Sasha: The Awakening (The Wallflower Series Book 2) (14 page)

Not hearing the sarcasm in his tone, or choosing not to, both Nadia and Dominic pranced into the living room and settled comfortably on the couch. Given their brief moment of privacy, Dmitri turned to Sasha, his concern displayed in the protective grip he had on her shoulders.

“Are you okay? I’m going to make them leave. It just takes some…subterfuge. I have to make it seem like it was their idea.”

Sasha gave him a warm smile. “No, I don’t want to take away from your time together. I think it’s wonderful everyone has settled their differences; why didn’t you tell me it was a tradition for them to come over to your house?”

He shrugged sheepishly. “Because I wanted to spend the time with you. I was gone for so long last week and never got a chance to see you. And we’ve been trying to get on firmer footing since New Jersey.” He leaned closer and whispered to her. “I’m not done making love to you yet.”

She took a step away from him, knowing that if he continued whispering to her in that fashion they would wind up right where they started this morning and all early afternoon- in his bed and anywhere else he decided to have her. She already felt her body respond in kind to the silent plea in his words.

“No, I’ll head out and you can call me later.”

Before she could turn and make her escape to the bedroom to gather her things, Dmitri had pounced. In a flash, Sasha found herself pressed to his chest. The hand that settled gently at her lower back was also firmly holding her in place.

“No, fuck that. You are not leaving. It’s about time we addressed the elephant in the room. This may not have been the way I wanted to re-introduce you to my family, but it’ll have to do. If you don’t wish to talk to Nadia alone, I’m not forcing you to. But, if we are to continue in this together, we can’t keep ignoring what happened and the part we both played.” He frowned down at her.

“I may not want you to, but eventually you’re even going to have to meet my father again. But, this time, I’m not going to leave you vulnerable to his deceit or trickery. You’re my woman and I don’t care what my family thinks; I know I can’t live without you. If you have problems with any of them, you come to me. Promise?”

She took in an unsteady breath; her heart was racing in joy at his words. “I promise.”

His lips trailed sweetly from her cheek until finally reaching the corner of her mouth. To his surprise, she reacted first, reaching out hungrily to be physically connected with him again. Her tongue sweetly explored the planes of his mouth before being quickly dominated. As he took over, she gently suckled and caressed him; her arms came up to their familiar position around his neck while he gently lifted her from the ground.

Their intensity was quickly dissipated by the sound of a throat clearing. Remembering that they were no longer alone in the apartment, Dmitri settled Sasha on the floor once more and brought their kiss to a gentle close. Sasha turned around in his arms after gathering her breath while Dmitri looked in annoyance at their interrupter.

Nadia waved shyly. “Sorry to interrupt. But, Sasha?” At the questioning and bewildered glance she received, Nadia continued, “Can I have a word with you in private?”

“Nadia-”

“Dmitri.” Sasha gazed up at him with a soft smile. While she thought of his promise to stay by her side sweet and chivalrous, speaking with Nadia was something she had to do on her own. She fully remembered Nadia’s nastiness, but she also never got the opportunity to apologize to her for the accident. While it would take sucking in all her pride to apologize to a woman that had so blatantly called her unworthy of Dmitri’s attentions, she knew it was the right thing to do. It also gave her the chance to really see just how much Nadia had changed. Was Dmitri right in assuming that she was no longer as self-centered and crazed?

“I think this is something we have to do alone.”

Dmitri seemed uncertain despite her protest. However, at her unfaltering gaze, he decided to let them be. Slowly, he made his way to the living room. But not without several backward glances at the pair standing in the foyer. He plopped down beside Dominic, and tried to listen to their conversation.

“You can relax. Nadia didn’t come here to start anything with your woman,” Dominic patted him on the back and relaxed into the cushions of the couch. “But, I do have one question.”

“What?”

“How long until I’m an uncle?” At the shock that spread across Dmitri’s face, he guffawed. “I mean, with the way you two are surely going at it, it’s inevitable.”

Nadia approached the shorter woman cautiously. “I guess I should just come out and say it, huh?”

Sasha tensed. “No, before you do, I’d like to let you know that nothing you say is going to make me want to leave your brother.” Overcome with frustration, her hands ran roughly through her hair as she rolled her eyes at the confused look upon Nadia’s face. “You would think after so many years, you would be a little less judgmental about who he is in a relationship with. I know you don’t like me-”

“Sasha, stop! I didn’t come here to try to convince you to leave my brother alone. I came to apologize.”

It was Sasha’s turn to be in shock. Thinking she had misheard, she whispered softly, “What?”

“I’m sorry for the way I treated you the last time we saw each other. I caused my own fall right before saying some really…
really
messed up shit. You didn’t deserve that. I was just so jealous to be quite honest. I came to find comfort with Dmitri, expecting to get all of his attention, only to find you standing in my way. The Nadia then was selfish and sick. I’m not that girl anymore.

“You know, when you two broke up during my stint in the hospital, I was so happy. I thought I had won and that now I would have Dmitri all to myself and be pampered and babied. But he was the exact opposite of what I expected. He really let me have it, telling me how disappointed he was and how selfish I was being. It took a while, but I finally started to understand where he was coming from. And, you know the worst part? While I was getting better and he was ensuring my health and safety, I was watching my older brother get worse. I had never seen him so…broken.”

Nadia took cautious steps closer to Sasha, smiling down at her. She wanted her to know that she was not a threat. “I realized he was that way because you were no longer in his life. And when I asked Dominic what happened, I never felt like such a complete asshole before for knowing I ruined something that made my brother happy and whole. Yes, he was more than excited when I had overcome my anorexia, but I realized how much my self-centeredness had affected his life. He took breaks from work and almost risked his job for me. After already throwing away his relationship no less! I was quite literally sucking away his life and happiness.

“I’m sorry for coming between you two. And I’m happy you’re back together. I’ve never seen him so happy…or amorous.”

Sasha was left speechless in the coming silence. Nadia’s hand reached out to rest lightly on her shoulder in comfort. There was no denying the sincerity in her words. Sasha had never seen the sweetness that could possibly come forth from the young woman. She had expected the worse when it came to meeting Dmitri’s family once more despite their vigorously renewed relationship. But this…this was what she had dreamed of the first time. Acceptance.

“T-thank you. I-I didn’t…”

“I know. You expected me to be a wailing bitch,” Nadia laughed. “This time, though, do you think we could try to get to know one another? Dmitri would go on and on about how awesome and sweet a person you were while trying to court you. I think I’d like to show you that side of me too. Maybe we could even become friends.” She leaned in closer, “You’re going to need some female support to handle those two in there. Who could possibly be better than their younger sister?”

Sasha, while still guarded about friendship, was more than open to it. And so she returned Nadia’s smile with one of her own. “I’d like that. I accept your apology, but I’d still like to give one of my own. It was never my place to assume I knew what was best for you. My actions were selfish as well and I never meant to harm you.”

Nadia nodded. “I know you didn’t. So…do we let bygones be?”

“Of course.”

Nadia squealed in delight and gathered the smaller woman in a tight hug. “I’m so excited. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you!”

Dmitri couldn’t help the wide grin that spread across his face at the sight of them entering the living room. The two seemed to have settled their differences, exchanging girlish giggles. Unable to help himself, he pulled Sasha down into his lap as she tried to pass him for the love seat, circling his arms around her waist and settling his face into the crook of her neck. Inhaling her wonderful scent, he whispered to her,

“You’ve made me so happy, Sasha. I could never let you go.”

Sasha could hear the underlying seriousness in his tone and felt the familiar warmth settle across her body. She allowed herself to dream about their bright future together for just one second before coming up short. They still had one more mountain to climb. His father.

And it was going to be a true test of his promises.

Sasha sat at the opposite end of the dining table, closely inspecting her friend’s face as she told her the news. She felt somewhat guilty that it took Teagan traveling to Boston, worried about her lack of response to emails and texts, to find out about her newfound relationship with Dmitri. And so, she wasn’t at all surprised by the intense frown that now decorated Teagan’s classically beautiful features.

“What?” she nearly yelled into the calm ambience of the restaurant. Several people turned her way in curiosity but she ignored them and the warning glance from Sasha. “You mean to tell me that you have been seeing each other for months and not once did you bother to pick up the phone and-I don’t know- inform your best friend!”

“Teagan…shhh. You’re going to get us kicked out.” The fire that subsequently leapt into her friend’s eyes told her that she had said the wrong thing. Trying desperately to fix the situation, she leaned over and grasped Teagan’s hands in her own. “I’m sorry. It all happened so quickly and we’ve been so caught up in each other, I never stopped to think. But can’t you be happy for me?”

Teagan scoffed. “Oh, no you don’t. I’ll be happy for you once you give me the proper amount of time to act like a total bitch.” Despite the humor in her tone, Sasha could sense that Teagan’s feelings were hurt. Her thoughts were confirmed at the tears that shined in her blue eyes.

“I’m sorry, Teagan.”

“No, I’m not just crying about the fact you didn’t tell me.” She took in a deep breath. “I came to Boston because I missed you. I was worried! We’ve never gone so long without talking, even if it is just a stupid comment on Facebook. And I know it’s because I am so far away.” She shook her head in despair. “I don’t know if I want to stay in New York anymore.”

This was news to Sasha. Before she could respond, the waiter came with their Cobb salads. Giving him room to set the plates down, Sasha took the moment to choose her words carefully. The apprenticeship Teagan had been offered was not an opportunity many threw away considering the prestige of her mentor’s name and connections.

“Teagan, what do you mean you don’t want to stay in New York? What about the projects you’ve been working on? It’s always been your dream to take part in housing development for low-income families. I wouldn’t walk away from that, especially considering all the big names you’re working with!”

Her friend avoided eye contact for a while, deciding instead to pay attention to the meal in front of her. “Yes, I’m doing great work. But, I don’t have anyone there, Sasha. You’re here. Jaelynn and Faye are here. My best memories will always be about this city. New York is great and the experiences I’ve gained there are irreplaceable. But I think it’s time I’ve tried to succeed for myself. I don’t think I will continue the apprenticeship past this year. I’ve made up my mind; I’m coming back to Boston. I’ve completed my training and have already gotten my license. With my experience in Health Care Architecture, I should be fine.”

Seeing that her friend had her mind made up, Sasha merely sighed and smiled with encouragement. “Well, as long as you have things figured out. I’ve missed you too. New York was too far away.”

Teagan messily dabbed at her eyes, “I’m sorry for being such an emotional mess. I am happy for you. But, I won’t lie. I’m a bit reserved about the suddenness of it all. What about what happened between the two of you two years ago? Are you really over that?”

“I don’t know how to explain it really. When we came across each other at my date with Carter, I was so angry. Like wanting to scratch his eyes out angry.” Teagan giggled through the food in her mouth. “But at the same time, I just wanted what we had before.

“When he gave me the folder about my mother and showed up at the hotel after- I lost it. It was a priceless gift that really showed me he knew and cared about my pain. We would have conversations about my past while we were together before, but that could never compare to what he did for me.”

Having at least heard about the story of Sasha’s meeting with her mother, Teagan needed no further explanation for why Sasha was risking her heart by being with Dmitri again. “So, what about now? Are you in contact with your mother or grandfather?”

Sasha rolled her eyes at that. “I wouldn’t want to speak to that woman again if my life depended on it. But…I have spoken to my grandfather. We aren’t by any means close, but we are trying to work up to having a real relationship. I just spoke to him the other day.” Her words got caught in her throat as she thought about their conversation.

“He is definitely the last thing I expected to find on my quest for my mother. I focused so much on that one connection, I forgot how equally significant others may be. And I’m just happy to have finally met him before it was too late.”

“Too late?” Teagan’s hand paused in mid-air, holding the fork of food.

“Well, he is a bit up there in age. Last time we spoke, he was telling me all about my grandmother. Like how much he missed her since she passed away nearly a decade ago. Since her passing, he says he has had one health scare after the next. Most recently, a stroke. So…I don’t really know how much time he may have left, but he is quite adamant about our weekly conversations. I won’t lie; I enjoy speaking with him a lot.”

Teagan dropped her fork, ignoring the jarring clang it made on her plate. “That’s it. That has to be the most adorable story I’ve ever heard. I am so happy for you, Sasha! You got your man and your family back all in a matter of months!”

Sasha felt the heat rise to her cheeks, partly due to Teagan’s exclamation and also from the attention they received from other guests following the loud outburst. Even while she dealt with the embarrassment, her heart swelled at Teagan’s observation. She was right. Despite how much her life had seemed to be falling apart, the pieces seemed to be falling neatly into place before her very eyes. Every day felt like even more of a precious gift. Before, she had been convincing herself of that but now, she didn’t need to remember it. It flowed effortlessly into her mind every time she spoke to her grandfather or lay in Dmitri’s arms at night.

“Sasha!”

She was torn from her thoughts at the familiar baritone. Looking up with a genuine smile, Sasha was hardly able to let out a greeting before Carter leaned down and pulled her into his arms in a friendly hug.

“It’s been so long. How have you been?” he asked.

Sasha smiled up at him before taking her seat again. “It’s been wonderful.” From the corner of her eye, she spotted Teagan’s blank stare and did introductions. “Teagan, this is my friend Carter. And Carter, this is Teagan from New York. Remember? I couldn’t shut up about her.”

Carter laughed deeply at the memory. “Oh yeah, your best friend from college, right? It’s nice to meet you, Teagan. From what I hear, you led this nerd over here into some quite amazing adventures. Good for you! She can be a stick in the mud, can’t she?”

Teagan joined Carter in his teasing while Sasha merely rolled her eyes at their antics.

“Would you like to join us, Carter?” Teagan asked.

“Well, you’re in luck. I was just leaving after having a meeting when I overheard you. I’m free now and would love to have an excuse to eat more.”

Sasha glared across the table at Teagan. “See? I told you, you were too loud!”

Her friend ignored her chastisement. Instead, they watched as Carter pulled up a seat and sat down between them. Teagan appreciatively eyed the way his dress shirt hugged his biceps as he removed his suit jacket and placed it across the back of the chair. From what she had heard from Sasha, the man was a catch and had become quite a good friend to Sasha despite the dissolution of their romantic relationship.

As if in confirmation of this, Carter asked, “So, how is it going with you and Mr. Durand, Sasha?” He took a healthy bite of the complimentary bread at the table.

As they were catching up, Teagan could tell what was so appealing about Carter. While clearly a successful man judging from the designer suit and watch, he completely exuded a sex appeal and maturity she had not found in quite a long time. Her interest piqued, she decided to take advantage of the dinner and learn as much about him as possible. With a flirtatious flick of hair that was not lost upon Sasha, Teagan gently touched his forearm before beginning the interrogation.

At the abrupt turn of conversation, both Sasha and Carter exchanged confused glances. Sasha, knowing all the seductive tricks Teagan would throw out when she was interested, said nothing. She could tell however, that Teagan’s efforts would not work on Carter. Quite a down-to-earth man despite his professional successes, she was sure Carter had been exposed to similar advances from other women. And, as he stated before, he was in search of something more serious.

Unfortunately, Sasha didn’t know whether Teagan was ready for a relationship of the same caliber.

“So, what kind of things do you like to do, Carter?”

Reluctantly, Carter tore his gaze from Sasha and gave the attractive redhead a warm smile. “My interests are quite diverse. You have to give me a more narrowed focus.”

“Oh, really?” She winked at Sasha and leaned forward. “Here’s one for you: women.”

Sasha nearly spat out her drink at Teagan’s forwardness. Grabbing the napkin at the table, she covered her mouth and took in a deep breath to suppress the giggle that wanted to escape. Entertained by the repartee between the two, she looked anxiously at Carter for his response to such a blatant show of interest from Teagan.

Carter seemed nonplussed by the comment. In fact, he merely leaned back in his chair in a relaxed position. Rubbing at his goatee, he asked, “Are we talking about women, Teagan or just you?”

She opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by him.

“No, wait. I’ll answer your unspoken question, first. I’m not interested in forward women.”

Not at all perturbed by this, Teagan shrugged. “Well, you haven’t had someone quite as forward as me. Trust me, you’d like it.”

As they engaged each other in an intense stare off, Sasha smiled and took a big gulp of her drink. And, then quite shockingly, Carter broke out into laughter and looked away from Teagan with a shake of his head. As if the exchange between the two hadn’t happened, he turned back to Sasha and continued their conversation from before.

Sasha didn’t fail to notice the ongoing intensity of Teagan’s gaze as they settled upon Carter, however. It was something she hadn’t witnessed before. Teagan had unknowingly met her match, and Sasha looked forward to the inevitable.

Of all the guests that walked in and out of Dmitri’s office over the years, seeing Natalia sashay past his office door had to top them all. For one, it was rare for them to engage in conversation without the presence of his father or siblings. Second, he hadn’t spoken to either of them since Nadia had so bluntly decided to stay with him in lieu of the comfort their mansion and resources provided. But there she stood crossing the threshold with her head held high and back straight.

Even though she had grown up in quite poor surroundings, her beauty had led her into an affair with his father. And, whether he believed it or not, their love had made her into quite the socialite. The ease in which she replaced his mother had only further instilled his dislike for the woman.

“Natalia.” He rested in the chair behind his desk, not bothering to hide his annoyance at the interruption. “What brings you into town to my office? Shouldn’t you and my father be at some winery?”

“Don’t be rude, Dmitri.” She took a seat and placed her purse onto her lap. “I came to speak with you to try to resolve this…silly feud.”

He scoffed. “Silly? How many years has it been? And now you wish to resolve it? What brought this on? Don’t tell me you finally care that I’m no longer part of the family because I can tell you right now that is bullshit.”

Not once had he ever seen Natalia display any emotion close to anger; there was a general passivity in her emotional expressions since the day he first met her. Not so, today. In a manner of seconds the formerly calm façade dissipated in place of rage. Her fists clenched the purse in her hands as she leaned forward and stated threw a furrowed brow and clenched teeth,

“I care when your father was in the hospital emergency room merely days ago with no sign of recovering and you didn’t bother to even show up! Whatever dislike you have towards each other, my husband nearly died, but you couldn’t stir up enough fucking concern to stop thinking of anyone but yourself!”

And in a split second, her face returned to its former beautiful glory. The stress lines around her eyes and mouth cleared back into creamy perfection. Not bothering to show his shock at her outburst, Dmitri didn’t respond for a moment. While it was true he had known his father had been admitted to the hospital due to chest pains, he had choked it all up to Natalia’s tendency for dramatics. He had to ask himself, however- if his father had been on his deathbed, would he have come? The answer eluded him.

“Well, I am sorry to hear that. How is he doing?”

His dry tone surely irked Natalia but she showed no signs of irritation. “He will be released from the hospital later this week. The doctor’s believe he came in at the right time; it could have been a heart attack. So, in celebration of his return, I am holding a family dinner.”

Dmitri crossed his arms. “Oh, really? Well, what does this have to do with me?”