Rated M for adult themes. Really adult themes. I blushed uploading this baby. This is the most 'adult' work I've ever worked on, so be warned. As always, would love to hear your thoughts.
After the Fall Chapter Eight
The muffled sound of voices penetrated through the thin walls of the apartment building as Wheeler and Linka climbed the stairs, stopping at his mother's door. He turned the knob and let himself in, beckoning for the blonde to follow.
"Geez, my uncle's here," he said to her as they closed the door behind them, his eyes widening with surprise. "Haven't had a Christmas with them for a few years."
Linka's attention moved across the room, focusing on the tall man with greying hair seated on top of the coffee table; his blue eyes settling on the new arrivals.
"Jakey-boy!" he exclaimed as he spotted his nephew, jumping to his feet and grabbing Wheeler in a bear hug. Linka watched on, hanging her coat up on the hook beside the door. She loosened her pastel scarf and nervously smoothed the pleats in her knee-length grey winter dress.
"Hey, Uncle Pete," Wheeler grinned, slapping his uncle on the back. "Good to see you, man!"
"God, how long has it been?" Pete remarked, shaking his head with wonder. His eyes trailed towards the blonde, standing at the door with her hands in her pockets.
"Well, hello there. Who's this?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Mail order bride," Wheeler replied smartly, without missing a beat. Linka's mouth dropped open and she smacked him lightly across the chest.
"Bloody hell, does she have a sister," he muttered, giving Linka an appreciative glance, a hot blush creeping onto her cheeks. Linka knew beyond all doubt that the American had obviously inherited his Uncle's quick sense of humour.
Linka introduced herself and realisation dawned over his features. "Ah. That name rings a bell, doesn't it?" he said, turning to look at his nephew. Wheeler met his gaze with a look of feigned innocence.
Uncle Pete ignored the Russian's outstretched hand and pulled her in for a cuddle, Linka glancing around his large frame and peering at Wheeler with a bewildered expression. The American shrugged, grinning back as Linka finally disentangled herself.
A cacophony of loud, high-pitched voices interrupted them as four children ran screaming into the room.
"Here we go," Pete muttered as the kids charged through the living area. The eldest, a boy of about ten was the first to notice Wheeler and descended upon him with an excited squeal.
"Uncle Jake's here," the eldest exclaimed, throwing himself at the American using a move a WWE wrestler would be proud of. Janet exited the kitchen, smiling widely at Linka just as two younger boys joined in, overturning Wheeler and pushing him roughly to the floor, their giggles contagious.
A fourth child held back, a little girl with blonde ringlets and brown eyes framing her face as she peered shyly at the scene unfolding around her.
Linka stood, bemused at the sight playing out in front of her as Janet approached her with a welcoming hug. "Hey honey. My brother's boys," she said, nodding towards the excited children. "They love their Uncle Jake."
"Uncle Jake?" Linka asked, trying to work out the relationship between the family members in her head.
Janet nodded. "It's just easier. Peter is ten years younger than me. I had Jake young. The kids have always called him that."
Linka suppressed a laugh as the smallest child threw his arms around Wheeler's neck, pulling him onto his back as the other two slammed into him from the sides. Wheeler gave a mock groan, before rolling them all over; their delighted screams bordering on uncomfortable for the people looking on.
"C'mon, this could take a while," Janet said, leading the Russian away from the noise and into the kitchen. "I'm so glad you could come, Linka!"
"Thank you for inviting me," she said softly, leaning against the kitchen bench and accepting a glass of white wine that was pushed into her hand. Another unfamiliar face entered and Linka smiled in greeting.
"This is Amanda, she lives two doors down with her daughter." Janet explained, passing another glass of wine to her neighbour. Amanda gave a friendly wave of acknowledgement, taking a sip of her drink. "How's your head?"
"Oh. Good, spasiba. Much better," Linka admitted, trying her wine and finding it sweet with just the right amount of bubbles. "Oh, can I plug my phone in?" she asked, reaching inside her handbag and grabbing her charger. "I am going to need to return some calls."
Janet gestured towards the power-point and the Russian smiled in thanks, plugging it in and switching the power on. The phone vibrated, the battery symbol blinking back to life.
"So you went back to the hotel for your stuff?" Janet asked, concern creasing her brow as Linka nodded, taking another sip of her wine.
"Da, Grant wasn't there luckily," she said, the relief in her voice evident.
Janet frowned observing the Russian with the same sympathetic eyes as the previous night. "I doubt he would have tried anything with Jake there, honey," she said.
Linka laughed, touching her scar self-consciously. "In all honesty, I was not worried about Grant. I was prepared this time. I was more frightened about what your son was going to do to him."
"Ah," Janet grinned, understanding her concern. "My son, hot-tempered? Never!"
Janet opened the oven door, checking on the turkey, and then turning her attention to arranging the roasted vegetables. Linka's stomach rumbled for the second time that day. In all honesty, she couldn't help feeling incredibly privileged to be sharing a meal with them all.
Linka grabbed several pieces of cheese from a nearby platter, popping them into her mouth as she chatted to Janet's neighbour. A single mom without any family nearby, Amanda and her daughter had been joining the family for Christmas and Thanksgiving for three years now.
A loud bellow issued from the direction of the living room, followed by more giggling. Linka ducked her head around the kitchen wall, seeing Wheeler now on his feet, one child tucked under each arm and the third hanging on for dear life around the American's neck. They lumbered down the hallway and disappeared, trailed by the little girl who seemed desperate to join in the fun but seemed hampered by her apparent shyness.
"Linka, your phone is buzzing," Janet called. She turned back around, catching sight of her phone lighting up beside the kettle as it powered back to life. Linka watched, tucking her hair behind her ear as the message and missed call tally started displaying increasing numbers on the screen of her iPhone.
"Popular girl," Amanda commented as she peered over Linka's shoulder.
She smiled back apologetically, excusing herself to return some of the phone calls. Linka grabbed the charger and brought it with her, re-pugging the phone into a spare bedroom and dropping down to the floor, her back against the wall and legs crossed at the ankles as she started dialling Gi's number.
Gi answered on the first ring, launching into a stressed combination of Malay and English words, the worry evident in her shaky voice.
"Linka, where have you been? Awak Kat Mana! You gave us a heart attack!" She sounded positively beside herself and a wave of guilt washed over the Russian.
"I am so, so sorry Gi! I've only just gotten access to my phone…" Linka didn't have the chance to finish, as Gi burst into tears on the other line. "Bozhe moy Gi, I'm really sorry, I never meant to worry you."
Gi sniffed, her voice still unsteady. "Linka, no one could reach you after Grant rung. It was like you'd dropped off the face of the Earth. You've been so quiet lately. You've seemed really unhappy. I guess I just thought…" Gi's voice trailed off, unable to voice her conflicting thoughts.
Linka blinked, moving the phone to her other ear. "Oh Gi, I didn't mean to worry you. I've only just been able to recover my phone! I've certainly had an interesting 24 hours, to say the least."
"You guys had a fight?" she enquired; her voice muffled. "Vishaal was picking up some high stress levels for a while, then nothing…"
Linka looked down, taking a deep shuddering breath. "I broke up with him last month, just before Thanksgiving. I have not been happy with Grant for a long time, Gi."
The sniffling stopped, replaced by stunned silence on the other end of the line. Gi seemed to quickly gather her thoughts. "Huh? Oh God, why didn't you tell me?"
The blonde sighed, before filling Gi in on everything that happened, starting with the charity event and finishing with her hasty departure from the hotel the night before. Her friend listened quietly, clearly horrified by the events described from last night.
"Are you okay? Where are you? I can't believe it, what a jerk," she fumed. "God, Linka. Haram Jadah! Look, I'm leaving Penang tomorrow, I'll meet you back at Hope Island and we'll…"
"I need some time, Gi," she interrupted quietly, leaning forward and balancing her spare arm over her knees. "I… I'm just needing some time away, to sort things out. To sort myself out. Can you speak to Gaia for me? I'll be here if you need a team beam. "
Linka was greeted by stunned silence on the other line, as the Water Planeteer processed the request.
"Lin," Gi began, searching for the best words. "You don't need to be alone."
"I'm not alone, Gi," she promised, her tone light. She raised her head and smiled as she listened to the rowdy noise coming from the hallway outside the room she was sitting in. The door burst open and Wheeler waltzed in, the little blonde girl tossed over his shoulder and cackling wildly. The boys followed him in, chatting excitedly to one another.
"You seen Georgia, babe?" he asked loudly, spinning around. Georgia's hand was clasped over her own mouth and stifling a fit of giggles in her upside down state, her hair bouncing wildly. Linka shook her head, grinning as she brought her fingers to her lips; holding her other hand over the phone speaker.
"Nyet, have you tried the kitchen?" she laughed, as the excitable group turned to resume their adventure. Linka caught Wheeler's eye and pointed to the phone, mouthing Gi to him. He gave her the thumbs up, before repositioning his cargo and lurching back out the door, the boys in tow.
She listened as the shrieking voices retreated, momentarily forgetting her previous conversation. Gi's tinny voice broke through her reflective thoughts and she jumped, bringing the phone back to her ear.
"Sorry Gi," she said, chuckling. "It's a little crazy here." She picked at a loose thread of her stocking, wondering if Gi had heard Wheeler's distinctive voice through the phone.
"Sounds like you're in very good company there," Gi said warmly, a hint of pride emanating from the Malaysian girl. Her voice was no longer unsteady, but quite the contrary; high-pitched with excitement.
Linka had the distinct feeling that her best friend may have clued in to her current whereabouts. "I had better go, I'll ring you again tomorrow, I promise," Linka said warmly.
"No worries," Gi said, her tone positively gleeful. "Have a lovely Christmas, my beautiful friend. And Lin?"
"Da?"
"Give Wheeler a big cuddle from me," she said breathlessly. The connection clicked before Linka could respond.
"Nah, I'll never remarry. I like my single status too much." Peter announced, scooping more roast potatoes onto his plate. "Eat what I want, go where I want, spend my money on what I want."
"What, you mean that seven foot excuse for a boat in your garage that's never seen water?" Wheeler remarked, popping a roasted carrot into his mouth and chewing loudly. "Geez Ma, did you boil these first?"
"Yes," Janet replied, fixing her son with a stare. "I boiled them, smart-arse."
He grabbed another carrot and snapped it loudly between his fingers, raising his eyebrows as if to demonstrate his point.
Janet rolled her eyes with a smile. "No appreciation," she said, throwing a used napkin in his direction. He dodged it easily, tossing it into the plate beside him.
The American was flanked either side by Peter's eldest boys, who Linka had since discovered were Andrew and Lincoln. The youngest boy, Matthew sat beside his father, eating quietly and grinning at Wheeler with something like hero worship in his eyes.
"What do you do for a living?" Linka enquired as Peter cut up Matthew's turkey into bite-sized pieces.
"Computer programmer," he replied. "I've heard your skills would put me to shame though."
Linka chuckled, shaking her head. "I know my way around a computer, but…"
Wheeler interrupted by sneezing loudly, the sound suspiciously similar to the word Pentagon.
Peter stared at her in surprise, his fork halfway to his mouth. "That was you?" he asked, staring at her incredulously.
Linka blinked, quite surprised herself that Wheeler was aware of her most recent hack. It had made international headlines, an anonymous hacker having crashed The Pentagon's server a few months ago. Wheeler met her gaze and shrugged. "Kwame told me," he explained.
"Da," she said slowly, taking another sip of her second glass of wine. "We had intelligence that a program had managed to infiltrate the Pentagon software. I had no choice but to shut it down."
In truth, it had been Barbara Blight behind the initial breach, having programmed MAL to retrieve sensitive military and national security documents. Linka had simply denied MAL access.
Peter looked on, clearly impressed. "Wow, Jake. Hold on to her. She's a keeper."
"Can you like, hack peoples bank accounts and stuff?" Andrew asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
"No Andrew, Linka wouldn't do that because that would be illegal," Janet said drily. "Speaking of illegal, did I overhear something about fireworks in someone's overnight bag?"
"Yeah, Dad bought them! "Lincoln chimed in. "You gonna help light them again this year, Uncle Jake?
"Gonna have to be with a box of matches this year, dude," he lamented. "I'm not lighting them anywhere near your Dad though, that's for sure."
Roars of laughter accompanied Wheeler's statement as Linka took another sip of her wine, feeling rather loose and mellow. She waited patiently for an explanation as Peter threw his hands up in the air, the picture of innocence.
Wheeler leaned over, his breath tickling her ear. "He set fire to the park across the road." Linka choked on her wine, giggling at the mental picture.
"Hang on, fire-bug. You were the one who lit it!" Peter pointed accusingly at Wheeler, a wide grin on his face.
"You were the one who threw the lit rocket into the rest of the damn box!" Wheeler retorted. "I thought a freakin' bomb had gone off."
Janet chest was heaving, recalling the memory while trying to control the fit of giggles. "I remember you all diving for cover," she said, wiping her eyes with her napkin. "They were going in every direction, up, down, sideways. How long ago was that? I think that was the last time we saw you for Christmas dinner, Pete."
Amanda chimed in, recalling that the fire had occurred when she had first moved in. "Must be around three years ago," she added. "We were still finding the cardboard casings and fuses at Easter. Even found some in my pot plans on the balcony."
Janet nodded. "We had half the neighbourhood out that night," she mused, smiling at Wheeler. "Everyone scattered pretty quick when the police and fire trucks arrived."
Linka polished off the rest of her plate, feeling full and enjoying the steady flow of conversation. She stole a glance at Wheeler sitting beside her, slumped comfortably in his chair as he bantered back and forth with his mother and uncle.
"You got much time off, Linka?" Amanda asked, refilling her glass. The blonde smiled, shaking her head. "I am off until Thursday, but I guess you can say I am 'on call' should anything happen."
"Oh, that sucks," Amanda said, scrunching up her nose in sympathy, before moving her chair around to sit closer to her. "I go back to work on the second of January. I'm on the checkout at Walmart though. Certainly not as glamorous as your line of work!"
Linka laughed, running her finger around the rim of her wine glass. "It is not so glamorous," she confessed. "Most of my time is spent getting covered in dirt, grime and sweat."
"You think you'll keep going with it?"
Linka paused, considering her answer carefully. "I do not know," she answered, sitting back and toying with her ring. "I do not see myself there long term. I have to admit, my heart is no longer in it," she said, glancing at Wheeler who had abandoned his conversation with Peter and was watching their discussion quietly.
"What would you wanna' do?" Amanda asked, sculling the remainder of her wine and grimacing slightly. Linka sighed, twisting her ring around her finger and contemplating things over.
"Um, I have looked into some courses. Perhaps study. I met an ornithologist recently who recommended I apply for a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He said I would meet the criteria for a scholarship through his university."
She looked up as Amanda responded but her eyes were drawn towards Wheeler, who was regarding her with a look of stunned curiosity. He leaned across as if to speak to her but was interrupted by Andrew, who dumped a large black bag in front of him.
"Ready to light some crackers, Uncle Jake?"
Peter was already up, dressing the younger boys in their coats. Janet was also on her feet now, clearing away dishes from the table and stacking them in the small kitchen.
"Not too long, guys" Janet called as Wheeler was dragged to his feet by the boys. "We still have to do presents and dessert is nearly ready."
"You coming, babe?" the American called out over his shoulder, his expression hopeful as he was pushed towards the door.
"Oh, I'll stay here and help with the dishes," she began, before dodging a tea-towel whipped in her direction. She jumped away, laughing as Janet simply pointed towards the door.
"Go," she ordered, ushering her away. "Have fun. Take Georgia with you."
Linka followed the boys downstairs, crossing the road with Georgia's small hand clutched within her own. She engaged the little girl in conversation as they entered the metal gates of the park, the streetlights illuminating the thickening snow coating the ground and shrubs.
"I think we shall find a safe place to sit, shall we?" she said kindly, squeezing Georgia's hand.
They sat side by side on a set of swings, swaying idly and laughing as Wheeler and his uncle argued over which one to light first. She watched as Peter disregarded all suggestions and leaned forward eagerly towards the first cracker. Wheeler turned and motioned for the younger boys to move away.
"Stupid thing won't light, it's too wet," Peter called out, bent over the fuse in concentration. He repositioned it nearby, before trying again. "Oh wait, there it is…"
He leapt up and bolted as the sparks started flying, his knees and legs doing an uncoordinated jig as loud cracks and whizzes filled the air. The younger boys screamed and whooped in delight as bright colours burst overhead, the sound echoing throughout the neighbourhood.
Linka grinned, enjoying the show immensely. She glanced at Georgia, who had jumped off the swing, fear in her eyes as her little body jumped at the sound of each new explosion.
"Oh, come here lyubImaya," Linka said softly as the girl climbed onto her lap and continued to watch the light show, her nerves calmed within the Russian's arms. The blonde looked up to see Peter stalking back to light another.
"Light the rocket," Linka called out, laughing and pointing towards the colourful object on the ground. She hugged Georgia tightly, the little girl sitting back against Linka's chest. Their bodies gently swung as the next one took flight, shooting a giant flare into the sky.
The girls looked on with excitement, pointing to the gold and silver streaks of light. The boys had already darted towards the launch site, and were standing in wait with their arms outstretched.
"Look, parachutes," Linka exclaimed, pointing to the area above the boys. With that, Georgia jumped off with a squeal and ran to join them.
Linka turned her head, searching for Wheeler but he was no longer with the boys, having disappeared from view in the foggy light. Her attention focused once again on Peter, holding up another two crackers, his eyebrows raised.
She gave him the thumbs up sign, waving to Georgia as she proudly held up a parachuting soldier for Linka to see.
The Russian sat, swinging gently and becoming lost in thought. She silently marvelled at how easy-going and welcoming Wheeler's family were. Despite their past issues, they seemed to have found a way to move on from the negativity of the past.
Another light show soon filled the sky. Linka watched as some neighbourhood children started to descend upon the park, attracted by the fireworks display.
She pressed her feet to the ground and stood, wrapping her arms around the chains as her eyes scanned the the park for Wheeler.
She suddenly felt something impact the back of her head. Linka stumbled forwards, raising her hands and feeling wet snow tumbling from her hair.
"Yankee," she called out, as another snowball made contact, this time hitting her collar-bone. "I am warning you…"
She spotted him hovering behind a tree with a mischievous grin, his coat blowing in the light breeze. Linka acted without thinking; scooping up a handful of snow and pouncing on him. She threw herself into his arms, causing the American to stumble backwards several steps. Wheeler grabbed her around the waist in a last-ditch effort to balance himself under their combined weight. She chose this moment to make her move, pulling the collar of his coat and shirt aside and stuffing wet snow down onto his chest.
"Ah shit," he bellowed, his voice unnaturally high as he dropped her to the ground, attempting to shake it out. "Fuck, that's cold!"
She laughed, exhilarated as he jumped on the spot, retrieving the rest of the snow from under his clothing. The triumphant feeling didn't last long as he turned and streaked towards her without warning, ducking in low and pressing his shoulder against her right hip.
His arm wrapped around the backs of her knees and for a moment the world seemed to spin. She was hauled over his shoulder, shrieking with both anticipation and laughter.
"Nyet," she screamed, giggling helplessly as he lurched forwards, carrying her down an embankment and away from the crowd. She gripped his hips in an attempt to push herself up, succeeding only briefly before he finally reached his intended destination.
She felt his hands on her thighs pulling her back down, wrapping his arm securely around her waist until they were at eye level, her legs frantically searching for the ground and finding none.
"Don't you dare, Yankee," she breathed, aware now of the snow bank beneath their feet.
"Ah, to hell with it," he said, dropping her into the wet snow. Linka's mouth dropped open in shock as she hit the ground, gasping as the icy slush began to permeate through the layers of her clothing. She retaliated immediately, stumbling to her knees and grabbing his leg, then his arm; giggling as she pulled him down.
He fell hard, collapsing on top of her. His knee hit the ground first, coming to rest against the juncture of her thighs. She felt the pleasant weight of his body pressed upon her and she sighed, warmth flooding through her chest and hips. She reached for another handful of snow and smashed it over the top of his head, final payback for dropping her in the first place.
He looked down on her, smiling as he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her body. "That wasn't very nice."
"You started it, Yankee."
"Want me to finish it?" He raised his eyebrows suggestively, lowering his face until their lips were almost touching. She closed her eyes, anticipating the contact but he moved away, nuzzling her nose and cheek with his lips instead.
He observed her quietly for a moment, their combined breath intermingling in the frigid air.
"Did you mean it?"
"What?" She asked, her heart beating rapidly. Wheeler readjusted his hold so that both wrists were pinned with one hand, bringing the other to settle upon her neck, gently stroking a clump of snow away from the underside of her chin.
"About leaving the Planeteers? Studying?"
She nodded, not trusting her voice as Wheeler's fingers stroked down her neck, coming to rest at the base of her throat. Her skin tingled along the path he'd tracked, her cheeks reddening despite the temperature.
"How would... I mean, where would you study?"
"I can do most by correspondence," she said quietly, hoping Wheeler couldn't hear her heart hammering away in her chest. "I would just need to fly to the UK for exams and practical placements."
He lowered his face again, his lips brushing the corners of her mouth. His fingers resumed their gentle exploration of her throat, his breath hot against her skin once again.
"I thought you loved being a Planeteer? How long have you been planning this?"
"Since you left." Her answer was simple in its honesty as well as its transparency. Her voice cracked with emotion as she looked away, feeling tears welling under her eyelids.
She shut her eyes, blocking out the sounds of the chatter and loud bangs rising from over the ridge. She felt the pad of his thumb dance over her bottom lip and she exhaled, barely registering the fact that her coat was beginning to soak through. The blonde turned and pressed her face back towards him, feeling the brush of his stubble against her cold cheek.
Linka shuddered as his fingers dipped down towards her chest. They lingered above her heart, before dancing across the fabric covering the swell of her breast. She felt her body arch towards his touch, desperate to deepen the contact even with the layers of clothing between them. Her nipple had become a jagged point and she longed to feel his hand upon her.
She moaned as his fingers lightly trailed the curves of her cleavage, before moving back to her throat. She was squirming underneath him now, her breath ragged as she vainly attempted to wrench her wrists free.
"Wheeler," she breathed, turning her head to the side, dazed as he buried his face in her neck. His tongue flicked a sensitive spot behind her earlobe and her body jolted beneath him. She unconsciously widened her legs and he nestled between them, nudging her gently with his hips.
She closed her eyes, completely overwhelmed by the reaction he was causing to her body. The limited experiences she'd had with men had always been unemotional, often bordering on awkward. Linka had simply 'gone through the motions', but this was startling new territory. Her body had never responded in this way before and she surrendered to it, her lips parting as he kissed her deeply. She moaned as his tongue touched her own, gently at first and then becoming more insistent.
Linka finally succeeded in wrenching her wrists free, gripping his face in her hands and wrapping her legs tightly around his waist.
"Wait, wait… Jesus," he gasped, tearing himself away from her reluctantly. He stood and ran a shaky hand through his hair, glancing towards the ridge where the fireworks were beginning to die down. "Not here, babe."
Linka turned onto her side and pushed herself into a sitting position, still dazed and breathing heavily. She glanced up at the American, her hair lying wet and lank against her flushed face.
Wheeler extended his hand and she took it, pulling her to her feet. Her knees buckled and he grabbed her, tucking an arm around her waist. He couldn't help but laugh, gently brushing a clump of soaked hair away from her injured temple.
"You're freezing," he said, aware of the fact that they were both soaked through. He tucked her hands under his coat in an effort to warm them. "Sorry, babe."
"No, you're not," she said, a shy smile lighting up her face. He grinned and shrugged; looking so boyish and adorable that Linka's heart skipped a beat.
She felt a thrill shoot through her, wondering what would be in store for them for the rest of the night. For the first time there was no anxiety, no pressure, no doubt creeping into her mind. Only joy and the certainty that she was here, with him and there was nowhere else she would rather be.
The rest of the night was a blur. Linka struggled to concentrate on anything. She recalled the walk back to the apartment, and Peter remarking that she looked like a 'drowned rat'. She remembered shedding her coat and wet stockings, running her fingers through her hair in an effort to look more presentable.
She remembered dessert being served and picking absent-mindedly at the fruit-cake, her glance always returning to the American sitting beside her. Taking in the profile of his jaw-line, the laugh-lines creasing the corners of his eyes. The carefree, relaxed posture and the sideways glances he gave her when he thought she wasn't looking.
She remembered the presents being handed out, although if asked, she would be unable to recall who received what. She remembered registering shock when Janet handed her a gift, touched beyond words that Wheeler's mother had thought of her.
She remembered bidding Peter and family goodbye, the youngest asleep on his father's shoulder, his little arms wrapped around his father's neck. She had hugged Amanda and Georgia as they departed; the little girl kissing Linka on the cheek before being led sleepily out the front door and upstairs where their own beds awaited.
She had quickly showered, ridding the dirt and residue from her skin from their tumble in the snow. She stepped out, a billowing cloud of steam mingled with the heady scent of apricot, courtesy of her shampoo and body wash. She had towel-dried and brushed her hair and it trailed down to the small of her back, curling slightly at the ends.
She recalled the whispered conversation between mother and son, having meant to be out of her earshot but she'd overheard it anyway from the bathroom. Janet urging him to stay the night, since subway services would be limited due to the Christmas Day timetable. Janet had discussed the sleeping arrangements, suggesting Linka take Wheeler's old room and he could have the couch.
She had changed into her pyjamas; drawstring bottoms in a pretty paisley pattern, paired with a black singlet and grey cardigan. She re-entered the kitchen barefoot, finding Wheeler perched on the bench, wiping the dishes as his mother put them away.
Wheeler's eyes had settled upon hers immediately and she felt another surge of heat course through her. She thanked Janet again, feeling Wheeler's mother envelop her in a warm embrace. The trio had finished cleaning up together, chatting comfortably before the older woman bid them goodnight, retiring to her own bedroom.
She stood frozen to the spot once they were alone, nervously running her fingers through her damp hair. Wheeler sat there for a moment, damp towel in hand and regarding her with a look that could only be described as one of longing and barely-disguised lust. His eyes tracked over the curves of her body and her pulse quickened as she lingered, biting her lip.
He tossed the towel onto the counter and jumped down, grabbing her hand and pulling her away from the kitchen. Her heart thumped in her chest as she was led past the lounge, stacked with pillows and blankets that she knew would not be utilised by him tonight.
Linka found herself in his darkened bedroom, turning and watching with wide eyes as he closed the door and locked it. He rounded on her, grabbing her hips and backing her hard up against the wall, crushing his lips against her own. She gasped as her hip made contact with a pile of folders stacked beside the door, sending them toppling to the floor with loud bang.
"Shit," he muttered as Linka began to giggle helplessly against his mouth. He gently bit her lower lip, his hands now cradling her face as he deepened the contact. Linka sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck and relaxing into his embrace.
He lowered his hands and settled them on her hips, pulling her closer still. She registered the hardness of him through the thin layer of fabric and she shivered, gasping as his tongue moved to tenderly caress her own.
Linka twined her fingers through his hair, exhaling as his lips pressed their way down her chin, to the underside of her jaw before finding the sensitive skin of her neck. She whimpered softly as his hands soon moved from her hips to her bottom, squeezing her and then lifting her upwards.
He quickly wrapped her legs around his waist, grinding his pelvis against her in a hypnotic rhythm. Her left arm dropped down from his neck for a moment, hanging limply by her side as his mouth moved to claim her own again.
She grabbed one of his wandering hands and lifted it to her chest, her breath ragged as he squeezed and stroked her breast. He grunted, his hands grabbing underneath her thighs and lifting her higher still. Linka's head butted against the wall as he readjusted their bodies so that her chin was now level with his forehead.
She shrugged out of her cardigan, impatient now as his fingers moved to trace the generous curves of her cleavage, peeking out above her low-cut singlet. She shuddered, closing her eyes as he buried his face deep within her soft skin. Her eyes flew open again as he pulled the fabric of her singlet down.
Linka groaned as his mouth attached itself to her right breast, while he stroked the nipple of her other through the thin singlet. She bucked and rocked against him, her head tipped back and her mouth open as she moaned loudly, unable to contain herself any longer.
He moved them away from the wall slightly, dropping her down his body until they were at eye level again. "Shhhh," he murmured against her mouth, grinning as his hand continued to fondle her breast. "Thin walls."
He grabbed the hem of her singlet and lifted it over her head, tossing it to the floor. She buried her face in his neck as he moved them away from the wall, stumbling and falling together ungracefully onto the single bed in a tangle of limbs.
"Wait," she gasped, registering something underneath her. She reached behind her back and found her overnight bag digging into her shoulder blades. She pulled it out and tossed it to the floor as Wheeler's foot made contact with her toiletry bag, sending all its contents tumbling to the floor loudly.
"God-damn it," he muttered, and Linka lost it at that point, her body heaving with laughter as she strove to get herself under control. He reached towards his bedside table, sending more objects flying and she was soon giggling again. He rolled his eyes and she took the opportunity to unbutton his clothing, her fingers soon tracing the warm skin of his chest beneath. He shrugged out of his shirt, and she finally noticed a television remote in his hand.
The small TV on the chest of drawers powered to life and she looked up at him, a confused look on her flushed face as he turned the volume up. He raised his eyebrows at her, the light from the television illuminating their faces.
"Gotta' feeling you'll be making some noise tonight, babe," he murmured against her ear, his voice low and husky. "Just making sure Mom doesn't hear us." She blinked, her mouth suddenly dry as she pondered that statement, a delicious thrill coursing through her.
He tossed the remote aside, then settled himself between her legs and pressed himself against her. Linka's breath caught in her throat as her breasts made contact with his bare chest, his hands and mouth resuming their gentle exploration.
Linka's hands traced the well-defined muscles of his arms and back as she felt his lips and hands travelling down the length of her stomach. She sighed as he hooked his thumbs under the waistband of her pyjama bottoms, dragging them down her long legs. She pushed him upwards, working to unbuckle and remove his trousers.
The American grabbed her, hauling her onto his lap and twining her legs around his waist. He turned around and moved with her towards the opposite end of the bed. Linka wrapped her arms around him as he crushed her against the mattress, his left hand supporting her back and cradling her neck.
Her head tilted back over the edge of the bed and he held her there, his fingers moving downwards and proceeding to rub her through the thin cotton of her panties. She moaned and shuddered as his thumb slipped underneath and stroked her flesh. Linka threw her head to the side, lifting her hips to meet his touch as his mouth descended once again upon her breast.
Her body bucked and coursed and she cried out, completely and utterly unfamiliar with the sensations coursing through her. Her reality shifted and twisted as he pushed two fingers inside her, his mouth upon hers as she keened, unable to control her reaction. She clutched desperately to him as she came, pulsating beneath him.
Linka barely registered their underwear coming off but she closed her eyes as he entered her, holding him close as Wheeler rocked within her. He buried his face in her neck, inhaling the sweet smell of her hair as he built up speed, clutching her small hand within his own. She felt the familiar sensation begin to rise within her once again, and she worked towards it, muffling her moans against his shoulder.
Wheeler's breathing was shallow now, his body tense. He repositioned himself, grabbing her leg and tossing it over his shoulder, thrusting harder. He gripped Linka's hand tighter and shuddered, sweating and shaking above her.
"Jesus," he gasped, collapsing on top of Linka, his weight heavy but comfortable on her cooling body. She wrapped her arms around his body and held him, pressing her lips against the stubble of his cheeks.
He raised his head, gazing down at her with wonder. Linka smiled, running her fingers over his forehead and lips.
"I missed you, Yankee."
He smiled tiredly, kissing her and meeting her eyes.
"I love you, Ruskie."