Alexei, Her Russian Billionaire

If she was struggling to understand the news, Maya had no idea how Alexei would react.

The past four months had been incredible. Alexei was attentive and caring. He seemed to know exactly what she wanted, both in and out of the bedroom. Maya couldn’t get enough of it.

They weren’t living together but Maya spent most of her nights at his apartment. Even after her and Jenny’s place had been refurbished and redecorated she still couldn’t bring herself to sleep in her own room. Jenny had offered to switch rooms but Maya didn’t want to impose. She spent the nights when she wasn’t at Alexei’s on the couch or sleeping in Jenny’s bed when Jenny was out. Soon she would have to make a decision about her room but after Jonny had invaded it, it didn’t feel like her room anymore.

Maya hadn’t heard from Jonny since that incident. She assumed he had moved away and had given up trying to pursue her. She hoped this was the case; the police had told her it wasn’t often that stalkers suddenly stopped following the object of their desires. The victims of stalking often ended up dead and sometimes they wouldn’t have any contact for weeks, months or even years before they started up again.

That made Alexei all the more worried. Both of them knew that it was only a matter of time before Jonny came back and tried to get her back again. Maya wasn’t looking forward to it. And Alexei wasn’t taking any chances; he made Maya carry mace and a panic button around and he took her to the firing range to learn how to shoot. Maya didn’t like the thought of using guns but knowing how to use one if she needed to made her feel a little better.

He treated her like a princess and Maya enjoyed being pampered every now and then. But how would he react when he heard the news?

Lucy was at her desk when Maya came up the stairs. She smiled at Maya.

“Morning, Maya. Do you want to see Mr Petrov?”

“Please, Lucy. Is he in?”

“Yes, he’s not busy right now. You can go on in.”

Maya went to Alexei’s door and knocked, entering when bid. Alexei was tapping away at his laptop at his desk. Even though it had only been a few hours since they parted ways to go to work, Maya felt like it had been longer than that. Alexei had been growing his hair out so it was a few inches longer than when they first met, barely brushing his collar. He had been foregoing his tie in recent months, especially once the warmer weather came around and he was even starting to wear jeans to work. It wasn’t the office attire but Alexei was the boss; he could wear anything he wanted.

Suit or jeans, Maya thought he was the most handsome man in the room. Her eyes always went to him when they were separated at functions he took her along to and she always found him staring at her. He made her feel special and Maya loved it.

She loved him, plain and simple.

“Hi, Alexei?”

Alexei looked up. He straightened up and frowned when he saw her.

“Maya. What’s wrong?” He stood and hurried around to her. “I thought you had work. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Maya closed the door and leaned against it. “I’ve called in sick. I was still struggling even after you left.”

“The nausea still hasn’t eased off?”

Maya shook her head. For the last six weeks she had been suffering from bouts of sickness which caused her to spend most nights hugging the toilet. Alexei had always been there with her, armed with a cold cloth. Neither of them knew if it was a stomach bug that was refusing to leave or stress that was making her throw up but Maya had always insisted she was okay.

Alexei put his hands on her shoulders, concern in his expression.

“Have you called the doctor?”

“I saw him half an hour ago.” Maya bit her lip. “He did a test and got a result.”

“What sort of test?” Alexei’s eyes narrowed as Maya hesitated for too long. “Maya? What test?”

“He says I’m pregnant.” Maya braced herself. “That I’m about four months along.”

Alexei’s eyes widened.

“Pregnant?”

Maya nodded.

“I checked the dates. It must’ve been when we didn’t use a condom. Right after I got back from Barbados.” She clutched as his arms. “Alexei, say something, please. You’re beginning to worry me.”

“I’m going to be a father.”

Alexei sounded dazed. Then he moved so suddenly Maya didn’t have time to react. She nearly screamed as he picked her up and spun her around.

“Whoa, steady!”

Alexei laughed and put her down, leaning her against the desk. He was smiling now, his eyes shining.

“God, Maya.” He cupped her face and kissed her. “I’m going to be a father.”

Maya could help but laugh.

“I take it you’re happy then.”

“More than happy.” Alexei kissed her forehead and pulled back, rubbing the back of his neck. “I must admit I didn’t think I’d know how to react if someone said they were pregnant with my baby but now I know.”

“At least we’ve got an answer to the symptoms I’ve been having.” Maya could feel the tension disappearing now she knew Alexei wasn’t angry. They hadn’t spoken about having a family yet and this was sudden. “The doctor told me to take it easy and he’s given me some anti-sickness tablets. Fat chance of me taking it easy but I’ve said I won’t take any jobs out of the country until the baby’s born.”

“Good girl. I don’t want you too far away from me.” Alexei kissed her again and then moved around the desk. “Actually, you beat me to it. I was planning a surprise of my own tonight.”

“Really?” Maya turned around and watched as he opened the top drawer in his desk. “What is it?”

Alexei grinned. He pulled out a box and came back around to stand before her. Maya’s heart leapt into her mouth. This wasn’t what she thought it was, was it?

Alexei opened the box and Maya gasped when she saw the diamond ring, its settings sparkling on the band. It wasn’t too big or too sparkling; it was pretty but simple. Alexei had remembered her taste in jewelry with what little she wore.

“Alexei, it’s beautiful.”

“I thought you’d like it. The jeweler helped me pick it out.”

“You chose well.” Maya looked up at him. “What’s it for?”

Alexei chuckled.

“Can’t you guess? It’s an engagement ring.”

Maya stared in amazement as Alexei lowered himself onto one knee and took her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles and he looked up at her with such affection Maya felt wobbly. She was glad she was leaning against the desk.