Pavel barely bit back the groan, as he felt his wife rub her backside intentionally against his shaft. The minx, she was intentionally trying to get him to break. Once he was certain that the Princess' attention was firmly on Alexei, he gripped Liz's hips and backed toward the door, closing it in front of both of them.<br/><br/>Alexei smiled ruefully, ducking his head when she asked if people feared him. He suspected she was trying to tease him, but he wanted her to understand this side of him as well.<br/><br/>"Me? I'm a big ole softy," he admitted, before his blue eyes turned slightly stormy. "But I want you to know this Ingrid," he added, taking a deep breath. "I *am* merciless against any enemy of the Romanovs. and there are plenty. Politicians who will want to meet you, who will shake your hand with a smile, while preparing the blade for your back in their other hand. You are one of us now, and I will protect you as vehemently." he pledged.