The estate’s security gates open, and I pull out into the street, glancing toward the dark lake with glitters of light shining on its surface.
There was absolute panic in the mansion after we searched the house for Maria when we realized she wasn’t there. It was the guard who told us she’d gone to the beach, and I went to look for her, but again, there was no sign of her apart from her discarded beach bag.
I followed her fresh footprints along the sand and up to the road, realizing she’d escaped.
Artur started shouting and blaming everyone else but himself. Benedikt, for the first time ever, completely lost his cool with Artur.
I sent Ben and Kaz out to search for her because I needed to separate Artur from both of them.
The city is quiet at this time of morning. Driving through the streets, I only see a few cars coming and going before the morning traffic rush begins. It’s peaceful, and I have plenty of time to think about things.
Like her.
The tension I felt when we realized she was gone was intense. Oddly intense. On some levels, it could have been a relief that she left us, that my guilt could be over. I thought maybe her brother had come to get her. But then on another level, the idea of not having her around agitated me in surprising ways.
It’s strange how quickly we get used to someone’s company.
I arrive at the safe house around five thirty and punch in the code on the outside door. It clicks unlocked, and I pushit open. The house is dark and quiet. I pull the door closed behind me, ensuring it’s locked securely. I don’t know my way around. Kazimir sent me the code to get in, in case there was an emergency. It’s his place.
It’s minimalist, with open spaces and large windows with heavy one-way tinting to block anyone from seeing inside.
I wander through the downstairs areas, finding no bedrooms. They must all be upstairs. I want to see Maria. I just need to see that she’s okay. She’ll still be sleeping, but if I can look in on her and just see her, it will settle the anxious tension that’s been knotted in my stomach since she left.
As I climb the stairs, I hear voices.
First hers, then Kazimir’s. Soft laughter and friendly banter.
I pause outside the room, listening and peeking through the open door, curious about why they’re in the same bed. She’s lying on her side, snuggled close against him. His hands are around her waist. It’s intimate.
“Let me finish things for you,” he says suggestively, brushing his hand over her waist.
She giggles and shakes her head. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea. I mean, you aren’t interested in commitment or marriage, so maybe you should keep things separate?” she says.
“What does that matter? You are my wife either way. And I assure you, you will feel too good to have regrets.”
“Kazimir…” she sighs, still smiling softly.
I lean closer, intently caught up in the scene, wanting to know if she’ll give in to his seduction or push him away.
“Baby bird, don’t be shy. I’ve been dreaming of touching you all night. You’re the reason I couldn’t sleep. Let me do this for you. Let me feel your skin and taste you,” he growls, low and husky.
I tense, wondering how she will respond.
She stays quiet.
He brushes his fingers along the edge of her jaw and lifts her face toward his.
In the dim lighting, I see Benedikt coming down the passage, and he scowls when he spots me. I press my finger to my lips to warn him to stay quiet. He creeps closer and peeks through the door as well, wondering what I’m so intently caught up in.
“Are they…” he whispers, barely audible.
I wave my hand to hush him.
Both of us stand watching, riveted to the scene. Kazimir and Maria are too caught up in their moment to even glance in our direction.
We watch as Kazimir hooks his finger under the thin strap of her cami top and slowly pulls it down her arm, slipping it off her shoulder. She watches him, her eyes bright and glimmering in the soft light.
The cami falls away from her breast, and I clench my jaw as he cups his hand over her breast and squeezes it, lifting it as he leans closer and hovers his mouth over her dark, pert nipple.
