Her Russian Millionaire

“Hey. We can stop.” Erik leaned over top of her and planted a kiss on her cheek.

He helped her up. “Let’s order that room service. Would you like a bath? The hotel here provides bath bombs. I’ve heard they are quite soothing for ladies.”

“I think that’s a good idea.” Her legs were shaky. A bath would help to cool her overheated flesh and clear her mind.

After telling Erik to order her whatever he thought was best, she headed into the bathroom. It was all white tile and cool chrome. The gigantic tub was large enough to hold two Jalisas, and she filled it almost all the way to the top. She piled her hair on top of her head and secured it with a hotel shower cap. Stripping her clothes off and leaving them on the counter, she grabbed two lavender bath bombs and stepped into the water.

Holding one bath bomb in each hand, she lowered them into the water. They fizzed and popped in her hand, turning her bath water into a glittery purple fairytale. She breathed deeply and washed her senses with lavender.

“Lord,” she spoke aloud. “I don’t know what to do. Things are getting so messed up, and now I’m throwing love into the mix. I know it’s ridiculous, but I think I might really like this guy. He treats me well.

“As you have taught me, love is not about butterflies in my stomach, but it is about caring for another person. It is a matter of commitment. I know I dare not utter the word marriage to this man, but that is my goal. To stand before you in a church with my other half. White dress and veil. I don’t know who will give me away now, but I do know that Nikita will be the flower girl. She’s always wanted that, but I don’t have to tell you that. She’ll be so beautiful in her dress, perhaps a blue or purple. We’ll write our own vows and become a holy union in the light of the Lord.

“I don’t have any friends here, yet, so, Lord, I ask that you bless me with friends. Enough to fill up the church hall and pray for my marriage. We will throw a massive party after the wedding. There will be cake and punch and games. I will throw a bouquet, and the next woman will find her other half, too.

“I ask that you bless me with many healthy children and that they may never know the fear of what I’m going through. May I provide them with everything they need and may they know you as their savior.

“I hope these words show you how serious I am becoming about this man. I know that you sent him here to me. I’m not sure yet if he is for me, but I think that he is. I trust him, and I trust you, Lord.”

“Then there’s the matter of my virginity.” She brought handfuls of the warm water up and let them run over her bre*sts. The feeling reminded her of how he had touched her. “You know I’ve never been the kind of Christian who believes s*x is evil. S*x is given by God to man. There’s a reason it feels good. I believe that form of love is worship in and of itself.”

“I think I want this man. I want him in every way a woman should: romantically, physically, emotionally, s*xually, spiritually. If this is my other half, Lord, please give me a sign.” She sunk down into the water with a sigh. “If this is my other half, please give me the strength not to be afraid when he takes me. Give him a steady heart and a soft touch.”

She lay in the bath and remembered her old pastor’s lessons on falling in love. All love was holy, but especially the romantic love between two people. Jalisa reflected on this until noises disturbed her meditation.

Muffled by the bathroom door, Jalisa heard the sounds of room service being delivered. Taking it as her cue to join Erik, she stepped out of the bath and wrapped herself up in a towel. Jalisa dried off most of her body before taking her hair down, but she still didn’t feel comfortable putting on her clothing. The thought of the tight fabric sticking to her body made her skin crawl.

“Is there a robe?” She poked her head out of the door to find him arranging their plates on the table. A single rose in a vase sat in the middle. He must have made a special request. Her heart smiled.

“I quite like you in just that.” He playfully growled and licked his lips before handing her a soft hotel robe.

The two sat at the table and began to eat. He had ordered burgundy wine glazed rib meat, green beans, and mashed potatoes. A bottle of wine and some water were chilling in a bucket of ice. Erik poured himself a glass of wine, but Jalisa refused. Jalisa arranged her silverware before bowing her head. He watched curiously before bowing his head, too.

“Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for the food we are about to receive. It is one of your many blessings unto man. May we use its energy in ways that uplift your name. Amen.” Jalisa raised her head.

“Amen.” Erik nodded toward her. She took a bite of her food before trying to start a conversation. The topic she wished to discuss was a sensitive one, but it was of the utmost importance to her.

“Do you believe in God?”

There was a pregnant pause between the two. Erik cringed and brought his glass to his lips. Roughly gulping down the entire thing, he sighed and poured himself another drink. Jalisa was right, this would be a sensitive topic.

“That’s not exactly an easy question to answer. It’s not a simple yes or no. I wish it were, but it isn’t.” Erik shrugged. “I don’t really know the answer to that.”

“You must have some thoughts.” Jalisa put her fork down and gave him her full attention.

“I…don’t really have that pretty of a past. The concept of God gets a little murky around my brother’s death.” He leaned back in his chair. “I don’t suppose you would want to hear about that?”

“Tell me about it.”