Overthrown

Chapter 16

I am awakened by a loud noise from the door. Looking around the room, I finally realize that there is someone knocking. Quickly rising and fixing my dress that is bunched up my legs. Opening the door, I see Andre standing in the hall holding a phone. "Ma'am, I have Mr. Volkov on the phone for you." He says while handing me the phone. I take the phone and raise it to my ear. "Nikolai." I love the way his name sounds when I say it. "Hello my Angel. How has your day been?" I'm still getting used to the idea of someone giving a shit about me. I smile involuntarily. "It has been good. How about yours? Productive meetings?" I ask hoping to get some more information on what he was up to today.

"You're a curious one, aren't you? I heard you were interrogating my men. Did you learn anything of interest?" Damn it, I should have known Andre would tell him. I side eye Andre who is standing in the hallway trying not to seem like he is eavesdropping. "Nothing that concerns you, Mr. Volkov." I respond with a hint of mischief in my voice. His laugh almost brings me to my knees. "Oh Angel. You are mine. Everything you do and say concerns me. We will discuss this at dinner." I love this side of him its playful but stern. "What time can I expect you for dinner?" I ask innocently enough. "I'll be leaving soon. I would like you seated for dinner at seven sharp."

Did he really just speak to me that way? The worst part is that kinda I like it. "Yes, Sir." It's fun keeping up this little miss innocent act. I can hear him take a sharp inhale with my last response. "I was going to let your earlier comment slide but now, I don't think I will. You won't be able to walk when I am done with you." He threatens with lust dripping off every word. "See you at seven." Is all I say before hanging up the phone and handing it back to Andre.

I look at him with a bit of annoyance. "We'll discuss you speaking to Nikolai about me another time. Have a good evening, Andre." Fear flashes in his eyes for a brief second before composing himself. "Ma'am." Bowing before departing down the hallway. I understand his loyalty to Nikolai but soon his allegiance will lie with me. That is one of my many skills that has allowed me to grow my empire as fast as I have. I have an uncanny ability to sway the interests of others and I will be utilizing it with Andre starting during our first session together.

I glance at the clock and realize I need to get started on dinner so I can have it ready for Nikolai once he arrives. Running to the bathroom, I hastily refresh my appearance before heading downstairs. Once I enter the kitchen, I am greeted by Anya standing by the pantry.

"Ma'am, I was pulling all the ingredients for you. The chicken has been butterflied and tenderized. It's in the fridge when you're ready. I have also pulled some of Mr. Volkov's favorite wines that will pair nicely." My eyes scan the kitchen counter as I run my fingers along the ingredients. "Thank you, Anya. You are dismissed for the evening." I am pleased with her thoroughness. Maybe if my previous kitchen staff was hired on their abilities and not on their appearance, I might still have them.

"Thank you, Ma'am. But are you sure you wouldn't like me to stay and help serve dinner?" She seems hesitant to leave her post, which makes me curious what type of working relationship she has with Nikolai. "Yes, Anya. I'm sure. Take the night off. I'll inform Nikolai that I dismissed you." I try and reassure her while pulling the chicken out of the fridge. She bows before scurrying out of the room.

Moving quickly, I begin my preparations. The smell of garlic and onion is fragrant as it simmers in the oil. I forgot how much I enjoyed cooking, especially for someone I care about. It feels like you are nurturing both their body and their soul with good food. I'm not the best person when it comes to expressing my feelings, I just hope my actions speak louder than my words.

I hear the front door open, shit he's early! Nikolai's voice booms through the home as he speaks on the phone. I can't understand what he is saying but he sounds pissed. Great, so much for a pleasant evening. His dress shoes tapping down the hall and up the wood stairs to our bedroom. Assuming he is looking for me, his pace quickens as he makes his way back downstairs. I listen to his steps while I finish up a salad. He walks into the dining room and I hear him sigh loudly.

"Anya! Have you seen Mrs. Collins?? She isn't in our room and she isn't down-" He shouts as he walks into the kitchen stopping midsentence once he sees me. "Michelle, what the fuck are you doing? Where is Anya??" His voice clearly angry at the idea of me working and the lack of Anya's presence. "I told her I wanted to make you dinner tonight. I dismissed her for the evening." I state matter of factly as I pull the hot skillet out of the oven.

The anger fades from his face immediately and a surprised smile takes its place instead. "You cook?" He slightly scoffs at the idea and I'm a bit offended. "Yes, I do. Is that so hard to believe?" Unable to hide my annoyance at the question. He slowly walks up behind me, spinning me around and pinning his arms on either side of me pressing me to the counter. "I'm sorry, with all of your talents I should have known that you would be a phenomenal cook. It smells amazing, Angel." He compliments quietly speaking into my ear before trailing small kisses down my neck.

God, he is good.

"I hope you like it. I haven't been able to cook dinner for someone in a really long time." I confess that intimate detail before I can stop myself. He pulls back to look me in the eye and analyzes my face for a few seconds.

"Fuck, I don't know why I told you that. I just-" He cuts me off as I begin to stammer by pressing his lips against mine. The kiss is gentle but there is something else behind it that I can't quite figure out. "I don't want you to ever not tell me how you are feeling. I would never judge you. How could I?" His words begin to wander off as his thumb caresses my face.

I don't know how I got so lucky to find a man who cares this deeply, but I will never let him go. I will kill ANYONE who stands in my way. Clearing my throat, as I awkwardly pull away from him. "Do you mind helping me carry this to the table?" I ask hoping he isn't too proud to help. "Of course, I don't mind, Angel." His gentle voice sounds like a different person than the angry Russian man shouting just a few minutes ago.

After he helps me place the dishes on the table he returns to the kitchen. Nikolai comes back with 2 wine glasses and the bottle of Chardonnay Anya pulled from the cellar. "How did you know this was my favorite white wine?" He asks, his smile beaming with curiosity. "I have my sources." I answer slyly as I take my bottom lip between my teeth. His eyes go from mine down to my lips and he takes a deep breath before he chuckles. "You have no idea what I have in store for you and you are only making it worse." He begins to uncork the bottle staring into my eyes the entire time, never breaking contact. I fold my hands together in front of me as I gaze back into his.

The cork seems particularly tight, his bicep flexes as he finally breaks it free. I can't help but giggle as he smirks in victory. Nikolai knows what he does to me and he gets off on it. My mind drifting as I think of the effect he must have on other women. They must fall all over him and I can't blame them. There is something about him; His power, his strength, his confidence. It oozes off of him and it makes you bend to his will.

I pray to God this isn't just a game to him.

That I am not a game.