Free Alexandr's Reluctant Submissive by Ann Mayburn Page A

where Ivan and Dimitri lived with their wives. The thought of those two playboys marrying anyone was peculiar to her, but she supposed the years had changed them as well. In an odd way, she almost expected everything to be the same as when she’d left, as impossible as that thought was.
    They pulled up to a set of seriously intimidating wrought iron gates and drove through what had to be an eleven-foot-high concrete walls reinforced with spikes and thick metal wires on the top. The guards were all daunting men who stared in the direction of the limo as they drove past, they eyes covered by dark sunglasses that hid their gazes. Alex leaned forward, his bulk pressing into her side, then pointed through the window.
    “This building sits on three acres of land. There is an enclosed garden and a play area for children. I do not pay attention to such things, but Rya has said there are a good amount of little girls around Tatiana’s age that live in the building. Across the street is the private school where many of the children of employees from the US Embassy attend. I think we shall enroll Tatiana there when it is time. Like this building, the school is also very safe. In Russia, times of great unrest are not so unusual, and security is often our priority. Is one of many reasons Bratvas are such a part of daily life. We help stave off anarchy, bring order to chaos, in ways that the government cannot.”
    She blinked at him, slightly stunned by how grave his voice was. “So, uh, is the apartment kid-proof as well as bombproof?”
    “Is not bombproof. There is a bunker deep beneath the ground in the basement. Is like bomb shelter…what is word…group. We share portions of it with other owners. The Novikovs’ portion is very big, enough to house and supply thirty people for five years.”
    Staring at him, she slowly shook her head. “I meant did you move any breakable stuff, anything that she might pull down and destroy. Your girl is very inquisitive, but a little clumsy. She’s managed to break three, count them, three televisions so far. And a washing machine. And destroyed a blender. Not to mention pouring a bottle of vegetable oil on the neighbor’s dog we were watching while he was on vacation. Ever try and wash canola oil out of a Golden Retriever’s long coat? Good times. So, that’s great to hear we have some crazy hideout in the basement, but if I were you, I’d be more concerned about anything that she can reach.”
    Leaning forward, he nuzzled his nose against hers. “Only you can instantly lift me from the darkness. I cannot be around you and be unhappy. Is physically impossible. I forgot how good it feels to simply be in your presence. I love you, Jessica Novikov, never doubt that for a moment.”
    Whatever response she might have had, other than bursting into tears at the pain still haunting his voice, was quickly lost on a small gasp.  The intimidating sight of armed men and women guarding the entrance to the enormous glass building, each scanning the area with a professional detachment, took her mind off their emotional issues and back to the present with a snap. To think, when she’d been with Alex previously, this life had been one step away from becoming her reality, blocked only by his will. She realized now just how much he’d done to protect her from this harsh truth.
    But it wasn’t just the guards who had silenced her; it was the sight of an older Dimitri standing near the curb next to a small, very attractive and curvy woman with lots of long dark hair. The woman wore a soft-green trench coat that fluttered around her black boots in the brisk wind, and Dimitri’s green tie complemented her outfit. Together they were a striking couple, and she couldn’t help but feel an enormous burst of happiness and pride for her brother-in-law. From what Alex had told her, Dimitri loved Rya to distraction and the feeling was entirely mutual.
    At the sight of her old friend, her lower lip began to quiver