Regardless, here he is, gently massaging shampoo into my hair, careful not to let it drip down my face.
This is my third time being naked in front of Nikolai, yet I’m completely comfortable in my skin, with him looking at and touching me.
I think it’s because he hasn’t taken anything from me that I haven’t wanted to give.
Later, when the bath is drained and I’m wrapped in one of his shirts, he guides me to the bed.
“I’ll be gone for a couple of hours. You can sleep or watch any of the movies in the cabinet.”
I stare at him, throat dry, in utter shock—because I don’t want him to leave.
I can’t tell him that,of course, so I settle on, “Thanks.”
Chapter 59
Nikolai
Ihate being without her. I knew this would only get worse, that my obsession would only grow with her presence, but I didn’t anticipate how painful it would be to leave her. Quiet in a way I can’t stand.
But I need to meet with Adrian before this shitshow of a ball Viktor has planned.
My annoying little brother has a talent for making everything difficult, and with the way shit is unravelling, I don’t have room for surprises.
Walking through the property, two buildings away from mine, I make my way to Adrian’s room. It’s a bit less extravagant but nothing close to minimalistic—just enough luxury to remind him he’s an Orlov, not enough to let him fool himself into thinking he’s likeme.
I let myself in without knocking. Adrian is shaving in his bathroom, half his jaw covered in foam.
“You look horrible,” I say with my usual confidence, leaning against the grey doorframe.
He doesn’t turn. “Yeah, well, you shot me,” he retorts, dragging the razor with practiced irritation.
Adrian has never been my biggest fan. His mother is dead, as is mine, yet somehow it’s still my fault.
In his head, my mother caused Viktor’s spiral, which caused him to retaliate by fucking someone else, which caused Adrian’s existence—an existence he resents because he holds no real power.
“Yeah, well, you started fingering my girl,” I shrug, unbothered, because it’s true and because pissing him off is a cherished hobby.
He finally glances at me in the mirror, jaw flexing. “She’s not yours, Nikolai.”
“I don’t know,” I say, pushing off the frame and stepping inside. “She was begging for my dick, whereas she allowed you to finger her out of pity so you wouldn’t off yourself. Pretty sure it’s clear who she likes more.”
He throws his razor into the sink, water splashing before turning to push me back against the frame.
“You’re a dick.”
I smile. “Yeah, but regardless of your feelings, you’re going to help me.”
“Now why the hell would I do that?” he bites out, chest rising and falling too fast.
“Because you don’t want her to die either.” I step around him, lowering my voice. “Plus, if you help me, you’ll get everything you’ve ever wanted.”
He scoffs. “And what’s that?”
I let the silence stretch, watching the suspicion glisten in his eyes. Then I say it with taunting precision:
“Power.”
His breathing stills. It always does when I say the one thing he’s starved for. Adrian may hate me, but he hates being powerless more. And he knows Viktor’s ball isn’t a celebration—it’s a trap.
