Chapter 26

The ride over to Ivan’s office is a blur. I can’t help but feel a sense of safety with my driver despite my irritation that Ivan hadn’t mentioned his true role.

‘Hey,’ I say, leaning forward to catch the driver’s eye in the rearview mirror. ‘I need you to do something for me.’

He meets my gaze, a silent question in his eyes.

‘Please don’t tell Ivan about my father showing up at Barb’s,’ I plead, my voice firm. ‘He has enough on his plate, and I don’t want to add to it.’

The driver hesitates, his expression unreadable behind the sunglasses. I can tell he’s weighing his loyalty to Ivan against my request.

After a moment he gives a slight nod. ‘I won’t mention it, Mrs. Stepanov,’ he says, his voice a low rumble. ‘But if Mr. Stepanov asks directly if something happened, I can’t lie to him.’

I slump back in my seat, a mix of relief and trepidation washing over me. ‘Thank you,’ I whisper, more to myself than to him.

The sleek car pulls up to Ivan’s office in the bustling Financial District, and my heart begins to beat a little faster. As if the driver can sense my nervousness, he looks over his shoulder and says, ‘We’re here, Mrs. Stepanov,’ in a voice that’s as calm and collected as his demeanor.

After parking the car, the driver opens my door and offers his hand, immediately at my side like a protective shadow. Upon exiting the vehicle, I see Ivan emerge from the building. He’s a striking figure against the backdrop of the city, tall and confident in his tailored suit that fits him like a glove. The look on his face when he sees me sends warmth spreading through me—relief, concern, affection—they’re all there, written in the lines of his face and in the intensity of his gaze.

The concern in Ivan’s eyes grows as he reaches me, his hands gently framing my face. ‘Is everything okay?’ His voice is laced with a protective edge, his gaze searching mine for any hint of distress.

I shake my head in the affirmative, forcing a small smile to reassure him. ‘I’m fine, Ivan, really. Just a bit shaken from everything.’

His eyes continue to probe, looking for the truth in mine. Finding no trace of deceit, he pulls me close, wrapping his arms around me in a tight, protective embrace. I sink into his hold, allowing myself to feel the safety and comfort he offers.

As he holds me, a part of me debates whether or not to tell him about the encounter with Calvin. But another part, the part that feels safe and cherished in his arms, decides against it. Ivan would go to the ends of the earth to protect me, and I know he’d tear Calvin apart if I gave him any reason. I don’t want to add to his burden.

So I keep the encounter to myself, choosing instead to bask in the sense of security that Ivan’s presence brings. I find a haven in his arms, a place where the shadows of my past and the threats of the present can’t reach me.

He nods, his gaze lingering on me with a mixture of emotions. ‘We need to get you to safety,’ he says, his tone firm. ‘The cottage is ready, I had my staff go ahead and prepare everything. We’ll be safe there.’

The journey is a quiet one, the tension of the day hanging heavy in the car. Ivan sits beside me, his presence both a comfort and constant reminder of the danger we’re in. Every so often, he glances my way, his deep eyes filled with concern.

‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ he asks for what must be the third time. His voice is gentle, but I can hear the underlying worry.

I nod, managing a small smile. ‘I’m alright. Just a lot to process, you know?’ I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

He reaches over, taking my hand in his. His touch is warm and reassuring, and as he lifts my hand to his lips, kissing my fingers softly, a wave of heat washes over me, momentarily pushing aside the fear and anxiety. It’s amazing how his touch can make me forget the world and its troubles, if only for a moment.

We ride in silence for a while, the city gradually giving way to the scenic beauty of upstate New York. I find myself lost in thought, attempting to make sense of everything. I need to tell Ivan about the baby, but the timing never seems right.

Finally, the car turns down a narrow road, and we’re surrounded by dense trees. The cabin appears, nestled in the woods, its simplicity belying the elegance within. It’s a charming two-story structure, with a stone facade and large windows that offer a view of the surrounding forest. The wraparound porch is inviting, lined with comfortable chairs and a swing, perfect for enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Inside, the cabin is warm and welcoming. The living room boasts a large stone fireplace, plush sofas, and a soft rug underfoot. The decor is rustic yet modern, with touches of luxury that speak of Ivan’s taste. Large windows let in natural light, offering stunning views of the woods outside. Kiki is already there, wasting no time coming up to me and curling around my leg in the way she always does when I come home.

‘It’s beautiful, Ivan,’ I say, my voice filled with genuine admiration as I take in the cozy interior.

He smiles, a look of relief crossing his face. ‘I’m glad you like it. I wanted somewhere safe and comfortable for us.’

As we settle in, Ivan reveals that his brother, Fyodor, will be joining us the next day. I’m not sure how I feel about that. On one hand, it’s more security, but on the other, it’s a reminder of the danger we’re in.

I look up at Ivan, his face etched with the weight of responsibility. In this moment, away from the chaos of the city, I see him not just as my husband or the CEO of a major company, but as a man caught in a situation he never wanted.

‘I need to tell you something, Ivan,’ I begin, my heart pounding in my chest.

He looks at me, his expression softening. ‘What is it, Julie? You can tell me anything.’

I take a deep breath, ready to reveal the truth about the baby and my encounter with my father. But before I can speak, the warmth of his hand on mine, the safety of the cabin, and the overwhelming events of the day catch up to me. And in that moment, all I want is him. The rest can wait.

‘I need you, Ivan,’ I say, my voice low and filled with desire. ‘I need to feel alive, to feel loved.’

His response is immediate, his arms wrapping around me, pulling me close. The heat between us reignites, pushing aside all of the fear and uncertainty.

He sets me down onto the big couch, the cushion soft beneath me. Ivan doesn’t say a word, instead focusing on my eyes as he works the button and zipper of my pants. Once they’re open, he slides them down my thighs along with my panties. The air is cool against my skin, and I watch as he begins by kissing my legs, moving closer to my inner thighs.

He knows just how to tease me, how to give me just what I want before I even know I want it.

With a smooth movement, he spreads my legs, his gaze drifting down to my womanhood.

“Is there any part of you that’s not impossibly beautiful?” he asks.

I laugh. “Charm will get you everywhere.”

“Good to know,” he replies. “But I’m already in the exact place I want to be.”

Without another word, he moves in and begins kissing me closer and closer to my pussy. He teases me with flicks of his tongue along my folds, as if he wants to make sure there’s not a single part of me that goes unattended.

When he finally spreads me open and touches my most sensitive place, I’m on the verge of melting.

“There,” I moan. “Just like that.”

He doesn’t need any guidance from me though, he knows just where to kiss, just where to lick, just where to suck. His fingers move inside me, my wetness guiding him deeper, his thumb making perfect circles on my clit. The orgasm builds and builds, and I crave release like nothing else.

I moan, squirming at his licks, touches, and kisses. Ivan raises his head, still fingering me as he speaks.

“Come for me. Right now.”

He’s impossible to resist. He goes back down, focusing his attention on my clit and that’s all it takes. I release, my back arching as I allow inhibited shouts of total pleasure fill the cabin. He eats me out through the orgasm, licking up every last bit before standing up and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Turn over,” he says. He’s hard as hell, and it’s clear what he wants.

“No,” I pant. “You sit.”

He grins. Normally, he’s the one in control.

But now, I’m ready to be the one in the driver’s seat.