Page 17

I double-check my reflection in the mirror, fixing the halter of the daisy sundress I have on. In a last-minute flash of inspiration, I put on some glimmer lotion on my shoulders and put my hair half up, half down, in that sweet, ditsy fashion I always used to love, but Dima’s never seen.

Today has to be absolutely perfect—a sunny day to thank Dima for the bright future he’s shown me I can have.

Dima has been so patient with me, helping build my confidence as I navigate the Bratva world of business. I owe him this surprise. Without their help hashing out the details, this never would have come together.

I make one final phone call to Sofia and Natalia to thank them for their help in planning this day, though I won't reveal what we've got in store just yet to Dima.

I can barely contain my excitement as I rush into the dining hall. Dima’s enjoying his typical Sunday breakfast—sausages, pancakes, and the works.

When I walk in, he looks up, and then his neck moves back. He takes in the sight of me with an appreciative swift glance over my body and then folds his hands back above his head and whistles.

I blush and rush over, unable to contain the excitement I feel. "Finish up. We're going out," I tell Dima, struggling to contain my grin.

He raises one single brow and looks even sexier, if that’s possible. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see. Now finish eating.”

“I’m done,” he says, getting off the table. Without a second thought, I grab his phone and wallet in one palm and his hand in the other and pull him toward the front door where our driver waits.

Dima's gaze lands on the suitcases in the trunk. "A trip?"

"Just get in the car," I say, shooing him into the backseat.

The driver pulls out of the driveway and onto the road leading away from the city. Dima studies me, curiosity etched into his features.

After a few minutes of silence, he takes my hand. "You're not going to give me any hints, are you?"

I shake my head, squeezing his hand. "Patience."

He chuckles, the sound rumbling in his chest. "You're lucky I adore you."

Adore. The word still makes my heart stutter. I lean over and kiss his cheek, beyond grateful for this man and wishing for this to be a weekend he never forgets.

***

The car slows as we approach the docks, and Dima glances out the window with a frown. "The marina?"

I nod and squeal. "We're here."

He breaks out into that charming, devilish grin that gets me soaking as he stares out of the window.

The driver pulls up to the pier, where an 80-foot yacht is docked, glittering under the afternoon sun. Dima's eyes widen. "Lara, what is this?"

"Surprise!" I cry, throwing my arms around his neck.

He hugs me close, still stunned. "You rented us a yacht?"

"For the whole weekend." I kiss his cheek and push open the car door.

We climb out of the vehicle and are greeted by the captain, who welcomes us aboard. Dima shakes the man's hand, glancing around the teak deck and gleaming fixtures in obvious awe.

Once the captain explains the rules and amenities and introduces us to the staff, Dima pops open a bottle of champagne and pours me a glass. "You have to tell me what's going on. How did you pull this off?"

"I had help," I admit. "Sofia and Natalia helped me plan out every last detail, and you owe them a big thank you. I wanted to do something special for you. A weekend at sea, just the two of us."

"You're incredible." He pulls me close, kissing me deeply. "Thank you, Zolotse ."

"You're welcome." I smile up at him, heart full at being called darling. A first. "Now, are we ready to set sail for our adventure?"

"With you by my side, I'm ready for anything."

Dima's hand finds mine as we stand at the railing, watching the shoreline fade into the distance. The yacht glides through the waves, carrying us away from the chaos of normal life into our own private paradise.

***

The butler serves us fresh lobster, clams, and salad on the aft deck as the sun dips lower in the sky, staining the sea with vibrant shades of pink and orange.

The wind blows just right, and I’m high on life itself.

Dima lifts his glass. "To new adventures and beautiful sunsets. I’m so glad you did this. I just realized we never really have adventures together."

“You’re right,” I nod along, digging into my lobster. “And we’re so young.” Then, slyly, I look up at him and wink. “I mean, I’m so young.”

Dima’s eyes widen, and then he guffaws. “Watch yourself, Zolotov,” he warns playfully.

“Oh? So I’m a Zolotov now, am I?”

“Only when you misbehave.”

“Orlov,” I say, leaning over and giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “Always an Orlov.”

He smiles, and the way his eyes crinkle in the bright sun melts my heart.

Next, Dima tries to pry open his lobster, but just then, the pliers fly out of his hand, clattering to the floor. Without a thought, I clamp my hands to my mouth, trying to hold back the laughter.

“You devil, you,” he laughs, sliding the plate over to me. I deshell the lobster for him and slide the plate back.

“What would you do without me?” I joke.

Suddenly, he turns serious, tilting his head just a little. “Nothing, Lara. I don’t know how I survived without you.”

The moment turns sweet and tender, and I put my cutlery down, swabbing at the sides of my mouth. “You didn’t ask why I did this, did you?”

“Why?” His voice comes out hoarse.

“Because I don’t know how I survived without you, Dima,” I admit with honesty. “You taught me to live for myself, gave me the confidence I so needed to navigate life, as well as the boardroom. With you, I feel like a different person altogether.”

His gaze softens, and he takes my hands in his, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. I did what any man should do for the woman he cares about. You were always capable, Lara. I only helped you see it for yourself." His words wash over me like a soothing balm, warming my heart more than any sunny day ever could.

We talk and laugh, savoring every bite of the delicious food and each other's company. By the time we finish dessert wine, evening has fallen, and the stars are emerging one by one in the velvet sky.

Dima pulls me to my feet, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Dance with me?"

I nestle against him, swaying gently to the soft music playing over the yacht's sound system. "This is perfect."

"You're perfect," he murmurs, lips brushing my temple. "Thank you for this gift. For always knowing exactly what I need."

"You're welcome." I close my eyes, breathing in the scent of the sea mingled with his cologne. "I love making you happy."

"You do. More than you know." His hand slides up to cradle the back of my head, tilting my face up to his, and meets me in a kiss.

My heart races. This surprise trip may have been meant for Dima, but the gift of his company is all I could ever want or need.

***

We stay out on the deck for a long time, holding each other close as the yacht glides through the inky sea. The crew have made themselves scarce, giving us privacy.

Dima's hands roam over my body, slipping under my dress and caressing my skin. I shiver at his touch, desire pooling low in my belly. When his fingers dip between my legs, I gasp softly.

"We're all alone out here," he murmurs against my neck. "No one to interrupt us."

"Dima…" His name comes out as a moan as his fingers stroke and tease. I cling to his shoulders, arousal and need clouding my thoughts.

Suddenly, the yacht shudders, and the engines sputter, then die completely. We stagger, thrown off balance, as the yacht begins to drift.

Dima swears under his breath, withdrawing his hands. "Something's wrong with the engines. We've lost power."

Panic rips through me as I take in our situation. Stranded in the middle of the sea, the yacht is dead in the water.

I swallow hard, trying to stay calm. Now is not the time to panic, no matter how much I want to. Dima needs me to keep a level head.

"The crew will have to assess the damage and try to repair the engines," Dima says, already striding toward the helm. I hurry after him on shaky legs.

At the helm, the captain and crew are shouting at each other in Russian, panic etched on their faces. Dima barks an order, demanding a report, and the shouting quiets.

The captain grimaces. "We've lost all engine power, and most of the electrical systems are down. We have no propulsion and limited functionality. We've put out a distress call, but we have no way of knowing how long it will take for help to arrive."

Dima's jaw clenches, his eyes flashing with anger, but his voice remains even. "Do what you must to repair the damage. In the meantime, ensure we have emergency power, navigation equipment, and supplies."

The crew salute and hurry off to follow his orders. Dima turns to me, his expression softening. "Do not worry, Lara. We are safe for now, and help will come. But for now, it looks like we’ll be spending the night on board."

Okay. This was totally not the plan. The panic swells in me. I know I’m being irrational. This is a huge yacht. Nothing can happen. But, still.

He gathers me into his arms, enveloping me in a hug. “Listen,” he murmurs into my ear. “We’ll never have the sea all for ourselves in the middle of the night. Let’s get your mind off this mess and hit the water. What do you say?”

“A night swim in the ocean?” I ask, my heart racing all over again.

He looks down at me and grins. “Or, you’re scared?”

Feigning courage I don’t have, I step back, raising my hands up in defiance. “Oh, watch me,” I dare back, and slide the dress off my body.

Dima gasps and comes closer, clutching my waist in his big palms. Then, he sweeps me off the floor and together, we jump right into the ocean.

The water is cold yet beautiful. Dima and I reach for the surface from the jump, gasping for air, laughing as we do. Above us on deck, the captain comes to let us know they’ve put the ladder down for us to come back up when we like.

“Thank you,” Dima yells back. “We’ll be here a while.”

“Oh?” I inquire, freezing but having the time of my life. “We will?”

He swims closer, and I inch my legs around his thighs, my arms around his neck, as we float away. “I want you all to myself,” he whispers. I watch the water drop off like beads from his chiseled shoulders, and my legs tremble in need.

With the stars shimmering above us like scattered diamonds, Dima plants a chain of kisses on my collarbone, up my neck, to my lips.

He tastes like salt. Like the sea.

And as we float together under the watchful gaze of the moon, I know that no matter what challenges we may face, Dima and I will face them together, hand in hand. The moon casts a shimmering glow on the water's surface, reflecting our intertwined forms as we swim. I feel truly alive in this moment, our laughter and splashes filling the night air as we revel in each other's company.

"Enough," Dima growls suddenly, his voice commanding but tinged with desire. I can see the fire burning in his eyes, and it ignites something within me as well. "Back on board. Now."

"Is everything alright?" I ask, concern washing over me momentarily.

"Everything is more than alright," he reassures me, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "But I need you. All of you. Right now."

I don't hesitate to follow his order. We scramble up the ladder, leaving wet footprints on the deck as we make our way to the cabin. My heart races with anticipation, my body thrumming with excitement at what's to come.

Dima doesn't waste any time; as soon as we're inside, he slams the door behind us and pushes me onto the bed. The force of his actions sends a shiver down my spine, making me crave him even more.

"Wait," I protest breathlessly, trying to slow things down for just a moment. "What about—"

"Take it off." He cuts me off, nodding at my bikini. "Or should I rip it off instead?"

"Rip it off," it’s a command, surrendering to his dominance. He nods, a predatory glint in his eye as he slowly peels away the wet fabric, teasing me with every deliberate movement.

"God, you're beautiful," Dima murmurs, his gaze raking over my exposed body, his mouth taking my breasts to his lips.

I moan, reaching for his boxers.

He pulls them off and pins me beneath his body. Dima's hands grip my hips, pulling me closer to his cock, and I part my legs. He thrusts into me with a ferocity I've never experienced before. The sensation of his cock inside me is overwhelming—it's as if every nerve ending in my body has come alive, sparking with electricity. I can't get enough, and I find myself pushing back against him, wanting more, needing more.

"Harder," I gasp, my voice barely audible over the sound of our bodies colliding. “Harder…”

"Like this?" he asks, his voice strained with effort as he complies, slamming into me with even greater force. I cry out in pleasure, feeling the heat between us intensify. It's as if we're two stars on the verge of going supernova, the energy building to an almost unbearable degree.

"Turn around," Dima demands, his tone brooking no argument. I obey without hesitation, shifting until my back is pressed against his chest, allowing him deeper access.

He runs his hands across my ass before dipping his cock into me again. He takes my hair into a fist, arches my back toward him, and I swear I feel corners of his cock I’ve never felt before as he continues to pound me relentlessly.