Sacha, Her Russian Billionaire: A Billionaire BWWM Romance Page 8

Kendra woke alone again but knew that Sacha wasn’t far. He usually made breakfast for Cliff and let her sleep. She thought about last night and their revised agreement. The day was looking brighter, as was her future. Even if it was only pretend, she could tell people who asked that she had a boyfriend. She wandered out after her shower and sure enough Sacha was with Cliff. But they weren’t in the kitchen. No, there were dirty dishes in there. Instead, Cliff and Sacha were in the living room in front of the television, playing a video game.

  Kendra hadn’t realized Sacha had a gaming system. She began to do the dishes.

  “Hey, Kendra. Look what Mr. Kozlov brought home,” Cliff said.

  She walked into the living room. The game itself looked innocuous but why did a five-year-old need to play video games?

  “Good morning,” Sacha said.

  “What are you guys doing?”

  Sacha was still in his pajamas. She’d never seen him leave his bedroom like that.

  “We’re playing Alphabet Warriors,” Cliff said. His smile was huge.

  “Okay.”

  “I brought home a game system last night. I figured Cliff and I could play it once in a while,”

  He looked at her as if he were asking permission. Kind of cute to see a captain of industry, a man who made a lot of money, looking at her to see if she was okay with it. She appreciated the illusion of a boundary with Cliff. “Okay.”

  “Sit,” Sacha said. “You can play the winner. The kid’s pretty good.”

  Kendra sat on the edge of the couch. “Nice.”

  Sacha lost. “Put it on single player. I need to show Kendra something.”

  “I think we need to put a time limit on game play,” Kendra said.

  “Aw, Kendra,” Cliff said.

  “Hey, what Kendra says, goes.” He pulled his phone out of his pajama pockets, which made her wonder where he got the pajamas from. She’d never seen him wear any.

  “We need a timer,” Kendra said.

  “I’ll use my phone for now,” Sacha said. “Half an hour okay?”

  Kendra nodded. He punched in the timer on his phone. “No argument, buddy. When that goes off, you’re done.”

  “Okay, Mr. Kozlov.”

  Cliff went back to his game. Sacha bounced off the couch. “I have something I want to show you.”

  She followed him to the dining room. Architect plans were laid out on the flat surface.

  “What’s this?”

  “I decided to keep the façade of the building I own. It fits into the neighborhood well.”

  She looked at him then at the plans. “The building isn’t historical. You can do what you want.”

  “I know, but this way the neighborhood will look better. The sleek building I wanted to build wouldn’t work.”

  She eyed the plans, liking them a lot. “Why?”

  Sacha shrugged. “Seemed a better, long-term business plan. This way my neighbors won’t hate me either. Less messy, too, maybe.”

  She laughed. “I doubt it will be less messy by much, but these plans are great. Are you getting excited?”

  “I am. I can start sooner on the renovation. I have the permit applications in so hopefully those will come through soon.”

  She smiled at him. He was a sweet guy. That’s why she could trust him with her body. This arrangement was going to work out great for them.

  “What’s on your agenda today?” Sacha said.

  “Can you go to my mailbox and empty it? Then I can concentrate on paperwork today when the nanny comes.”

  “Sounds good. Then I need to head into the office for a few hours. I have a few changes for the architect to make. I’m having lunch with my brother then I should be home before dinner.”

  “You don’t have to tell me your whole day. I don’t need to know.”

  “I figure my comings and goings affect you so my schedule is an open book,” Sacha said.

  Very considerate. “Thank you. I do appreciate it all that you’re doing for Cliff and me,” Kendra said. She really didn’t know what would happen to them if Sacha hadn’t been there and if he wasn’t such a generous man. They’d be in trouble. Or dead. Who would take care of her mother? Kendra shuddered at the thoughts in her head.

  “Take a closer look at these plans. What do you think of them?” Sacha said.

  “What do I think of them? You’re asking the wrong person. I don’t go to clubs.”

  “Still. I’d like another set of eyes on them before I give any changes to the architect,” Sacha said.

  He tapped the blueprints. It took a moment of her to orient herself. “So there’s the front door. This is the first floor, I guess.”

  “Yes. This is the actual nightclub part. Upstairs will be offices. And my apartment.” He pointed to an elevator shaft. “This is a separate entrance for the offices.” He slid his finger over to another spot marked elevator. “This is my elevator up to my apartment. There are stairs also in case of a fire.”

  “Are you looking for flow?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, the bar is up front. Don’t you want people to have to walk through the whole club to get to the bar? That way the patrons get to see the whole place. Kind of like supermarkets have the milk at the furthest point in the store.”

  Sacha rubbed his chin. Was he actually thinking over her idea?

  “How about halfway back. I don’t want anyone to have to walk through the dance floor.”

  “Okay.” She pointed to a spot in the middle of the room. “A rectangular bar here. Then no one has to navigate the dance floor to get to the bathroom. Or the crowd overflow from the bar.”

  Sacha hummed for a moment. “Yes, I like it. Wonder why the architect didn’t think of that.”

  “Maybe he was going for form over function.”

  ***

  Sacha came home from a long day. He’d met with the architect and the man was not happy about the changes that Kendra had suggested. The man clearly didn’t like his work questioned. Sacha had to fire him from the project, which meant he had to spend the afternoon searching for a new one. Viktor, his brother, had given him a few suggestions. Finally, one had been available. A younger man who was hungry for business. Sacha wasn’t averse to helping someone out in the business that was new. In fact he liked them better because they were more willing to hustle for business.

  He had new plans for the first floor that he wanted to show Kendra. He liked that she hadn’t been shy on giving him her opinion. The architect had incorporated her design changes. He’d give Sacha the rest of the building designs in a week or so but that would be fine. Sacha would have to resubmit the permit applications. He would still be closer to completion than if he had to tear down the building. Kendra’s group had done him a favor by blocking the demolition.

  Sacha entered his apartment and knew instantly Cliff was asleep. The place had a lot more noise when the boy was awake. Sacha didn’t mind, nor did he mind when the boy went to bed. Sacha hadn’t realized how late it was.

  He found Kendra elbow deep in paperwork for her race. “I’m sorry.”

  She looked up at him. “For what?”

  “For not being here when I said I would be.”

  “It’s okay. The nanny gave Cliff dinner then put him to bed. She just left a half an hour ago. I’ve been working on these registrations since not long after you left.”

  “You hungry?”

  “Yes, I was just thinking about getting up to find some leftovers.”

  He took off his tie. “No need. I’ll cook.”

  “I’m sorry. You’ve worked all day,” she said.

  He shook his head. “No, it’s fine. I find it relaxing.”

  “Okay.”

  She went back to her paperwork. He changed into jeans and a shirt then padded barefoot out to the kitchen. He perused the refrigerator and decided on a course of action. But first, he wanted wine. He had a nice Malbec on hand so he opened that and took a glass of it to Kendra. She looked ragged. She smi
led when he set it in front of her.

  “Maybe you should quit for tonight,” he said.

  She looked around. “I guess I could. I might not be so productive anymore.”

  “Come join me in the kitchen.”

  Sacha led her back to the kitchen where he began to chop items for a ragout.

  “You’re very patient,” Kendra said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve invaded your home with a child. I’ve taken over your dining room table.”

  “Kendra, Cliff is fine. I like kids.” Should he tell her about his own? What would it matter? “Years ago, I was in a relationship with a woman. We weren’t in love, in lust most likely. We had a child that she gave up for adoption. I was young and insecure and stupid. I’m looking for him now. Having Cliff here reminded me why I’m looking for him.”

  “I can’t ever see you as insecure.”

  He laughed. “That’s what you got out of what I said? You aren’t shocked that I had a child?”

  She shrugged. “My mother had a baby with a man she can’t remember.”

  “You have any idea who Cliff’s father is?”

  “No, it was a one night stand and I doubt he even stayed that long.”

  He could hear the bitterness in her voice. How could a man take advantage of a woman? He never understood that. He wanted his partners to be his equal.

  “She wasn’t lucid enough to remember at that point?”

  “She had her moments, but I think she chose to forget him. I think it was as mutual as it could have been in her condition. Might have been the mailman or the UPS guy,” Kendra said. “She couldn’t give me enough information to begin looking and at the time I just had to get her through the pregnancy. That’s where all of my energy went.”

  “Understandable.”

  What a nightmare for her but, from what he could see, she didn’t hold any resentment toward her mother or Cliff. What a brave soul. He had to admire her.

  A half an hour later, he served up dinner with a flourish.

  “Looks, great. Thanks.”

  She ate with gusto and that was enough thanks for Sacha. “I could help with whatever you’re doing in there.”

  She waved a hand. “It can wait until tomorrow. I’m tired.”

  “Okay, but I don’t mind.”

  She yawned. “No, I want to be fresher.”

  He cleared away her plate.

  “I’ll do dishes,” she said.

  “I’m thinking about hiring a maid. I’m not usually here this much and I don’t think you should have to clean,” Sacha said.

  “I don’t mind.”

  “I do. You still work even if you don’t go there. Since you can’t go there.”

  “The dishes still need to be done tonight. I don’t like to go to bed with them dirty.”

  “Okay, but I made a fine mess and I’m going to help you clean it up.” She looked around the kitchen. He knew what she saw and the weariness in her eyes spoke to him. “You do the dishes. I’ll do the rest.”

  “Deal.”

  She filled the sink with water. He wasn’t going to ask for sex tonight. She looked far too tired. He’d bet this whole situation was wearing on her. He’d give her the night off. Might result in a cold shower for him, but he’d live.

  Finally the kitchen was cleaned. Kendra wiped her hands on a towel.

  “Good night Kendra.”

  She gave him an odd look. “Good night, Sacha.”

  He left her standing there a puzzled look on her face.

  Chapter7

  The deadline for registering for the race that would benefit several Alzheimer’s organizations had passed and now it was time to get to some real work. This meant planning the rest of the event down to who would play the music. Kendra’s staff of volunteers had been working on it in her absence, but some contracts had to be signed and she was the only one who could do that. Besides, she wanted to touch base with her people and give them a pep talk.

  She approached Sacha one morning before he went to work.

  They’d been getting along well, but she really had to go meet with her staff. There was no way around it. They were flagging and she had to get the motivated again. She couldn’t do that remotely.

  “Hey,” Sacha said. He stood in the hallway, looking in the mirror and tying his tie. It was striped with the colors blue and green. It brought out his eyes.

  “Hi, I need a favor. Well, I need you to help me with logistics.”

  He finished up his tied then turned to her. He always gave her his full attention. They were only bedmates. She wondered what he’d be like if they were in love.

  “Go ahead.”

  Cliff was singing to the nanny in another room. Sacha smiled and she assumed that her brother amused him.

  “I need to have meeting with my staff. I don’t want to have it here, but I need to see them in person. So how do I go about doing that and still be safe?”

  She watched him swallow. He had a sexy throat, long and lean and tanned. How did it get so tanned when he worked all of the time?

  “I can get you a bodyguard. Might take me a few days. Or I can see if I can borrow one of Viktor’s bouncers.”

  “He has bouncers?”

  “His is a private club. He wants to make sure his clientele feels safe. I’ll have some also to discourage the underage crowd. I don’t need that kind of trouble,” Sacha said. “How soon do you want to have this meeting?”

  “I’d hoped for today.”

  Sacha frowned. He pulled out his phone. “Let me look at my schedule.”

  “You don’t need to be there.”

  He waved at her dismissively. “I can’t be there today. Let me call Viktor. Hopefully he’s up. Can you put it off until this afternoon?”

  Kendra’s heart leapt. She was going to get to go out and see her staff. It would be nice to be around people. An extrovert at heart, she was missing being around co-workers. “Yes. I’ll let them know that we have a potential meeting this afternoon. Thank you Sacha.”

  “No problem.” He smiled down at her. “You’re easy to please.”

  His eyes darkened and she was sure he was thinking about their time in bed. Was she easy to please or was he just that good? She blinked then looked away, feeling naked under his gaze.

  “Okay let me know what time. I need to have my staff gather.”

  “Are they the same people who work at your non-profit?”

  “Not all of them, but the non-profit allows me meet in their board room.”

  “Will the board room fit your staff?”

  “It’s tight.”

  “How long to you need it for?”

  “A couple of hours. If we start right after lunch, then we can be done before dinner.”

  Sacha pressed some buttons on his phone. “Alia? Why are you answering Viktor’s phone?”

  Kendra could hear her voice, but couldn’t understand what she said.

  “I need to use the nightclub both for its space and its security. You want to talk to Viktor first?” Sacha smiled. “Make a command decision? Okay. It’s on you if he’s unhappy. The people will be there at one.” He hung up.

  “You have a place for us?”

  “Viktor’s night club is not being used during the day. Might as well take advantage of it. Alia is going to make sure some of the bouncers are there. I’m sure that you will be safe.”

  Kendra couldn’t help smiling. “Thank you, Sacha. You make things look easy.”

  He shrugged. “Everything’s easy when you have resources.”

  Kendra didn’t have them. She knew how difficult life could be. Sacha had such a big hear that she didn’t understand why he wasn’t willing to give it to someone. Not that she wanted it, but she’d at least take care of it.

  “Tell your staff to be there at one.” He wrote down the address for her. “The front door will be locked but they can knock.”

  “Okay. I’ll tell them.”

  “I’ll have my
driver back here by noon to get you there ahead of time.”

  He’d thought of everything. “This is why you’re so successful.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you don’t miss any details.”

  “It’s why I’m good in bed, too.”

  She laughed. She couldn’t deny that he was an expert lover. “Modest, too.”

  He shrugged. “You have to know your strengths.”

  He kissed her cheek then left her in the hallway. She had a few hours to get ready. She thought about what she’d say to her staff. And what they had to get done. Her e-mail written in her head, she booted up her computer at the dining room table. She looked around. All of this paperwork would have to be transported. She’d get it done. If Sacha was able to make this work with one phone call, she was going to do the rest. They had a few hours to get stuff done then she’d feel better about this race. Nothing this big went off without a hitch, but Kendra wanted it all to be close to perfect, as close as she could get at least. She spent an hour on the treadmill after sending the e-mail and was ready for her pickup a few minutes early.

  The prospect of getting out excited her.

  ***

  Sacha had a phone number. He also had an address. He sat in his office that he would only have for a few more months. Only until his building was ready. The anticipation of knowing he worked in a building he owned kept him going through the minutiae of his day. He eyed the e-mail from the private investigator. He’d found the number and address for the woman he had a child with.

  Jessica Latham. He’d forgotten her name. That was sad that he’d forgotten the mother of his child. He hadn’t loved her. She hadn’t loved him. Both had been at a crucial time in their careers and didn’t want to be bogged down by a child. Looking back on the situation, Sacha had been selfish. Maybe he would have made a good father. Maybe for him it would have been a wakeup call and he would have been more successful sooner if he’d had someone relying on him.

  Sacha still hadn’t told Viktor about the child. His brother would have insisted that he keep the child. That was why he hadn’t let him in on the secret. Their mother didn’t know either and she’d be pissed that he’d denied her a grandchild. The sting might be less with Viktor and Alia expecting a baby. Seeing his brother happy had spurred Sacha to right a past wrong. If the child was in a good situation, he wouldn’t swoop in and take him away, but if the boy was in trouble, Sacha would be there for him as he hadn’t when the child was born.