THE FIXER

“Your loss, caxapok.” I offer my hand to help her off the bed. “Just be careful. At some point, my leash will snap.”

When she takes my hand, I sense a tremble in her fingers. The blush on her cheeks enthralls me, but I act the part of the gentleman, pulling her to her feet and leaving her to get dressed as I hit the shower to rub one out for the second time this morning.

“You’re killing me, printsessa,” I call out from the bathroom as I step under the spray.

“That’s my plan,” she sing-songs back.

Sasha

NEVER LEAVE an attention-hungry mafia princess home unattended.

I smile to myself as I whip out Maxim’s credit card at O’hare airport and board the first plane to L. A.

Since my phone hasn’t started ringing, I’ll bet Maxim hasn’t even figured out I’m gone yet.

Guess who’s back in the States, bitches? I group text Ashley, Kayla, and Sheri, my three former housemates and besties from college. I’m on my way to your place. Party tonight?

OMG!!! Sheri is the first to respond. Hell to the yes! Where are you now?

About to board a plane for L. A. I text back.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

From RUSSIA??!

No, Chicago. Be there in a couple of hours.

Kayla is the next to reply with a string of alcohol emojis and, EEEEEEK! I get off at six. Can’t wait to see you!

Then Ashley: Why didn’t you tell us you were coming? I am so down with partying tonight. Can’t wait!!!!! I’m home now. Her text is followed by five lines of happy faces, cocktail drinks and party hat emojis.

There are several more additions and confirmations and party girl . gifs. I sit back and smile. My four years at USC were the best time in my life, and the place I made lasting friendships with women as nutty as I am. Getting to see them again is one good thing about my new situation. And honestly? I’m thrilled to be back in the U. S.-Moscow suffocated me.

I have no doubt Maxim will catch up to me before the night is through. Even if he didn’t put a tracer in my phone, which I’m certain he has, I just used his credit card to buy my ticket.

But that’s the point. To be a pain in his ass and make him chase. It’s what I used to do to the bodyguards and spies my dad sent to watch over me. I intend to drive the man crazy. After all, he should earn the millions he just took control of, shouldn’t he?

Still, I nibble my lower lip, hoping I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew. Maxim has a way of getting under my guard that throws me off-balance. Which, if I’m truly honest, is the real reason I’m running off.

It was getting too intense back there.

For both of us.

After the coming out in my bra incident yesterday, Maxim made himself scarce, leaving me with nothing to do but watch television with his housemates.

He didn’t come back until dinner time when he took me out to a nearby cafe for dinner, and he disappeared again when we got back. Well, that’s not exactly true. I couldn’t keep my eyes open because the time change caught up to me, and I went to bed early, leaving him in the living room.

This morning, he jogged with me but then was working with the twins at the computer all day. This afternoon he disappeared again.

I like to think his avoidance is because of his blue-ball situation. Something I’m not the slightest bit sorry for. But I didn’t like the way it felt. To be ignored. Dumped. Locked in.

So the first time the living room emptied of people-what seems to be a rare occurrence there-I bailed. I grabbed my purse-the giant one I pre-packed with a few things and shut my bedroom door like I was locked inside reading. They may not notice I’m gone until Maxim returns.

The front door guy tried to stop me, but I got up in his face and pulled the bratva brat act. “Do you know who I am? No? I am Sasha Antonov, daughter of Igor Antonov, Ravil’s boss and wife of Maxim Popov. I can tell you my husband would not approve of you touching me or detaining me, right now.”

The guy dropped his touch on my arm like I was made of fire. “One moment, Mrs. Popov. He told me not to let you go out unattended.” The guy looked around, desperate for someone else to help him out-I’m sure he was debating whether it was worse to leave his post or to let me go.

I switched tactics and turned on the charm. “It’s okay. Maxim knows I’m just running to the store to grab some feminine hygiene products.” I whisper the feminine hygiene part.

He pulled back even more. “I’ll tell Maxim what a great job you’re doing manning your station down here. Thanks so much!” I waved my fingers individually and scooted out the door.

Dodging my security is a talent I’ve perfected.

Now I have my phone off, so Maxim can’t reach me, and I’ll be in L. A. by nightfall. Ready to tear up the town like old times.

Although with Maxim, there will certainly be consequences. I think of the way he tossed me over his lap and spanked my ass back in Russia and my lady parts warm. I’m totally warped because I’m actually hoping he does it again.

It excited me far more than I care to examine. But he excites me far more than I care to examine.

I pop my earbuds in my ears to watch reruns of Game of Thrones. After my Downton Abbey binge on the way over here, I’m still in the mood for period pieces. Game of Thrones seems fitting for my life now. That’s what we’re all playing with each other, after all.