You Want To Marry Me?

She bit her lower lip and looked shocked, "Marry...marry me?"

"Of course. I am not a frivolous man." 

She smiled sweetly and teased, "Is this a proposal?"

He kissed Merri then in a serious tone answered, "Well, I will do it properly, but for now this is my promise to you."

Merri leaned on his warm chest as he affectionately stroked her long silky blonde hair. Nikolai's heart was pounding, I will be a good husband to you, my little angel.

She nestled her soft slender body in his arms and contentedly sighed, I am so happy. 

His phone rang and a flash of annoyance darkened his eyes. He tenderly kissed Merri's forehead then said, "I need to take this call. Why don't you rest before dinner?"

 "Okay."

 After she left the living room Nikolai answered and Sydney growled, "Meng Po called. That bastard had his men kidnap someone very important to me. He said if he doesn't get his merchandise back he will kill her."

 Nikolai wrinkled his forehead and stood up. What the fuck! He grabbed his coat and walked to the front door. "Who?"

 Sydney hesitated then replied, "Gao WeiWei ."

 "Chairman Gao's daughter?"

 "Yes."

 "What do you want to do?"

 "Give the shit to him."

 "Are you sure he won't kill the girl anyway?"

 " No, I'm not sure. The bastard said I need to stay in Shanghai and you make the exchange. Nikolai smirked, so Meng Po wants the artifacts and to kill me. 

 Nikolai thought about being with Merri and calmly replied, "Very well. But, I want Merri Winslow and out of the Organization. If I die, I want you to protect the girl from Alexi."

 "Deal."

 "I will wait for the call." 

Nikolai lit a cigarette and leaned against the wall of the cottage. He blew out a thin stream of smoke while thinking about the dangerous situation. Meng Po must know I have the stolen goods and orchestrated the killings at Mandarin House. I can't involve Max or any of the old gang...This sounds like a set up...going alone is suicide...did Sydney make a deal with Meng Po? Unlikely...Hmm... 

He finished smoking the cigarette and tossed it into the snow. 

As he walked back into the cottage he had an idea. I will have Mikael give me some undercover policeman. Fuck Sydney... he will get the girl back, that is what we agreed upon. The stolen artifacts will remain in the warehouse for the time being.

Nikolai called his friend, "Do you want Meng Po?"

Mikael was sitting at his desk drinking a cup of black coffee, "You know where that bastard is hiding?"

"No, but he kidnapped a girl and wants me to meet him for the exchange."

Mikael leaned back in his seat, why would he kidnap a girl when he is already being hunted?

Nikolai explained his plan and Mikael rubbed his chin, "I don't know if that will work. You and the girl could get killed in the crossfire."

"I am willing to take the chance. I think I can protect myself and the girl. "

"How did you get yourself in this position? It isn't like you to be reckless."

"I needed to make a deal with LingLing Sun's husband. Unfortunately, Meng Po found a way to threaten him and my plan was ruined. Mikael, I have a chance to start fresh and leave Alexi. I am tired of this life and want to concentrate on my legitimate businesses. So I am counting on you."

 "Well, I will send ten of my best undercover guys. Your cover is you work out of Moscow and are here to recover the stolen artifacts. Have Igor make a fake ID, use the name Yuri Manov."

"Thanks, I owe you one."

"Just get out of there alive."

After Nikolai hung up he called Igor and explained the situation. "Find out what private planes are landing from Shanghai in a private airport."

If I follow them after they land with the girl I can find Meng Po. Then raid the place with the police. If I did as Sydney said I would definitely die at the warehouse. With the element of surprise I should be able to save the girl. I am curious how Meng Po found out about Sydney's little mistress. Did LingLing know?

A nurse was standing by LingLing's bed at the hospital where she was transferred. After undergoing surgery for her head wound she was groggy. The nurse checked the IV bag then bent over the bed, "The Boss said he would get you out of here tonight, don't worry."

LingLing tried to focus and blinked her eyes, "Sydney came?"

The woman frowned, she is pretty... but stupid. "You should forget about him now that you are Meng Po's woman."

LingLing pulled on her arm handcuffed to the bed, if it weren't for that bastard Meng Po, I wouldn't be in this situation! Why did I listen to him! I was so jealous when he told me Sydney had a young and beautiful mistress I was confused. What man doesn't play around with a young thing, in my profession I should know that better than anyone! 

"Tell him no. I can't run away. I will be a fugitive. The Mayor will get me out of here," or Sydney...even if he is angry with me I am still his wife.

 The nurse's eyes were cold,"It wouldn't be wise to go against the Boss' wishes." Do as Meng Po says or die. 

LingLing turned her head and closed her eyes, ignoring the nurse. Why was I so foolish to betray Sydney? I was blinded by jealousy and made a stupid mistake trusting Meng Po. If he wanted to get me out of custody he could have done it before I was beaten half to death by that fat bitch.

At the cottage Nikolai finished the cigarette and went back inside. He was surprised Merri was in the kitchen. Standing in the doorway he had a fiery gaze glued to her alluring figure. Her thin waist, long blonde hair loosely tied in a ponytail exposing her slender snow white neck made his dark eyes cloud over with desire. 

She smiled brightly when she saw him, "I thought you might want some coffee. It is almost ready." Merri turned back to the counter and reached into the cupboard for two mugs. 

Nikolai walked over and a light fragrance of jasmine floated towards him. He impulsively wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned down. His voice was tinged with a hint of pampering."Go sit down, I will get it."

 Merri felt the warmth of his large palms on her waist and her heart was racing. "I...I can."

He turned her around and picked her up into his arms. Merri blushed as she looked up at him, "Wha..what are you doing?"

Nikolai had a faint smile as he teased in a low and magnetic voice, "What do you want me to do?"

The tips of her ears were crimson red inhaling his distinct masculine scent and being pressed to his chest. Her heart beat faster and faster as he carried her into the living room.

 He set her down on the couch and tenderly caressed her cheek."Didn't I tell you to rest?" 

 She shyly gazed at him and Nikolai thought even the stars didn't shine as bright as her sparkling eyes. Such a pure and innocent expression made his heart skip a beat. "Be good."

 Merri watched him walk back to the kitchen and put her hand on her chest. I still can't believe this is real...it is like a beautiful dream.

 When he returned he set down the tray, "I made you honey and ginger water." 

 Merri took the cup, "Thank you."

"After dinner I need to drive back to Kazan. I will have Anya stay here with you."