My life is so all over the place right now and I wanted to write something- well. LOL

Again, disclaimer- the middle of this chapter is not for people who don't want fluff/sex scenes. And I am iffy and not as confident in how it played out. Tried my hand at something new.

renfield31 this chapter is for you. 😉

aaaaaa

"Hey you!"

The enthusiastic greeting she always gave him when he'd pick her up for their outings immediately soothed the frayed emotions within him. He never told her, but every time she would greet him, and sound excited to see him, it made his day. He would mask his smile, but inside he felt warm. It was rare people were ever truly enthused to see him for purposes other than crime.

"Why don't you get comfortable? I'm almost done with dinner- or breakfast. Whatever you want to call it." Kate stood in front of the oversized gas range, something delicious smelling was sizzling away, and she turned her bright smile toward him at the door.

"First things first." He made his way over to her and stood behind her, his hands slid around her waist to protectively cradle her stomach, and he dropped a kiss to her shoulder, "How are you feeling?"

"Tired. Hungry. But doing better now that you're with me." She leaned back into his body and felt the tension leave her muscles, "How did it go?"

"Better than I hoped. But still going to be a stressful couple of weeks. But I'd rather not talk about it right now. What did you decide to make?" Niko pulled her flush against him and peered over her to see what it was that was in the pan making his own ribs clench with hunger.

"Surprisingly, or I guess not with who this place belongs to, they had steak in the fridge. So I figured a good, hearty meal after a crazy week is worth the trouble. I have mashed potatoes and green beans in the oven to stay warm. But if you want something else, I am more than willing to cook it for you." Kate reached over to a spoon rest and picked up some tongs, flipping the seared steak over to finish cooking.

"Only other thing I'd be hungry for, is you." He lightly trailed one of his hands up her body to cup her chin, tilting her up so he could kiss her smiling lips.

"Sounds like the perfect dessert." She returned his kisses for a couple of seconds before backing away, "Now go change so I can feed you."

"Yes Pakhan." He laughed and caught her wrist when she went to smack him playfully. The firm texture of something underneath the long sleeve of his shirt she had put on caught his attention. Curiosity now peaked, he undid the button on the cuff and shoved the heavy, flannel material up her arm.

"Georgi gave it to me after…" Kate trailed off and let him reveal the concealed knife. She had yet to remove it after Niko left the apartment. The hospital garb was uncomfortable, and she wanted something that smelled like Niko. So she pulled out her favorite button down of his and threw on a pair of soft wool lined leggings. It was a small comfort in an unfamiliar place.

But the uncertainty of someone breaking in would not leave her be, and the knife had stayed firmly in place.

Niko turned her wrist and saw the circular finger holder and slid it out of its pouch, "I'm guessing he explained how to use it?"

"Partially. I'm not the best at removing it. It's why Darko's pistol is right there." She jutted her chin out to where she had tucked the gun into the corner of the fridge and gas range. It was hidden from view of the door and would give her that split second to pull it and take aim. She tugged on her arm letting him know to release her so she could remove the steaks from the pan to rest.

"Do you feel that unsafe?" The stab to his heart almost made him recoil. Did she feel the need to arm herself? Was it because he kept putting her in danger that she was now relying on weapons to protect herself? He knew their lives weren't exactly safe, but to make her feel the need to protect herself…?

"Now before you go off the deep end-" She removed the seared meat from the hot pan and placed them down on the cutting board, "It is not because I don't think you can protect me. When I am alone, I have anxiety and I have to fight off this panic. It's so stupid but having something on me keeps it away." She lifted the heavy stainless steel pan and moved around Niko to the kitchen island sink.

"You shouldn't have this fear… It is my fault. And I am so sorry." He followed her to the sink and pulled her away from the running water, hugging her close, "I never imagined things would go this far and put you in these situations. I was meant to protect you. Keep you from being harmed."

"But look at what we have gained from all the hardships…" Kate buried herself in his embrace and fought off the tears that threatened to spill. She didn't want to admit it but being in the apartment alone had her spiraling. The only thing keeping it from getting worse was focusing on making a fantastic meal for them.

"Kate, I want to ask you something." His fingers threaded into her now clean and slightly damp hair, figuring she must have showered at some point. Carefully he lifted her face up to his to be able to read her better. There was a doubt and his own fear he needed to voice to her. Despite how many times she rebutted those fears.

"Yes, Niko?" Her fingers curled around the zippered edges of his jacket, holding on as his expression took on an unguarded and pleading edge.

"If… If you are not- pregnant. Is that something you want? I mean in the future… With me?" He felt so ridiculously nervous, and his accent thickened with his words. He almost sounded like a nervous teenager asking a girl's parents permission to take her out to the movies or something. But he had to know without a doubt that this was what she, they, he wanted in life. And depending on her answer, he would be calling Roman in a few hours to go with him to Roth and Son's.

"What makes you think I'm not…?" Her eyebrow lifted with his question. Just because the lab results were inconclusive didn't mean she wasn't pregnant right? 'It's just too early to tell… That's all.'

"The way the doctor explained it to me, it could be a false positive, or too early to tell. Your birth control with the poison was making the blood work difficult for them to understand. I was going to ask about finding another trustworthy doctor to check your blood again… But Kate. My question?" He was not about to tell her what the poison could or would do to her. That wasn't something he felt he was strong enough to do.

"Niko… At the hospital when you opened yourself to me- when you literally asked me to be yours for the rest of our lives… I knew that no matter what, this is where I belong. With you. If you were to ask me right this second to marry you, or to stop birth control completely, I wouldn't hesitate. It's a yes."

She had whispered the word in Serbian and had to scramble to take hold of him as he lifted her to the kitchen island and crashed his lips to hers, pulling her to the edge to firmly hold her hips. He gripped her thighs and opened them to stand between, wishing he could just tell her what her words meant to him.

Kate softly scratched her nails through his hair, lessening the intensity of his actions, "Niko? Is this your way of wanting to know? Or confirming to me that this is what we want?"

"The thought of having my own family was not one I envisioned for most of my life. And now I can have that. With someone who shares the same level of love. I am being torn in two different directions Kate. To you and our future, and to being Kenny. I am…" He closed his eyes and dropped his head to her shoulder, sliding his arms around her hips to just simply be within her arms.

"Look at me моја љубав (moja ljubav)." Kate loving caressed his cheeks and encouraged him to look up at her, "You have asked me to stay. To trust you. I'm staying. While it terrifies me that you have the title and role you have now. That's not who you are. I know this." She searched his eyes trying to locate his fear, and where it was stemming from.

"This is not forever. And honestly… It's been kind of fun getting to meet all these new people. The killing, danger, and threats not so much. But I enjoy Kenny's men's company. Antonia was a blessing in disguise. Gordo moving up is a shock. There is good moments and it's made it easier to accept your power." Her fingers drifted over his scruff trying to assuage the guilt she saw building behind his hazel, brown eyes.

"That is the truth?" Niko edged closer to her face wanting to capture her lips one more time, "You mean it all?"

"Yes. Now before our food gets cold, I think I need to feed this little one." Her stomach grumbled loudly in the quietness of the apartment, and she sent him a goofy smile while shutting off the running water from the sink.

"I hope you are… I've never seen you look this- this… At peace." He helped her down off the counter and held her hands to his chest.

"It's because I am overfilled with love and joy. You gave me this. You provided for me, still do. Now go change. I'll plate everything. You want the dining room table or the kitchen island?" She returned the squeeze to her hands and glanced to the bed area where she had laid out some comfy pajamas for him.

"Kitchen island is fine with me. I'll hurry, can't have you starving on me." He softened his smile and couldn't help himself as once more he felt her stomach with his hands. 'Alexi won't last another day… This is where I belong and what I want. Nothing is going to stop me from my future.'

'Packie assumes…'

'The Fixer knows…'

He turned away from her when his thoughts darkened. It wouldn't be as simple as killing one man and calling it a day. And why wasn't Bernard answering his calls? Maybe he would ask Kate to try him without somehow making her suspicious. He could hear the clinking and shifting of plates and silverware as she went about getting them dinner/breakfast. The sun was rising rapidly, and he could use an hour or two of sleep.

Silently he changed his clothes and joined her at the kitchen island, kissing her cheek as he sat down. She had really outdone herself in making a meal and it only solidified his decision to get her a ring made. The support for him was there and she gave it so willingly and without question.

They shared stories of their childhood- the happier and not so horrendous moments. Of games and pranks they pulled on their siblings. Memories he had kept under lock and key rushed to the forefront and he laughed and joked and just simply relived being with his brother, Roman, and Florian. The normal ache and bitterness when talking about his village never surfaced. Kate's merriment and breathless laughter as he explained embarrassing situations had his own smile growing.

He learned of the numerous times a week Kate's Ma would force them to church and how Gerry would make a distraction to help them skip the schooling part of the service. How many fights Patrick started that Gerry and Derrick would have to finish because he had yet to hit a growth spurt. How they were forced to be in the Christmas pageants and that she was always the Virgin Mary. To which her brothers used to call her.

"Which jokes on them. That ship has sailed." Kate bit her lip and gave him a once over from the corner of her eye.

"It's long out in the ocean now. Here I can clean the plates if you want to get the bed ready. I told Georgi I would be getting a few hours of sleep before heading out. There is a couple of people we need to locate and I kind of have to be the one to do it." He held his hand out for her plate giving her only a partial lie. He was going to be looking for the handler, but his first order of business has nothing to do with the Bratva.

"Is it going to be dangerous?" She yawned heavily and dropped down from the bar stool going over to the blackout blinds on the window to lower them. The sunlight was starting to hurt her eyes and give her a headache.

"In this line of work, every day is dangerous. But I will have backup. I am keeping Georgi here with you." He brought the plates and his glass around to the sink and started washing them to be placed into the dishwasher. He didn't mind helping after all the trouble she had gone through to make him the very satisfying meal.

"Shouldn't he be protecting you?" The worry was evident in her voice, and she paused in her trek to the massive king sized bed.

"I want him here with you. I have sworn him to watch over you and show you around the complex. If we are here for the next couple of weeks, I'd like you to feel comfortable. Plus, he said he would help you make your spa day appointments and dress shopping… Unless you don't want to go to the party anymore?" He glanced up at her and smirked with her startled gasp.

"Oh?! And miss the opportunity to leave you utterly speechless? More so than you normally are?" Kate laughed when he lifted an eyebrow at her, "Come on. I did like all the talking those first few dates. I felt like I annoyed the hell out of you." She moved over to the side of the bed by the bathroom and pulled back the covers, marveling at the silky texture.

"I was, still am, learning the language. And I had no one ever that interested to just share. It was refreshing." He wiped his hands off on the dish towel and headed to his side of the bed.

"I just liked watching your eyes when I would ramble on. I knew when you'd tune me out and I'd just let the conversation die." She pulled her leggings down and slipped under the covers, "Kenny really does like to put his wealth and status on display, doesn't he?"

"I guess when you're at the top and feel untouchable, it comes with the territory?" Niko yanked his shirt off and dropped his sweatpants, "But I'm not about to complain about a week or two of living in luxury. I mean technically this is all mine."

"As much as I would love to see just how these sheets feel against my skin as we get tangled in them, I am for some reason really tired." Kate lowered down to the plush and fluffy mattress, feeling her entire body just sink into the memory foam in a near blissful embrace, "Okay… We are stealing this mattress when Kenny wakes up. I won't even mind taking the blame."

Niko chuckled at her remark before groaning when he joined her, "Yeah that's one crime I won't mind doing. Damn Kenny." He beckoned her closer and cuddled her body to him, adjusting the covers over them, getting in the perfect position to just pass out, "I have my alarm set, and I will try to not wake you when I get up. You need your rest Лепа (Lepa)."

"Why's that?" She mumbled the words as she slung her arm over his waist, placing her cheek over his strong chest. The heartbeat greeted her, and she melted in his arms. Sleep was calling her, begging her, to drift off into dreams and fantasies of the future.

"If you are carrying my child, you will need your rest. I will take care of both of you." He kissed the top of her head when he felt her place a tender one to his chest.

"I will take care of you. Now rest and I will watch over you for once." Kate shifted up his body to capture his lips with her own, "I know you are tired. Rest, relax, and sleep."

"Yes ma'am." He smirked at her tired ire, "Together then?"

"Together. Always." She tucked herself along his warm body and drank in the comfort he gave her. Her mind floated on the cloud that billowed in and conjured images of him standing at the alter in the darkest of suits. The lace of her dress covering her arms. Their friends and family gathered round…

Sleep took her and she went limp against him to the grandeur of their wedding day.

"I hope one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me for killing your brother… For letting Gerry die on my watch. For Packie leaving us. For your mother- I have somehow destroyed your family.

But yet you so eagerly want to start one with me.

I know we said one thing at a time, but Kate this is killing me.

I have never been this unstable, unsure, and worried. This is new for me, and I fear it will push you away. Or somehow harm you. That once the truth comes to light it will plunge you into complete darkness. For that I am truly sorry."

"Yes… Yes Niko. I do…" Kate whispered in her sleep and rolled more into him, kissing the side of his neck affectionately.

The sheer love he could detect in her low voice had him holding her tightly, as an unfamiliar pain squeezed his chest in a vice like grip. He had brought them to this point by letting her in. But he would not deny himself how good it felt to be here. In the headspace of a happily ever after.

aaaaaa

He did not know when he had fallen asleep, or how they had rolled to the side, holding each other tightly- his hand firmly pressed to just below her belly button. But the annoying beep of his cell phone was rising in volume, and he knew it would stir Kate awake if he didn't silence it. He pressed his lips to the crown of her head before untangling himself from her.

He slid out of bed and fished his cell phone out of his sweatpants pocket, immediately ending the alarm. He glanced over his shoulder when she made a funny noise. She had rolled over to face his direction and was dragging her hand under the sheets as if searching for him. The smile lifted the corners of his lips, and he moved his pillow into her path, and he had to bite back the laughter when she tugged it to her body, and she cuddled it like it was him.

"Mmm Niko… You smell so goooood." Kate moaned in her sleep, burying her face into the thick pillow.

He snorted and slapped a hand over his mouth. But he couldn't help it! She was just too damn cute when she was passed out. With a shake of his head, he went about finding clean clothes and a towel to shower with.

The bathroom matched the gaudy and over the top finishes he now expected when it came to Kenny Petrovic, as the lights flickered on as he entered. A massive four person tub sat above a platform in the middle of the room, jets and seats in the corners, completely made of what looked like some kind of exotic marble. The sleek floors were warm under his feet, and he noticed the heated floor panel just inside the archway.

'Kenny… Sometimes I wonder just what goes through your head to never use this place…'

His and her vanities, water closets, actual clothing closets were on opposite sides to his left and right, but what caught his attention was the shower. And my god was it a shower. Pristine glass ran the length of the back wall with a door on each end. Rain head shower fixtures were spaced every two feet along the ceiling, with matching massaging ones by the doors. A random metal bar expanded the entirety of the back shower wall, and he guessed it was for towels or wash cloths. It was more than just a two person shower in his mind.

Excitement hummed in his blood at getting to see what all the programable tablet on the wall could do for the shower. He dropped his clothes and towel on the outside teak bench and started clicking through the menu options. Misters, jets, steam- the list went on and on and he pretty much turned it all on. 'Why not?!'

Water began to cascade down from the ceiling faucets while the wall ones held more pressure to them. Warm, hot steam started to build along the floor, and he hurriedly removed his boxers and opened the door, sighing as the temperature of the room was just right. He shuddered as the water jets stripped him of the tightness along his back and legs.

He looked around for soap and shampoo and saw a cubby hole dead center of the shower with dispensers built into the wall. Each was labeled in Russian and the thought of Kate trying each one to see what it was forced a soft chuckle past his lips. The aftershave one would have been hilarious to see her try.

He read through the various scents and products before choosing something bland and not overly perfumed. Last thing he wanted was the knowing looks from Georgi as they met for a brief update before he left for the morning. Lathering up the soap he dropped his head back to let the water hit his face from the rain head.

Maybe there were perks to being Kenny…

Niko dropped his head forward to rinse his scalp when movement caught his eye. Kate leaned against the archway to the bathroom in only his button down flannel shirt and she was slowly, teasingly, achingly undoing the buttons. Her sultry eyes sought out his own and the faintest of smirks graced her lips.

"Care for some company?" Her voice was smooth, low and it absolutely raked over his skin, waking up another part of his body.

"Get your sexy self over here Kate…" He matched her heated stare and started to stroke over himself, his eyes darting down as she undid the last closure of his shirt.

"God I love your language…" She let his shirt slip down her arms as she rounded the large tub to enter the shower, the fabric fluttering down to the heated floors.

"And I love you." Niko reached for her and guided her under the water, greedily watching as the water rolled down her body, "I thought I was quiet enough for you to sleep. I did not mean to wake you."

"When you wake up with such a wetness between your legs and you go in search of some rather talented fingers-" She took one of his hands and pressed it against her folds, "And wake with no one in bed- it is rather disappo-disa…" Her voice trailed off as he dipped his fingers into her, letting him turn her to press her back into the chilled glass shower wall.

"I can remedy that." He murmured the words against the top of her shoulder as he kissed along her wet skin. The ease at which he was able to just dive his fingers inside had his knees weakening.

"I was remembering our first time in the shower, and I can nowhere near do what you do to my body." She shuffled her feet out to give him better access, holding his arms for support.

"I can do so much more…" He kissed her waiting lips and removed his hand from her entrance, not once hiding the devilish smirk as she groaned at the loss, "Let me give you something else to dream about."

"Yes Niko. Please." She was a little surprised when he turned her around and placed her hands against the glass, as if bracing her for a frisking. His foot directed her own to widen her stance and it clicked on what he was going to do. And her forehead dropped to the shower wall with a heavy moan.

His larger hands landed on her waist and guided her hips back toward his, "Tell me-"

"Niko, I swear! I will let you know if it hurts. Just please. I'm begging you. I need you." She jerked her hips back to see if she could feel him and nearly yelped in shock when his hand firmly spanked her. She worriedly glanced over her shoulder to him to figure out why he had smacked her.

And for whatever reason she couldn't figure out why it hadn't turned her off…

It only clenched her insides and had her wondering just where these more adventurous and wilder feelings were coming from.

"Too far?" He had gone still and kept his eyes trained on hers. It had been something he'd been wanting to do but held back for fear of it triggering her assault.

Kate only numbly shook her head negatively and tugged her bottom lip into her mouth when his predatory glare took over his face. It confused her and the confusion was trying to twist into fear. He had never once lifted his hand to her in that kind of gesture. Her brain refused to connect the spank to the word violence… But they had-

The image derailed her for a second and she must have let it show as Niko instantly pulled her from the wall and turned her to him and held her tightly.

"It's okay Niko. It was unexpected and my initial reaction was positive. But like you say, I think too much, and my thoughts get carried away." She returned the hug and shoved the negative images from her mind. This was meant to be a good send off for him-

'Wait! I can salvage this!'

"I am sorry. I went too far. I don't want you to think, or even relate our time to when…" He buried her face into her favorite place and started to internally berate himself.

"Niko. Stop. I um…" Her face turned bright red as she dug deep for the courage to ask him. Or to just simply go for it.

"What is it, Kate?" He ran his hand over her damp hair and willed his mind to cut it out. He kept hearing what Bobby had said over and over again and it was dragging him down.

"Just. Just stop me if it's all wrong." She flipped his typical phrase his direction and as tightly as they were pressed together, she managed to take hold of him in her hand and began stroking him the way he enjoyed. She twisted her face down to rest against his shoulder so she could see what she was doing.

'Alright Mal. Let's just see how good of instructions you gave me…'

He sucked in a lungful of air and forced himself to not grab her roughly with his hands that dragged down to her waist. Then her other hand cupped his balls and his brain shutoff completely. She rubbed, massaged, was timid in her approach, but the fact that she rarely, if ever ventured down there, had him building back up.

She kissed his slippery skin along his chest, back up to his throat, then forced herself to lower down to just below his chest. His hands slid under her armpits and pulled her back upright.

"Kate, you don't have to…" He had recognized what her intentions were the second she began to bend down. His guilt was heavy, and he didn't want her crossing lines and boundaries simply to offset the misstep they had a moment ago.

"Let me show you what you mean to me. Let me show you how handsome you are to me… Let me love you like I want to try." She returned every statement he had ever given her when it came to their intimate moments. If he was allowed to navigate them through all this, then she was more than capable of taking charge once in a while. She searched his eyes- 'Niko why are you so scared…?'

Her hands glided up his body to cup his face and bring him down to give him a gentle kiss, "Niko, моја љубав (moja ljubav) tell me what is going on. You have nothing to be scared of." Her heart turned over and felt her own tears rise when his hands landed on top of hers.

"I will never hurt you. I swear. I don't know where that-"

She cut him off and kissed him hard, dragging her hands and arms to loop around his neck, "I know. I know. There is no need to apologize. There is a million things I do not know about when it comes to intimacy. You are the only one who can teach me. To show me. I am sure there will be loads of things that we will discover together."

"I'm all over the place." He dropped his forehead to hers and cradled her body to his. 'What is going on with me?!'

"Then how about you stay in this one place for just a little bit longer." Her voice quieted as she held him, letting him find his way back to her. It wasn't exactly how she planned the morning going, but clearly something else was brewing inside her boyfriend, and she was determined to help him through it.

With his nod she ran the pads of her fingers down his chest, over the ridges of his six pack, turning and dipping down to once more take him in her hands. Her lips sought out his own and slowly teased him, wanting to get them back to the edge of the inferno she knew rested within them both. The flames that would lick delicious lines of pleasure over their bodies.

"Show me Kate…" He whispered the words between sensual presses of her lips, his own hands stroking over her back and down to her butt, firming his fingers into the wet flesh. 'Give in… Just give in to her.'

"Let me protect you for once. Let me heal your pain." She trailed her kisses across his cheek, "Let me love you." She breathed the words against the shell of his ear before kissing and sucking her way down his throat, smirking at the moan that slipped past his lips when she sucked harder on his flesh above his collarbone. 'So he does have spots!'

"Please beautiful. Show me." His knees shook when she ran the tip of her tongue down the center of his chest. Her hands on him were twisting his insides and he unconsciously thrusted against her hand. Her hands released him to hold his hips and he followed her instruction to back into the tiled wall where the steam wafted up from the floor vents.

"You're going to have to tell me in English if I'm doing something wrong." She trailed her nose over the first ridge and looked up at him through the waterfall of droplets, her index fingers tracing over her favorite cut of his body.

"I'll- fuck. I'll do my best." His eyes had connected with hers and the intensity of her eyes had him wanting to thread his fingers through her hair and show her how to please him. The tiny smirk of knowing what she was doing to him that curled her eager lips had him dripping.

Kate lowered to her knees and finally got to see what it was like to run her tongue along the ridge from his hip bone down to his member. And the absolute lust filled moan that echoed in the shower had her smirk growing. Her hand returned to pumping him the way he had shown her all those nights ago. And as weird as it was to be in this position, she felt her own insides coil in anticipation.

Pulling on what little she knew and what Mallorie had explained- she went with her gut instinct and kissed him several times up his length before dragging her tongue over the head, tasting something salty- 'And dare I say delicious…'

She looked up at him trying to gage his reactions and to see if she was even going about this the right way.

"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met." He reached out and gently brushed the slicked down strands of hair from her forehead and cheeks, "May I touch your hair?"

She nodded at his question, wishing his language would start to become easier to understand. But at the same time? The not knowing was what turned her on. She could make up her own guesses and it thrilled her to know he reverted back into his home language when he felt overwhelming good.

Her eyes lowered to see another bead leak from his tip, and she licked it again before testing the waters. He was rather large, and trepidation slid down her spine at having to put him inside her mouth. But she was willing and wanted to do this for him. If he was able to do all the mind blowing things to her, it was time she returned the favor.

Kate's lips parted and she started small- just the tip. Licking it and then sucking it into her mouth. The fingers that grazed along her hair firmed into a more needy brushing and it encouraged her on. Repeating the process and taking more of him into her mouth, adding a swirl of her tongue with each new inch she swallowed. She followed the movements of her hand being sure to keep her lips as close to her grasp of him.

"Kate!" Niko moaned her name loudly and dropped his head back against the shower wall before realizing the view was better watching her take him into her mouth. Their eyes met again, and he had to force her to stop for a second. He did not think she was ready for him to go just yet.

Her mouth was filling with saliva and as she went to drag her lips back up to the tip, she swallowed, and his fingers this time did thread into her hair and held her still. Her eyes filled with doubt as she continued to stare up at him.

"Лепа (Lepa) it feels so damn good, but you have me so close. Just give me a second." He brushed his knuckle over her cheek seeing the doubt recede to be replaced with a wicked sense of pride. 'That fire is going to burn me one day.'

She slowly removed him from her mouth and kissed the tip before seeking out the other cut from his opposite hip bone. There was plenty of other places she could kiss, touch, explore. She let her hands drift to his thigs and began to stroke over his toned muscles. He sometimes used his teeth when teasing her and she gently nibbled where the muscle bulged, kissing away any sting with his inhalation of air.

"Your teasing is going to get you in trouble." The Serbian rolled off his tongue as he gathered her hair back into a makeshift ponytail. He was careful to not pull or tug and loving caressed over her tresses. Her hair had been one of the more striking features that started the attraction.

"Keep talking in Serbian. Makes me want to go." Kate pressed her lips at the base of his member and dropped one of her hands to her own entrance, wanting to sooth the ache she was feeling. The way he kept up a steady motion of collecting her hair and her somewhat mimicking the movement over him, was building him back up.

"The sound of my voice makes you want to come apart?" The accent lowered as his eyes avidly tried to watch her please herself and him at the same time. It was beyond erotic and had him coaxing her back to his tip. She immediately opened for him and moaned around his harden flesh.

It mattered not what he was saying, but it forced her to shove two of her fingers inside her entrance and match the tempo of her other hand on him as she sucked and licked as hard as she could. A dull ache formed in her cheeks and jaw, but she was wanting to push through… Even if she was a little scared of what it was going to be like for him to finish.

"I'm the only one who is going to make you go Kate." He pulled her upright and spun her to the wall and attached his mouth to hers, diving his tongue in to tease her own. His fingers eagerly spread her open and dived in, pumping rapidly.

The change in position and how much better he was at fingering her made her head spin. Her legs shook and trembled as with one rushed thrust of his fingers sent her over the ledge. She didn't think she felt that weak, but her knees tried to buckle under her before strong arms repositioned her facing the wall.

"Use the metal rod to hold yourself up for me." Niko lowly spoke in her ear, lifting her arms up so she could grab ahold of the randomly placed metal bar. He waited till her hands had a solid grip before dropping down to her thighs and opening her up more, using his foot to get her into position. He guided himself to press against her entrance, "My turn…"

"Yes!" She groaned the word in Serbian and tilted her head to the side when he latched his mouth to her sweet spot, thrusting up into her with one swift motion. It jerked her body, and his hands gripped her hips to hold her into place, "Har-harder Niko. I need to go!" She whined the last word and had to adjust her hold on the metal.

"I'm going to teach you to beg in Serbian." He kissed his way up her neck, being mindful of her injuries, and sucked her earlobe into his mouth. His control was failing inside him, and he pulled her hips back slightly from the wall to change the angle, allowing his hands to lift to her breasts to play with her mounds. The pleading yes in his native language that floated into his ear had him going instantly.

She felt it the second he reached his finish and felt her own surge to life with how deep he pressed into her. She greedily sucked in air trying to calm her racing heart and the rush of blood behind her ears. Her fingers slipped from her grip and landed against the shower wall to keep her standing.

"I think we should write a thank you letter to Kenny." Niko said the words between gasping for air and smiled against her shoulder when Kate busted out laughing.

"Oh! Oh my God! Dear-" She bent over and moaned at how he felt still pressed inside her, "Dear Kenny. Thank you for the awesome shower. Great for mind blowing sex!" She laughed and sucked in air trying to recover from the spine tingling orgasm he had given her.

"It was- it was blowing alright." This time he started to laugh with her and let her slap his hip, "Alright. I deserve that one."

"Don't belittle it with a crude term." She felt him slip out of her and she tiredly turned around to see him better.

"Thank you… You really didn't have to." His eyes softened as he realized how difficult it probably was for her to get to this point. Bits and pieces had been given to him on what had happened that night in her bedroom, and it was just a miracle they were able to be so physically expressive with one another.

"I know. But unless you tell me you enjoyed it then I'm probably going to be scared to try again." She shakily moved to stand under one of the shower heads to start washing herself and getting ready to either lay back down or let Georgi make her breakfast. Her appetite was growing, and her energy was plummeting.

"You had me ready to unload so quickly. And it was so incredibly hot." He cupped her face and kissed her lips, "I will hold onto this moment."

"Okay. Good. I know I can improve, and I can with… practice." She smirked against his lips when he added a little more pressure, "But not now. I am exhausted and getting hungry. Do you think they have someone here that can cook? Or bring me something to eat?"

"All you have to do is ask Georgi and he will do whatever it is you want. Come. Let's shower and get dressed." He tucked some of her hair behind her ear and kissed her lips before dropping down in front of her and placing another kiss below her belly button, "I'm sure this is why you might be hungry."

"Mmm I could get used to seeing this." Kate trailed her fingers over his wet hair and took his hand when he held it out to her.

"And I'm going to enjoy watching you every day, just as Roman has Mallorie." He stood up and led her over to the soaps and shampoos, "This one here is for female hair, and this is a more feminine scented body wash." He laughed when she narrowed her eyes at him, "I mean… It is in Russian. You learn to speak it overnight?"

"NO! But I feel like I'm going to have to at some point." She dispensed some of the shampoo into her hand and started to work it through her overly saturated strands.

"Serbian first." Niko sent her his reserved smile as he went about washing his body. He hadn't meant it in a sexual nature, but as a way to have something else to share between them, "My mother. She is getting better at English, but it can trip her up. And I do want you to meet her."

"I would love to meet her and know at least a few phrases. I miss Ma and my dwindling family… It would be helpful and a way for me to hold on to those memories. Will she like me? As in I'm American and not of your culture?" She rinsed her hair and spotted a loofa in order to wash her body.

"I have mentioned you to her a few times before we started to officially date. Then over the holidays I told her I loved you and that I was serious about you. She is beyond excited to see the girl who, and in her words, tamed her wild child." Niko turned his back to one of the jets and let it work on a sore spot. 'If I build a house, this is a must.'

"You have?!" She paused in scrubbing over her skin to stare at him in disbelief.

"Before Derrick's funeral I told her in an email that I was interested in someone and was working on proving myself to her- you." He shrugged with the simplicity of the email. He had been vague so as to not get his mother's hopes up should things not work out.

"Ma prayed I'd get over my fears. Derrick teased me about you. Gerry would just give me the look. And Packie was the worst at first. But then after the funeral he kept pushing me to see you. Francis, of course, said hell no. But now? I really thought I'd have them all around to prove to them I could gain a life of my own." She dropped the loofa down in the tray she had found it in. 'Now the one who hated the thought of me being with Niko is all that is here with me…'

"I don't want to bring up sore subjects… But Gerry? Has Gordon said anything about a funeral? As the head of the Petrovic Bratva, I can arrange to have it paid for and protected. It's the least I can do." Niko pressed the button to shut off the shower and wrapped his towel around his waist, before going over to search the cabinets for a couple of clean towels for Kate.

"Gordon mentioned… in passing- that we'd give him a proper send off." The flashes of being close to Gordon slapped across her mind and she shot her eyes down to the marble tile of the fancy shower. The sheer love and yearning that had reflected in Gordon's eyes, the nearness of his lips. Shame burned in her body as she accepted the towels from Niko.

"Hey… If you are worried about it, we can talk about it later." He took her hand and guided her out of the shower and over to where he had gathered her clothes, "I know Ma's funeral wasn't what you wanted."

'He is so sweet thinking that's where my thoughts are…' She nodded her head trying to bury the weird and awkward feelings that arose with Gordon and what took place in the hospital room. She dared a glance up into the ornate oval mirror and met his caring gaze. The knife only twisted further in her heart at his level of care.

"Here…" Niko lifted the four leaf clover pendant from the counter and looped it around her neck, closing the clasp when she lifted her hair, "I know you like to feel it rest over your heart, and I like seeing it on you." He kissed the top of her shoulder meeting her sad eyes in the reflection. He felt bad for bringing up her brother now.

"Thank you…" She whispered the words and blushed when her stomach growled.

"I'll text Georgi to let him know we are awake and to head on up." Niko dried off and headed back into the bedroom to get dressed for the day- and to tuck a certain pouch in his jacket before she saw it.

'Snap out of it right this second Kate McReary!' She screamed in her mind as she scowled at herself in the mirror. Niko was the love of her life, and she would ensure that nothing and no one was going to get between that. The shimmer of her necklace caught her eye, and she lifted it up to look at the four diamonds and one emerald. How Niko knew exactly what to get her always amazed her. It's like he knew her better than she knew herself.

"He said he will be up in about two minutes. Better hurry." Niko poked his head into the bathroom to let her know how long she had to get ready.

The short time got her moving and she dressed quickly, but comfortably. Warm leggings, Niko's shirt again- this time with a bra and underwear on and went about trying to towel dry her hair to be presentable in front of all of Kenny's men. The vibrant red marks on her neck deepened her scowl and reminded her of how much she hated the bruising after she was initially attacked.

The sound of a knock at the front door had her looking for the concealed knife holder to slip over her wrist.

"Hey Georgi. You can come in for a second. Kate is almost ready." Niko held the door open and waved his second inside the unit.

"Good Morning Pakhan. Did you sleep well?" Georgi had never had the chance to enter this apartment and his eyes widened at the features and finishes.

"Yeah, felt the same way last night, well I guess early this morning, about the place. Shame Kenny leaves it empty." Niko let the door close and went to the kitchen to sit down on the bar stool he had occupied earlier. He rested his elbow on the counter and dropped his chin into his hand. He felt tired, but in a good way, in a completely satisfied way.

Georgi finished his circuit of the place and stopped when he saw the sappy look that graced his boss' face. He dipped his head and tried to hide his knowing smirk. He had seen a similar look when they left the hospital to visit with Pavel.

"She will not be as okay to the teasing as I am. So get it out now before she comes out of the bathroom." Niko rubbed at his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. He had seen the look come and go from his face and would not let him send it toward Kate. She would be mortified.

"Never boss. I apologize. It's just nice to see it on someone in power for a change." Georgi smirked toward his boss and leaned back into the high backed couch facing him.

"What? Kenny never had action?" Niko snorted knowing that was definitely not the case. Kenny had a wife and a girlfriend in Avia.

"It was a constant struggle to keep his wife from knowing about Avia and the others. He had or I guess still has? Multiple side pieces. But so does his wife. Though he has us kill them once he finds out. The men are beyond grateful for your faithfulness." Georgi rolled his eyes and shook his head. Kenny was rather notorious for hanging around the strip clubs and back alley clubs.

"Does Avia know? Not that it matters now. She is with someone else." Niko glanced to where the bathroom was and wondered what was taking Kate so long to get dressed.

"The new Deputy Commissioner?" He took a guess since he had seen some of the interaction and had heard bits and pieces from Ron. It made him happy to know she was no longer going to be hurt every time Kenny went home instead of to her apartment. But it also made him worry for when things go back to the way they were. Would she still want a ranked spot within Kenny's Bratva? Or would she bow out and stay loyal to the LCPD?

"Yes. Ron. They are going to make each other happy, and I'd like to have an update on her condition." Niko placed his cell phone down on the kitchen counter and looked to his second for the information.

"Her surgery was very long, and she is on a breathing machine to aid her in recovering. The LCPD made a statement this morning on the news. They had also reported that Gerry McReary is officially dead. The speculation is all over the place and Mitt is doing his best to keep people off the truth. I also have other updates from your orders. In Russian or English?" Georgi sighed heavily and crossed his arms. The morning had been one bad phone call after another.

"Russian if it involves Alexi. Otherwise, Kate will eventually find out and shouldn't be kept in the dark." Niko turned fully around on the bar stool and rested his back against the smooth edge of the counter.

"Jacob's men confirmed there is someone staying in 1302. They found a registered rental car from the airport in his name. A Paul Jackson from the state of Texas. Not sure how or why he is connected to anyone from Russia. We are waiting for your green light to bust down the door and capture him. Jacob's men have the place under surveillance in case he tries to make a run for it." Georgi stared at the floor and took a deep breath.

"I will lead the team this evening. You, Aleksei, and Little Jacob will join me." It was who he trusted the most to have his back and not let the person escape. He wanted answers, and he was going to force this Paul Jackson to give him Alexi's hiding place, "Anything else?"

"Yes. Bernie is recovering and doing well. Doctors are impressed with his improvement." He refused to look up with what else he needed to tell his boss.

"Captain?" Niko could see the full body hesitation on Georgi, and he tensed up with the thought that there was bad news.

"Alexi is taunting us. He killed a couple of Roy's men who were guarding Roy's family home during the table meeting. The wife and kids do not know and were not attacked. But it's like he is wanting us to know we are not doing a good enough job at stopping him. I am concerned for the first time about our ability to stay on top and within power." He dared to look up to his boss. For the first time since gaining his title of captain in Kenny's crew, he felt that the Bratva was failing.

"How is Roy?" Niko felt his stomach grow cold. He would be furious to know Alexi had been that close to his family and could have easily taken them all out. Hell, he had been in the hospital a few doors down from Kate while he was meeting with Pavel. Too many near misses were bound to accumulate into one giant hit.

"Enraged. He is sending his family to Italy for a 'surprise' vacation. His cousin has a compound there and will keep them safe till we deal with the situation." Georgi turned when he heard footsteps and smiled softly at Kate, completely shifting his mood and conversation, "How are you doing this morning?"

"Really tired and getting hungry. I don't want to be rude, but is there somewhere here within the compound to get something to eat?" Kate did her best to fluff out her hair and get as presentable as she could. She had left a few of the buttons undone of Niko's shirt since it rubbed against the sensitive flesh. Her hand lifted to hide the marks on her neck when she saw his eyes dart down to them.

"May I see?" Georgi pointed to the necklace he could spot from the edge of her shirt. It had caught his eye and he stood upright from his relaxed position against the couch. 'Play the part… Don't let her suspect how bad the danger level is.'

"Oh!" Kate's embarrassment bloomed to life, and she untucked the gift Niko had given her, "Niko picked it out for me to wear to Roman's rehearsal dinner. I love it." She took a couple of steps in his direction to meet him halfway, letting the pendant drop into his outstretched hand.

"It's beautiful and goes well with the woman who wears it. And to answer your question, yes. We have a chef here twenty four seven and is on standby to feed us when we need it. I can take you to the cafeteria-like room when you are ready." He let the necklace drop back down to her chest and smiled at her to let her know he hadn't once glance to her injuries.

"Then if you two are set, I am going to head out. I'll call once I'm on the way back. Update me if anything changes." Niko appreciated the way Georgi shifted away from the news of Roy. Kate still looked down about something and he felt horrible that it could be because he had mentioned Gerry. He hoped his second would be able to cheer her up and bring back some of the happiness she had shown him when they ate her cooking.

"As you have asked it, so it will be done." Georgi nodded at Niko before looking back down to Kate, "If the chef is busy, I can cook you something instead. You know? Give you my own challenge?" He chuckled when her eyebrow arched at his suggestion.

"Be careful what you offer Georgi. She can be very sneaky." Niko held his hand out to her when he stood up.

"I guess an assessment of your skills could be fun." She teased Georgi and collapsed into Niko's arms. Her energy was lagging, and she figured it was because of being up for so long, never really resting or recovering from being attacked- 'And growing a life inside me…'

"Then it is settled. I will cook you something." He grew concerned when she all but deflated into his boss' arms and he looked up at Niko to see if he felt the same way.

"Take it easy today Лепа (Lepa). You haven't really had the time to rest, and I am concerned about you. Keep an eye on her. It is not just her energy that worries me, she hasn't had time to process her brother's death or the attempt on her life." He held her gently to his body but kept his eyes on Georgi to make sure he got the point. He had seen glimpses through the cracks in her façade this morning and it tugged at his heart.

'We've barely even processed Natalya's attacks…'

"Be safe out there Niko. I will stress like crazy till you return." She shifted in his hold and kissed his cheek.

"Don't stress. I will be safe." He used the outside edge of his index finger to lift her chin, "I won't be gone long. Have fun planning out Valentine's and be sure to call Mal to let her know what the plans are." He smiled when a flash of excitement lit up her blue-green eyes.

"And maybe I can get Georgi to help me find a gift for you?" Kate chewed her bottom lip and let her mind wander over the many things she could get him… or do for him.

"I don't need anything. I have everything right here in my arms." He used his thumb to pull her lip free from her teeth.

"You are such a romantic and softie when you want to be." She rose up on her toes and kissed his lips, "Now go be Mr. Kingpin while I play dress up with Georgi."

Georgi snorted and immediately slapped a hand to his mouth and looked up in horror at his boss and his boss' woman, "Apologies."

"I think you actually did break him, Kate." Niko laughed when he saw how embarrassed and scared Georgi looked. He didn't care if he was more relaxed around them in private. Around the others yes, but this was personal time, and Kate would not stand it if they kept up the act around her.

"Stop it. I think it's cute. But if I don't get something to eat soon, I will turn into someone both of you don't want to be around." Kate patted Niko's chest and took a couple of steps in Georgi's direction, "Come on you! Show me what kind of food you can make."

"Of course. Be careful out there, boss. I will call if anything changes." Georgi held his arm out for her to take and escorted Kate over to the door where Niko held it open.

"Two, maybe three hours tops. Have the team ready to go when I call. I will want to head out once it is dark out." Niko let Georgi and Kate exit the unit first before pulling the door closed and locking it. A silly point really. Any of Kenny's men were bound to know how to pick the lock.

"Yes Pakhan. And a suggestion?" Georgi came to a stop and turned to address his boss with Kate on his arm looking between them utterly lost and confused, "Well more like a gift if you will accept it?"

At Niko's raised eyebrows, Georgi sighed and released Kate's arm. He pulled out his cell phone and typed out directions and a name on his phone in a text to Niko, "As Kenny's second in command I have express permission from him to oversee all assets. Weapons, drugs, money… and his vaults. The Bank of Liberty in Algonquin has a separate vault. One you and the Irish did not hit. Take any of the precious stones you like."

"Won't Kenny be mad?" Niko felt his arms go lax at his side. Why would Georgi offer him access to Kenny's personal stash?

"No. As you are Pakhan and she will be your wife and could be carrying your heir- our possible future leader, it is within my right and duty to have her ring carry a piece of us." Georgi reached out and lifted Kate's hand, once more repeating the kiss to her knuckles and raising it to his forehead, "As your protection and power is what we follow, we recognize her importance to you and us." He turned to Kate and placed his other hand over hers that he still held, "And as with the birth of any child in the Petrovic line of power, it is with our sworn and dying loyalty to ensure her happiness and yours."

"Georgi?" Kate whispered not completely understanding what was going on, let alone said between Niko and him.

"Kenny doesn't let us near his wife. But Niko has let us all meet you and be around you. It is like having a second boss- one that is a little easier to stand." He laughed when she rolled her eyes, "But I was letting Niko know that so long as he wields the title of Pakhan, everything is at his disposal to make you happy." Georgi looked back to his boss and gave the respectful bow of his head. It would be his, and the Bratva's, honor if her ring held a small gift from them.

"How will I know what to look for?" Niko returned the nod and felt absolutely floored. He was thinking about going rather simple with her ring and only using the ones Antonia gave him. But now? The possibilities were endless.

"Trust me. It won't be difficult."

aaaaaa

I am really looking forward to the next chapter. I've been missing some Roman in my story, and who better than to tag along when Niko goes ring 'shopping'.

And with Niko out of the complex? How does the saying go?

When the cat's away the mice will play.