I nodded. “I think so. She doesn’t want to tell Ava about the kidnapping and ruin her big night.”
“There we go.” Maxwell patted my back. “It looks like my job here is done. I’m like a Harlem Marry Poppins or something. Anyway, I’m due to get back to Em anyway. I’m sure she’s getting in trouble.”
My frown deepened.
He hit me with an odd look. “What?”
“Stay for a few more days. I’ll need you,” I lied, but in some ways I didn’t. Having Maxwell around had added some comfort to the day. While he didn’t have a lot of advice to give me, it was good to not feel alone.
Maxwell bobbed his head. “Hey, man. I’ll stay for a few days. There’s no emergency with Em right now. She’s just a little antsy that I’m far from her. Thinks Valentina will take me from her. Em gets possessive at times.” He winked. “She be missing daddy.”
“I can see why.”
“You can?”
“Yeah. You’re a joy to have around.”
Maxwell arched his brows. “Uh. . .okay. I’ll take that as a compliment for sure.”
“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He winked again. “You will.”
In my limo, Jacqueline, Maxwell, and my very high guard headed to the Belmont.
There would be time before our limo arrived. Which worked out, since Ava was required to do several photo ops and talk to a few fundraisers after the show. It took a good hour, but I remained by her side. Many rich idiots came close to asking her out, but they saw my face and ended their conversation.
They all want a taste, Ava. Let’s hope I don’t kill many this season.
When we finally climbed into the limo, Ava lay within my arms. All the adrenaline and excitement had withered away. We didn’t even get a block away from the theater, before she’d fallen asleep against me.
I grinned as I watched her. Soft snores left those pretty lips. Ava had done it all and even more tonight.
And surely I’d done my own leaping and twirls today.
But it had all come to an end.
Finally, all would be calm in these future days. The biggest problem would be burying my father, but Jacqueline had offered to assist. Ava would be there too. Rolan was already at the castle now. I had nothing, but confidence in him to keep Prague together.
All would be okay.
For the first time that day, calm took me over. I held Ava in my arms and gazed out the window.
Unlike earlier today, I could drink my beautiful city in.
The evening was young. Many crowded the streets leaving the theaters and heading to the jazz halls. Others would be off to the night clubs.
St. Petersburg provided an ever changing nightlife. The party scene stayed fresh and original. Nightclubs ranged from abandoned bomb shelters to former 19th century mansions.
Many nights I ran the streets with Kazimir and Valentina, smoking expensive cigars in gorgeously adorned bars, drinking high-end cognac, and chatting to local and ex-pat millionaires. Those had been good times, but I didn’t miss them.
Because in the end, I went home alone. Even if a model or two decorated my arm, I still sat in that bed alone. No matter how many naked women surrounded me within the sheets.
I left my view of the city and turned back to Ava as she slept.
I’m the luckiest man in Russia.
We arrived at her condo minutes later.
I didn’t wake her. Instead, I carried Ava into the building, kept her in my arms on the elevator, and took her to the front door. The guard opened it, and I took her to the bedroom.
She slowly woke, as I placed her on the bed.
“Oh my God.” She yawned. “I fell asleep?”
“You did.” I took off the tux’s jacket.
“God.” She rose from the bed and slowly stood in front of me.
“No. Go back to sleep.” I inhaled her lovely scent. “You need it.”
“Maybe.”
“Definitely.”
She rubbed her eyes. “You’re staying tonight. Right?”
“Of course I am. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
She stepped closer to me. “This might sound crazy, Misha, but I missed you.”
“I did too.”
“I know we spent all last night together but. . .”
“You wanted me by your side?” I asked.
“I did.”
“That makes me incredibly happy, Ava. You have no idea what that means to me.”
“And this surprise tonight.” She blinked her eyes. “Damn it. I’m not going to cry again.”
I grinned. “No. You won’t be crying anymore.”
Lust filled her eyes. “Then, what will I be doing?”
“Moaning, my love.” I undid my bowtie and snatched it off, rising to tower over her. “All night long.”
“Then, I’m glad I took that nap.”
“Me too.” I gave her a soft kiss, wrapping my arms around her. But Ava pushed for more, snatching away at the buttons on my shirt. It was open and off me in seconds.
A groan escaped me as the kiss deepened. Her tongue twirled and leapt just like she’d done on the stage. It commanded me in a way that no other woman had. I could kiss her for the rest of my life—not touch or even fuck her—but simply kiss that mouth and be happy.