Russkaya Mafiya

Chapter 6

EMILY

We make it back to my apartment and a few hours later, London has finally woken up from a nap.

I turn to her, "So, don't take this the wrong way. I'm super happy you're here and I love seeing your lovely face, but why exactly are you here?"

I feel bad for asking, but it's driving me crazy. I keep picturing worst-case scenarios in my head over and over. I need a little bit of reassurance that I'm being irrational.

We continued getting dressed for our night out with the boys. London and Avery dressed me up like a hooker after London saw Tate staring at me. It was pretty much cemented in her head to hook me up. They keep telling me the dress is hot, and I look great but I think I appear almost naked in it.

I guess we were supposed to check out some club called ‘Tainted' tonight, but Avery won London over with the OO7 theme. Now it's back to OO7 for us. I swear Avery would go to OO7 every time she's off if we were up for it. That girl loves to dance and have some fun.

I hope it's not another drama-filled night. I don't know if I can handle Tate on an Alpha kick again. I'm not going to hold my breath, knowing London's shenanigans.

London mumbles, "Look, Emily, let's have a little fun tonight. I just got here and want to have a good time with you guys. We can talk about all the serious stuff tomorrow, okay?"

She has looked pretty stressed out since I first saw her at the university. It looks like she could use some more sleep too, which is weird for my friend. At least she got in a short nap today.

I nod and smile; it's fake but I want to reassure her, "Okay, that sounds like a plan, and don't forget we are checking out one of the lakes this weekend. I don't care if both of you are rocking hangovers or not! It'll be even more fun now that you are going with Avery and me."

I'm so happy London and Avery have hit it off and have become fast friends.

She chuckles, "Us hungover? Oh no, girly, I'm in town, you can relax for a night or two or three. It will be perfectly fine to have some drinks and cut loose with all of us around you."

London's shooting me her annoyed look where she scrunches up her eyebrows and has a line down the center of her forehead. Speaking of lines, I know how to distract her from talking me into making bad decisions and getting plowed with them.

"Wow, when you make that face it shows a big line in your forehead. Are you getting wrinkles, London? It looks like you might be getting too much sun." Avery busts out laughing at me. Damn it, she caught on to my distraction.

"Don't listen to her, London; she's trying to get you off topic." She gives me a big s**t-eating grin.

"You suck, Avery! You're fired!"

Avery giggles, "Nope. You already fired me at the coffee shop, so technically you can't fire me anymore!"

I think about lunging at her and tackling her to the ground. I know once I get her there London will at least help me tickle her. Right as I go to make my move, there's a knock on my apartment door.

Avery jumps up really fast and practically runs to the door to answer it. She must be a little excited to see Cameron. Or not.

She completely ignores Cameron as he walks in. Avery hurriedly gives the big guy they brought with them an excited hug. I'll have to ask her about that later.

Cam puts on a wide smile, "Ladies, ladies, ladies, are we

ready to have some fun?" Cam's voice booms through my tiny apartment.

London eats up the loudness and gravitates toward Cameron as soon as he sees her. They both eye-f**k each other while Avery talks to the new hot, blond guy. Wow, never would have predicted this one.

Tate gives me a soft smile and walks toward me. He leans down and sweetly kisses me on my cheek. My heart melts a little at the touch of his lips.

"Hey, little pet, you look breathtaking. I love this dress on you. I'm going to have to break some guy's knees tonight, huh?"

Break some knees? Who says that? I look at him like he's lost his mind and it makes him chuckle. Yeah, no personality disorder here! Right.

"Relax, Krasaaveetsa, I'm only joking. I'd have Nikoli here do it for me." He smirks towards the other guy that came with them.

Nikoli is a beast. He's huge, full of muscles, probably six-foot-five, and covered in tribal tattoos. He's still very good looking for being so big; he has short blond hair and dark blue eyes. He looks like the ultimate Russian fighter.

Nikoli grins down at me and I look at Tate. I have to admit, a man that big does frighten me inside. He looks so friendly, but I'm still shaky towards men in general. Not so much with Tate, but everyone else.

Tate squeezes my bicep softly, "Emily, this is Nikoli, he was a bouncer at OO7 when we went last time." He nods toward him and looks back at me, "Nikoli, this is my Krasaaveetsa, Emily." He looks excited to be introducing me. I think he may have told Nikoli about me already.

"Nice to meet you, Nikoli."

I stick my hand out being courteous and Nikoli grabs me with both of his big, meaty paw-like hands. He brings me in for a hug and I think I squeak.

"Welcome Bosses lady." Tate beams a smile after Nikoli speaks.

I glance between both of them, puzzled. "Huh?"

Nikoli looks at me sheepishly and grins so his dimples pop out. Such a cutie.

"I apologize. I speak Russian so much, that sometimes it automatically comes out. I said Welcome..." Tate shakes his head minutely but I still catch it. "Umm, lady," he finishes, nodding.

Hmm, I wonder what he really said. I won't ask Tate right now, but I am curious. Hopefully I can remember some of it to Google later.

Everyone's heading toward the door, so I guess it's that time. I grab my small purse and shuffle out the door behind them. I lock up and follow them outside.

Tate has his large, black Tahoe again, so we can all ride together and have a designated driver. I get little flutters inside, thinking about how thoughtful he really is. He's always looking out for my comfort level and I don't know if he even realizes he does it.

Tate starts to bark orders as soon as we reach the vehicle, "You girls will have to sit on Cam and Nikoli's laps. Emily, you will sit in the front with me." Everyone jumps into action and I just stand there. Yeah, I don't think so. I don't take orders from men anymore.

This reminds me, I need to check out the parking lot. I start scanning all the vehicles and my surroundings. There are lights outside but there are too many dark spots for me to see everything.

At least I'm surrounded by three big men. I don't have to completely freak out right now, about being outside in the dark. I still feel like I'm being watched everywhere I go and I have to make myself stop this madness. I'm going to get an ulcer with worrying all the time.

Turning to Tate, I argue, "Umm, why, Tate, that doesn't make sense. Let Nikoli sit up front, because we will all fit better in the back."

"Come, Krasaaveetsa, get in the front." Tate replies with a stern look and I just roll my eyes at him.

"No, Tate, I'm not jumping because you say so. This doesn't make sense and I know I'm right. You need to give in on this one."

This man is always making me feel like a teenager around him. I mean technically twenty is very young, but he makes me feel fifteen. I'm always angry, turned on, arguing or feeling like I'm falling head over heels for him. I thought this was what happened when you were young, not in college.

He grumbles, "I didn't ask you to jump, I asked you to sit down."

Tate must realize this is going to be a battle because before I can get a response out, he picks me up. Nikoli opens the front door and Tate shoves me in the front seat. Nikoli smiles widely at me and shuts the door quickly.

I'm so shocked it doesn't even register what they just did for a few seconds. I feel my mouth gaping and physically reach up to cover it. The balls on these men are uncanny.

Tate gets in the SUV and gazes at me; I can only stare at him with my mouth open. I cannot believe that just happened. I don't know whether to be pissed off or turned on right now.

Avery sits in the back giggling like it's the greatest thing ever and London's looking at Tate like he hung the moon. Freaks, damn freaks, I'm surrounded by crazies.

***

The next morning...

"Oh My God, my head! What time is it? What happened last night?"

Is that Avery's scratchy-ass voice I hear pounding into my head? Why is she yelling?" Dude, shut up! And go back to sleep." That sleepy voice is London's, so she is here after all, and I didn't dream it.

Avery chokes out, "f**k, I'm going to be sick!" She runs to the bathroom but trips over me and goes flying onto another body under a comforter. I want to laugh at her because it was hilarious, but my head and stomach hurt too badly.

She mumbles, scrambling to get up, "Oof. s**t! Sorry!" She takes off running again. I hear her slam the bathroom door and we all let out a collective groan.

Tate peeks his head up out of the blanket that Avery just tripped on and looks over at me. He looks adorable, like a sleepy puppy. Only hot, and male, with bed head, and wow, yep, no shirt on.

He leans up so the blanket falls to his stomach and I can't look away from his gorgeous body. Tattoos cover his pecs and little barbells adorn each n****e. He is ripped, way more so than I had thought from dancing with him. He has a little happy trail of brown hair that leads over his six-pack. He has a freaking six-pack! Of course he does.

Tate slowly leans toward me and kisses my forehead and whispers softly, "Morning, baby." I melt a little inside when he says it so naturally as if it happens daily. I give him a small smile because he just made this horrible hangover a little better by being here when I first woke up.

"Good morning, Tate."

I start to lean up also, but freak when the blanket falls. I scramble to pull the blanket back over my chest swiftly. Damn it, Tate just got an eye full!

"Holy f**k! Why am I naked?"

Tate gives me his grin and the dimples come out to play. Oh no, here it comes.

"Well, last night all of you ladies decided to sleep naked." Tate chuckles, gesturing to me, "You all decided it would be one less thing you had to worry about in the morning. I tried to get you to keep at least your panties and bra on, but you wouldn't hear of it." I feel my face start to burn and know it's probably red as a cherry.

"I got you to lie down under the blanket, but you made me promise I'd stay right beside you or you would take the blanket off. You said something about being scared and needing me to protect you. I stayed because I swear if either one of these fuckers looked at you, I'd be throwing blows. I told you to relax, that I'll always keep you safe. You kissed me pretty sloppily and told me you like me way too much. Then you snuggled into me and passed right out." He finishes, flashing that adoring stare in my direction.

Good lord, I'm mortified at this moment. There is a reason I don't drink. I tend to binge drink when I do, and then I can't remember anything the next day.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry I put you through that. That's just awful, I'm so embarrassed!"

Cameron starts chuckling and lifts his head to look over at me. Oh God, what now?

"Are you kidding, Emily? Tate was in heaven. You were naked, and you're bangin', by the way. Not only were you showing your boy the goods, but he got to take care of you and boss you around last night. I think you just fulfilled one of his secret fantasies!" Cam starts laughing some more at the face I make; I guess you can call it disgruntled. Yep, I'm disgruntled.

He groans, "Ow. s**t. My head is killing me." Cameron winces and puts the blanket over his head again. Thank God, no more stories out of him!

"Good, that's what you deserve for making Emily embarrassed." Tate is looking over toward where Cam is lying like he wants to strangle him.

"Shh! Please, Boss!" That was Nikoli.

Geez, did everyone stay here last night? I guess so, if Tate is here, considering he was the one who drove everyone. I can't believe I even had enough blankets. Looking around I see there are only three blankets out. Guess I'm not the only one who was snuggled up to someone last night. I see the spot is empty next to Nikoli, so that means Avery must have slept beside him.

She comes out of the bathroom sluggishly and looking a little green. Avery has a bright peach towel wrapped tightly around her.

I mutter, "Surprise! I see you discovered you're naked also?!" I don't say it too loudly because my head is pounding but I do say it full of sarcasm. I need to find my Excedrin at this point.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. No biggie, Nikoli is naked, too. We had fun being naked together." She grins elatedly and crawls back under the blanket with Nikoli. Well, that answers some of my questions for her.

Groaning, I lean over, "Ugh, this is why I don't drink. I'm never drinking like that again." I scoop up my shirt and lie back down. I know I can get it back on underneath the covers.

London huffs, "Yes, you are. We are going to the lake later and probably that river restaurant place y'all told me about." She perks up a little and I just want to throw something at her. I look around and spot one of my flip-flops.

"Oof!" says a deep voice. s**t, that was Cam, not London. I pick up my other flip-flop and chuck it a little harder.

"f**k!" Yep, that's London. Well, that just put a smile on my face.

Tate pulls my back in close to his chest and wraps his arms around me tight. I feel his nose and lips close to my neck and his breaths tickle the back of my neck. My n*****s get hard from it and I squeeze my legs together to try to relieve some of the ache he has put there. I swear I feel his teeth graze my neck and it turns me on like crazy.

Tate whispers "Sleep, my Krasaaveetsa, I have you."

And I do, I sleep the best that I have in months.

I slowly start to wake up and look around the living room. Tate and Nikoli are missing. I see London and Cameron spooning on the couch watching a movie and I hear the shower going. I'm guessing Avery is in the shower since she brought clothes with her to stay the night.

I check out the clock and see it's already noon. Wow. I can't believe the girls are up and moving around already. I was expecting to have to drag them out of the blankets and yell loudly to get them awake.

I rasp, "Mornin', where is everyone?" I ask the room in general.

Cameron pops his head up and looks at me. He's so tall his feet hang over the arm of the couch. I can't believe they can both fit on that couch together, with his size and London's butt. He has the cute lazy look going on. His hair has a bad case of bed head, going every which way like Tate's earlier. His eyes are the color of Hershey's chocolate and he has long pretty eyelashes. He's always so put together and all preppy looking when I see him. Seeing him relaxed and lounging around actually makes him look so much cuter. He kind of reminds me of a muscular pretty-boy.

Cameron and London look gorgeous together; I bet they would have little babies that would look like models. Ha! That's silly, London and Cameron are both hardcore players, there's no point in me even going there.

"Tate and Nikoli left to shower, change, get me some clothes and pick up one of the boats. Avery's feeling better so she's in the shower right now. I think she's trying to be ready before Nikoli gets back. She was rushing around all crazy as soon as he left."

I look at Cameron like he's speaking Chinese. Did he just say one of the boats? Freaking spoiled boys!

"Umm, boat?" I repeat like I don't know how to use my words.

"Yeah, you said you wanted to go to the lake or river, right? Tate's family has a few boats so he went to go get one. He wants you to be pleased, so he was going to pick up a chest of drinks and everything we would need."

He uses his hands to make quote marks and tries to sound like Tate when he talks, "Tate said he wants everyone to be ready to go whenever you want to leave." Cameron huffs then goes back to talking normally, "They should be back anytime; they've been gone for a while."

I just stare at Cam, because...I mean...shit. I don't know what to even say. Tate is thinking of me yet again. He's even going out of his way to make me happy, just like he did that first night and like last night.

I leisurely trek into the kitchen to get some caffeine. I need to wake up. On the countertop, there is a white, long-stemmed calla lily.

"Hey, who got the flower?" I ask no one in general again. I'm still stuck in zombie mode.

"Oh, Tate brought it in and set it on the counter." London opens her pretty little mouth for the first time. Cameron must be doing something right, to keep that one so quiet. It's like he has her tamed or something right now.

Tate is so sweet. I don't remember him buying me a flower, but then I don't even remember coming home, so yeah.

Avery comes breezing out of the shower looking all brand new. You'd never guess she was blowing chunks this morning. She has on a hot pink bikini top, white jean shorts, and white flip-flops. She looks adorable. Avery has her hair down and brushed straight, with just a little mascara on her face. She looks younger than usual with her makeup missing.

"Geez, sweets, you are rocking some serious abs! Playing volleyball sure does agree with you."

I'm not a fan of abs on chicks; I think it's not a feminine look. I have always believed women are meant to look a little softer and men are supposed to be hard and full of muscle. She sure can pull it off though; she looks hot.

She grins, "Thanks, Em. I quit the team though."

"What? I thought you were on scholarship?"

"I was but I ended up getting an academic scholarship because of my grades. It's not as good as the other, but I'm able to switch over to Accounting as my major. Now I won't have to train as much either. It was just getting old."

"As long as you're happy, Avery," I reply, giving her a worried look. She doesn't like to be tied down to anything and I'm concerned about her not completing her degree. It's not much of my business though.

I hop in the shower long enough to do a quick upkeep and wash my hair. I have a new red bikini I'm going to try out today.

Tate seems to like it when I'm wearing red, pink or black the most. He's been going out of his way for me, so I'm going to wear a color he likes. Plus, I want his attention on me and with Avery and London's hot bodies, he might get distracted.

I put lots of lotion on since I'm going to be in the sun, some mascara, and lip gloss. That's as good as it's going to get. I hurry, knowing London and Cameron need to get in here, too.

I step out of the bathroom and am instantly assaulted with the delicious smell of cheeseburgers. Yum. I feel like I could eat a horse right now and drink about a gallon of water. That smells amazing.

London turns towards me when she hears me open the bathroom door. "There she is! Girl, this guy is out here trying to get us all to hurry up! Please tell your man to calm down, that you're not ready to leave yet either."

She is smiling brightly at me from teasing Tate. When I glance at Tate, he's looking at the ground a little bashful. I just roll my eyes at her. She's never going to stop picking on Tate if he lets her get away with it.

Ignoring her, I ask Tate, "Is that burgers I smell? God, it smells really good!"

"Yes, I stopped and got Freddy's. I figured the greasy food might help everyone feel a little better." He gives me a shy smile.

Oh my, Tate Masterson bashful and shy?! Where did the stubborn alpha go that I'm used to seeing? I like it that he's showing me this side of him.

I nod, "That sounds wonderful, Tate, thanks for being so thoughtful."

I go up on my tippy toes and give him a quick chaste kiss on the lips. He briefly hugs me to him and kisses my forehead. I get rewarded with his handsome grin after.

London and Cameron shower together. That's an experience alone, with all the noise he has her making in there. That b***h is totally cleaning my shower before she goes back home. It sounds like Cam knows what he's doing in there.

Afterward, she walks out in a black bikini, full of cheesy smiles.

I just shake my head at her, amused, "Okay can we please go now? Everyone's had plenty of time to get ready." I glance at each of them, "Hey, where's Nikoli?" I ask, scanning the apartment.

"He's checking out all the stuff on the boat. I told him to make sure we had plenty of life jackets, towels, that kind of stuff," Tate responds and gestures toward the window that faces the parking lot.

"Awesome! Thank you so much for getting your boat, Tate, you've made me even more excited than I already was!" I gaze at him gratefully. He keeps stealing little pieces of me that I'm trying not to give away.

I ask the first thing that pops into my head, "Which lake are we going to, anyhow?" I want him to know I appreciate everything he's done and I'm thrilled about it. I've never had any man be so thoughtful toward me before.

"We, my little pet, are going to Tellico Lake." He grasps my hand, wrapping it in both of his larger palms.

He brings it to his face and kisses the top of it before continuing. "It's about thirty miles southwest from here. There's a retirement community, a private gated, wealthy community and lots of warehouses with loading docks available."

"Oh, that sounds cool."

"Yeah, my parents have a house on one of the hills, I'll show it to you when we pass by it in the boat. There are also lots of restaurants and a Calhoun's close that we can eat at when we dock, if you would like. You should have fun."

Tate has put some thought into this and planned an outing that sounds like so much fun. I swear he just made me swoon. I love a man who can take something I enjoy and plan a fun day of it. He looks excited to experience it all with me.

Tate looks edible in black board shorts with little white skulls in a line down each leg. He has on a white tank top with a little black Hollister logo on the left side and black leather flip-flops. Ultimate beach boy but still looks manly. I can't wait to see that shirt come off again. I hope I get to rub sunscreen all over that yummy body.

I love it that he dresses so differently than my ex. Tate always has a relaxed, rich look to him. He's extremely well groomed and he appears stern, but he can also be friendly when he feels like it.

"You look really good in your boat clothes. I like that I can see your tattoos displayed, they are so sexy!" The sexy slips out and I shut my mouth quickly.

I'm supposed to be moving slow or not at all, but I find us moving a million miles a minute instead. I know I have issues and I'm messed up about some things. Tate makes me forget about any of it when I'm near him. It's like I just exist and everything bad washes itself away.

He growls, pulling me closer, "Sexy, hmm? No, Krasaaveetsa, you look f*****g sexy. I would love to kiss your neck all over and untie that top with my teeth. I bet you taste delectable, all that creamy skin, begging to be bitten." He inhales deeply, and then moves further away from me. "Let's get going before I push you too far." I gape at what he says. I was not expecting to hear him talk like that at all.

Now that's all I can picture: His teeth undoing my top and then his teeth and tongue on my n*****s, sucking, swirling, and biting. That sounded so erotic the way he said it and has me turned on.

I squeeze my legs together for a minute and imagine what it would be like to have him there; his hands, his face, his c**k. It's been years since anyone has been near my p***y. It's been long enough. I take a deep cleansing breath and reel in my thoughts.

Everyone is finally ready to leave. We snatch up all our beach bags, heading out of the apartment.

We all file out of the apartment building to find Tate has a huge teal boat hooked up to his Tahoe in the parking lot. I get so excited inside when I see it. The boat is stunning.

"Ayyy!" Nikoli hollers ‘Hey' at us but it comes out sounding kind of like ‘A'.

He's standing in the middle of the boat with a straw cowboy hat that has a big blue band around it advertising a brand of vodka. Leave it to the Russian to be advertising vodka.

Nikoli's missing a shirt and has on some neon green and black board shorts. He looks like his body was made specifically to be without clothes on. His chest muscles and abs appear as if they are carved out of stone; they are so perfect and pronounced. He spends many hours in the gym, honing in a perfect body.

"Nice! We are going to have a boat full of hot chicks! Hey, girls! Sun's out, gun's out!" He beams a huge smile at us and flexes his muscular arms.

We all burst out laughing. He chuckles, pleased he made us all smile and laugh. Nikoli has such a great, friendly personality you almost have to like him.

He jumps off the boat and gives me a mini heart attack, he's up so high. He walks straight to Avery, kisses her hard, and then picks her up. He twirls her in circles while she screams. She might be yelling and complaining, but I know she loves it.

We start our drive to the lake, with me riding up front again. Go figure. Tate sure is stubborn. I remember how excited he got when I asked about his car, so I'm going to ask him about his boat this time.

"Your boat is nice. What kind is it?"

Tate smirks, flashing a small smile at me then turns back to watch as he drives.

"Thanks, babe. It's a Chris Craft Corsair 36 Cruiser. Are you familiar with boats?" I get a tingly feeling all over when he calls me babe. I'm falling for him and it's only been a little over a month since I first met him. Is it really possible to fall for someone that fast?

I think back to the boat. The boat is huge enough to fit probably ten people up top. I had to get a tour before we all loaded into the SUV. It has all wood grain detail and a cabin. The cabin has a table that converts to a queen size bed, a small kitchen counter with water faucet and fridge. It even has a bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet. The boat itself is a rich teal color but the inside is all creams and grey leather.

"Nope, we usually would just swim at a little lake with friends at Travis County. Not much boating experience so I'm extra excited today!"

"Where was this? What's Travis County?" He looks intrigued. s**t, I should have kept my mouth shut. I don't want to talk about home.

"Oh, umm, just a place near where I used to live," I answer vaguely and hope he drops it.

"And where exactly did you used to live, Krasaaveetsa? You haven't told me much about where you came from and your friends there. I'm sure you must miss it; I know I miss my home."

It's Tate though, so of course he asks me more questions. After the past month of being together in class and for lunch, I've done a pretty decent job avoiding talking about my life. I've given him bits and pieces about my family, but nothing about the real reason why I'm in Tennessee in the first place. Now though, he is strictly able to concentrate on me and I should give him a little bit, considering how much closer we've become.

I stammer, "I just, umm, lived by a city called Austin, but in a smaller town, in Texas. Same as London and the only other people I speak to there is London's family. She has a brother who takes care of my granddaddy's land for me." I shrug.

Speaking of, that i***t Elliot hasn't returned my text messages or my voicemails. I'm talking to London about that ASAP when we get back to the apartment.

"Where is it you're from, Tate? I'm assuming Russia?"

"Yes, I'm from the neighborhood called Andel, Prague, but stayed a lot in Moscow." He smiles fondly, "Your family has land in Texas? I would love to see the state you came from. Would you want to visit? We could make a road trip or I could fly us?"

I feel myself pale at his words. There is absolutely no way I can go back there right now, if ever. I have been having crazy paranoid feelings already and then London showed up. I'm going to find out what's going on today, why she decided to visit, no more ‘relax and have fun.' I know she's procrastinating but if that monster is out then I have to do everything I can to prepare myself and to hide.

Maybe even take off running again if I have to.

"That's so sweet of you, Tate, but I have no reason to visit, maybe someday though." I close the conversation and try not to think of my past which is always haunting me.

After a short drive, we arrive at the stunning, glistening lake. It's a lot larger than I was expecting and I can't wait to get out on the water. I've heard a lot of these lakes around here are pretty dangerous for swimmers so you have to be careful. This is supposed to be the nicest lake around.

Tate peels his shirt off, reaching with one hand and ripping it over his head. His muscles clench and flex with each movement. He throws his shirt in the SUV before preparing the boat for launching. He looks magnificent with his shirt off; my mouth waters at the striking sight of him.

"Hey, girly, shut your mouth." Avery comes up beside me and starts laughing when she sees my expression, staring at Tate.

"Yeah, no kidding. Thanks for stating the obvious, chickadee!" I chuckle, "I can't help it, that man is unbelievable."

His n****e rings glint in the sunshine and he has amazing hazel eyes that I know are sparkling, hidden behind his shades. Tate's body is completely lickable. He has cuts and dips all over like he has spent serious time on some gym equipment.

He almost looks like he could be a brawler when he's wearing one of his broody expressions. I wonder if he was a troublemaker as a kid. I bet he was a handful with his stubbornness.

He has a light tan going on. Nothing too dark, but it is noticeable especially since Tate is Russian. Nikoli for example is very white; I bet that man burns his tush off today.

I'm going to have to study Tate's tattoos later and find out what they all are. I've had so many chances but I kind of go brain dead when I'm around him. Whatever they are, they are awesome. It looks like some Russian writing on his arm with swirls and shading, some bionic looking gears on his left pec, maybe the Russian flag on his other arm? I don't know. It's all together in sleeves so it's really hard to pick it all apart when I'm not right next to him.

I'm watching him on the boat as he turns around. Oh My God. He has a tattoo spanning his whole back; wow that looks like it was painful. It's stunning, like a painting on skin.

"Hey, hot stuff, what's the tatt on your back?" I holler up at him from the dock.

"Huh? Oh, my back? It's Ares, God of War," he says and smiles big enough I see his bright white teeth.

Holy f**k, he's hot. God of War? Yeah, I can see Tate causing a whole bunch of chaos.

We spend the day sunbathing, swimming, boating, and just being goofy. Afterward, we take London to Calhoun's so she can check out the deck and have some yummy food. There are lots of shots passed around, but none of us get hammered again. I am definitely exhausted from spending the day in the sun. I had so much fun and hope we get to spend another day like this soon.

Tate was so thoughtful; he kept coming and rubbing sunscreen on me every hour and kept offering me drinks. He even stopped at the marina to run in and buy me a twelve-pack of sodas and M&M's. Tate doted on me all day and I feel very cherished by him.

I've never really had that before when dating a man. I met the monster when I was fifteen and he was seventeen. I thought he was everything and continued to think that for a few years.

The changes in him started to show after a while though. I don't know if they were changes or if he had been good at hiding from everyone and had been that way his whole life. I like to refer to him as ‘The Monster' rather than his name because that's exactly what he is – a f*****g monster.

After such an awesome day and a great dinner, we make our way back to my apartment. Avery is staying with London and me for the whole weekend so the three of us unload and grab up all our stuff.

Avery and Nikoli look like they might suck each other's faces off when they say goodbye and London gazes kind of bashfully at Cam. I wonder what that s**t's all about. My London never acts like that around a guy; she's always calling the shots and I mean always.

Tate comes to me and pulls me into his arms in a warm, tight embrace. Even after being in the sun and water all day, Tate still smells divine. His face and body have a nice tan going on and his nose looks as if it got kissed by the sun a little too much. We had slowly gravitated toward each other all day and spent a lot more time getting to know each other.

"Good night my mallenkee Krasaaveetsa, I will see you tomorrow?" His lips graze my cheek delicately as he says this. I love hearing him speak Russian, it's a total aphrodisiac.

Nodding, I agree, "Yes, you can see me tomorrow, as long as I can bring the girls. What was that you just said? It sounded so alluring; I love when you speak Russian to me." I peer up into his eyes and our lips align but he's much taller than me, so they don't touch.

"I called you my little beauty: mallenkee Krasaaveetsa." I beam at him because he is turning out to be pretty perfect.

"Oh, before I forget again, thank you for the flower this morning, it is beautiful!" I squeeze him to me as I say this.

"You're welcome, little pet. I think someone dropped it in the hall this morning so I thought you might enjoy it." He dips his head toward mine and places his lips on mine before I can respond. Tate takes his time and kisses me slowly, softly, and deeply. I feel as if I'm tasting him for the first time, like he is showing me a piece of himself. I wrap my hands around his firm waist and pull him closer to me. He has my face cradled in between his hands as he controls our kiss.

When he pulls back, I suck on his bottom lip and make him groan. Tate presses a chaste kiss to my forehead and gives me a little smack on the ass as he starts to walk to his SUV.

"Night, girls, keep an eye on my Krasaaveetsa for me!" he chortles loudly as he walks around the large vehicle.

Tate hops in the driver's side and pulls out of the parking lot. As they start to drive away, Nikoli leans out of his window and wolf whistles at us. I chuckle at his silliness. We all wave and head inside.