A/N: Hey guys! Here's the next part. I'd like to apologize for the wait. It's my fault, not Jo's. She's always on top of her parts. I'm the slacker. In my defense, I'd like to point out that I've had an amazingly fun ear infection… Again, this is a long one. Don't get too used to them though. Who knows what we'll come up with in the future. There's a lot of sexy times in this chapter as well—you've been warned.

-A.J

XOXOXO

The car ride stayed quiet for some time. Maxsim did his best to honor his mother's request, but eventually, it became too much. "A new club opened up near my apartment," Maxsim said. "I've been working on a new routine."

Maxsim took his eyes off the road for a brief moment to look at her. Shaking his head, he felt his shoulders sag. She hadn't been okay since she had gotten back in the car. He had hoped it would pass, but she still wasn't back with him.

"That's good," Red replied. She wasn't paying any real attention, and her words sounded empty and distracted. Her mind kept wandering back to Nicky. Maxsim asked her if she wanted to hear a joke. She looked at him and stared blankly. A joke? Wasn't she already sitting in one? How had this happened? Switching from an impractical degree to stand-up comedy was bad enough, but now he was driving a taxi?

She didn't look any better or show any response, but it was enough permission to move forward for him. Even after so many years apart, Maxsim could tell his mother was upset. She had never been great at containing her emotions, but this was more than that. He could feel it. Maybe he could lighten things up a little. "So, a penguin and a—"

Snapping out of her thoughts, Red cut him off. "A cab?"

Stuttering over his words, Maxsim nodded. There wasn't anything else he wanted to say about it. Taking a breath, he started over. "So, a penguin and a—"

"A cab?" she repeated, voice rising in irritation. Would he ever stabilize? This was ridiculous.

"…a farmer walk into a bar," Maxsim continued, ignoring her judgment. He knew she must be under a lot of stress with all the changes happening.

Red shook her head and huffed out a breath of frustration. "A cab?"

"Okay, fine, yes I'm driving a cab right now. It's just temporary," Maxsim said, trying to quell her questioning mind. "Can I finish my joke now?"

"He's not an eggplant. Like you, he's retarded. I know the fucking joke—I taught it to you. Why the hell are you driving a cab?"

Maxsim gripped the steering wheel harder, trying to keep his frustration under control. He had been put in a rough position after his parents sold the shop. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but an offer had been presented to him that he couldn't turn down. It wasn't something he was proud of, but it helped for now.

"I just needed something to tide me over. Without the work I used to do for Pop, I needed something to supplement the income until my next gig." He cringed inwardly, awaiting his mother's reaction. "What do you think about using the joke?" he asked, hoping to turn the conversation into something else.

"It's better when your sister tells it. You'll have to ask her about the umbrellas."

XOXOXO

Once Luschek felt Nicky sneak a hand up to wipe away the tears he knew it was safe to proceed. Leaning down, he moved his mouth to her shoulder and bit at the skin there, giving her a little pain to focus on. When she moaned in response, instead of pushing him away, he knew she was open to more attention. He slid his right hand down her body until he could run his thumb against her swollen nipple.

His fingers pinched her nipple, and Nicky nodded in approval. She focused on the sensations he was drawing out and willed herself into action once more. She dragged her nails from his shoulders down his back and hissed when he pinched her nipple roughly in response.

"Fuck," Luschek cursed. If she wanted to play dirty so could he. "You're in so much trouble this time," he said smacking her ass once more. Grabbing it in both hands, he massaged the flesh in eager anticipation.

Nicky pulled back with a smirk. "What, you think you can go again?"

"I can always go again," he boasted—both of them knowing that was highly unlikely, especially in that moment. There was only so much he could manage before he would have to admit defeat. His face turned serious, and his hands dropped to her hips. "You okay?" he asked seriously.

Nicky nodded and looked down. She wasn't embarrassed, and she didn't regret coming to him or what they had just done, but she hated being vulnerable. "Red left," she mumbled without thinking. She hadn't planned on telling him, but now it was too late.

His face morphed into one of panic."Shit. Shit. Shit," Luschek said, running a hand down his face. "That's why you're here. Fuck Nichols," he said, sounding angry and afraid. He was starting to put the pieces together. He had known something was up but figured it was none of his business and if she was looking for a distraction, who was he to say no.

"What the fuck man?" she asked. "You just got hot sex with the only lesbian you know. What the hell does it matter why I'm here?" Nicky asked, shaking her head.

"It matters because you're—" Luschek paused, scrunching his brow in frustration. "It just matters."

Nicky sat up and glared at him. "Well, it fucking shouldn't. Okay? This isn't anything to do with you. Jesus, you got what you wanted now let it go."

"Nichols," he said, fingers digging into her hips as he held her in place. His mouth hung open, and he didn't know what to say. Her angry eyes bore into his, and he struggled in his attempts to figure out what he should do. He could see that she hadn't worked through the anger and frustration that she'd come to him with.

Luschek wasn't sure why he did it, but he tangled his hand in her hair and pulled her to him. His mouth found hers, and he kissed her roughly. It didn't last long. She tried to draw away from his kiss, but he changed tactics. Instead of kissing her he bit her bottom lip and sucked it into his mouth. Nicky wasn't looking for simple release she was looking for pain—the kind of pain that made you feel alive.

XOXOXO

"Tell me about her," Maxsim said. He took a quick glance at Red and noticed the soft smile that graced her lips. It was the closest thing to happy that he'd seen her look since he picked her up, but it didn't last, and once more her brow tightened.

Red cleared her throat, buying herself a moment before answering. "Who?" she asked, not having come up with a better response. She knew who he meant. There was no doubt about it. It just wasn't as easy for her as he probably thought it would be.

Shaking his head, Maxsim laughed gently. "You know who I mean—Nicky, Mama. Tell me about her." He reached over and grabbed her hand, knowing that it wasn't an easy topic. He hadn't ever met the younger woman, but his mother mentioned her often enough. He wanted to know more.

Red squeezed his hand, and then pulled away. She was afraid her palms were about to get sweaty. She could feel her blood pressure rising and the panic of emotions pushing against her stone-cold walls. Nicky always made her vulnerable. "I don't want to talk about her."

They sat in silence for another block. "She'll be okay," Maxsim murmured. He was still unsure why this mattered, but his mother was worried, and she shouldn't have to be. She should be relieved and excited and joyous. Yet somehow this prison friend had stolen that away from his family. His mother was unhappy and sad, and he could barely contain his resentment.

"You don't know that," Red snapped, voicing rising in anger. How could he begin to know how Nicky would handle things? He didn't understand that world. He didn't know Nicky or what she was like. "You don't know," she repeated in a harsh whisper.

Maxsim gripped the steering wheel tighter and slumped against his seat. "She's in prison. How much trouble can she get into?"

The thought of Nicky staying out of trouble erased all anger. It wasn't that she wasn't worried—she was. It was just the day-to-day problems that Nicky found herself in that lightened her mood. If that was the only kind of trouble Nicky got herself into, Red could live with that. Shaking her head in amusement, Red chuckled. "More than you and your brothers could manage combined. Let's just say that she has a knack for it."

"That's impressive. What about you? More trouble than you can get into?" he teased, relieved that his mother's mood was lifting.

Smiling sadly Red lifted her hands in uncertainty. "I don't know son. I hope not." The thought of something serious happening to Nicky turned her stomach. She drew her hands back into her lap and clasped them together nervously. Nicky had to be okay. She just had to.

XOXOXO

Nicky felt Luschek moving beneath her. She pulled back from the kiss and glared at him. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Luschek was standing up, and she wrapped her legs around him unsure if he'd be strong enough to hold her.

"Shut up," he said, trying to keep his voice light. "You want a distraction? Something else to focus on? I'm your fucking guy," he said in irritation, dropping her unceremoniously onto the desk in front of him.

Nicky looked up at him with wide eyes. She took heavy breaths and searched his face—unsure what she was looking for. After a few minutes, she nodded her head in consent. Whatever was happening here, she wanted it. She wasn't ready for reality yet.

Now that he knew what Nicky was after, Luschek tangled a hand in her hair and yanked it back exposing her neck. As his mouth moved to her neck, he could feel the vibrations of her growl beneath his lips. He scraped his teeth against her neck and bit the skin roughly, just shy of breaking it.

She pulled Luschek's head closer against her neck, wanting him to bite harder. "More."

"I don't want to leave marks."

Nicky hissed against his ear, "I don't give a fuck about marks. Stop being the nice guy."

Shrugging Luschek moved his hands down her body, grabbing handfuls of flesh where he could. He chewed at the skin of her neck and shoulder eliciting just the right amount of pain and pressure. Sucking on the flesh, he let his imagination picture what she would look like with his markings.

Nicky gasped when his fingers found her center. She was already sore and raw from their first round and the intense friction. Nicky was a giver, she always had been and as far as prison went that had left her a little out of shape when it came to being on the receiving end. She breathed a sigh of relief when he didn't enter her right away.

Pleasurable pain was one thing, but Luschek had no intention of hurting her. He rubbed his fingers flatly against her outer lips—moving all over trying to avoid any over-sensitive parts for the time being. Neither of them had long enough to completely come back down, and it wouldn't take too much to get her ready again.

Grateful for the gesture, Nicky allowed him to tease her instead of fighting him for direct results. That's why she came to him after all. She needed someone to take care of her. Part of that included battling her constant desire for control. She leaned back on her elbows angling her body away from him. She watched the look on his face change as he looked down at her body.

Nicky knew she was in pretty good shape. She was hot—not the unhealthy washboard abs starving kind of skinny "hot" that society seemed to find so appealing—but she was real, with curves in the right places and a kind of confidence that many women lacked.

Luschek's open mouth and glazed eyes told her that he agreed. His fingers brushed against her, and she hissed in desire instead of pain. She was still raw, and it still hurt, but not enough to stop the cravings she felt for more.

Placing a heavy hand against Nicky's abdomen, Luschek slid one finger inside. He watched as Nicky struggled to hold her eyes open and knew it was safe to add another; she was ready. When he felt her hips start to rise, he pressed his hand more firmly against her, holding her down.

His movements were slow but steady. Dragging everything out, Luschek took his time with the push and pull gesture as he warmed her back up. He pulled his fingers towards her entrance, just shy of pulling out. When she grimaced, he slid them back in with ease. This went on for some time, and he enjoyed watching the reactions he could create as he teased her with slow and steady patience. "You good?" he asked.

"Dammit Luschek," Nicky said, brow crinkling in frustration. "Stop caring. I don't need your pity." She huffed angrily, and her eyes widened in irritation as he slipped a hand behind her back and pulled her up to him.

"Stop being a bitch about it and let me fuck you then," he snapped, pulling his fingers back out. Their eyes met, and they both started laughing.

Nicky reached forward and wrapped an arm around his neck. "Alright, let's see what you got."

XOXOXO

Red sat in the cab, watching the buildings pass by. She was starting to feel the anxiety of her release. Everything was so different than she remembered. She knew her sons were there to support her, but would she really be able to make it on her own? Her thoughts were interrupted by Maxsim clearing his throat to speak.

"This thing with Nicky, about her being your daughter...it's not just a prison thing, is it?" he asked, voice full of trepidation. Vasily was the only one who had met the woman. He had told Maxsim that he thought she was good for their mother, but that was about all he said. They had only briefly had a chance to be introduced to each other in the visitation room before a guard shuffled Nicky away.

Red turned to look at him. Her eyebrows raised in surprise, she hadn't been expecting such a heavy question. The conversation had lulled into a comfortable silence, and she thought this tension was behind them for now. "What do you mean?"

Rolling his eyes, Maxsim looked over at her with a knowing smile. "You called her my sister."

"She is your sister," Red snapped defensively. She didn't expect him to understand, but she couldn't deny the truth of her feelings either. Nicky deserved a family, and she would do everything she could to make sure she had one. Once they met her, they would come around. There was no way that they wouldn't love Nicky.

Maxsim chuckled, wondering if prison had made his mother delusional. "Mamochka," he said, gently. "Vy ne vybirayete sem'yu. Oni Bozhiy dar dlya vas, kak I vy dlya nikh. (You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them)." She may love this girl like her own, but she couldn't argue with facts—this girl was not of their blood.

Red cut her eyes at him as she spoke. "Just because you speak Russian doesn't make your words more important. It changes nothing. I didn't choose her. It just happened, like it had been that way all along. She's my daughter—your sister—end of story."

Sighing, Maxsim nodded. "I understand that you have... feelings for her, but we don't. I don't understand how you can just assume that she will fit in. We don't even know her. We don't even know yo—" He stopped, regretting what he had been trying to say. She had been home less than a day. This shouldn't be how her freedom started.

"Say it," Red demanded. "You started to say it. Finish."

"We don't even know you anymore, Ma. We haven't had time with you—in years—and already you're bringing this girl into our family. Taking away from what we are." He understood his parent's decisions and choices, but there were still wounds that hadn't healed. His mother had been taken from them, and the family had broken up.

Red shook her head. "We will never be what you are asking for. That family you're picturing—that's not us. You need to move on… move forward." She reached over for his hand, offering what comfort she could. "We did what we thought was best, and there's no going back."

Nodding, Maxsim stayed quiet. He knew she was right, but a part of him had hoped that now that she was home things might be different. That they might be a real family that did things together and have normal holidays.

"Sem'ya ne glavnoye. Eto vse. (Family is not an important thing. It is everything)." Clasping both hands around his, she spoke gently. "Nicky is family."

The reverence in her voice made Maxsim recognize how important this was to her. He decided that he would do his best to support it. What was the worst that could happen? He would keep an open mind about her. That would have to be enough.

"Besides," Red said, voice slipping into something teasing and amused, "you didn't like it when I brought Vasily home either, but you adjusted."

Maxsim barked out a laugh. "Who says I adjusted?" he asked, still laughing. "He's still a pain in the ass, and he cries about everything."

"He does not," Red chuckled. "He just... complains sometimes." Maxsim was right, and Red knew it, but Vasily had always been her baby, and she still felt the need to defend him.

Rolling his eyes at his mother's response, Maxsim said, "He whines Mama. All the time." Being the middle child had left Maxsim far too aware of how his brothers worked. He was close to both of them, but they had their faults—himself included.

"Maybe a little, but he's still family. Just like Nicky." She felt lighter saying it this time. She was no longer trying to convince him. She was just stating facts. Things were going to be okay. Her boys were good sons, and they would be good brothers to Nicky.

A few silent moments had passed between them before Maxsim built up the courage to continue. "How long before she gets out?" he asked. The way his mother talked it sounded like it would be soon. He hoped for her sake that it was. Despite the laughter and lightening of the moment, he could still feel how upset she was at their parting.

"Three months," Red said, looking out the window sadly. It was too long. The only thing keeping her from slumping into a depression was her pride and her desire to get everything settled before Nicky was released. She wanted to make sure that Nicky wouldn't just be joining her, but that she would be coming home.

XOXOXO

Nicky leaned her head against his shoulder and moaned as his fingers pushed into her deeply. Luschek's fingers twisted and curled inside her, and soon she felt the tips of his fingers rubbing against the spot that made her head spin. A part of her hated that he knew what he was doing. The smug look he was giving her reminded her too much of her own when she had a girl squirming in pleasure beneath her fingertips.

He felt her whole body tense as she took in a sharp breath and he smiled to himself. He may not look it, but he knew how to handle a woman's body. Rather than a come-hither moment against her, he tapped his fingers against her g-spot and felt her pant out several ragged breaths in response. He rubbed the back of her neck, squeezing the muscles beneath his hand. "You like that?" he asked with a prideful grin. He curled his fingers against her, rubbing against the spongy texture.

Nicky arched in his arms, grateful for the physical support he was offering. She didn't answer, glaring at him instead. Had his arm not been around her she knew she would have fallen to the desk painfully in response to the way his fingers were playing her. She gritted her teeth as a wave of pleasure passed through her. His fingers were pressing against her and rubbing circles around and across the stimulated spot.

Curses flew past his ears, and Luschek tilted his own head back. He was ready. It was taking all he had not to exchange his fingers for his cock and ram his way into his next orgasm. Instead, he brushed his thumb against her clit and listened to her groan of approval.

Nicky could feel him against her thigh, and the fact that he wasn't rushing reminded her that she had made the right choice in coming to him. She leaned back on her elbows and closed her eyes. He started to pump his fingers into her again, speeding up his movements into a smooth pistoning rhythm that her hips attempted to match.

Rocking her hips, Nicky just wanted to cum. She wanted it to be intense and knock all the emotions right out of her. Biting her lip, she watched his face as he worked a third finger inside. She let out a groan when she felt him spread them inside of her. "Fuck."

Looking at her with a hidden concern, Luschek pulled his fingers together and began to pump them inside of her in fast, slick movements. He watched as her chest heaved with each gasp and hiss of pleasure she made.

Wanting to give herself over to the moment, Nicky laid back down flat on the desk. She met Luschek's eyes and let her line of sight stay locked with his. Reaching up, she began to roll her nipples with one hand, while she scratched at the inside of her thigh with the other. The sensations drawing out goosebumps along her body. She wanted him to break her control.

As he continued to work her over with his hands, Luschek leaned forward and dropped his mouth to the inside of her hip bone. He sucked at the soft, vulnerable skin determined to leave a reminder. When he heard Nicky began to gasp in breaths of strangled air, he bit down at the growing bruise adding sharp imprints of his teeth.

Nicky couldn't speak or think. She was a writhing mess of need and helpless against the onslaught of feelings that were being laid upon her. All she knew for sure was that she needed everything he was giving her and more. Her body was no longer under her own control.

Her hips jerked in an attempt to match his rhythm, but she couldn't quite sync with his timing. As her orgasm approached, it became even harder. She was no longer moving of her own accord. "Fuck," she whined in a strangled voice. Her whole body tensed up as she began to shake.

Luschek watched Nicky as her orgasm hit her. Hot didn't begin to describe the moment. Her eyes scrunched shut, despite her attempt to keep them open. He held his fingers inside her feeling her muscles contract around them as wave after wave hit. His stilled his thumb but kept it pressed firmly against her. When she finally finished, he slid his fingers out of her and placed his hands on her thighs. "Have I worn you out?" he asked with a cheeky grin when she opened her eyes.

"One more," Nicky requested. Her body was beginning to ache, but she did her best to ignore that. She was just on the edge of what she needed. All it would take was just a little more push, and she'd reach the level of pain that she desired. The kind of pain that would take away her manic thoughts and replace them with a calm acceptance. She wanted that rush of freedom she knew she would feel.

Luschek nodded. He silently thanked God that she wasn't gonna leave him with blue balls. "Okay."

XOXOXO

"She's a sweet girl," Red said fondly. "Mouthy, but sweet," she added. Her eyes sparkled with amusement at the thought of the younger woman's quick wit and lack of shame.

Maxsim acted playfully shocked. "Mouthy? To you?"

"Mmhmm," Red replied. "Especially to me." Nicky had acted intimidated by Red at first, but it hadn't lasted. She was one of the few people throughout Red's time at Litchfield that spoke to her without restraint. It was part of why they had become so close so quickly. She could confide in Nicky and know that her input would be brutally honest and should be taken seriously.

"We would have been smacked stupid if we had talked back to you or Pop." Maxsim knew that he and his brothers were rambunctious and often in some trouble or another, but they had been raised with manners that were not optional.

Arching a brow, Red looked over at him. He had grown up so much from the young boy that she remembered clearly. "What makes you think you weren't? You're driving a cab!" She couldn't help but tease him about his new career. There wasn't anything wrong with it, but she wanted her sons to have jobs they loved and being cramped in a car with complaining strangers and dealing with city traffic was something she knew he didn't enjoy. "Maybe I'm getting soft."

"You, soft? Never," he promised. "Vasily was always your favorite. It will be fun to watch him witness his reign come to an end. The era of the new golden child has begun."

"I don't have favorites," Red huffed. "I love you all equally." She crossed her arms in annoyance. Maybe she treated them differently, but she loved them all.

"Alright. You love us all; you just like some of us more than others. Tell me something else about her," he said, nudging the conversation forward.

Red smiled and her arms relaxed back against her sides, hands in her lap. "She's smart—so very smart. I know her mother made sure that she had a good education, but it isn't just that. She's clever about people and situations too. You can hear it when she talks and see it in her actions," Red bragged.

"Nope," Maxsim teased. "No favorites at all."

Smacking his arm playfully Red continued. "She's funny too. You might learn a thing or two from her. She has this ability to work a room that comes flawlessly to her. She's a natural entertainer, just like you."

The small praise left him grinning. His mother did not bestow compliments often, but when she did it, she was sincere. "So, she has Yuri's brains and my charm?"

Red nodded. "Yes, I suppose she does."

"Anything from the prince?" he asked, referring to his younger brother.

Grinning Red told him more. "She's definitely just as spoiled as he is and as troublesome. The only difference is that she likes to pretend that she doesn't enjoy the fussing. It's hard to explain. Nicky didn't have an easy childhood."

"Who did?" Maxsim asked.

Red smiled sadly. She felt like she and Dimitri had robbed the boys of something, but she knew that they each understood that they were always loved. No matter what they knew that. "It's a little different. This is really her story to tell, but she didn't grow up with much attention, and she still seeks that out."

"Wild, rebellious teenager?" he asked.

"Sometimes, but there are many sides to her. She has a strong need to be loved. It's something that I take very seriously. There's more, but like I said, it's not my story to tell."

Maxsim nodded, respecting his mother's choice in what she would share. Hearing her talk, it was obvious how much she loved the other woman. He was now more curious to meet her.

XOXOXO

Nicky spread her legs open, offering herself to him. "Don't stop until you're finished. No matter what just keep going."

Chuckling, Luschek shook his head. He stepped close to her and rested his hands on her thighs, squeezing the muscles with strong hands. It was a ridiculous notion that she believed he had enough stamina to outlast her. Just the thought alone of being inside her wet, slick heat made him shiver.

Taking heavy breaths, Luschek stared down at her. His eyes trailed across her skin. She lay in front of him open and exposed, and he briefly recognized what a privilege that was. Sliding his hands up to her hips, he asked her if she was ready.

Nicky nodded her consent. His fingers had softened and his eyes glazed over. She wondered what her own looked like. Was it obvious how much she needed this? How broken she felt? How desperate she was?

"What the fuck ya waiting for?" she asked, needing to ground herself. She needed him to stop looking at her like a lovesick puppy. It was starting to become clear that he cared about her as a friend, but that wasn't what she wanted—at least not then. She sat up and rested her hands on his shoulders.

Knowing that she was pushing herself, Luschek reached down and slid two fingers along her entrance. She flinched in his arms, and her nails dug into his shoulders harder than they had all afternoon.

"I can't," he admitted, pulling away. She was in pain, both physically and emotionally. Luschek pulled her hands off his shoulders and held them in his own. Taking half a step back he willed her to understand, but he could see that she couldn't.

"Luschek?" Nicky asked in disbelief. She snatched her hands away from him and shook her head. "What the hell are you talking about?" she asked, voice getting louder and more desperate with each word. "We just had sex. What the hell has you backing out all of a sudden. Especially with that," she said, gesturing towards his erection.

Closing his eyes and looking towards the ceiling, he ran a hand across his face. The last thing he needed to think about was his need to finish. "I know you want to avoid dealing with what happened but look at you. You're here with me, who you don't even like that much. You're begging for sex when you don't like men. You're obviously in pain Nicky, and I don't just mean emotionally. All I did was brush my fingers against you, and it showed. You think I'm gonna ram my dick into you? I know you think I'm an asshole, but I don't want to hurt you."

Shaking her head, Nicky felt herself begin to shake. She needed this. "Listen man," she started, as she slid off the desk. She had a feeling that she looked as desperate as when she was jonesing for heroin. "Maybe you're right about a lot of it, but I need you to listen to me. If you care like you say you do, you'll do this for me. Please," she begged, not caring how pathetic she seemed.

Nicky stepped closer, and Luschek backed up in turn. He turned away from her and began to put his pants back on. "I'm sorry Nichols," he said. This had all been one big mistake. Thankfully Red wasn't still in prison. He had a feeling he would be losing at least one body part if she had been and found out.

Before he knew what was happening Nicky was standing behind him and pulling his hands away from his zipper. Her fingers snagged his belt hooks, and she tugged on him until he turned to face her. She couldn't accept his rejection. Not now. Not after all they'd done already. What would be the point if she was still left an emotional mess with too many painful feelings?

Looking down at his friend, Luschek knew that he was close to breaking. His breathing was heavy, and the whole room smelled like sex and sweat. Her eyes met his, and he could see fear mixed in with her need. He didn't understand what she was feeling, but he could see the vulnerability she'd been trying to pretend wasn't there. His resolve was weakening.

She grabbed the waist of his pants and bent over as she pushed them down. Moving lower her wild hair brushed against his dick and he groaned. He grabbed a handful of her curly locks pushing it away but holding her in place, just inches away from where he wanted her.

Looking up at him, Nicky noticed how much bigger he was than her. He could easily overpower her. She didn't think he would, but the implications of their positions were clear. She didn't say anything—just waited.

He thrust his pelvis forward against the air without thought or control. This was the closest thing to seeing Nicky on her knees for him that he would ever experience. She would never allow more, and he wouldn't take that, but he couldn't hide from the thoughts he was having. Noticing the confusion in her eyes, he let go.

His respect for boundaries only fueled her need for this. "I'm a little sore yeah, but no more than any of the other girls in here would be. You're not hurting me like that—I'm just a little out of practice when it comes to sex like this. I need this Joel," she said, determined to make him understand.

Despite her earlier reservations about touching him, and her own disgust at the male anatomy, Nicky reached down between them and encircled his dick with her fingers. Squeezing gently as she rubbed a smirk crossed her lips. His eyes were already glazed over, and he let out a low groan.

"Fuck it," he said quickly. Reaching down he pulled her to him, guiding Nicky up on her toes with a handful of hair at the back of her neck. He leaned down to kiss her. It wasn't gentle. He chewed on her lips and sucked them into his mouth until she pulled away out of breath.

Sliding hands to her shoulders, Luschek stepped forward, pushing her backward until her back hit the cage. "You sure you want this?" he asked, nuzzling near her ear. His cheek brushed against the sweat on her temple, and he wiped sweaty hair away from her face. They both knew that it would be the last time he asked.

Nicky nodded. "Don't hold back," she whispered. She could feel the cold metal against her back and the tiny barbs catching her skin. This was exactly what she was after.

XOXOXO

"Well, this is it," Maxsim said, turning into a parking garage connected to a tall apartment building. "Lida and Vasily are on the third floor. It's not big, but it's homey. You'll like it."

Red nodded, taking in her surroundings. The trip had kept her mind occupied, but now that she was here she could feel her anxiety building. She hated depending on her family like this. She knew that it was what family did, but she considered herself to be the strong figure. For over a decade it was people needing and leaning on her, she was struggling to deal with her own ego.

They made their way to the elevator and stepped inside. Red looked around nervously as it groaned and shook as it struggled to take off.

"It's okay. It always does this. I promise no one has died," Maxsim teased.

Red shot a glare his way. "Don't tempt trouble." She wasn't a superstitious person, but it was something she believed in.

"Mama," he complained, rolling his eyes. He knew better than to argue. "Vasily and Alexei should be home in a little while. It's still early, though."

The rickety cube made its way up, and the doors chimed. At first, Red didn't think they were going to open, but after a little shaking, they started to move.

"Nice place," she grumbled, stepping out of the death trap. She was grateful for the place to stay, but her own nervousness and fear left her short and testy. It was a defense mechanism that those closest to her were well familiar with.

Reaching for her hand, Maxsim brought it up to his lips and kissed the back of it. "It is a nice place. You'll be comfortable here, and Lida is looking forward to having you with them."

"Oh, I'm sure. Just what every young wife wants to deal with—her mother in law. You know, your father's mother was a nightmare to deal with."

"I'm sure Pop feels the same way about yours, but Lida is excited. She's also not his wife," he said with a wink. It had almost become a family joke at this point. They were settled, and when they weren't fighting, you could see how much they loved each other. "She wants you to get to know Alexei. You know her parents are gone. You and Pop are the only grandparents he has."

Red nodded, remembering what the younger woman had been through. "Well, she keeps your brother in line from what I've heard."

"She does," he said, grinning. "You'd be surprised how much Vasily's grown up since they've been together. It's almost like he's become a real adult."

Red rolled her eyes. "That's because he is a real adult."

"Whatever you say, Mama," he laughed, knocking on the door in front of them.

A moment later the door opened. "Mrs. Reznikov," Lida greeted. She let them in and hugged the older woman. Her energy was bright and welcoming, but thankfully not too cheerful or obnoxious.

Red stiffened briefly, before allowing herself to return the hug. She wasn't used to people approaching her so openly—except for Nicky. "Please, none of that. Galina will do." She wasn't sure why she hadn't asked her to call her Red. She had gone by it for so long that her own name felt foreign upon her tongue. Red was something for Nicky she quickly decided. It was a piece of herself solely reserved for her daughter.

"Galina," Lida corrected herself. "You look good. Not a day older than I remember."

"I see my son's tendency for bullshit has been passed along," she replied, knowing that the years she'd been away showed. "You were always such a nice girl too," she teased. She had to force her way through the pleasantries, but she wasn't as stiff or uncomfortable as she had expected.

"He does have a way with words," Lida agreed. "You do look good," she said firmly.

It was the kind of tone that told you there would be no arguing. The same kind of tone Red had used with her own boys. She was glad that her grandson would have such a strong woman raising him. Lord knew Vasily would make a mess of things on his own if given the chance.

"Lida," Maxsim said, drawing out her name. He could smell the sweet scent of baked goods and knew that she would share. She always caved in.

The younger woman closed her eyes and shook her head. "Yes, yes, go ahead. There's sandwich stuff in the fridge and brownies on the counter. "These sons of yours know how to eat. I swear, between Vasily and Alexei, I can't keep food in the house."

Red laughed. "You should try it with three boys and a husband. It was impossible. Although now, I think I'd have a pretty good handle on feeding the masses."

"That's right. Vasily said you ran the kitchen. That must have been a lot of work," Lida said, leading Red over towards the couch. "Come sit."

"It was a great deal of work, but I had a few women that worked for me that were very good. Everything ran smoothly in my kitchen," Red said, proudly.

Lida smiled at her. "I'm sure it did."

They continued to make small talk about Red's time in prison. Lida seemed genuinely curious and not at all judgemental. Red found herself relaxing more and her confidence was building back up.

"Lida," Maxsim called from the kitchen. "I can't find the pickles."

Rolling her eyes, Lida excused herself and went to help him.

Red stood up and wandered around the living room, taking in the details of her son's home. There was a bookcase on one wall, and the shelves were filled. In front of the books were a handful of framed photos. Picking them up, she smiled at the memories captured within. She picked up one in particular and stared down at her grandson's boyish grin. He looked very little like the Reznikovs or the Volkovs, but she knew where she had seen those eyes before.

"I think he's all set for now," Lida said coming back in. She didn't think Red had heard her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Oh Lida," Red said, holding up the picture of Alexei. "He looks just like your brother." She ran a finger against the boy's cheeks and smiled. Lida's brother had been killed several years before. It was never proved that Ganya's men had been involved, but they all knew the truth.

Kostya had made an arrangement with the man to take over the money his father owed. It was a gambling debt that had gotten out of control. He struggled for months paying it off little by little. It all looked like it might work out until his daughter got sick. He used that month's money to pay for her surgery, hoping that Ganya would understand. The mob boss didn't give second chances though. It was a clear message to all those whom he did business with, his deals were non-negotiable.

"He does," the younger woman said. "You should see him when he's moving about and talking. Sometimes it's as though Kostya is right here with us. He would have loved Alexei."

Red nodded and wrapped her arm around the younger woman's shoulders. "He was a good man your brother. He didn't deserve that."

"No, he didn't. My father did," Lida replied bitterly. The room stayed quiet for a moment only interrupted by Maxsim's intrusion.

"Well, I hate to eat and run, but I need to get back to work," he said. Sandwich in one hand, brownie in the other, and a glass of milk cradled against his chest, he came over and kissed his mother on the cheek. "Thanks for the snacks," he said to Lida and then left.

The women bid him goodbye, and the room fell silent once more. "Well, the boys should be home in a while. Let me show you your room. If you want to get settled, you're welcome to or I'm going to make some tea if you want to join me," Lida offered.

"Thank you. I think I might just lie down for a little bit. It's been a long few days," Red said, nodding gratefully.

"Oh okay. Well, here's your room. The bathroom is across the hall. You know where the living room and kitchen are. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. This is your home for as long as you want." Lida smiled.

Red returned her smile, realizing that Maxsim had told her the truth. The younger woman was glad to have her. Knowing that, she felt a little calmer. She just needed a little time to settle in before she really warmed up to her new situation. "Thank you," Red replied and entered her room.

XOXOXO

Bending down, Luschek began to bite at Nicky's neck. His hands were on her boobs again, rolling her nipples with rough pinches and tugs. One hand lowered to her ass, and he groped her cheek with strong determined fingers. His other hand followed until he was bruising her ass beneath his grip, fingers digging into her flesh with an animalistic need.

"Fuck," she hissed. Her knees were weak, and she knew that his hands were the only reason she was still standing. Clawing at her thighs, in the same manner he had observed her doing, his mouth found hers again. She opened for him and felt his tongue invade her mouth before sucking it into his own. She definitely wasn't used to being so pushed around.

He pulled back and with a smug look on his face, his hands moving beneath her thighs—cupping her ass—and he pulled her up until she was tightly wrapped around his waist. Once she was pinned against the cage, he tilted his head down so that he could move his mouth to her breasts.

Sucking and biting the fleshy globes, he heard her hiss in pain. He didn't hesitate this time, and the fingers in his hair pulling him closer urged him on. He could feel her slick heat rubbing against his stomach, as she grinded her hips against any flesh she could touch.

"Luschek," she growled, ready for more. She watched nervously as he stood up and met her gaze. This was what she had been asking for. She needed him to just take her. She shifted roughly in his hands. Clutching to his shoulders, she felt like she was going to fall. The fence scraped against her back, creating tiny scratches along her shoulder blades. She met his gaze and worried her lip between her teeth.

It felt like hours, but a moment later he was lined up and pressing against her. Nicky's eyes shut in relief, and she dropped her head back in satisfaction. He pushed the head of his cock against her opening, trying to make his way inside. She was still sore, and despite their activities, she still felt tight enough that her first time had felt like heaven in comparison, but it was exactly right. "Do it," she groaned, ready for more.

Staring at the way her pulse beat through her neck, Luschek looked down to see her chest heaving. It was too much to rein his need in. In one swift movement, he slammed inside of her. He growled in response and held himself steady against her for a moment. His fingers clutched at the fence, and he pulled himself as close as he could, crushing her.

Nicky cried out at the sudden intrusion. She hadn't been expecting him to enter with such force. It burned in the most painful and delicious way. His torso had slammed against her with such a hard impact that she felt like he'd knocked the air out of her lungs. Gasping for breath, Nicky realized she was truly pinned between him and the fence.

His hands moved to her ass so that he could hold her up as he eased away from her. He was pushed inside of her so deep that she felt like he was going to come out her fucking ears. He was starting to ask her if she was okay again, but she tilted her head and began kissing him instead. Anything to shut him the hell up.

With Nicky's mouth on his, Luschek started to thrust inside her with thick wet strokes. He tried not to rush it, focusing on thrust rather than speed, but it was a battle he barely won. His struggle seemed to pay off because she was moaning out load in a way that she would never admit to. It was music to his ears, and he wanted to see how far he could push her.

She wrapped an arm around his neck, and her fingers of the other reached back to tangle in the fence. She knew he wouldn't let her fall, but that didn't mean she felt steady either. His hips popped into hers with sharp, angry thrusts that jerked her whole body in time with his rhythm. Stinging pains made their way through her abdomen, and she relished the sensation.

Luschek tried to follow her lips, but she broke away. Panting heavily, Nicky writhed against him—her sweaty body sliding against his. Looking over his shoulder to the door he started to worry about how much noise she was making. Reaching up, he put a hand over her mouth. His eyes looked to hers pleading for her to keep it down. When she gave a quick jerk of her head, he didn't drop his hand right away. Instead, he kept it there, eyes locked on hers for another minute, feeling the vibrations of her cries against his skin. Finally, he removed his hand.

Dropping her face to his shoulder, Nicky tried to get ahold of herself. He was ramming into her hard—harder than she thought possible. She thought he'd shown her all he had before, but it was nothing in comparison. She tried to settle down a little, but with her mouth right next to his ear, her cries only fueled his energy.

It wasn't long before Nicky felt her muscles contracting around him. She clawed at his back as the waves of painful pleasure hit her. He wasn't slowing down, and she was glad that he had finally listened to her. He wasn't ready to stop.

Groaning deeply as he felt her coming around him, he reached a hand between them and rubbed her clit with his thumb. She cried out again, but this time he didn't cover her mouth. Leaning down he attacked her neck, and as she cried out a second orgasm, he bit down on her muscles with little control. It was intoxicating. Not caring about being careful, he continued fucking her with all he had drawing out a steady stream of curses, cries, and whimpers.

He was relentlessly rubbing her clit, and after her second orgasm she couldn't handle the sensation any longer. It was making her jerk in an attempt to get away from his fingers. It was too much. Still, he didn't stop. She clung to his shoulders in desperation, feeling as though she might explode. His thrusts filled her with the most delicious sensation.

Her whole body shook as he picked up his pace. She knew he was nearly there and wasn't quite sure if she could survive much more. Unable to form words, she tried to convey her state with babbling noises of exhaustion.

A few more rough thrusts—ones that made her cry out in pain—and he set her down on her feet. He kept her in his grip, fingers digging into her flesh. He needed to cum, but he knew he hadn't broken her yet. Not even with how far he'd pushed her, she could handle more.

"Luschek," Nicky growled. She had told him not to stop. She didn't care that she was going crazy at the over stimulation—she wasn't ready. Her own hands moved to her clit, trying to keep up the pressure he had built up. She needed more.

"Settle down sunshine. I'm not finished," Luschek said, spinning her around to face the fence. He pressed up against her, pinning her naked flesh against the cold metal and worked himself back inside. The angle was all wrong, but eventually, he managed to get them into a position that worked.

Nicky gasped as he found the pace he liked. Not worrying about how deep he was going, Luschek started to push into her with fast hard thrusts. She could feel her toes lifting off the ground with each movement. Trying to focus on the way the cage bit at her skin she lost herself in the sensations. He was hitting new nerves that hadn't been touched since his fingers had been inside of her. She felt her breath leave her with every thrust. He was pressing her tightly against the fence once more, and she knew that she couldn't get away even if she wanted to—which she most certainly didn't.

Despite knowing better, he started to feel even more possessive of her. He pushed her roughly, never enough to be cruel, but enough to show his frustration. He pulled her tight against him by her hips and finally felt close. Reaching up to tangle a hand in her hair, he turned her head. "Is this what you wanted?" he asked, a softness still poising his tone.

She couldn't speak, all she could do was nod. Bending an arm backward, Nicky slid her hand to the back of his neck and held him there. "Make it hurt," she groaned, finally finding her ability to speak.

Without any hesitation, Luschek let go of everything he was holding back and fucked her with abandon. He felt himself building up and wondered if he could make her come once more. He was proud of how long he was lasting but was ready to finish. He reached between her legs and began to play with her clit once more. When she tightened around him, he knew had won. She let out a guttural cry, being forced into a final orgasm. When she whined out his name, he finally reached his peak and released within her.

XOXOXO

Red stepped into the door and carefully shut the door behind her. She leaned her back against it and closed her eyes. It wasn't as hard as she expected, but she was emotional and missing Nicky desperately.

It was funny how she could spend the whole day separated from her within Litchfield and not give it a second thought, but now in only a matter of hours, she was homesick and tearful. Swallowing hard, Red opened her eyes and looked around the room.

Her new space was carefully decorated in shades of ivory and light orange. It was pretty and apparently had been carefully put together—she could still smell the fresh paint on the walls—but it wasn't anything she would have picked out for herself. "Great," she muttered to herself. "I'm living inside a creamsicle."

There were a few cardboard boxes on the bed. She picked them up and set them on the desk before sitting down. Looking around the room, she took in her surroundings. There was a double bed, a small desk, a bookcase that was already full, a closet and dresser, and a window that overlooked the noisy street. It was enough—more than she'd had in prison.

She pulled the crumpled letter from her pocket and traced her finger along Nicky's swirly handwriting. Ma. She smiled at the gesture and imagined what it might say inside. She turned it over and brushed her fingers against it, smoothing it back out. Her nails moved towards the flap, but she hesitated. It was the last thing Nicky had given her. Did she really want to open it now?

After a moment of deliberation, Red decided to wait. She would save it until she really needed something to hold onto. Bringing it to her lips, she kissed the paper and set it down on her bedside table.

Maybe she should have written a letter to Nicky. It was too late for that now. She could always mail her something or take one with her for visitation. She hadn't had the foresight to think that written words might be a comfort to Nicky.

Smiling to herself, she wondered if Nicky had noticed her blanket yet. She knew that it was obvious who she would leave it to, but sometimes Nicky could be oblivious. Any little gifts Red had bestowed upon the girl over the years had always seemed like they surprised or shocked her. After all this time, Nicky still didn't see her own value—especially her value in Red's life.

Grabbing one of the monstrous decorative pillows, Red hugged it against herself and finally allowed herself to cry. She felt such pain over her loss. Despite trying so hard to convince Nicky that three months wasn't a long time, Red finally gave up the lie. Three months felt like an eternity. She needed Nicky with her, and the pain of their goodbye finally caught up to her.

Bursting into tears, Red allowed the emotions to overtake her composure. She needed the time to grieve.