Chapter Twelve - Dimitri

My new business partner and I are getting along beautifully, and I got more than what I wanted with Ava a few days ago. She gave me that deliciously curvaceous body, and her virginity. Now I’m hooked on whatever drug she is, and I can’t stop thinking and wanting her.

Staring down at her peacefully sleeping in my bed, I stroke her face with the back of my thumb. She’s stunning to me, and waking up next to her warm, full body is what I wanteverymorning. A sliver of morning light highlights her face and the bed diagonally as she stirs but doesn’t wake. Under the covers, I splay my hand over her ample hip, running it down her thigh, loving the way she feels. Nuzzling into her neck, I contain the hard wood in my pants wanting her to get her beauty rest, not that she needs it.

Who knew Raven’s Peak would come with an added bonus.

Briefly, I look upward at our reflection, gaining another vantage point of Ava sleeping, her dark hair spread barely covering the nipple sticking out from under the sheet. Fuck. I want her again, but she’s sleeping. Later…. Together we look good, and whatever this is we’re doing, I’m all for it. Maybe it doesn’t last, but I don’t have any intention of ending it from my side.

I smirk about the mirror, remembering her naïve nature when she asked. I vow to introduce her to more of my kinks and what I want to give her in the bedroom, but all in good time. We’re just getting started.

A light flashes on my cell phone, and I roll my eyes, picking it up. Squinting, I take note of the time on the clock. It’sbefore seven, and it’s my mother. Ava doesn’t need to hear her harping on, so reluctantly, I pull my arm out from its warm spot on her thigh, padding out to the kitchen and answering on the walk through.

“Mother. You’re calling so late,” I joke, knowing my control freak of a mother has probably already prepared a juice, taken her vitamins and been to the gym. She has a routine that’s worthy of Olympic athletes.

“Good morning, Dimitri. Your mother’s as well as can be. I’ve just finished up from my Pilates class.” Tired from her schedule already, I shake my head.

“Private session?”

“Yes.” In many ways I have my mother to thank as she’s been the silent power behind my comeback from disgrace to sit on my own version of the Bratva throne. It makes sense that a large part of my cunning and resourceful nature originates from her.

“Good. Keeping nimble?” I chuckle. Ekaterina would be the woman to keep herself in shape. She had to have a hobby after the disgrace of what my father put us through.

“I must. But you must know why I’m calling.”

Sighing, I hesitate, thinking about ways to end the call. “No. I don’t have any prospects for marriage, Mom. That’s not where my head’s at. I’ve got a big deal on the table that will solidify our place.”

She pauses, not caring about what I said. “Don’t you see? That’swhyI’m calling, Dimitri. It’s not a good look for you to remain a bachelor all of your days. I want you to take Cara Antonov out to dinner. To that exclusive yacht party tonight. She’s the daughter of Russian billionaire, Marnet Antonov. I’msure you’re familiar with him?” my mother suggests smugly as my jaw tightens. I don’t need this shit so early in the morning.

“Yes. I know who he is.” I head to the fridge, already wanting the call to end.

“Then you must know that ties with the Antonov family would greatly strengthen our position among the Bratva and Chicago’s high society. Cara would be the perfect solution, easy on the eyes, highly intelligent, and well read. What more do you want, Dimitri?” my mother pushes as I roll my eyes.

“No. I won’t be taking Cara,” I reply flatly. “I have someone else I’m taking for the night.”

A pregnant pause rests between us, and I can hear my mother reserving her silent judgment. I could care less. I’m taking Ava. She’s the only woman I want in my bed and in my life.

“Oh? Who is she?” she probes in an accusatory tone.

“Ava Knight. Owner of Raven’s Peak.” Without knowing I’m doing it; I try to elevate Ava’s status to my mother who remains duly unimpressed.

“Dimitri,” she warns in a careful tone. “I advise you not to get attached to her. You can’t be serious about her just because you have an infatuation about the property.”

“Mother, it’s none of your business who I date.” Repelled by her constant marriage talk, I sour at the conversation. It’s been a bone of contention between us for far too long. The truth is I haven’t found a woman I would trust to stand beside me. Cara would be too cold, too conditioned to the social norms of the elite, but not Ava. No, she’s wide-eyed and isn’t in the Bratva business. That’s one of the reasons I want her badly; she’s unassuming and smart in her own way.

“Oh, but it is. I won’t let you take this family under like your father did,” she reminds me, acid on her tongue.

“I have no plans to take the family under. Now if you’re done for the morning, I’ve got a busy day ahead. Talk to you later.” Grunting from the grilling, I hang up the receiver, wanting to cleanse my palate, and return to spoon Ava for a few more minutes before heading to work. I don’t tell her about the luxury yacht dinner until I get to work, wanting to add the element of surprise.

ME:Want to have some fun?

AVA:Is that a trick question? I thought we had plenty of that this morning before you left.

Immediately, a huge smile curves my lips, my dick getting hard. I couldn’t help myself, and leaving Ava panting after multiple orgasms is my new specialty.

ME:And there will be plenty more of that type of fun. Anytime. I’ve been invited to a luxury yacht party tonight and I want you to come.

AVA:I don’t have anything to wear!