They cover themselves with the blankets, and eventually, Anya asks, “W-Where are you taking us?”
Her face is round, with soft edges, eyes smaller than Victoria’s. She takes after Nikolai.
I sigh. “I’m sorry you got caught in the crossfire, but life as you know it is over. I’ve arranged for you to go back to Russia. There’s an apartment there in my name. And you’ll be cared for in any ways you need for the rest of your lives.”
They look at each other, confused. They can tell this wasn’t part of the plan. And I hate that I have to deviate from it, but my wife would be appalled at knowing her family isn’t safe. I can’t allow that.
“What have you done to my sister? Where is she?”
“Safe. And she will always be safe with me. But if you choose to stay in America, there’s nothing I can do about the two of you.”
Her mother hushes out. “What about him? What about my husband? You can’t leave him here. He has no one. Please—”
“Your husband knew this would happen when he betrayed me. Now he’s simply living with the consequences. The question is, do you want to join him? Or will you take me up on my offer and enjoy your new life?”
21
VICTORIA
He called melove. In Russian. Like it meant something. LikeImeant something. But then he walked away.
I’m wearing his shirt now, long enough to brush my thighs. On the balcony of his bedroom, I sip coffee I didn’t ask for and look out into the distance.
Trying to forget how I broke in front of him last night.
I don’t know where he left or when he’ll be back. But leaving like that reminded me he’s not a good man. And I knew it already, obviously, but I’m not so sure I believe it anymore.
Are you a bad person if you only kill other criminals?
Are you a bad person if you make your wife smile and make her come?
I shake my head, dismissing my thoughts. Because they’re crazy. Of course he’s bad. He’s bad for me, but God, he’s got the most beautiful golden-colored eyes. And he’s my husband. Mine.
The gates of the estate click open, groaning softly, a black car gliding into the driveway. Instantly, my heart rate picks up, my body inching forward, craving the sight of him, even though it could be anyone. But then… he steps out. I’m frozen, watching him move like a panther through tall grass.
He doesn’t look up right away. But when he does, when our eyes meet, it’s like we never left that bed at all. A smile tugs at his lips, and I melt into my seat, breath catching in my lungs.
He shuts the door to his car, and Ivan gets his attention to tell him something I can’t hear from here. I take the opportunity to get up and go back into the room, leaving the balcony doors open for fresh air. By the time he comes upstairs, I’ve already taken a quick shower and brushed my teeth.
Towel wrapped around my torso, I apply a moisturizing cream to my face when I see his reflection in the mirror.
“Sleep well?” he asks, leaning on the door frame.
Heat courses through me at how handsome he is doing that. At the way he dominates the space, even when he’s not standing straight up. I nod.
I thought about him last night. In fact, I thought about a lot of things pertaining to him.
“Come here.”
I turn to him, gripping the edges of the sink behind me before making the courage to walk. He doesn’t take his eyes off me. And usually, it makes me feel uneasy, exposed. But right now, what I feel isn’t that. It’s hunger. Intrigue. A little danger, too. The good kind.
I stop in front of him, tilting my head back to take him in. His cologne is hushed, musky, and he smells the same way he always does—clean and masculine, with a hint of musk and spice. It’s what I smelled like before I took a shower. And I want it back.
“Is it done?” I ask.
His eyes squint a little, like he wasn’t expecting this question. But he nods, and relief washes over me, even though I have no idea what his outing was all about. I guess, for whatever reason, I’m just glad he’s not hurt.
“I want to take you out today. Will you come with me?”
