Stone Cold Knockout (House of Pain Book 1) (10 page)

“
Hector said he would show me a move. In the ring,” Erica said, unconvincingly, twisting a red curl around her finger.

“
He's gonna show you something alright.” Gennifer couldn't resist. Erica's eyes widened and she giggled.

“
You think? He's hard to read,” Erica whispered, leaning forward. Hector took that moment to exit the office, and stood at the top of the stairs, staring down at them.

“
Genny, you on the way out?” he asked. His eyes scoured the gym, no doubt looking for Mikhail.

“
Yup, I have an early appointment tomorrow,” Gennifer said.

“
Cool,” Hector said, apparently satisfied that the Russian was nowhere in sight. He sauntered down the metal stairs and over to them.

“
Erica says you're going to show her a move,” Gennifer said, a sly smile on her face. She was more than happy to tease Hector after all the grief he'd given her about Mikhail.

“
Yeah, so?” He narrowed his eyes, not appreciating it. Erica glanced between them, her green eyes innocent.

“
Just remember, no mixed sex sparring,” Gennifer faux-scolded. “It's against the rules.”

“
Weren't you leaving?” Hector said, crossing his arms.

“
Something terrible could happen. She just might kick your ass.” Gennifer laughed. “He's out of practice,” she told Erica. “He always drops his guard.”

“
Get out!” Hector barked, pointing to the door. With an evil cackle, Gennifer headed for the door.

“
Bye, Genny.” Erica called out. Gennifer sent her a wink then waved to Hector, who shook his head in response.

“
Tan molesto,
” he mumbled.

“
¡Buena suerte!
” she sang out as she opened the door. Her smile faded when she saw Mikhail at the corner, leaning against the building. Waiting for her. She shivered, even though the night was sweltering. He smiled a devilish smile, chewing his gum like always. He looked at her like he had x-ray vision and could see right through her clothes. She felt herself blushing like Erica had, feeling shy again. She walked past him, and he pushed off the wall and followed her.

“
Come with me to get food,” he said, near her ear. “A good fuck makes me hungry.” Gennifer shook her head, profusely. Dinner would lead back to his apartment, she had no doubt. As tempting as it sounded, there was no way she could go another round with him that night. “Now you want to play hard to get?” he asked, amused.

“
I have an early appointment tomorrow,” she said, repeating the same lie she'd told Hector.

“
I think you will sleep good tonight,” he said, his hand slipping around her waist. He drew her close to him. “I will keep you warm.” Gennifer poked him in his hard side, smiling at his persistence.

“
I'm going home alone,” she said, although her resolve was wavering. He tightened his grip on her, turning her to face him. He stared down at her with his wild grey eyes, his face hard.

“
You are not going to get rid of me,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “I will not make it easy for you.” Gennifer rolled her eyes at his dramatic words, even as a thrill ran through her at his possessiveness. Her Russian was intense, that was for sure.

“
I'm out of practice,” she said, matter-of-factly. “I need to give my poor body a chance to recuperate.” 

“
Do not tease me,” he said.

“
Oh my God!” Exasperated, Gennifer looped her arm around his neck and pulled his face to meet hers. She kissed him hard, feeling it all the way down to the tips of her toes. He moaned into her and clamped his hands on her ass. They clung to each other, the pop song from the bar next door serenading them, until both had to come up for air. Licking his lips, Mikhail smiled a slow, satisfied smile. He definitely got the message.

“
I will let you rest tonight,” he said. “But I will see you tomorrow.”

“
I'll be here.”

“
Not here. We go out.”

“
Like a date?” Gennifer asked, narrowing her eyes. “You want to take me out on a date?”

“
Is that a problem?” He cocked his head.

“
No,” she said, although her heart squeezed in her chest. She shook her head, ignoring the strange sensation. “Not a problem at all.”

Chapter 9

T
he following evening, Gennifer stopped outside the restaurant in Soho that Mikhail had chosen. He texted her earlier to meet him there and she'd taken the train in, wanting to avoid the weekend traffic nightmare. Leaning against the wall, she kicked off her high-top Converses and slipped into her her highest 'fuck me' heels. She jammed the tennis shoes into her big bag, and wiggled her ass as she pulled down her dress.  She had chosen her tightest body-con dress and the fabric clung to her like she had glued the damn thing on. She topped off the green dress with a black leather jacket and big gold earrings. She had spent two hours straightening her thick hair so that it hung almost all the way down her back.

Mikhail had only ever seen her in workout clothes and a ponytail. She couldn't wait to see his face
—she wanted his eyes to pop the fuck out of his head. She'd even had the foresight to bring a clean pair of panties, so that, tomorrow, when she was doing the bow-legged walk of shame home, she wouldn't feel completely nasty. She was ready for whatever the night had in store. It had been so long since a Friday night didn't consist of going to House of Pain and then going home to bed. She was ready to paint the town red.

She stepped inside the narrow restaurant and took a deep breath.  The place was swanky
—all dark wood, brown leather, and brick walls, lit by a few low hanging chandeliers. Candlelight flickered on every table. Very dark and intimate. She wondered for a moment if her neon green dress was a little out of place, then shrugged it off. It was so rare for her to be out, she wasn't going to let any insecurity ruin the night. Besides, insecurity was the opposite of sexy. Remembering how she'd been a down and dirty
tigra
the day before, she steeled her spine and lifted her chin. She felt all eyes on her and she scanned the room, looking for her Russian.

Gennifer found him in the booth at the back of the dining room, blending in to his surroundings in all black. He didn't smile as she approached, but his eyes were hooded and dangerous as he took her in. She counted that as a win. He looked like he wanted to fuck her where she stood, in the middle of the crowded restaurant. He stood and moved to stand behind her, sliding her jacket off her shoulders. She bit her lip, turned on by the chivalrous action. Everything the man did apparently turned her on, she mused.

She slid into the worn leather booth and he followed her in, both of their backs facing the door. He dropped a hand in between her thighs possessively and she gasped. The cold metal of his gold ring slowly warmed to her skin. He smiled, finally, at her reaction to his touch, cocky as always. He lifted his vodka to his lips.

“
How was your day?” he asked, flexing his fingers against her sensitive skin. He tipped his head back and drained the glass.

“
Getting better,” she said. He chuckled, placing the empty drink back on the table. She snaked her arm around his neck and pulled him close. She kissed him softly but hungrily, tasting the alcohol on his lips. She dragged her tongue against his, cupping his rough, stubbled chin. His fingers wandered lower, to her most sensitive spot, only the thin fabric of her panties separating him from his goal. When she shivered and pulled away, he shook his head, mumbling something in Russian.“Definitely getting better,” she said, rubbing at the fuchsia lipstick she'd left behind on his lips with her thumb.

Mikhail lifted his hand, signaling the waiter who hurried over with menus. They spoke in a flurry of Russian and Mikhail waved his hand, refusing the menu. He held up two fingers, and Gennifer was pretty sure he ordered a vodka for her. Without even asking! Leaning forward, she pasted on a bright smile.

“Excuse me, hi. What beers do you have on tap?” she asked. The waiter looked at Mikhail.

“
At Russian place, I order vodka for you and you drink vodka. Anything else is disrespect.” Mikhail waved the waiter away. Gennifer cocked her head, the Bronx girl inside of her already threatening to come out.

“
I don't drink vodka,” she said. He laughed, like it was the silliest thing he'd ever heard.

“
Tonight, you drink vodka,” he replied.

“
No. I don't think so.” She shook her head, her big earrings brushing her bare shoulders. She felt Mikhail clench his fingers between her thighs. They stared at each other, in a standoff. The waiter returned, two vodkas on his tray. “Thanks, but I'll have a beer. Whatever's on tap.” Gennifer said. The waiter nodded,  making his quick exit. Mikhail slid the vodka, poured neat, toward her.

“
Drink,” Mikhail said.

“
No.” She pulled his hand out from between her legs, hoping she was making her opinion clear.

“
Why are you always so...what is word? Stubborn?” he asked, his accent growing thicker with anger.

“
I think you're the one being a stubborn ass right now,” she said. “Please don't tell me you ordered food for me, or I am going to go off.”

“
I know what is good here. You like what I order.” He shrugged, downing his drink in one gulp.  Now it was Gennifer's turn to stare at him like he'd grown two heads. Maybe some girls liked that alpha-male controlling shit, but not her. He had the wrong one.

“
Let me out.” She pushed his shoulder, trying to force him out of the booth.

“
You are being silly, little girl,” his said, his eyes dark and his face hard.

“
Move!” She pushed him again. This time, he stood and she scooted out of the booth. She had to wiggle her ass again to pull her dress down her thighs. She caught the eye of the bartender, another Russian-looking motherfucker. He dropped his eyes and turned away. Then she felt Mikhail's fingers close around her wrist.

“
Come,” he said, pulling her with him as he walked towards the back hallway of the restaurant.

“
I'm not going anywhere with you!” she hissed, but he was already forcing her to follow him, down a steep staircase to a red-wallpapered hallway. “If I break an ankle, I'm going to kill you,” she said and he chuckled. But he sounded far from amused. At the bottom of the stairs, he pushed open a black door and shoved her inside. She found herself in a white marble tiled bathroom and he closed the door, locking them inside with a definitive 'click'.

“
You are tripping if you think-!” she began, but he cut her off, grabbing her upper arms and pulling her to him. She felt a thrill run down her spine—of fear, or arousal, she wasn't really sure.

“
You want to embarrass me?” he asked, his eyes hard as granite.

“
You're embarrassing
me
, acting like I'm some stupid
puta
who can't even order for herself,” she replied, unable to keep her eyes from darting to his lips, even though she was pissed at him. He wet them with his tongue, the spicy scent of the alcohol on his breath.

“
I know what is good. Do you not trust me?”

“
I can make my own decisions, thank you very much.”

“
Not this time,
solnyshka
.”

“
Every time,
” she said, annunciating each syllable. A slow, dangerous smile spread across his sexy lips and Gennifer only had a split second to realize what that smile meant before he had her back against the cool stone wall. His mouth crushed hers, and she kissed him back with the same intensity, her anger pouring out in a steady stream of passion.

***

Mikhail knew he should be furious with her for challenging his authority in front of his male staff, but it was hard to stay angry when she was in such close proximity. He had nearly come in his jeans when he saw her walk into the restaurant that he co-owned with his brother, Vadim. Whatever he'd expected from his unladylike Gennifer, the tight dress and high-heels were an undeniable surprise. Yet, she still looked tough, her eyes hooded and her chin tilted skyward, like she was challenging anyone to make a move against her. He'd felt an uncomfortable blend of emotions—arousal and admiration co-mingled with possessiveness and jealousy that other male eyes dared to gaze upon her. It was a feeling that was becoming common for him whenever Gennifer was near. Interesting. Jealousy had been an illusive emotion for him in the past. No longer.

Now, alone and heated in the small room, he couldn't resist kissing her. He enjoyed the feel of her thick hair between his fingers. It was smooth tonight and smelled like orange zest. He fisted the strands, pulling lightly, as his free hand traced the soft curve where her waist met her hip. She didn't back down under his fierce attentions. Not his Gennifer. She pushed back and worked her tongue against his, continuing to fight, even as she gave in. A spike of adrenaline fired through his veins. He smiled into the kiss, wondering again why it had taken him so long to claim her for himself.

“What are you smiling about?” she asked, her breath soft against his lips.

“
I am enjoying arguing with you,” he murmured, pulling the green strap down her arm, revealing the swell of her breast. She was not wearing a bra, he realized. Another happy surprise.

“
You didn't win.” She tilted her head, giving him better access to the perfumed brown skin of her throat. “This is just a recess.” He ran his hand from her shoulder to her soft tit, feeling her nipple pebble through the brightly colored fabric. One swift movement and her beautiful breasts would be bared to him. But he held back.

“
So stubborn.” He shook his head, denying himself the satisfaction of taking her right then, burying himself deep and fucking her, wild like an animal. Her chest heaved beneath his hand. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. But not here. He made the decision in a heartbeat. He would take her home with him and love her properly. Like they both deserved. His thirst had not been quenched by their short, athletic bout of fucking in the shower. Not even close. He needed at least a full night with her. At this rate, even that wouldn't be enough. Hooking his finger in her strap, he returned it to the crook of her shoulder.

“
Did you drive your car?” he asked. She furrowed her brow, confused by his question.

“
No. I took the train,” she murmured, dropping a hand between them to cup the bulge in his pants. He drew in a sharp breath, clamping his fingers around her wrist.

“
Don't.” If she kept touching him, his thin chord of resolve was going to snap. She blinked at his tone. He realized he was being hard with her and dropped her wrist. He ran his fingertips up her arm, lightly. “We will go to my home. We will take my motorcycle.”

“
Is that a question or a demand?” she asked, cocking her head. He was beginning to recognize it as her fighting stance. He laughed faintly, brushing her cheek with his knuckles.

“
I want to fuck, but I do not want to rush.” At his own words, his erection swelled and hardened. He leaned into her, unable to stop himself, his lips caressing her ear. “Do you feel how much I want you?” She nodded, her earrings tinkling lightly against her neck. “I want to fuck you until you beg me for mercy. Then maybe I let you suck my cock until you beg for me to fuck you again.” He trailed his teeth down her earlobe. “Tonight, I want to fall asleep inside of you. Then, tomorrow, I wake up fucking you.” She moaned, her eyelids fluttering. He paused, letting her mull his words over. “Do I need to ask permission?” he asked. After a moment, she nodded, a fighter until the end.

“
Yes. Ask permission,” Gennifer said, faintly. He chuckled, nipping at her neck. Her fresh perfume filled his nostrils, the scent intoxicating.

“
We will see if you are so difficult when I have you naked in my bed.” He pushed away from her, needing to put some space between them before he lost control of himself. She pursed her lips, suppressing a smile.

“
Yeah, we'll see.” She ran a shaky hand through her hair, and glanced in the mirror. “Shit,” she mumbled, moving to the sink to fix her lipstick.

“
I want to go now.” He impatiently palmed her round ass, so tempting in the tight dress.

“
They're definitely going to think I'm a prostitute if I go upstairs looking like this,” she said, running a finger under her bottom lip.

“
What?”

“
I'm pretty sure everybody up there thinks I'm your hooker,” Gennifer said. He laughed, the sound booming in the small room.

“
I do not pay for sex.” He shook his head. That was the funniest thing he'd heard in a long time. She caught his eyes in the mirror, amused.

“
Well la-di-da. Glad to hear it.”

“
But if you were a hooker, I would make exception for you,” Mikhail said, straight-faced, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her to him.

“
You wouldn't be able to afford me,” she said, dropping her head back onto his shoulder. He laughed again and pressed a kiss to her neck. He could afford anything he wanted, but he didn't tell her that. Instead, he unlocked the bathroom door and lead her toward the stairs.