She pulled on the panties and hooked the bra, pulling the straps up and adjusting her breasts so they settled into the soft cups. The bra fit surprisingly well. The set might have even been something she would have picked out. It was sexy, but functional. The panties were actually panties, not some scrappy piece of thong floss.

Finley stepped into the jumpsuit, sliding it up, and zipping it. The silky material draped well. She loved the feel of it and the color. It was definitely something she would have picked out, except of course for the price tag. No way would she have spent this much money on clothes. She didn't know exactly how much it cost, but she had a pretty good idea. It was gorgeous and flattering.

She combed her hair into a simple ponytail and pulled on her sandals from last night. She took one last look around, grabbed her things and opened the door.

She almost had a heart attack. Ralph was outside waiting. He took the box from her and escorted her downstairs to the waiting town car. He gave the driver her address and bid her farewell. Still calling her Ms. Petrov. This time she just thanked him and smiled. So what if she got to be Ms. Petrov for a couple of hours. She kind of liked it. Besides this would be the closest she'd ever come to that. Whether it was Michail or not, Finley had zero desire to ever get married.

When Finley got to her apartment, Nikko was lounging outside her door waiting for her. Finley felt a flush of heat go up her neck. Nikko clearly knew, she could tell. How she wasn't sure, but he definitely knew. Knowing Nikko, he did have those damn shoes bugged. Her gazed narrowed a little, but she forced her gait to remain steady.

Nikko's gaze assessed her. "It's a nice pantsuit. You look good in it." His velvet voice held no sarcasm or disapproval.

Finley relaxed a little. This was Nikko. The king of bad choices. They'd certainly made enough themselves. It was stupid to think Nikko would judge her.

He took the box from her. If he recognized the boutique logo, he didn't let it show. Finley unlocked the door to her apartment. Nikko followed her in and closed the door behind him. He was still assessing her. He sat the box on the bar.

"Love, I have to ask. Do you know what you're doing?"

Finley just looked at him. Nikko blew out a breath.

"Michail is a complicated man. I don't want to see you hurt, so I'll ask again. Are you sure?" The concern was clear in Nikko's voice.

Was she sure, no she most definitely wasn't sure. She didn't even know what there was or wasn't to be sure or unsure of. She was a fucked-up mess, of that she was sure, but beyond that it was all a bit of a mystery. Finley shook her head.

"No, not really. But I'm not stupid Nikko. I know it's impossible." Finley hated the fact tears were gathering in her eyes and her voice waivered ever so slightly.

Nikko's arm snaked out and he hooked it around her and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her.

A/N: As you can tell, this story has turned out a little longer than originally planned. I'm not sure exactly how many chapters, but right now I'm thinking at least a couple more. I hope you are enjoying it! Thanks for the feedback and reviews. As always, they are appreciated.