4. Chapter 4 (1/2)

chapter 4

"yankee!"

wheeler responded to being called by poking his head in linka's room. his blonde fantasy was pacing up and down the room with anna in arms, the little girl content with the motion and the attention she was receiving. one fist was shoved in her mouth and she was sucking on it happily, the other tangled in linka's hair. she was one beautiful child, he decided, admiring the big blue eyes and slight olive complexion of her skin. it was hard not to smile around her.

"what's up, gorgeous?" he asked nonchalantly, walking towards the pair before pinching anna's cheek.

"anna is being fussy," the russian girl responded, but wheeler could tell her tone was light. "the little princess does not want to be put down, and i really have to go call my grandmother back before it gets too late over there and she goes to bed. gi just stepped in the shower and i have no idea where the others are! will you take her for a moment?"

linka held anna out to him and could only see wheeler blinking back as a response. "ah, linka, i know nothing about holding babies, remember?"

"oh… well, it is not like she is an infant or anything! you do not even have to hold her head up. she is a big girl!"

with an amused smile, linka placed anna in his arms, nearly laughing at his stunned expression.

"there. not so hard, is it?"

anna laughed a little, kicking her little legs delighted. linka waited until wheeler seemed comfortable enough with the new task, satisfied that he was not complaining but was instead trying. her yankee was getting more and more compliant lately, and she liked the side of him that wanted to please her. it showed her he cared, for actions spoke loudly.

"you be a good little girl, now," linka cooed at anna, kissing her smooth cheek and smiling at her affectionately. linka's hands were unconsciously placed over wheeler's arms and he was inundated by the scent of her coconut shampoo floating around him.

his eyes, in turn, ran over linka's pink mouth, soft and inviting, one of the things he loved best about her, and he got lost in fantasies of her. it was like drowning happily in soothing ocean waters, without the desire to resurface for air.

"don't i get a kiss, babe?" he whispered huskily, leaning in a little, deciding to take advantage of her good mood. linka observed him in silence for a moment, considering him it seemed, before she took a step closer and softly