0 comments/ 32981 views/ 15 favorites Petrov By: OneBlueTattoo It was so unbelievably cold. Bowing her head, Alex pulled her leather jacket tighter around her petite frame as she stumbled across campus. Thoughts of just collapsing under the weight of a ridiculously heavy book bag and the frigid air seemed tempting. 'Go on without me,' she called silently to imaginary hiking mates as she pictured her trembling frame being slowly buried in the snow. The short distance between the parking lot and the library might just as well have been Mt. Everest. Too damn cold. In effort to avoid the miserable weather, Alex had stuffed all of her books into her bag. Perhaps if the weather had been nicer she would have left half in her car, to be retrieved between classes. But the wind chill had dropped into the single digits, and there was no way in this frozen-over hell that she would make the journey back across campus any more times than she had to. Finally, mercifully, she pushed her way through the heavy glass doors and was embraced by the warm air inside. Shivering her way to the coffee counter, she dropped her bag to the floor and rubbed her gloved hands together. "Beautiful weather we're having," an older man to her left smiled. She rolled her eyes at him, wishing that someone would eventually start a new catch phrase to describe the notorious nasty weather January brought to this tiny speck on the map. "Yeah," she answered, offering the obligatory smile and nodded. "Latte, plain," Alex told the student behind the counter. While Alex waited, she turned and glanced around at the others who huddled in the library entrance, some hesitating before braving the cold, others sipping coffee and chatting quietly. She paid for the liquid heat and hauled her bag back over her small shoulders. The best nook in the library was upstairs in the little-visited section in the back. Here the various history texts regarding ancient civilizations formed a great barrier offering Alex quite a bit of privacy from the rest of the library. She often wondered if any other student knew of this secluded gem. She never saw anyone back past the stacks. Perhaps not many students were interested in ancient civilizations. Today's agenda centered on reading for her position paper for an ethics class. Alex chose the death penalty as a timely issue for presentation. Arguing against capital punishment would be a real challenge as it appeared that the majority of her classmates tended to be of redneck descent. Still, Alex felt up to it and after reluctantly peeling off her coat—it was chilly "back in the stacks"—she settled down into a comfy overstuffed chair and opened a new book. After about an hour of reading and taking notes, she became aware of another presence. Looking up Alex noticed a tall man actually browsing the texts in the ancient section. His long fingers skimmed lightly over the call numbers on the books as he searched. He was attractive, maybe about forty years of age. His short wavy hair curled softly at the nape of his neck. He frowned, looking down at a slip of paper in his hand, then back at the shelf as if the book he sought was missing. He licked his lips in thought and Alex smiled to herself, enjoying a fleeting errant thought of what his tongue might feel like licking over her lips. She shook her head and glanced back down at her hand, still posed to add more notes to her paper. "Excuse me," a voice interrupted her study, "you wouldn't by chance have any idea where I might locate a text that should be on one of these shelves?" Alex looked up—and up. The man towered over her chair. His face was very handsome, more so than his profile had hinted at. Ice-blue eyes pierced Alex's deep-blue ones. Thick lips sat under a long nose with wide nostrils. Well, perhaps it was only the angle from which Alex sat, but they looked wide. She pictured them flaring in a moment of fury. It was a strange thought, sure, but his whole face was uniquely captivating. There was a sense of great passion underneath his smoothly-shaven face. "I'm sorry," she finally answered. "If it's not on the shelf, perhaps another student has it out on loan." "These—," he gestured to the shelves behind him, "are not to be removed from the library." He looked quite serious and Alex could not help but raise her eyebrows at him. This was not her problem. "Check with the front desk, perhaps someone has moved it," she told him. Good-looking and arrogant. Well, there's a surprise, she thought to herself. "Maybe you have it," he said, ignoring her suggestion and peering down at the several books she had spread around her. He didn't accuse her; he just seemed to be oblivious to what she was saying. Alex blinked and turned her palms up towards him. "I'm not even using books from that shelf," she said quietly but evenly. "These are from another section. I'm sitting here to avoid being disturbed." The chill in her voice seemed to get his attention. The man turned his attention from Alex's books and looked her once again in the eyes. She saw a flicker of amusement flash in his eyes. "And I've disturbed you?" "Not exactly," Alex politely attempted to keep the annoyance she felt under wraps. "But I do not have your book, nor do I know where it is. Once again, let me suggest that you check with the front desk." She met his gaze, her pointed chin lifted. A small smile that went no further than his mouth stretched his lips. "My apologies for disturbing your study," he said. "I admire a student who places her schoolwork before idle chit-chat." Alex shifted uneasily. There was a coldness to his demeanor, and suddenly the chill of the room ran down her spine causing her to shiver slightly. She wished she were standing. Perhaps his large frame wouldn't seem so imposing. The man held his hand out. "Dr. Ivan Petrov," he said, introducing himself. Alex automatically put her hand up and into in his. His smooth fingers wrapped around hers firmly. "Alex Caine," she answered. Dr. Petrov held her hand longer than customary. Petrov? Was this a new professor? she thought to herself. Petrov... Petrov... It rang a bell, yet she could not quite place why it sounded familiar. "Well, Ms. Caine," Petrov said releasing her hand. "I will let you get back to your reading." "Okay," she replied nodding absently. Her mind was still trying to place where she had heard the name before. "Good luck in finding your book." Dr. Petrov gave her another non-smile as he walked back towards the shelf to give one last look to the books stuffed between the shelves. Alex watched him for a moment before he finally turned and left the lonely corner of the library. Petrov... Petrov... Alex dug into her book bag and pulled out the syllabus for her Eastern Europe history course. She flipped through the pages before she found what her subconscious had remembered. January 27, Guest Speaker: Dr. Ivan Petrov, Author. Alex curled her toes inside her shoes. She felt that same strong cold run over her skin once again. Damn this winter weather. ***** Alex could not get Dr. Ivan Petrov out of her mind. It was silly. There was no reason that he should invade her thoughts, but when her mind wandered—as it often did these days—he would invariably turn up, towering over her once again, his steely gaze looking intensely at her, making her squirm in her mind's eye. Men like that made Alex uneasy. They were to be avoided. She had learned that lesson well. Yet, there he was, even in the night as the wind whipped outside her bedroom window, leaning over her body, his long fingers tracing over her naked flesh as she tossed fitfully in dream-filled sleep. His hands cupped her small breasts as fingertips pinched her dark nipples until they hardened. Alex jerked awake to find an aching between her legs which only frustrated her more. She pressed her thighs together and rolled onto her belly, pulling her pillow over her head and moaning. The Monday morning Dr. Petrov would be speaking in her class Alex took care in what she chose to wear to school. She hated that she felt to pick something special, but she found herself choosing a figure-flattering outfit, one that would smartly show her petite frame, but would not make her look cheap. She looked in the mirror. Attractive and professional. Good. Trudging across campus was the usual painstaking process. The wind had only picked up as the morning went along. Alex put a gloved hand over her right ear to block the cold. She looked forward to the overcrowded classroom and her seat by the register. She hurried along, increasing her pace until she had passed through the doors of Gates Hall. Once inside the classroom, she removed her coat and sat at her desk in the back, flipping idly through her notes. She couldn't concentrate, however, as the anticipation of seeing Dr. Petrov again made her stomach flip. She didn't understand her reaction to the thought of this man. It was unnerving. He appeared at the door with Dr. Allen, talking to several students as they filed in and took their seats. Alex quickly turned her attention back to her notes and pretended to review what she had written. She ignored the chatter of her classmates. Carefully she looked up through her dark lashes. Petrov was looking in her direction, a tiny smirk lifting his upper lip. She shifted her eyes back to her notes. "Okay, everyone settle down," Dr. Allen announced over the din. "Today we have Dr. Ivan Petrov here to discuss the Bolshevik Revolution and Lenin's ascent to power. Dr. Petrov is the author of several books on 20th century Russia and the Communist experiment. I encourage you to take notes and participate, as I will require a brief five –page response paper on what we discuss here today. The paper will be due on Friday." Dr. Allen motioned to the podium. "Dr. Petrov, if you'd like to begin." "Thank you," Dr. Petrov answered and adjusted his papers as he surveyed the students before him. Alex looked up in time to once again meet his icy gaze. She licked her lips unconsciously and held her breath. Dr. Petrov smiled politely and began his lecture. He spoke well, and Alex found herself taking many notes as she listened to his lecture. Unlike some speakers who stayed glued to the podium, Petrov walked the length of the front of the room as he addressed the class. Several in her class participated asking questions, however the majority sat bored, marking their time. They were only there for the three credits the course offered. "Ms. Caine," his smooth voice caused her to jerk her head up. He paused in his pacing; he was facing away from her as he spoke. "Ms. Caine, how would you define the Bolshevik Revolution?" He turned towards her. The eyes of the class followed, and Alex felt very uncomfortable. Alex looked down at the top of her desk. She had been put on the spot—for whatever twisted reason this man had—and if she didn't rise to this challenge, she would kick herself for the rest of the week. "I would define it as a non-Revolution," she said quietly. Petrov cocked his head to the side. "And your argument is?" "The government had collapsed. Lenin and his party stepped in to form a new form of government. I would not consider that to be revolutionary." Alex shifted in her chair and prayed that the floor would open up and swallow her. Instead, something better happened. A young annoying girl named Erica, who never shut up and always felt the need to comment, interrupted. "Wasn't it more of a coup? I mean, not so much an overthrow of government, but..." and she prattled on. Alex twirled her pencil between her fingers and felt the relief of the moment wash over her. By now Dr. Allen had interjected some of his thoughts and the focus left Alex. Petrov, however, kept his eyes on Alex until a question forced him to pay attention to another student. The class ended shortly thereafter and Alex shoved her books back into her bag, still refusing to look in Petrov's direction. She slipped her coat over her shoulders and made her way to the door. "Ms. Caine," Dr. Allen called after her. She stopped and turned. "Do you have a moment?" "Sure," she answered as other students escaped into the hall. She avoided looking at Petrov. "I'm hosting a small dinner tonight since Dr. Petrov is visiting and I thought perhaps you might like to attend if you don't have any plans for the evening. Dinner will be served at 8:00, but people should be arriving at around 7:30. Will you be able to come?" Alex had been lucky enough to be invited to several of Dr. Allen's dinners. Usually several other professors and students were invited, and it was always a pleasant evening. She looked to Petrov. "I'd love to hear the rest of your argument on the Bolshevik non-Revolution," he said seemingly fighting a small smile. Alex turned to Dr. Allen. "I'll see you this evening. Thank you." And she fled. ***** 7:30 arrived so quickly. Alex had barely enough time to return home and shower. She also wanted to change into something a bit more appropriate—casual, yet fitting for the evening. She brushed her auburn hair back behind her ears and looked into the mirror. She wondered if Petrov found her attractive. The usual group was at Dr. Allen's home that evening. A sociology professor, Dr. Baden and her husband, two other history professors, Dr. Green and Prof. Stuart, plus four other students, two of which were in her history class earlier that day. Drinks were served as she walked through the door, and by 8:15, everyone had sat down at the dinner table. Alex found herself seated across from Petrov. She hadn't spoken to him since her arrival as he was busy visiting with the other history professors. However, she had felt his eyes on her throughout the evening. Conversation was light, and thankfully Petrov never followed through on his threat to make her explain her theory of non-Revolution. After a fine meal, everyone moved back into Dr. Allen's living room. He had a wonderful fire blazing in the fireplace and Alex took a spot on the floor in front, sitting comfortably with her legs folded under. Petrov sat down in the chair closest to the fire and swirled his drink in his glass. "You look very nice this evening, Ms. Caine," he said running his eyes casually over her. "Thank you." Alex looked down into her glass of wine. "You don't strike me as a shy women, regardless of your reluctance to speak in class today. Do I make you uncomfortable?" Alex worried her lower lip between her teeth, thinking. Yes, he made her very uncomfortable. He was attractive, intelligent, but those weren't reasons for concern. It was how he looked at her. It made her feel… naked. But she couldn't very well say that to him. "I think—" she began, then paused. "I believe that you are used to people deferring to you, maybe even snapping to attention for you, and yes, that makes me uncomfortable. I don't like to be expected to perform on command." Alex met his stare evenly with one of her own. The wine made her a little more bold. He laughed and Alex was struck by how very handsome he was. When his smile—or laugh—was genuine, his mouth stretched wide and his face became beautiful. The sharp angles of his broad face were softened. "I think I like you, Ms. Caine. I hope that you will sign up for my class this upcoming fall." "This fall?" "Yes. I have been offered a position to teach at the university. My visit here was not just as guest speaker. I also wanted to learn more about the university and determine if I wanted to fill an opening as a visiting professor." Petrov sipped his drink. "I think I'll enjoy it here, so I've accepted." "That's wonderful," Alex answered. "Great." Petrov leaned forward. "Perhaps you would like to apply to be my assistant. Dr. Allen recommended you." "Oh... well, maybe, if it fits into my schedule," Alex nodded, taking a gulp of wine. "Anyhow, I should be going. Still have some studying to do before tomorrow. I'm sure I'll see you on campus then." She stood to leave. "I look forward to it." Again, that smirk on his face made Alex annoyed yet uneasy. "Good-night, Dr. Petrov." "Good-night Ms. Caine." ***** It was Friday, and although Alex hadn't seen Petrov on campus since that evening at Dr. Allen's, he had been in her thoughts again. She finally admitted to herself that it was simply a matter of attraction. She was attracted to him and that is what made her uncomfortable. There was nothing dark or twisted about this man, it was simply her own desire that bothered her. It made sense. After her last relationship… So Friday evening found her leaving campus late as she had stayed to work on her position paper. It was due the following week and she had wanted to double-check her sources before handing it in. As she sat in her car turning the key, she listened to the engine whine pathetically in the frigid night air. It rolled, it sputtered, it died. Alex laid her head on the steering wheel and moaned. Motherf— A knock at her window startled her. Someone was tapping on the glass. She peered out and up. Petrov. She opened her door for him. "It seems you are stuck," he said. "Battery?" "Maybe. She's not a fan of the cold these days." "Come on," he said. "I'll drive you home." Alex reluctantly climbed from her car and slid into Petrov's warm one. She put her hands in front of the heater vent and shivered. "You don't like the cold, do you?" he asked. "I never minded it to this year," she answered truthfully. "But this year, it seems to ram into my bones." He looked at her through the darkness that separated them. "I would say it has less to do with the weather and more to do with the fact that you are here on a Friday night." Alex was shocked. Petrov had intruded just a bit too far. "My personal life—" "—or lack of it—" he interjected. "—has little to do with the cold I'm feeling," she finished frostily. "It's just my opinion." Suddenly Alex was angry. "Why do you seem to enjoy insulting me? Or annoying me? Or trying to intimidate me? What kind of sadistic pleasure do you get out of this? And you know," Alex threw her hands up, "you don't even know me. Why in the hell do you bother?" Petrov reached across the seat and pulled Alex to him. His mouth covered hers, silencing her rant. One fist held the shoulder of her coat tightly, the material balled between his fingers, the other hand had wrapped around the nape of her neck. He held her firmly as she pressed her palms to his chest. His lips were soft as they crushed to hers. Petrov's tongue pressed past them and forced her mouth open. Like his lips, it was soft and thick. It filled her mouth. She whimpered and tried to pull away, but he held her still. Alex suddenly stopped fighting. She felt her body relax and her lips became more pliant. She let his tongue have free reign in her mouth before he drew hers back into his. Her hands ceased trying to push him away. Alex kissed him back. Hungrily. Moments later he broke away, resting his forehead against hers. He held her face between his large hands. Then he kissed her lips, this time tenderly. "Let's go some place warm." "Okay," Alex whispered. ***** Fifteen minutes later they pulled up in front of a beautiful house on the older side of town. Petrov shut off the engine and turned to Alex. "Where are we?" she asked. "My new house. Come inside. I have a fire going." "Are we going to..." her voice trailed off. He turned her chin up to look at him. "Yes." Once inside, Alex walked ahead of him through the foyer and into the front room. A roaring fire raged in the fireplace. Unpacked boxes filled the room and drop cloths covered the furniture. Petrov came up behind her and pulled Alex's coat off of her shoulders. "Sit by the fire and I'll get you something to warm up your insides." He tucked an unruly curl behind her ear and bent to kiss the side of her neck. Alex trembled slightly and she instinctively pressed back against him. His hands slipped around her shoulders and like in her dream, he cupped both breasts, running his fingers over her nipples. She rested her head against his chest and moaned. "Go sit down," he whispered into her ear as he released her. Petrov Ch. 02 Alex rolled over as the alarm sounded an early 6:00 wake-up. She groggily beat the hard plastic until her fingers connected with the off button reducing the morning air to silence. Flopping back down on her back, she groaned. She hated getting up this early. This would be the last semester she picked an 8:00 class. She was just not cut out for rising and shining this early. Reluctantly she sat back up and put her feet on the chilly hardwood floor. Alex winced as her skin touched the icy surface. She thought for the hundredth time how she should purchase a rug. The walk to the bathroom was a daily torture. Shrugging off her down comforter, she braved the crisp air. She shivered, running her hands up and down her arms before lurching out of bed and half-danced like an injured marionette the ten steps to her bathroom. ‘Brrr!’ she thought. ‘Who turned off the sun?’ Thus began a day like a hundred before, and Alex slipped under the warm water of her shower, eyes closed as she leaned against the wall. As the water washed over her skin, she ran her hands over her body and thought of Petrov. It had been barely five days since she had seen him. She looked for him on campus yesterday—well, she didn’t go out of her way—but she had hoped to run into him. The memories of last Friday night played over in her mind like a crystal clear video. Each touch of his fingers, every word he whispered, she remembered every detail as if she was still in the moment. She slipped her hand slowly between her legs, lightly caressing her pussy. He played her body perfectly. They hadn’t said much after their coupling. He had held her for almost an hour afterwards, stroking her hair, sometimes kissing the top of her head or turning her face up to his to plant a soft kiss upon her lips. She hadn’t wanted to break the magic so she remained just as silent, content to lie in his arms. When it was time to go, he drove her home to her apartment and walked her to the door. They still didn’t speak until Alex thanked him for the ride. He just gave her that barely-there smile and squeezed her hand before he turned and left. Their time together, so unexpected, felt so natural. Alex did not give him her phone number, nor did she expect him to show up at her door, but she had hoped that he would seek her out on campus that Monday. Of course, he was just as busy as she. At any rate, Alex had much to do with preparing for her first set of semester exams. After showering and slurping down the morning’s coffee, Alex slipped down the walk to the loaner car from the mechanic’s. Her little beast had finally given out Friday night and she was forced to drive a beat-up Escort until her car had been repaired. Unfortunately, it hadn’t been a dead battery that left her momentarily stranded in the campus lot before Petrov rescued her. She smiled as she drove. Bless that damn car. The first class of the day was quite boring. The professor, a nice man, could lead the class to sleep during fireworks. But the course was required and she dutifully took notes as he droned on. An hour later she was free until early afternoon. During this time Alex usually chose to study in the library, but today she was too restless. She wandered the halls until she found herself in the social sciences wing. She passed several closed doors until she reached the end of the hall. The last was open and boxes were stacked on the floor. Some appeared to be full of books. Alex walked inside and stood looking at the empty bookshelves. “Good morning, Ms. Caine.” Alex smiled and turned. Dr. Petrov leaned against the doorway. Dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, his frame filled the entry. His cool blue eyes looked directly through her and Alex suddenly was aware that she was probably intruding. “I just…” she waved her hand, gesturing around the office. “Yes?” “I just wandered in,” she said simply. “I doubt you ‘just do’ anything, Ms. Caine,” he replied walking past her and sitting down in the empty chair behind the large oak desk. “But it’s a pleasant surprise to see you.” Alex relaxed. “I really had no idea this was your new office. I didn’t think you would be moving in until the fall semester, or at least until right before it starts.” “Well, I have the time to bring some things in,” he told her. “I’m traveling this summer and thought it best to put away some books and other items now while I had the opportunity.” “That makes sense,” she said nodding. It was a bit awkward, chatting aimlessly about setting up his office, although it didn’t seem appropriate to discuss the details of their past encounter. “Are you on your way to class?” he asked. “Not right now. I’m free until 1:00. I should head to the library to study though,” she told him. Petrov nodded. “I’m glad you stopped by.” Alex smiled again, but she was somewhat disappointed. Oh well, some things are just what they are and nothing more. “It was nice seeing you,” she said as she backed out of his office. “Goodbye, Ms. Caine.” His lips twitched in a small smile. “’Bye.” Fuck. Alex felt very insignificant as she turned and made her way back down the empty hall. What did she expect? That he’d throw her back against the wall and fuck her right there in his office? Maybe she didn’t expect it, but she certainly wouldn’t have refused either. She shook her head from side to side to chase the image out of her brain. ***** Coffee in hand, Alex passed the ancient civilization texts and set her book bag down on the floor by her favorite chair. She slumped down among the cushions and pouted over her cup. Not seeing Petrov was frustrating; seeing him and being disappointed in his casual attitude towards her was painful. ‘So what?’ she said to herself. ‘We fucked, we had a good time, and that’s that’. Sighing, she slouched off her coat and picked up a book. ‘What’s important’, she reminded herself, ‘is this. This is your ticket out of here’. Alex had a scholarship provided by the university. Her tuition and books were completely paid for. She lived off of savings and a summer job that allowed her to take a class at night during the warmer months. With her grades and support from her professors, she’d have a decent pick of grad schools in a year. Her education came before everything else. She flipped uncaring through the pages of her text. The words meant nothing today. She blew a long breath through her mouth and looked out the window to the side. It was snowing again. Lately it seemed it would never stop. Everything kept getting buried, everything looked so clean and flawless under a layer of white. Imperfections on the ground were decorated with a blanket of glistening frosty diamonds. One could pretend that there wasn’t a thick sludge of mud under the perfect wintry scene. Alex covered her eyes and moaned aloud. Sometimes she wished she could shut off her rambling thoughts. Too much. “Certainly, Ms. Caine, it’s not that bad.” Alex dropped her hands and looked up. Petrov stood there holding a cup of coffee and a notepad. He shook his head before he sat in the chair across from her. He sipped, blinked, and raised his eyebrows. “So what’s causing the agony?” he asked. “Agony?” “It’s all over your face. You were watching the snowfall as if you were about to be buried in it.” He frowned, the angles of his face becoming sharper. “What gives?” Alex looked down at her book, at her trembling hand, and finally had the courage to stare Petrov back in the eye. “I’m really very tired,” she said slowly, deliberately, quietly. Petrov nodded and Alex realized that it was possible that he really did understand what she was saying. “I know. I could see it in your eyes Friday.” Friday. Finally, someone had the balls to bring it up. “But I wasn’t tired Friday,” she protested. Then Alex smiled self-consciously. “Well, I mean, you know what I mean.” Petrov’s expression softened. He held his hand out to her. “Come here.” “Now?” Alex asked looking around. “Like you said, no one ever comes to this corner of the floor.” Petrov leaned back in his chair. “Come sit with me.” Alex stood and walked the short few steps and paused in front of Petrov. He reached up and pulled her down onto his lap. She sat straddling him, her legs hanging over his thighs, her feet swinging inches above the floor. She felt a bit silly, and to cover the growing awkwardness she told him, “but you came back here.” “Does the idea of getting caught disturb you?” “I’m sitting on a professor’s lap,” Alex stated. “Yes, you are. And probably against your better judgment.” Alex saw a flash of amusement in Petrov’s eyes. “Well,” she hesitated, “yes.” “But still you are sitting on my lap.” “Do you enjoy this?” she asked him. “Do you enjoy making me nervous?” “Why yes, Alex, I do.” Petrov smiled slowly, the amusement obvious in his expression as he began to stroke the side of her face. “And I think you like it too.” Alex shifted as she considered pushing him away and climbing from Petrov’s lap. His arrogance was overwhelming at times. She could smell the danger crackling faintly in the air. It was a warning and as much as her senses encouraged her to flee this man, she sat for the moment, strangely captivated by his words—his energy. Petrov continued to push the auburn curls away from her face and tucked a lock behind her ear. His fingertips tickled down her cheek before he caught her delicate chin between his thumb and forefinger. Turning her face gently to the side, Petrov sat up and kissed the soft skin of her neck under her left ear, his mouth just grazing her flesh. Alex shivered slightly and her lips parted. She caught her breath, anticipating his next touch. His hands glided over her shoulders and then lower, cupping her breasts through her sweater. Palming each, his thumbs moved higher to rub surely over her hardening nipples. Alex licked her lips as she closed her eyes. What was it about this man? Yes, he knew he could draw the desired response from her body, yet, didn’t she give into him willingly? Was her weak protest simply an excuse to let her body surrender to do Petrov’s bidding? The thought was disturbing, and enough to jar Alex out of the intoxicating moment. She gripped Petrov’s wrists with her hands. “No.” “No Alex?” “I’ve got to go.” Alex shrugged off Petrov’s touch and stumbled from his lap. He watched her as she twisted and grabbed her bag, shoving the books hastily inside. She didn’t meet his eyes, but instead snatched her coat from her chair. Fight or flight! she thought aimlessly as she whirled. Without looking at Petrov once, Alex hurried past the ancient civilization stacks and left the floor. Once outside, she gulped the frigid air. It was then Alex realized she had no real place to go. Her next class wasn’t for several more hours, and she didn’t want to return home to an empty apartment. Alex stood in the middle of campus, and for the first time she felt oh-so-very lost. She looked over her shoulder towards the library. It was silent. ***** The rest of the week was a blur. Alex managed to find enough self-discipline to prepare for her exams and work on her paper. She avoided the hall where Petrov’s office was located. She studied either at home or in an empty classroom she found on the third floor of one campus building. It was exceptionally cold. Wrapping her fingers around her coffee, Alex sipped the rich warmth and tried to focus on her latest assignment. Any thoughts of Petrov were pushed down and left to only be examined after she fell asleep at night. Sometimes she dreamt that he was making love to her on the floor in front of his fireplace; other times he held her against the wall in a dark campus hallway, her body lifted and helpless as he pounded into her willing depths. Alex often woke tired. Friday evening she hurried to the garage to pick up her car before driving the slippery roads home. The evening would be a quiet one and Alex refused to let the opportunity pass. Around 10:00 a knock came at her door. Alex looked up from a book and frowned. Who in the hell would be bothering her at this time of night? For a moment she paused to smile ruefully. ‘This time of night’, on a Friday night. ‘Sheesh, Alex’, she shook her head at herself. It wasn’t late. She felt old. The knock came again and Alex started. Finally she tiptoed across the living room and peeked through the peephole in the door. A short, thirty-ish man stood looking bored. “Yes?” Alex called through the door. “Yeah, I’m here to pick you up?” Alex paused. “What?” “Alex Caine, right? A Dr. Petrov said that I was to pick you up at 10:00.” Alex stood puzzled. What in the hell was this man talking about? “Who are you?” “I’m the freakin’ taxi driver, lady. Are you coming or what?” The man sounded annoyed. “Um,” Alex leaned her head against the rough surface of the door. “Yeah, I’ll be just a minute. I’ll meet you downstairs.” What was going on? Petrov sent a cab for her? Alex walked over to the window and looked out. Sure enough, a cab was parked down on the street. Alex paced back and forth for a moment trying to desperately collect her thoughts. He sent a cab? He just assumed that she would be here? He just assumed that she would come to him when called? Alex ran her hands through her hair angrily. She should just tell the cabbie that he was mistaken, that she wasn’t going. But curiosity got the better of her. Alex was definitely going. After quickly brushing her teeth and running her hands once more through her hair, Alex met the cabbie downstairs. The ride was quick and before she knew it, she was standing in front of Petrov’s house. She stood shivering in the night air as she contemplated exactly why she had made the choice to come to this man. After her last little episode with him, it was apparent that he might not have her best interest at heart. In fact, he might be quite unhealthy for her. She hated how her mind wandered to him if she didn’t constantly force herself to concentrate on other subjects. Damn. Alex shifted from foot to foot, stamping once or twice more out of frustration than cold. Well, two choices. Walk home or walk up to the front door. She looked up to the clear night sky for divine inspiration. When it didn’t come, Alex crossed the distance to Petrov’s door. She tapped lightly. A minute later she heard the lock click and the door opened. Petrov stood over her, a chilly smile twisting the corners of his mouth. “Good evening, Ms. Caine,” he said casually. “Why?” she asked, unmoving. “Why did I invite you, or why did you come? Come inside and maybe we can find the answer.” He moved to the side to let her pass. Alex hesitated one last time before stepping inside the warm home. She was grateful to be in out of the cold. “Let me take your coat.” His fingers slid to the front of her wrap as he unbuttoned it slowly. She stood still, not yet meeting his eyes until he pushed the clothing down her shoulders. She shrugged the article off. “Why?” she said again, quietly looking up at him. “Simply because I enjoy your company, and you enjoy mine. Not everything has a deeper meaning, Alex.” “Oh.” She didn’t disagree. She didn’t know what to say. Petrov took her hand in his and led her into the living room that they had christened with their passion only a week before. He motioned to a chair by the fireplace and asked if she would like a glass of wine. Alex nodded silently, looking away and into the fire until he disappeared. Petrov had been busy. The living room had been set up quite nicely; all the furniture had been uncovered and arranged. Taking advantage of his absence, Alex looked around. It was minimally decorated with several chairs and a couch. Two tables sat beside one another across the room. The bookshelves were packed, and Alex stood up and began to browse. She ran her fingers over the dusty volumes and wondered again what it was about this man that made her want to be with him. Turning, she surveyed the room once more. She noticed that there were no pictures, no framed snapshots anywhere that she could see. Nothing personal—save for his books—was on display. Petrov reappeared with two glasses of Merlot. She smiled a small thanks and walked back to the fireplace. Keeping her back to him, she stared at the dancing flames. She was comfortable here, even though Petrov made her so uneasy. She could not reconcile the two emotions. Petrov took a seat to her left and watched her. She could feel his eyes on her, stroking her cheek, touching her lips as she sipped at her wine. She wondered what it was that he saw. Was she a curiosity to him as well? Alex sighed and looked at Petrov. “Come sit with me,” he said, extending his hand. Alex remembered the scene in the library. This time she sat sideways on his lap, once again gazing into the fireplace. Petrov pulled her close and cuddled Alex into his body. They sat for some time not saying anything before he took her wine glass and set it on the floor at his side. “Did your week get any better?” he asked softly. “It’s getting there,” Alex whispered as Petrov’s lips pressed gently into hers. He kissed her slowly, at first just with his lips, each kiss lingering against hers as if he was savoring the taste of the wine on her mouth. His tongue followed, pressing into her mouth in the same leisurely fashion, sliding in and out, making love to her with his kiss. Alex felt the entire world melt slowly down the walls as she became only aware of Petrov and the amazing way he made her feel. She put her hand on his cheek, her fingertips running over his clean features. When he pulled back, she could see the fire starting to glow in his eyes. He moved slightly under her, and Alex could feel his erection against her bottom. It made her body hungry for him. She could smell the lust coming off his skin and wondered if she put off the same powerful scent. She wondered if he wanted her as badly as she wanted him, or if he just wanted. “Let’s go upstairs,” he said playing with the neckline of Alex’s sweater. “Ok.” He led her back to the foyer and she held his hand as they climbed the dark stairs into a dark hall. The door at the end was open, and Alex could see yet another fireplace lit in the bedroom. She smiled. She so loved these old houses. They were made to enjoy living in them. The bedroom was like the living room in that it was sparsely furnished. A straight-backed wooden chair sat next to a simple table near the fireplace. A large dresser took up half the space along a wall. The bed itself was huge. It was a four-poster bed, but bigger than any king she had ever seen. “Your bed is huge,” she commented. “Custom-made,” he answered. Alex stood silently, unsure of what she was expected to do at that point. Petrov moved behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, sliding them down her arms and back up again. “Warm enough?” he whispered into her ear. She shuddered slightly as his breath tickled her flesh. “Mmmhmm.” “Good.” She felt his hands at her hips as he pulled her sweater upwards. Alex lifted her arms and he removed her sweater, dropping it to the floor. Next his hands slid around her waist before he undid the button of her jeans. The zipper was slowly pulled down and he opened her pants. He paused and grazed his fingertips over the fabric of her panties. Alex sucked in a breath and leaned back against his body. This was wonderful torture. The jeans were pulled to her ankles and as she stepped out of them, removed her socks in the process. Petrov caught her hips between his hands and spun her around to face him. He knelt then, nuzzling the clothed mound between her legs with his nose. She heard him breathe deep and knew he was smelling her. Her nipples hardened inside her bra. She closed her eyes as he began to lick her crotch through her underwear. Her hands found his and she wrapped her fingers around them, swaying slightly as he continued to bath her with his tongue. Alex felt her legs tremble. She couldn’t stand for much longer. Petrov Ch. 03 Alex ran her fingers along the smooth wooden railing as she tiptoed down the stairs leading to Petrov's foyer. It was so early, too early in fact. She had awoken to the sound of a snowplow noisily driving by on the street below. The fire had died down to coals and cast a warm glow over the bed she shared with Petrov. Her hand rested lightly on his chest, gentle fingers bent as Petrov's heart beat solidly and peacefully while he slept. She watched him for almost an hour, her eyes tracing the softened lines of his face. He made no noise in his sleep; just the low sound of his breath could be heard in the shadowy room. At one point Alex saw his eyes flutter beneath his lids, and she wondered of what he was dreaming. Was it of her? Was his mind replaying earlier events of their passion in a foggy vision of his unconscious mind? But Alex had no more opportunity for answers now than when he was awake staring at her through carefully guarded eyes. Gently moving his arm so she could slip away, she reluctantly pulled herself from his tender grasp. Petrov frowned and Alex hesitated, but the moment passed quickly and his face resumed the same passive quality as it had been a few seconds before. She looked at the clock. Five a.m. Though she desperately wanted to stay, the fear of how he would behave when he woke was enough to convince her to leave. Having sex with someone was one thing; waking in their arms was another. Alex was afraid that he'd regret keeping her in his bed. It would be best if she were to go. So Alex stood quietly by the door, watching through the window for the cab that would return her to her cold apartment. When it pulled up along the curb in front, Alex smoothly slid outside, closing the door softly behind her. She wasn't sure, but she had thought that she heard one of the stairs creak behind her as she left. She dared not to look back. ***** Alex spent the rest of the weekend doing mundane chores and running silly errands. She tried to keep busy; she tried not to think of Petrov. She hadn't heard from him, of course, nor did she expect to. This seemed to be their habit, she supposed. They would fuck and part; she would avoid him and he would refuse to seek her out. Eventually one would reach for the other and the process would repeat. This appeared to be the way it was going to be. Spring break was coming, and Alex looked forward for the week's break from school. She sat restless in her classes, struggling to pay attention to each subject, to participate dutifully, and to fulfill the requirements of each course. Yet her mind wandered constantly, thinking of Petrov. Did he think about her as well? She sadly considered that she was most likely a diversion, someone who had obviously provided him with what he needed at no cost. The Friday before the upcoming vacation, Alex sat in her history class idly doodling spirals on her notebook. Class wouldn't start for another fifteen minutes. She listened to the endless chatter of the other students, not really paying much attention until she overheard Petrov's name. A group of girls gathered around the front desk. They were young, nineteen perhaps, and typical of the area. Their hair was long and straight, brushed back and shiny, their perfect petite shapes obvious in too-tight sweaters and low-cut jeans. They looked like a goddamned GAP commercial. The tallest one had mentioned Petrov's name and Alex paused in her drawing to listen. "So who is he?" a girl named Erica asked. "You remember him," the tall girl told her. "He was the guy who gave the lecture a few weeks ago on Russia or something." "Oh 'him'!" Erica nodded. "Yeah, he was kind of good-looking, in a mean I'm-too-good-for-you sort of way. He had really light eyes, almost silvery. I kept looking at them." "So what about him?" another girl interjected. "He's teaching here this coming fall. I guess he's doing some sort of poli sci class." "He isn't a history teacher?" "No, well, I don't think so. I guess he's doing something on Soviet politics. Who knows?" The tall girl shrugged. "What's his story?" The fourth petite princess finally spoke up. "Don't know. He's not married, and I guess he's here alone, no girlfriend. I haven't heard much about him." That's unusual for this campus, Alex thought a bit bitterly. Most everyone knew—or assumed that they knew—everyone else's business. It was the downside of attending a smaller university. "I wonder if he's worth taking. I bet he's hard." "He might be fun to look at though," silly Erica giggled. "Yeah right." The conversation ended then, and Alex was left once again in her quiet but troubled thoughts. The girls really hadn't said much, but it unnerved her that they were talking about Petrov so casually. She shook her head at herself for being bothered about something so trivial. Dr. Allen arrived in time to put everyone in their seats. Before he started class, however, he called to Alex. "Ms. Caine? Dr. Petrov asked me to give you this." Dr. Allen walked to Alex's desk and handed her an envelope. Alex took it with quivering fingers and set it on her desktop. She felt the eyes of the four girls upon her but kept her eyes on her notes. She smiled slightly as class began. ***** The note said to come to Petrov's office at five that day. There was nothing more than a few short words and Petrov's scrawled signature. Alex could gather no clue as to what Petrov wanted. Perhaps he was upset that she left so early last weekend without waking him to say goodbye. Perhaps he just wanted to make sure that she wasn't discussing their past encounters the way the girls had so casually spoke of his personal business. Her stomach ran in circles as Alex fought not to be nervous. The rest of the day passed so painfully that she was tempted to ignore the note and just head home after her last class. But she didn't. The dim hallway to Petrov's office was empty as Alex walked to the last door at the end. The door was slightly open and she could hear low music coming from inside his office. She paused for a brief moment, then tapped lightly on the door. "Come in," she heard his voice call. Alex pushed the door open and stepped inside. Petrov sat behind his desk, his back to her as her typed away on his computer. He glanced over his shoulder. "Close the door and have a seat. I need to finish this." Alex did as she was told, silently closing the door behind her before she sat on a chair placed in front of his desk. She watched as he typed what appeared to be an e-mail, his fingers flying over the keys. She smiled faintly, appreciating the quiet in which they sat. Bending, she rustled through her books to find something to occupy her time as she waited. When she no longer heard him typing, she looked up. "How are you, Ms. Caine?" he asked. He had turned to face her. "I'm well." "I wanted to see you before your break. You left so quickly last weekend. Is there a reason why you couldn't have woke me?" Petrov's steely eyes glowed at her. He didn't exactly appear to be angry, but Alex felt the tension. Her response was to open and close her mouth several times in effort to think of an answer that she could give him. "I didn't want to disturb you," she finally answered. "I see." Petrov sat back in his chair and laced his fingers behind his head. "That is the reason?" "Yes?" Alex once again answered. Dammit. She felt as though she were in class offering a poor response to a difficult question. "Alex," Petrov breathed her name out as if he was annoyed. "Is there some sort of issue that you have that we need to discuss?" Immediately Alex was on the defensive, her chin lifting as she sat rigid in her chair. "I don't have an issue with you." She spoke the words rapidly, barking them out without raising her voice. "I see," he said again. "What exactly is it that you think you see?" she asked waving her left hand to the side. They were back to the verbal parry and thrust that bothered her so. "You're afraid of me." "I'm what?" Her voice rose. "I'm not afraid of you." She was very aware of her words sounding like those of a petulant child. Petrov smiled thinly. "Then why did you leave the other night without telling me?" Alex sighed and sat back in her chair. What could she possibly tell him that would make sense and not make her sound foolish? "I was uncomfortable," she finally offered her response. "I didn't know if I was supposed to stay." It was a feeble explanation, but it was all that she could think to give him that wouldn't seem so utterly ridiculous. Taking a long exaggerated breath through his nose, Petrov shook his head. "I've spoken with several of your professors. They speak highly of you. You're a bright young woman. This is the best reason you could come up with?" "Exactly what would you like for me to say?" she asked, a quick flicker flashing in her eyes as she pressed her temper into check. "The truth, perhaps?" "The truth? I'm not lying to you," she retorted. "No wait, wait. The truth. The truth is that we fuck and go. That's the truth. I don't have a problem with it; you don't seem to have a problem with it. If I leave your bed after we 'fuck', without waking you, I don't see where I'm suddenly being offensive. I'm not the one who seems to have the problem here." Alex found herself on her feet. Petrov glared at her from behind his desk. "Do you 'fuck' all your professors, Alex? Is this the usual relationship that you have with them? If 'it' is no big deal to you, after all." The words were precise and stung. Alex reeled then struck back. "First, you may call me Ms. Caine, Dr. Petrov. Secondly, my relationship with any other professor is my business, not yours. And I will not even dignify your words with a response." She reached for her book bag, preparing to leave. She felt the anger churning inside of her. How dare he? How dare he call her what he just insinuated? How dare he think that she was the type of student who randomly slept with her professors? As she turned to leave, Petrov left his chair and with three steps of his long legs, stood between Alex and the door. "Move," she said firmly. "No." "No?" The man was unbelievable! "No," he said again, this time softly. Alex waited and her mind raced. She could struggle to get around him, but it seemed so ridiculous, so… so… fake. Real people didn't block each other from leaving a room, especially in circumstances like these. Real people said nasty things to one another and abruptly left. In her experience, that was the end of it. This was unusual, and Alex did not know what to do. Ironically, her first thought was that she didn't want to make a scene. Petrov made the first move. He stepped closer and put his hands on Alex's shoulders before sliding them down her arms. His hands held her firmly, almost painfully squeezing. Alex pulled back, and when Petrov did not let go, she twisted. As she spun around, Petrov loosened his grip enough to let her slide until he was able to get a hold of her once more. Alex dropped her book bag in the process and Petrov yanked her back towards him and against his large frame, wrapping his arms around her. Alex shut her eyes tightly, wincing in frustration. The smell of Petrov warped her senses and she drunk him in deep. She felt her head shaking 'no', but she stopped pulling away. Petrov rubbed his face in her hair, inhaling as his fingers flexed on her arms. "Alex…" he whispered. Yet again, Alex's better sense gave way to her raging libido. She let Petrov push her face first against the wall, his hands roaming her body frantically from her shoulders to her hips. She moaned as knowing fingers reached under her arms and around to her breasts where he pinched and twisted her already tightening nipples. She felt the wetness leak out of her body and saturate the crotch of her underwear. The man seemed to touch her at just the right moment. Her palms pressed the wall in front of her as Petrov buried his face in Alex's neck, biting at her flesh, punishing her. "Do you fuck all your other professors, Alex?" he demanded crudely into her ear. "No," she panted as Petrov continued to torturously play with her nipples, rolling them through her shirt. "Just one?" he bit her shoulder through the material. "Yes!" Alex flinched under his teeth. Petrov's hands left her breasts and he roughly undid Alex's jeans before yanking them down to her ankles, pulling her underwear down at the same time. Alex jerked under the assault, but with her pants around her ankles, she could do little but keep her balance. Petrov wrapped his fingers in Alex's hair and turned her to face him. His mouth smothered hers as his tongue thrust brutally into her mouth while his body pressed firmly against her as she struggled. Insistent lips crushed pliant ones and he fucked his tongue deep, in and out, holding her still with a fistful of auburn curls. When he finally released her, it was only to bend and strip her pants over one foot, dragging a shoe off in the process. Before Alex could react, Petrov stabbed two fingers inside of her yearning pussy, burying them. "Oh… god!" Alex cried out weakly as he used her with his hand. She could hear the sounds coming from between her legs, the slick wetness betraying her. She hated her body for its reaction, but she was unwilling to deny her need. With his free hand, Petrov undid the front of his pants and pulled his solid cock from its confines. He stroked it just as furiously, pumping it, jerking at it until it reached its full length. Alex leaned against the wall, drunk on the lewd encounter. Petrov finger-fucked her angrily before spreading her plump lower lips with two fingers while he rubbed relentlessly at her tender clit with his middle finger. His touch sent a burning bolt from the tiny button down through her thighs as she struggled to remain standing upon shaking legs. "Not here," she whimpered. "No? Where then? The library? The hallway?" Petrov's hands suddenly seized the back of her thighs as he bent at his knees. He lifted her, flattening Alex's back against the wall. Petrov wedged himself between her spread thighs. Instinctively Alex clung to his shoulders, her fingers curled into Petrov's shirt as he leaned into her. Again his mouth covered hers and he kissed her hard, stealing her breath as he sucked on her tongue. She felt his cock pressing into her, seeking her warmth, a fleshy diving rod that knew where to find its mark. She turned her head and looked at the unlocked door. What if someone came in? However, her silent worries went unanswered. Petrov thrust against her, the swollen head of his stiff prick aiming for the moist opening hidden between Alex's parting nether lips. He rolled his hips and slid the tip along her slit before forcing himself slowly inside. His breathing was loud in her ear as he nuzzled the delicate skin of her neck. Alex gave one last protest, knowing already that it was far too late to stop. "We shouldn't—" she grunted as Petrov buried his cock completely, his full length wrapped inside her velvet clutch. He ignored her as he ground his pelvis against her crotch, rotating his hips in a sensual dance. His teeth grazed her skin, biting softly as first. Alex wrapped her arms around Petrov's neck. She hugged her body to his as he plunged his cock repeatedly in and out of her yielding body, each time her back slamming into the wall from the force of their fucking. She wrapped her legs around his hips and held on as he took the opportunity to push up the front of her sweater and yank down the cups of her bra. The undergarment served to lift her breasts up, the mounds quivering as he thrust into her. Her brown nipples offered themselves to his mouth, and he bathed them with his tongue before biting her again, this time roughly chewing on the flesh. Alex could feel her pussy contracting around Petrov. Her muscles flexed over the hard maleness of him, rippling along his shaft as he fucked her vigorously. The feeling was exquisite. The hot pressure building inside of Alex made her mind swirl, and she pictured how they must look, Petrov's strong tall frame pinning her petite one to the wall, using her for his own pleasure while she thrashed blissfully under him. We must look hungry, she thought fuzzily, half-dressed and desperate to feed our lust. She bit her lip as Petrov released a nipple from his mouth and slammed into her as hard as he could. He held himself deep, his forehead resting against hers, his blue eyes staring possessively. She wanted to close her eyes, to escape him, but she stared back, captivated. Petrov didn't move, but Alex could feel his cock throbbing inside her. It seemed as though he was waiting, but for what Alex could not guess. Her lower lip trembled as tiny pants escaped her mouth. Before she could react, the phone on Petrov's desk interrupted their coupling. It rang several times before Petrov moved, holding Alex to him as he spun around and sat down into the chair she had earlier occupied. He kept his cock buried inside her body as he reached for the phone. She sat straddling him, her legs bent while he kept one hand locked on her hip. "Yes?" he said calmly as he put the receiver to his ear. A small smile played over his lips. "Not at all," he answered someone, "I was just settling in." Alex attempted to lift herself up. Petrov frowned and wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her tightly. She could make out a man's voice on the other end of the call, yet she could not hear what was being said. Petrov smiled again, this time a bit wickedly. When he spoke again, it was in Russian. It was unsettling, to say the least. Petrov continued to speak in a language that he knew Alex didn't understand, his eyes casually roaming her exposed breasts. He lifted his hips slightly, moving his cock inside her. Uncomfortable and somewhat intimidated, Alex tried again to climb from Petrov's lap. Petrov responded by shaking his head 'no' and balancing the phone between his ear and shoulder, he reached up and caught her by the hair. He held her still. His other hand moved to her right nipple. Impaled on Petrov's cock, Alex squirmed as he rolled the tender bud between his thumb and finger. Several times he chuckled into the phone and she had an uneasy feeling that he was telling the stranger on the other side exactly what he was up to. He met her gaze occasionally, watching her reaction. She could bear no more and closed her eyes. "Do svidaniya," he finally said and replaced the receiver back on the phone. Alex and Petrov stared at one another. She could feel his cock flexing faintly inside her. "Fuck me," he whispered. Alex placed her hands on Petrov's shoulders as she lifted her body slightly, rocking towards him and pressing her hips forward as she slid up. Petrov's cock began to slip from her depths, but before his member slithered free, Alex leaned back and lowered her body onto Petrov's thighs, once again burying him inside her. She repeated the motion, each time tightening her pussy around his length as she rose upwards, the walls of her sex grasping eagerly at the firm cock positioned so perfectly between her thighs. Alex rode Petrov, her fingers squeezing the broad shoulders of the man who infuriated her as much as he aroused her. Tossing her head back, her face lifted, Alex fucked Petrov for all she was worth. Hands wrapped around Alex's hips steadying her body as the rhythm of their lovemaking increased in wild tempo. Petrov watched his young lover: the brilliant blue eyes shimmering through half-closed lids, the parted red lips that were tasted every so often by an excited pink tongue, the flushed cheeks, the angry red curls that bounced in time to Alex's primal dance… All the shades seemed alive against her soft pale skin. He doubted that she knew just how beautiful she was at this moment, her body free of her mind's restrictions. Petrov closed his own eyes and tilted his head back. He would cum soon. Petrov Ch. 04 It had been two months since Alex had seen Petrov. Their last encounter in his office at the end of the spring semester had been a passionate climax in their sporadic affair. Afterwards, Alex had decided to give herself some time to pull her senses together and decide just how she should proceed with this strange relationship. She liked him very much, yes, and the sex—oh the sex—was truly the most satisfying she had ever experienced. However, as she finally began to come to terms with her needs and her willingness to submit to Petrov, it appeared to be too late. Petrov was gone. Two long weeks after she had left Petrov’s office, Alex returned to visit her unpredictable lover. The door was locked but a note on the outside directed visitors to see the department secretary. It was there she learned that Petrov had left for his trip to Russia. He would be gone for the summer. Disappointed and somewhat distressed that Petrov had not contacted her first to say good-bye, Alex returned to the boring routine that was her life. Summer classes began and Alex threw herself into her coursework in a pathetic attempt to avoid all thoughts of Petrov. It rarely worked. Yet for the first time, Alex also allowed herself some time off from school. Instead, she limited her schedule to one easy class and filled the rest of her free time with painting her apartment and working more hours at the used bookstore. It was an easy job and Alex spent most of her days reading or searching for the few requests for hard-to-find first editions. She enjoyed the hours there, but often her daydreams became mini-reels of the wicked acts she had engaged in with Petrov. It was a tortuous obsession. A full month had passed since the rendezvous with her lover when a post card found its way into her mailbox. Alex pulled the bruised message from a pile of bills and looked at the picture: a view of Red Square and the Kremlin. She flipped it over. It read: I have a position to discuss with you when I return. Petrov. There was nothing friendly, nothing warm in the few words Petrov had scrawled upon the back of the card and Alex smiled wryly. A position to discuss indeed. He had thought to send her a card, and Alex tried not to enjoy that thought too deeply. She was glad that he still wanted her as his student assistant, although she worried that their personal involvement might become an issue. She decided that it would be best if she refrained from taking any courses that he might teach even though she knew she would probably enjoy them. April had moved into a rainy May, and June brought an angry sun to the usually cold corner of Alex’s world. In fact, the heat was stifling. Alex dressed as lightly as possible, but the bookstore was old and there wasn’t any air conditioning. The storage room in the back brought some relief, but it was minimal. A bright Friday in June found Alex flipping idly through the pages of a well-worn copy of Atlas Shrugged. She had only read about three hundred of the pages before she put the book to rest. It was too much. Alex missed pleasure reading. Actually, Alex missed pleasure period. She closed her eyes and conjured up a quick image of Petrov. She pictured his sharp features, his flaring nostrils and his wide mouth with soft, thick lips. She imagined his silver-blue eyes staring possessively into hers. Alex leaned back in her chair as her fingers on her right hand involuntarily flexed. The short curls at the nape of Petrov’s neck were soft. What she would do to have his arms around her right at that moment. So engrossed in her thoughts, Alex didn’t notice the man who approached the counter with a dog-eared copy of Let’s Go Italy in his hand. She missed the knowing smile and the twinkle in a pair of dark brown eyes as he watched the petite redhead behind the counter relive a fond memory. ‘She’s thinking of a lover,’ he mused to himself. He stood there quietly watching the slow and somewhat shy smile that turned up the corners of her mouth. “Ahem,” the man cleared his throat. Alex’s eyes flew open and she jumped to her feet. “I’m sorry—I didn’t see you there—may I help you?” she blurted out all at once as her face colored red. The customer grinned at the blushing girl and chuckled. Yes, she had been thinking of something pleasurable—he appreciated the two hard nipples that pressed out from behind the slip of a dress she wore. Upon further inspection, he noticed the bright blue material brought out the girl’s brilliant blue eyes. Alex busied herself by reaching for the gentleman’s book, then pulled her hand back when she realized that he had not placed it upon the counter. She shifted from her right foot to her left, and then back before looking up into his handsome face. “Would you like to purchase the book?” she asked nervously. “Yes,” the stranger laughed, “but only on one condition.” “Yes?” Alex responded, her brows lifting slightly as she waited for his request. The man leaned in. “I will buy this book if you tell me what you were thinking about when I interrupted you just now.” He laid the book on the counter, his hand resting on the cover. Alex looked down at the battered book. Without thinking, she answered, “This copy is from 1999. Its information is most likely outdated. You should purchase the most current travel guide for Italy.” The man laughed again. Was she dense? he thought. No, just preoccupied. How adorable. “This book will do just fine. Now, do we have a deal?” he finished. Alex tilted her head to the side and felt the slight frown slip across her face. Who was this man? Why did she attract the nuts? Why would anyone want to know what she was thinking? Oh dear-sweet-mother-of-Pete, was she making a silly face and that’s where this line of questioning came from? “Um, I really wasn’t thinking about anyone special,” Alex answered too quickly. Did she say anyone, or anything? Damn. I hope I didn’t say anyone, she thought as she grimaced. “Well, whoever this not-anyone-special is, he definitely put a delightful little smile on your lips.” The dark-haired man rested his elbow on the counter and he gave Alex another good-natured grin. Alex shook her head ‘no’, but found herself returning the smile. “No one special, just… different. I mean, I wasn’t thinking about anyone in particular, just different ‘things’,” Alex’s voice trailed off and she gave up. She held her palms up in surrender. “Are you still going to buy the book even though I have nothing exciting to share with you?” “Sweetheart, I’m sure you have many an exciting tale which you could share with a voyeur such as myself, but I won’t press you today. And yes, I’ll take the book.” Alex hurriedly rang in the purchase and placed the old book into a small paper bag. “Are you going to Italy?” she asked him. “Yup. In about a month. Ever been?” “No, not to Italy.” “Anywhere in Europe?” “Spain, London, Ireland,” she told him. “How was Spain?” “Hot.” The man nodded before holding out his hand. “Nick,” he introduced himself. Alex put her hand in his and felt his firm grasp wrap around hers. “Alex,” she said softly. “Nice to meet you, Alex,” Nick said pleasantly as he released her hand. “I suppose I’ll let you get back to your ‘work’ now.” Nick winked at Alex, once again giving her the opportunity to blush. “Thank you,” she answered as Nick made his way to the door, pausing at the exit to turn and wave goodbye before he disappeared out into the sweltering heat. Alex sat back down heavily in her chair. Men. ***** Several days later, as Alex shoved heavy boxes around in the back room, she heard the bell announcing a customer. She walked out to the counter and there stood Nick, iced cappuccino in hand. “The heat is unbearable,” he said as he greeted her. Alex smiled. “It doesn’t seem like it’s going to end any time soon,” she agreed. Nick held out the cool drink. “I thought perhaps you might like something to help cool you down.” “Thank you,” Alex answered, a bit taken back. “How thoughtful.” “We really didn’t get to talk long the other day, and I decided to stop back in,” Nick paused, “maybe even invite you out for dinner?” Alex sipped the frosty liquid and carefully eyed the stranger in front of her. “Maybe,” she responded a moment later. “A maybe is better than a ‘no’,” he laughed, showing a perfect set of white teeth. “I’m a patient man.” “Would you like to have a seat?” Alex motioned to an extra stool. He was pleasant, and Alex was grateful for the diversion. Nick sat and the two began to chat. He explained that he was visiting his brother for a few weeks and then would be returning home to Boston. Alex listened to his chatter, content to watch his broad smile as he told her about the renovation at his brother’s house and the work that he had flown in to help complete. Alex didn’t notice the tall man with the icy gaze who had been standing to the side, browsing along the shelves set into the farthest wall. She didn’t feel the hard stare that pressed into the side of her face as she rested her chin in her palm, smiling and nodding to Nick’s conversation. Nick, however, became aware of the customer standing with book in hand, waiting quietly for a break in the exchange. “You’ve got a customer,” Nick suddenly said, motioning to the silent man to Alex’s right. She turned, surprised. It wasn’t just ‘a customer’. Petrov. Alex froze, her mouth popping open in shock. “Good afternoon, Ms. Caine,” he said evenly. Alex cleared her throat several times before she managed to squeak out a response. “Dr. Petrov,” she stammered. “You’re back.” “Yes, I am.” Petrov laid the book upon the counter and glared into the flustered woman’s face. “When?” Alex felt the sweat beading at the top of her chest. Her mouth was suddenly very dry. “Yesterday evening. I cut my visit short.” Petrov tapped a long finger on the cover. “On second thought, I’m not interested in purchasing this right now.” With that, Petrov abruptly turned and Alex watched helplessly as he left the store. A small, strangled gasp sounded from the back of her throat and she gripped the counter. Nick watched her reaction and the emotions that played across the young woman’s face. “Alex?” he asked gently. “Are you ok?” “I’m fine,” she automatically answered, her face pale and pinched. “Um, I think maybe I should get back to work now.” Alex stared at the empty doorway. Nick sighed. “Was that a friend of yours?” he asked, noticing that the man had left Alex visibly shaken. “No,” she answered quietly. “Just a professor I know.” “I see.” Nick understood. What he didn’t know, he could guess. “Well, listen, Alex, here’s my card. My brother’s number is written on the back of it. I’ll be here for a few more days, if you’d like to have that dinner.” He handed her the card. Alex took it and nodded. “Thanks, I’ll think about it.” “Well, again, it was nice meeting you, Alex.” Nick gave her a soft smile and held out his hand. He knew that she wouldn’t call. “You too,” she said, her hand warmed by his gentle touch. She forced a small, polite smile. Nick released her and turned. This time he didn’t wave when he left the store. Alex dropped his business card into the wastebasket under the counter. ***** Temptation. Was it Mae West who once said she could resist anything but temptation? Cheeky woman, that one. Alex rolled over and threw off the seemingly heavy sheet from her sticky body. It was sweltering at two in the morning. How could it be this hot without the sun? she asked herself miserably. Her sheets stuck to her body like papier-mâché wrapped on a piñata. She wished she could sleep suspended. With the humid air so thick, she probably could. Petrov’s visit earlier at the bookstore left her uneasy. She had seen the expression on his face. Part of her was defiant, and rightfully so. What did it matter that she sat flirting with another man? Why shouldn’t she be allowed to have dinner with whomever she pleased? She wasn’t Petrov’s, by no means. There were no promises made, no commitment. Why should she feel as though she did something wrong? The look that had rolled across Petrov’s face was unfair. She had done nothing wrong. Yet Alex tossed and turned fretfully as she dreaded her next encounter with the moody professor. Then again, what did she know? She might not have the opportunity to even speak to him again. At three a.m. Alex flung her sticky body out of bed. It was no use. The night air had become unbearable. Alex walked heavily to the bathroom and turned on the shower. She peeled off the light t-shirt she had worn to bed and slid her hot skin under the cool spray of water. A moment later she leaned against the shower wall shivering. It was worth it. Shutting off the faucet and wrapping a towel around her body, Alex padded out of the bathroom and over to the open window overlooking the street below. She thought about Petrov. As if on cue, the phone rang. Trembling fingers wrapped around the receiver and Alex put the phone to her ear. “Hello?” she whispered. “Are you awake?” Petrov’s voice was quiet. “Yes. It’s too hot to sleep.” Alex leaned against the windowsill, her heart thumping hard in her chest. “I want to see you,” he told her. “When?” “Now. I will be there in five minutes.” With that, the phone went silent. Alex looked at the receiver as if she expected more of an explanation. A moment later, a prerecorded message sounded, reminding Alex to hang up and dial again. She placed the device back into its cradle. Petrov was coming over! Alex jumped to her feet and spun around, disoriented as she ran her fingers through her wet hair. The towel fell to her feet as she grabbed another t-shirt from an unfolded pile of clean clothes on the floor. She pulled the wrinkled garment over her head and kicked the rest of the clothing underneath her bed. Suddenly, a knock sounded loudly at her door, startling Alex. Five minutes had not passed. Petrov had called her from his cell. Alex stumbled through her apartment before slowly opening the door. Petrov stood there in the hall, his cold eyes staring hard at her small frame. Alex winced and stepped back, allowing Petrov to move inside. The door closed mutely behind him. “What are you doing here?” she asked quietly. He didn’t answer. His gaze moved over the small apartment, taking in the simple décor: the books piled along the wall to the far right, the paint cans and brushes in the middle of the floor, and the several framed Klimpt posters which remained on the wall. Petrov stood unmoving for a moment before turning to Alex. “You’re wet,” he observed. Alex bit back the smart comment that had jumped to the tip of her tongue. Instead, she only nodded. The several steps between them were closed as Petrov placed his hands upon her shoulders and pulled her to his body. Her damp skin prickled into gooseflesh as he tilted her chin up. He said nothing, instead examining her face silently as his hand stroked the vulnerable spot at the bottom of her neck. His eyes scowled at her. Alex could hear the ticking of the clock on the nightstand in her bedroom. Each second marked time noisily as Petrov drew his fingers up to trace the tender skin on her lips. Tick-tick-tick. Now to her jaw, tickling under her chin and rubbing the back of his fingers up the side of her cheek. Tick tick tick. Alex closed her eyes, her body swaying slightly. Tick tick tick. Petrov’s hand opened and his fingers weaved themselves into her damp curls, before he balled them into a loose fist and pulled her head back. His lips brushed lightly over her neck and Alex let out a low breath. Her nipples tightened, swelling underneath the cotton material that guarded them. Petrov’s mouth opened and closed against the smooth skin of her neck, kissing gently. He tilted her head to the side and licked the soft flesh under her ear while she shivered. Petrov released Alex, watching her dizzied reaction as her eyes opened, glazed over with exhaustion and need. She sighed, her small shoulders dipping as she looked helplessly up at the man who was part of the reason for her insomnia. Blue eyes begged him to let her rest. With a swift motion, Petrov picked Alex up in his arms. She didn’t protest—she couldn’t had she wanted to—but she laid her head against his shoulder as he walked the short distance to Alex’s bedroom. He laid her gently onto the bed, his fingers stroking down her body once before he stood and began to remove his clothing. She watched him strip, slowly and methodically, his eyes never leaving hers. Piece by piece, each article dropped to the floor. Once naked, he lay by her side and pulled her into his arms. She snuggled against his chest, certainly confused by his actions, but too tired and too hot to question them. As Petrov stroked her wet hair away from her face, Alex fell asleep. ***** Waking up to someone licking one’s most female of parts is both enjoyable and a tad unsettling. At first Alex stirred uncomfortably, her hips shifting as fingers dug into her hips, stilling her movements. A tongue rolled lazily over her pouting lower lips, pressing inside her occasionally almost as an afterthought before twirling upwards and brushing past a swelling bud at the top of her slit. Alex’s feet kicked and each foot arched as she tensed. Her eyes struggled open to see Petrov’s face buried between her legs, his eyes closed as he feasted upon her body. Automatically, her hands landed on the top of his head and Alex stretched her fingers through his hair. His mouth sucked at her sweetness, pulling gently at her body. Alex licked her own dry lips as her eyes rolled back into her head. A tiny sound of pleasure escaped from her throat. Petrov didn’t stop. Instead, he released her hips, freeing his hands to pull open her pussy. Warm breath caressed her clit, followed by a familiar tongue, swirling around the tiny nub. Sharp currents shot up her body as Alex moaned, the sound slipping from her lips. Pressing the folds of her cunt upwards and back, Petrov fully exposed the slick flesh. The tip of his expert tongue teased the sensitive bump as Alex attempted to thrust her hips upwards. He held her tightly, preventing her movements. Alex felt the heat flush through her pussy as she fought to meet the strokes of Petrov’s tongue. Moving his right hand to hold her flesh open to his oral attack, Petrov slipped his left hand between Alex’s legs. Two fingers pushed easily inside and curled, rubbing the spongy wall at the front of her pussy. The pressure inside built quickly and Alex lifted her hips off the mattress to meet the finger-fuck. Petrov’s lips wrapped around her clit and he sucked at her, the wet sounds from between her legs bouncing off the walls of the room. Alex panted, her fingers curling in Petrov’s hair as she arched her back, her heels digging into the mattress as she humped her lover’s mouth. Her soft cry of ‘yes! yes! please! yes!’ rang out in the early morning as Alex suddenly came, hard and strong, her thighs quivering as her hips jerked. Hot wetness creamed from her body, coating Petrov’s mouth and chin as he lapped at her crotch. His fingers twisted inside, his knuckles rolling along the fevered flesh. As quickly as it swept over her, Alex’s orgasm subsided, leaving her body weak and whimpering before Petrov. She opened her eyes, staring helplessly as he lifted himself and settled on top of her. His thighs held her legs open and he leaned in, touching his mouth to hers. She could smell herself on his lips; she tasted herself on his tongue as he pushed it into her mouth. He took his time, kissing her slowly as his tongue slipped in and out, filling her mouth completely before withdrawing. He stole her breath with each oral thrust. Petrov Alex walked to the fireplace and sat down on the blanket that had been spread out before it. She wondered if he had placed it there anticipating bringing her to his home tonight. A few minutes later he reappeared and handed her a glass of merlot. He lowered himself beside her and stretched out, trapping Alex between the fire and his large frame. Petrov propped his head up on his hand. She sat cross-legged and sipped her wine. Petrov reached up and stroked Alex's face, his fingers trailing down her neck and lower still, over her right breast. Fingertips drew small circles on the underside of the breast, sometimes pressing up and lifting it as if he was judging its fullness. Alex wasn't a large-busted woman, but her breasts fit perfectly into his palms. She sighed. "Do you like having them touched?" he asked softly. "Yes," she whispered shyly. "Take your shirt off." "Pardon?" she was surprised at his directness. "Take your shirt off. And your bra. I want to look at you." Alex hesitated, but then complied. Shaking hands pulled her shirt off over her head. She laid it at her side and looked down at Petrov. His hand grazed over the fabric of her bra. He stroked her nipples through the material. They pushed out through their confinement. "Take your bra off, Alex. I want to look at you," he said again. She obeyed, reaching behind and unhooking the clasp. She dropped the garment on top of her shirt. Alex looked towards a shadowy corner of the room. She felt the heat from the fire on her back and the heat of his gaze on her chest. "You have beautiful breasts, Alex," he said. "Touch them for me." Alex looked at Petrov. Her hands instinctively cupped both, one in each hand. He was watching her face. She ran her fingers over the dark nipples and closed her eyes. This was new, performing for this audience of one. She pinched her own nipples, pulling them downward before releasing them to stroke the full undersides again. "Put your hands behind your head," Petrov instructed her softly. Alex opened her eyes and looked at him. "Lace your fingers together behind your head." Once again, Alex followed his orders, her breasts thrust out as her back automatically arched. "Beautiful," he whispered, his fingers running lightly over her flesh. He traced each nipple before leaning forward and taking the right one between his lips. He sucked gently as his fingers pulled lightly on the left one. Alex moaned and felt a wetness forming between her legs. Petrov's teeth grazed her nipple. She drew in a sharp breath as he pinched the other hard. She did not lower her arms. "Good girl, good girl." Petrov sat up and kissed her mouth, his tongue licking her lips, wetting them. He stood and pulled her to her feet. Spinning her slowly, he turned her towards the fire. His hands encircled her waist and Alex felt him undo her jeans. Hooking his fingers into the waistband, he pulled her pants to the floor, leaving her panties in place. Alex felt so naked with Petrov still wearing his clothing, but she stepped out of her jeans. She turned to face him once more and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He leaned down and they kissed, their tongues dueling slowly in each other's mouths. She pressed the length of her body to his and could feel the hard flesh rising in his pants. He had seduced her and she was not going to deny him. She wanted this. Breaking their embrace, Petrov led her several steps to a covered chair. He pressed her to it, the front of her thighs against the back of the chair as he bent her forward. He knelt behind her and she felt her panties being pulled slowly down as his lips brushed over the flesh of her heart-shaped behind. The remaining article of clothing was pulled off and Petrov spread Alex's legs. The heat of his breath caressed her exposed pussy. She shuddered, anticipating his next move. So softly she could barely feel it, Petrov ran his tongue over Alex's parting pussy lips. He licked upward along the shaved flesh as she gasped softly into the padded chair. He continued his slow assault, each stroke deliberate and calculated. He pressed his tongue into her wet folds and further into her body. His hands held her hips tightly so that Alex was pinned, unable to press back to his skilled mouth. Petrov alternated between tongue-fucking her warm depths and licking a trail up between the soft cheeks of her ass. "Oh god," Alex panted. Her nipples ached as much as her pussy as he continued the methodical torture of her hungry pussy. His hands left her hips and Alex felt him pull her ass open, exposing more intimate parts of her body. She tensed instinctively and she heard his soft 'shhh'. "Relax," he told her. His tongue dipped back into her wetness and this time traveled further up until the tip swirled expertly over her tight anal opening. She sucked in a breath as he continued to tease her there. Alex shivered under his touch. A finger replaced Petrov's tongue and he pressed lightly. "Are you a virgin here?" he asked. Alex paused. She wasn't, but she was hesitant to admit it. She had had a couple bad experiences with anal sex, and was reluctant to encourage him. Still, she was honest. "No. I'm not." Petrov didn't respond, but removed his finger and pressed his mouth to Alex's pussy, licking and pulling the slippery flesh between his lips. Alex pressed back as he buried his face between her legs. He sucked on her, drawing the thick arousal from her body. Alex felt her body grow limp as she succumbed to Petrov's oral talents. He left no speck of flesh untouched, yet avoided her clit as she arched her back and lifted her ass higher to give him full access to her body. He was teasing her. Before she was satisfied, Petrov stood and pulled Alex back to her feet. She looked up at him. He continued to run his hands over her body, causing gooseflesh to rise on her skin. She swayed slightly, intoxicated by his touch as he overloaded her senses. He stopped long enough to pull his own shirt off. Alex ran her fingers over the muscles in his chest. Petrov was not a body-builder, but his muscles were firm across his broad chest. She teased his nipples to attention before licking her tongue over them. Taking a little pebble in her mouth, she worried it tenderly between her teeth. Petrov held her tightly to him as he groaned, his hand at the back of her neck. He ran his hands through her curls, tilting her head back and once again their lips met in a passionate kiss. Alex breathed heavily through her nose grinding her body against him. How she wanted him! It had been so long since a man had excited her like this. It made her nervous that he could so easily do this to her, but she was helpless to it. She wanted nothing more. Her hand ran lower and she stroked the length of him through his pants. She could feel how hard he was. She wanted him inside her. The wetness between her legs was running down her inner thighs. "Fuck me..." she whispered into his mouth. "Fuck me..." Petrov's face was shadowed in the dimly lit room, but Alex could see the corners of his mouth lift briefly. He took her by the hands and placed them on the wall by the fireplace. He leaned her body forward and spread her legs with his foot. She quivered, waiting for him. She heard the rustle of his pants as he undid the button and pulled his cock from the clothing. He didn't remove his pants, but pushed up behind her, bending at the knees slightly to line up with her hot hole. His cock head rubbed between her swollen nether lips, sliding up and down her slit as he wetted the tip. Alex moaned and pushed back. Petrov swatted her ass once. "Be still," he told her. Alex obeyed as she trembled, waiting. Again he ran his hardness up and down her cunt. Alex felt her body tensing and releasing, anxiously waiting the first thrust. Would he go slow? Would he shove himself inside her deep and hard? Would he push in a little, then withdraw it so slowly, making her beg him to put it all the way in? His cock was thick, would he stretch her pussy? Alex's breath was ragged. Petrov took his time wetting his cock. His left hand stayed on her hip, holding her in place. "Tell me you want it," he said low. "Let me hear you ask me for it, Alex." "Please, I want it…" she answered him, her voice small. "What do you want?" "Your cock, inside me... I want you to fuck me." Alex closed her eyes. "How do you want it, Alex? Do you want it slow, or should I fuck you hard? Is that how you want it? Hard, in your little pussy?" His voice tickled against her ear. "Yes," she answered breathlessly. "Fuck me hard... hard." Petrov suddenly thrust his wide cock hard into Alex's steamy depths. She cried out, her body rocking forward before Petrov caught her hips in both hands and yanked her back, impaling her. "Oh god!" she called out as the brutal assault sent a quick wave of pain through her pussy and into her belly. She rose up on tiptoe and leaned heavily against the wall, poising herself for the next thrust. Petrov slowly leaned back, Alex's inner pussy lips pulling out of her body as her lover withdrew. "Again?" he asked. "Yessss..." she hissed. He slammed back into her body, his width stretching her open as the head of his cock rammed her cervix. He continued this rhythm, the slow withdrawal, the hard drive back into her dripping pussy. Alex cried out with each forward shove into her body. It was exquisite. Petrov picked up speed and the thrusts became faster, just as hard, but more rough. He dug his fingers into her hips as he forced his pole as hard into her as she could stand. She felt the heat of his cock searing her insides and sending a chill over her skin as she panted. "Touch yourself," Petrov commanded her. "Finger your clit. I want to feel you cum while I'm inside you." Alex was happy to comply, and steadied herself with one hand as the other slipped between her legs. Her little clit was rock-hard and pulsing under her fingers. She rubbed it fiercely, matching Petrov's rough fucking. It wasn't long before she could feel the orgasm coming, the sparks starting in her toes as she curled and flexed them, anticipating the first wave of cumming with Petrov. "That's it," his breath was ragged. "Good girl... keep touching yourself." Alex couldn't have stopped had she wanted to. Mindlessly she frigged her clit until she felt the first spasm of her pussy as it squeezed his cock. "I'm gonna cum... oh god yes... I'm gonna cum..." she blurted out as her hips bucked uncontrollably. Her body stiffened and then trembled as wave after wave of her orgasm spread from her clit and through her pussy, running up her belly as she shook. Petrov gave one final mean thrust into Alex's abused pussy and grunted. He jerked as his load rolled up from his balls and deep inside Alex's body. Jets of cum shot from his cock, mixing with her own creamy juices. He swung one arm around her waist, his other hand landing on the wall by hers as he gasped loudly. He held her tight to him. As she floated back to her senses, Alex became aware of his voice speaking softly to her. She didn't understand what he was saying. He spoke gently in Russian, whispering the strange words into her ear. She didn't ask what they meant. Petrov's cock slipped wetly from her body and he lifted her in his arms. He sat down in a covered chair and held her to his chest, cradling her like a small child. Alex closed her eyes and sighed as he stroked her hair. The wind howled outside again, as it did on these January nights, but Alex didn't feel the chill. Petrov's warmth blazed stronger than the fire, and she was content to stay in his arms. It didn't matter what happened tomorrow—or the day after that. For now, two lovers could bask in other's glow, and forget about the cold. *****