“He honestly didn’t seem too pissed. He didn’t even bring it up today.” He’s better than me because if my husband stabbed me at dinner, I’d slice off his dick while he slept. I’d slay that monster without hesitation.
“Exactly my point! He likes you.” Nik’s wide eyes and urgent tone beg me to agree. But I don’t. I can’t.
“This isn’t third grade. He’s grown man. He doesn’t have a crush on me. He probably just doesn’t believe in hitting women.” I can’t help the grin at that sentence. Dominic may fight with me, but I truly believe he’d never be violent towards me. Crazy how I trust my husband of two days more than my father of twenty-three years.
“So… he’s not like Viktor,” Nik states the obvious.
“No. Not at all.” My heart clenches at the words.
“So, where does that leave us?” Nik’s tone shifts to serious.
“Huh?”
“With Viktor. He wants us to spy on the Syndicate and help bring them down. What’s our plan now?” Even though we’re whispering, Nik switches to Russian. We know better than to be having this conversation in a language they can understand. The guards may act like they’re not listening, but I don’t believe it for a second.
I stay silent. I honestly hadn’t thought of Viktor or the Bratva and my mission since coming here.
“Katya, if you like it here, then maybe we don’t help Viktor.” Nik’s suggestion is uncomprehensible. I’ve never agreed with Viktor’s beliefs or methods, but I’ve always done what he’s demanded of me.
“What do you mean?” I whisper back in my native tongue.
“Dominic won’t let anything happen to you. He’ll protect you from Viktor. If you want to ignore Viktor, you could live a happy and free life here with your husband.”
I mull it over in silence. Could it be possible? Could it be this simple? Could I actually be free from Viktor and live freely with Dominic?
“Just think about it. It wouldn’t be a bad life with Dom Montclair.”
His words echo in my mind for a while. He’s right. There are far worse fates than being Dominic Montclair’s wife.
After a few minutes of silence, I change the topic.
“Where are we going?” I had let Nik tell the drivers where to go since I don’t go out much, and I’ve never shopped for my own clothes. “I want a whole new wardrobe.”
“We’re hitting up some boutiques, designer shops, and everything in between. We’re getting a new wardrobe.Everything from day clothes, cocktail attire, jewelry, pajamas, lingerie…” He winks with the last one.
But I’m not listening. Because there’s something I want even more than that.
“Workout clothes. I want workout clothes,” I tell him determinedly.
“Uh, sure. If that’s what you want, we’ll add it to the list.” Nik doesn’t understand, but that’s fine.
“Train me.” I don’t ask, I demand. The new Katerina Montclair doesn’t ask for permission, she demands obedience.
“Train you to do what?” Nik pulls out his phone and starts scrolling through something.
“To fight. Defend myself. Shoot a gun.” He pauses his scrolling to look up and make a doubtful face. “I’m serious. I’m sick of having to rely on men for protection or being at their mercy. I need to be strong enough to command respect.”
“We can ask your husband,” Nik concedes after studying my face. I know my tone and expression convey how important this is to me.
“No. He said he doesn’t care what I do. And there’s a gym and range on the property. Let’s start tomorrow!” The more I speak, the more excited I get.
“Huh. I’ll think about it.” I know Nik. I know what that means.
“Thank you!” I jump up in my seat and press a kiss to his cheek.
…
Hours later, we return home with the trunk full of bags and several more ordered to be delivered.
