Nikolai Reveals His Feelings

 Nikolai quickened his pace towards the cottage and when they arrived he opened the door. Once inside he put her down then unbuttoned the plaid wool coat she was wearing. As he took off her coat he touched her cold hand and frowned, "Sit on the couch. I will make tea."

 Merri looked up at him and fluttered her long black eyelashes, "Don't be angry, okay?"

"I'm not angry." 

After they left Vera grabbed Sonia, "Why didn't you call me! If Max hadn't told me I wouldn't have known Nikolai was back!"

Sonia's eyes had a layer of mist and she whimpered, "Let go..that hurts. I didn't know until I came over. I didn't bring my phone."

Vera released her grip on Sonia's arm then turned to Anya, "Tell me about that slut."

The hair on the back of Anya's neck stood up. Damn that gossipy fool Max! "Calm down, she is only his assistant."

 Vera threw the oil stained brown bag at Anya, her eyes were red and filled with malice."Don't lie to me! He picked up the bitch! Since when does he allow a woman to touch him? There is obviously something going on between them!"

 Anya straightened her back and pursed her lips., "You are right! She is my future sister- in- law. You should give it up. My brother doesn't like you at all!"

 Vera pushed Anya, "Shut up! She must have bewitched him with her fox face!"

 Anya pushed her back, "I am sick of you bullying me and Sonia. If Nik knew what a shrew you are he wouldn't even talk to you."

 Sonia squeezed in between them, "Stop!"

 Vera grabbed Sonia's hair and threw her to the ground then rushed at Anya. "If you dare tell him I will fucking kill you!"

 The two girls wrestled and Sonia stood up, "Sis...I see Nikolai coming."

 Vera immediately stopped and looked behind her. When she did, Sonia grabbed Anya's hand, "Hurry!" They ran towards the house with Snowflake chasing behind.

 When Nikolai wasn't there she shook her fist as she called out to the fleeing girls, "Wait until you get home Sonia!"

 She stared at the pastries strewn on the snowy ground then angrily crushed them with her boot. Her fingernails dug into her palm, I am the only woman who can be Nikolai Zima's wife! No matter what it takes I will get rid of that slut! 

 Merri sat on the couch waiting for Nikolai and her mind was in a mess. Unaware Vera was lying, she was shaken thinking there was no way to capture Nikolai's heart. His fiancee must have been upset that he carried me back to the cottage. I know it is only because he feels responsible for me. 

 In the kitchen, Nikolai poured the antidote for the cold poison into the tea cup then stirred. I hope I didn't scare the little angel when I kicked that fucking dog. I was so pissed off Anya didn't listen to my instructions and let her stupid friend bring that mongrel. He opened a container on the counter and took out the pastries his mother sent with Anya, then put them on a plate.

 He carried the tea and dessert on a tray into the living room. Merri was in a daze and didn't notice him until he set it down on the coffee table. She calmed her turbulent emotions and shyly smiled, "I'm sorry to trouble you...thank you."

Nikolai sat down next to her and handed Merri the tea. He explained, "I wasn't angry at you. I was upset with my sister and her friend."

His dark eyes were filled with concern, "You had a high fever and barely recovered, you shouldn't have been out in the snow."

 Merri wrapped her hands around the warm teacup, "I could have refused when she asked me but I wanted to go out and play with the dog. So please don't blame Anya...and I think your fiancee misunderstood our relationship...umm..you should go and explain."

He stared at Merri, his dark eyes swirling with anger,"What?"

"Well, she brought you your favorite pastries and..."

He clenched his fist at his side and inwardly cursed Vera for deceiving Merri."I am not engaged and have never had a girlfriend." You are the first woman I have wanted... I desperately want you to be my wife.

"But Sonia's sister...she said..."

He interrupted in a firm tone and replied, "The woman is delusional. I have never had a relationship with Vera Pinski, she is a friend of my cousin Max.... that's it."

 Merri's heart skipped a beat and she took a sip of tea. Nikolai noticed her faint smile as she lowered her head and brushed the loose strands of hair behind her ear. He decided he can't wait any longer and took Merri's hand, "I like you."

Her hand trembled holding the cup, he took it from her and set it down on the table.

He held both her hands in his and gazed into her eyes with undisguised affection, "Only you."

She was stunned by his undexpected confession and muttered, "But..but you said you only thought of me as a friend."

 He lovingly caressed her cheek, "At the time I couldn't express my feelings, even now I need to ask you to wait for me. I need to solve some problems before we can be together."

 Merri excitedly put her arms around his neck and impulsively kissed him. 

Unable to suppress his emotions any longer he lost control and eagerly responded to her kiss. Unleashing his pent up desires, he greedily pulled her closer, licking and sucking on her lips. Nikolai was intoxicated by her sweet taste as he entangled his tongue with hers until Merri was breathless.

Looking at her flushed cheeks and red and swollen lips he hugged her tightly. In a low and magnetic tone he whispered in her ear, "You are so beautiful."

 She clung to him and a layer of mist covered her eyes, her voice was soft, "I liked you from the first time I saw you in the hospital. So kind and gentle...watching over me like a shining knight."

 Nikolai's heart was in a knot and filled with guilt. What if she knew it was because of Alexi's order? My connection to the man who drugged and raped her. I can never let the little angel find out!

He buried his head in the crook of her soft white neck and inhaled her unique fragrance. "Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me."

Merri could feel his scorchingly hot breath on her skin and quivered. Her eyelashes fluttered as she stared at his incredibly handsome face so close to hers. "It must have been fate. I never drink that much and if you didn't find me...I can't imagine."

He lifted her chin and gently nibbled on her lips then kissed her deeply. "I can't explain, but until I resolve some issues when we get back to the city we need to keep our relationship secret. If certain people knew you were my woman there could be problems, it shouldn't take more than a month. Are you willing?"

Merri was dizzy from his kisses and beautiful eyes were shining filled with only him. "Willing."

Staring at the delicate girl's charming appearance and hearing the answer he desperately wanted he tightened his embrace. I wish I could press the little angel underneath me and taste every inch of her seductive body. But, I have to wait...soon..soon. "I will introduce you to my parents and tell them that I want to marry you... you are my future wife."

Swirling in his dark and unfathomable eyes was hidden a strong possessiveness, Little angel you will be mine...even if I have to kill Alexi!