The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(125)

Maria whimpered in her sleep and he inched closer to her. Institutionally searching out the form of another warm human body, she turned towards him. After making sure she was still asleep, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her in close. Maria trembled in her sleep and Vadim wondered what dream demons she was fighting as she buried her face into his chest.

Vadim had to take a deep breath to steady himself and to calm down the regions of his body that wanted to react to her soft body pressed so closely against his. Eventually, he drifted off to sleep listening to the gentle sounds of Maria's breathing.

Early the next morning Vadim woke up absent minded stroking Maria's hair. Fortunately for him, she was still out cold. He wondered when was the last time she slept peacefully. Her attitude bore the resemblance to a woman who had been hurt so Vadim guessed it was long before she became a corporate whistle blower on Fast Corps.

It took Vadim a few seconds to maneuver away from the sleeping Maria who had been resting her head on his chest. He was reluctant to give up the comfort of the bed and her body, but knew Maria wouldn't have been happy to find out that they had gotten that close in their sleep.

Chapter 3

One Night In Italy

In the three nights since Vadim had practically moved in with her, Maria had gotten the best sleep of her life. She was surprised to wake up every morning feeling so rested and alive. She would have liked to attribute it to the safety of a bodyguard, but she had never been great at lying to herself. Not that she would admit it to Vadim or anyone else, but it felt wonderful to have a man in her bed again. Even if she was only using him as a pillow.

This morning, she had woken alone as usual which she was grateful for. Her cheeks had been flushed and her heart pounding. She could hear the shower running, but that only made it worse. Her dreams had been hot and passionate and she was having dreams that no boss should have about their employee. She had been straddled over Vadim's pale muscular body and riding him hard. His strong hands trailed over her body seemingly touching her everywhere at once.

The day passed with as normal since Vadim moved in. He sat quietly in the corner reading a Russian newspaper while she worked at her computer. Today was different only in the fact that she was aware of his presence as more than just a small distraction from her work. Even as he was making her panties wet, Maria realized just how little she knew about her sexy bodyguard and pillow. He didn't wear a wedding ring so she guessed that he wasn't married. At least she hoped he wasn't. She did wonder just how many of his clients he had slept with. She didn't think there were many single women who could sleep in the same bed with Vadim and hold up their resolve for long.

That night, she decided to be curt with him as they crawled into bed together. She looked at him watching her settle in and her resolve to ask the questions that had haunted her all day were gone. Vadim smiled at her and held out his arm.

“Come on,” he chuckled, “you're going to end up over here anyway.”

Maria blushed, but moved over to him. She settled against his familiar form and rested her head on his chest. It was more difficult to relax with him awake. Vadim wrapped his strong arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

“There is nothing wrong with needing human connection and touch.”

Maria opened her mouth to speak, but found that she didn't know what to say. Vadim reached out and turned out the bedside lamp. Next, he rechecked for his gun that was strapped to the side of the headboard. She allowed her eyes to drift closed and tried hard not to think about her dream from the night before. It was more difficult now pressed up against him so closely while he was aware of her body. His fingers trailed over her side. She would have stopped him, but the touch was more comforting and protective than sensual or sexual.

Maria woke only a few hours later. Her head was fogged with sleep and she couldn't quite remember what had woke her. Had she heard a noise?

“Under the bed now, Maria,” Vadim hissed again. Then she heard it, the cocking of a gun. Her heart thumped against her chest as she crawled quietly out of the bed and then under it. She wasn't sure whether Vadim had cocked his gun or if someone else were in the room with them.

Maria held her breath and strained to her sense to detect if someone else were there. She heard a footstep that was heavier than Vadim's and had to bite her lip. Only one thing was certain they were no longer alone in the apartment.

She heard a gun shot and a man grunt in pain. In the heat of the moment, she couldn't tell who had been shot.

“Vadim!” she shouted before she could stop herself.

He didn't answer. The only response was the heavy crashing sound of a blunt object hitting a person and that person hitting the floor.

“Come, Maria,” Vadim's thick accent reached her ears and she nearly cried in relief. Despite the fact that he was her bodyguard, she didn't know if she could live with his life ending for her safety. Slowly, she crawled out from under the safety of the bed. Vadim quickly helped her to her feet and led her through her house. He placed her purse and sneakers in her hands silently. She clutched them to her chest with one arm and held onto Vadim for dear life with the other.

Vadim held his gun at the ready as they made their way quietly through the apartment. She shook her head in confusion when they headed not to the front door, but to the balcony.

“What are we doing?”

“Shh.. Maria, quiet,” he whispered to her.