Page 86 of Captive

Travis’ tone had deepened, a glitch in his voice. “Go.”

I was shaking all over as I attempted to open the door, almost falling onto the street. I took a deep breath as I heard another series of barks. Then I saw a beautiful puppy galloping toward the… white picket fence. What was going on? Did Travis purchase a house since I’d refused to take the money?

As if anticipating my question, he climbed out of the truck, moving beside me. “It’s all yours, the puppy included.”

“I don’t want a house, Travis. That can’t take the pain away. You of all people should know that.”

“What I know is that you need to walk in through that front door.” He pointed toward the lovely red door, forcing my attention to the front of the house.

I’d pictured the perfect little house in my mind. Potted plants on the front porch. Flowering shrubs lining the windows. A swing hanging from the rafters on the porch. A beautiful wreath on the front door. I refused to allow tears to form.

“Trust, Chloe. Remember?”

My legs were stiff as I moved toward the fence gate and as soon as I opened the door, the Golden Retriever puppy rushed to my legs, yapping as only baby puppies could do. My emotions were too raw, too close to the surface. There was no way in hell I could stop tears from trickling past my lashes.

I pulled the fur ball into my arms and walked very slowly toward the door. As the puppy kissed and licked my face, an actual giggle slipped past my lips. “You are a cutie. I’m keeping you.”

The little boy barked in happiness as he nuzzled against my neck.

I hated the stiffness I felt, the anxiety of entering the kind of house I’d always dreamed of. It wouldn’t be the same. I managed to find the courage, placing my hand on the latch then pressing it down. As I walked inside, the first thing my senses became aware of was the scent of vanilla.

And cinnamon.

The aroma was spectacular. I didn’t bother closing the door behind me before walking further inside, darting my head into the living room. There was even a stone fireplace, a gorgeous mantel. And there were several lit candles. My heart skipped several beats, my mouth suddenly dry. I put the puppy down, swallowing hard before moving forward.

When the puppy scampered off, I trailed behind him, able to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a beautiful kitchen. I stood just outside the door, taking several deep breaths before walking inside.

There were no words to describe my feelings. There was no possibility of slowing my heartbeat. As stars floated in front of my eyes, I thought I was dreaming, but if so, I never wanted the incredible moment to end.

“Hi.”

Just hearing Nikolai’s sexy, raspy voice, the accent tickling my senses, was enough to push a whimper up from my throat.

“How? I thought you were… gone.”

Nikolai walked closer, still remaining a few inches away from me, his eyes searching mine. “There is so much to tell you. That is, if you’ll allow me.” In his arms he held the puppy, the retriever happily snuggling his new owner. Nikolai’s eyestwinkled as he studied me, finally shaking his head back and forth. “You’re beautiful. God, I’ve missed you.”

“I hate you!” I spat off, gasping for air.

He grinned. “I suspected as much.”

As the tears continued to fall, I was able to accept that this was no dream. I flew into Nikolai’s arms, crushing the puppy against his chest. Nothing had ever felt so good or so right in my life. “I thought you were dead.”

“Shush, little pet. I’m right here and I’m not planning on going anywhere.” He managed to ease the puppy to the floor, laughing as the young dog yapped his disapproval. “And I’m never going to let you go.” He slid one hand down my back, cupping my buttocks then lifting me off the floor.

When he crushed his mouth over mine, the world went into slow motion. There was nothing else that mattered, no amount of danger that could ever take away this moment. He was my rock, my hero. My love. The taste of him was even sweeter than I remembered and as he slipped his tongue into my mouth, his actions gentler than I was used to, I wrapped my arms around his neck.

The kiss was everything I needed, becoming more passionate by the minute. Nikolai tenderly pushed me against the island counter, allowing my toes to touch the floor. He dominated my tongue, swirling it back and forth across mine. I could feel our combined heartbeats, could hear the scattered sounds of our breathing. I never wanted to let him go.

“Ahem,” Travis grunted from behind us. “You’re right. She’s a little spitfire. I didn’t think I was getting her here.”

While Nikolai broke the kiss for a few seconds, he muttered something in Russian then resumed the intimate hold. He pulled me away from the counter, turning me in a full circle. I was lightheaded, almost dizzy from happiness. The moment couldn’t have been any more special.

I heard Travis tapping his fingers on something and pushed my hand against Nikolai’s chest, laughing softly. “I think he needs something.”

“He always needs something,” Nikolai teased. “But he’s the one responsible for finding the house, so I guess I should give him some credit.”

“Don’t forget about the pup. I was the one who managed to find the little guy. Took me awhile too.” Travis had a huge grin on his face. “I’m just glad it all worked out.”