Page 26 of Sweet Dreams

"Like what you see?" Yuri teased, catching her stare.

Beth grinned unabashedly. "Just admiring the local scenery. It's quite... impressive."

Beth's answering laugh was rich and warm. He tossed her one of the hotel's fluffy robes. "Come on, you vixen. Let's get some food in you before you decide to consume me whole."

Beth slipped on the robe, allowing it to gape open slightly, revealing a hint of her curves as she followed him to the small kitchenette. "Don't tempt me," she purred, her eyes lingering on his body.

Beth stood behind the counter as Yuri busied himself with the coffee maker. "So, what's on the agenda for today?" she asked, her voice laced with suggestion. "More sightseeing? Or perhaps... something more intimate?"

Yuri turned, coffee pot in hand, his eyes smoldering with desire. "Well, I was thinking we could start with a thorough exploration of this room," he said, setting down the pot and stepping between her legs, his hands sliding up her thighs. "After all, we've hardly begun to plumb the depths of its... possibilities."

Beth's pulse quickened, her breath hitching as his fingers brushed against her intimate heat. "And what kind ofpossibilities did you have in mind, Mr. Minsk?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Yuri leaned in closer, his breath hot on her ear. "Why don't I show you instead?" he murmured, his lips grazing her neck. His hand cupped her breast, his thumb circling her nipple through the thin fabric of the robe.

Their coffee cups sat forgotten as Yuri claimed Beth's lips with a fierce, demanding kiss that left her gasping for breath. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer as his hands explored her body, untying her robe and letting it fall open.

Yuri's mouth moved from her lips to her neck, then lower, his tongue trailing a path of fire down to her breasts. He took one nipple into his mouth, sucking and biting gently as Beth arched her back, moaning with pleasure.

He continued his exploration, kissing every inch of her skin as if it were sacred ground. Beth shivered with anticipation as he moved lower, his hands gripping her thighs and spreading them wide. He knelt before her, his tongue delving into her most intimate place, licking and sucking until she was writhing against him, her hands fisted in his hair.

"Oh God, Yuri..." she gasped, her body convulsing as waves of pleasure washed over her. He stood up, his eyes never leaving hers as he untied his own robe, revealing his hard, ready length.

He lifted her onto the kitchen counter, positioning himself at her entrance. With one swift thrust, he buried himself deep inside her. Beth cried out, her nails digging into his back as he filled her completely.

Their moans filled the room as Yuri moved inside her with powerful, rhythmic thrusts. The counter creaked beneath them, the sound echoing the primal rhythm of their lovemaking. Beth met each thrust with her own, her hips rising to meet his, their bodies slick with sweat.

"You feel so good," Yuri groaned, his fingers finding her clit and circling it in time with his thrusts. Beth's body tensed, her inner muscles clenching around him as another orgasm ripped through her.

Yuri thrust harder, faster, his control shattering as Beth's climax pushed him over the edge. He came with a roar, his body shaking with the force of his release. They clung to each other, panting heavily as they rode out the waves of pleasure together before finally collapsing against each other, their bodies entwined on the kitchen counter.

Later, much later in the afternoon, they finally emerged from the hotel room, disheveled but glowing. The streets of Minsk were alive with pre-Christmas bustle, the air crisp and filled with the scent of mulled wine and fresh pastries.

"I can't believe I only have two days left," Beth sighed, leaning into Yuri's side as they strolled through a picturesque park. Snow-laden branches glittered in the afternoon sun, creating a winter wonderland around them.

Yuri's arm tightened around her waist. "Then we'll just have to make them count, won't we?" His eyes twinkled as he suddenly spun her around, pulling her into an impromptu dance.

Beth laughed, delighted, as he twirled her beneath the snowy boughs. "Yuri! What are you doing?"

"Dancing with the most beautiful woman in Belarus," he replied smoothly, dipping her low. "Is that a crime?"

As he pulled her back up, Beth cupped his face in her hands, kissing him deeply. She poured all the emotions she couldn't yet voice into that kiss – the joy, the wonder, the growing love she felt for this man who had swept into her life like a whirlwind.

When they parted, both slightly breathless, Yuri's eyes were shining with an emotion that mirrored her own. For a moment, they just stood there, lost in each other's gaze, oblivious to the curious glances of passersby.

Finally, Beth broke the silence. "So, Mr. Minsk," she said, her voice husky, "are there any more hidden talents you'd like to demonstrate?"

Yuri's answering grin was positively wicked. "Oh, moye solnyshko, you have no idea. But I'd be happy to give you a private showing."

Beth felt heat pool in her belly at his words. "Well then," she said, tugging him towards the park exit, "what are we waiting for?"

As they hurried back to the hotel, laughing and stealing kisses along the way, Beth marveled at how right this felt.

Thirteen

The familiar scent of vanilla and cinnamon enveloped Beth as she pushed open the doors of Sweet Dreams. Home. After her whirlwind week in Belarus, the cozy bakery felt both comforting and slightly surreal.

"She lives!" Reese's voice rang out from behind the counter. "I was starting to think you'd decided to defect to the land of vodka and fur hats."

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