He follows behind me.
“Perfect. I’ll hit the gym with you. I don’t have any major meetings, so I’ll go shooting as well.” I smile at his plans and realize nothing important has changed.
I turn on the water and adjust it to a warm setting. I step into the shower, only for my bear-sized husband to climb in behind me. I keep my back to him, not giving him any attention, but when I reach for the shampoo, he swats my hand away.
“Hey now!” I snap at him.
He just laughs and squirts some of the shampoo in his hand. When he puts it back, I go to try to get some but stop when he lathers it into my hair. I stand there dumbfounded as my husband washes my hair. It feels so good, but I know what he’s doing.
“I’m not having sex with you in this shower. I’m sore from last night, and it’s far too small in here.” I all but stomp my foot.
“Stop talking. I’m helping my wife get clean. I have no intentions of fucking you until you’re ready. I know women can be sore after their first time.” His words aren’t boastful, but I gasp at them.
He knows. He knows I lied and that I’m a virgin. Or, well, that I was. I wait for him to tease me or berate me for lying to him. But to my surprise, he stays silent.
He rinses out my hair then lathers it in conditioner. I don’t bother telling him he doesn’t need to put it on my scalp. I don’t really care if it leaves my hair greasy. He’s being so kind, and it’smelting my resolve. I didn’t know Dominic was capable of acting this way.
He starts washing my body, and I let him. He’s meticulous, making sure every inch of me is clean. While his movements aren’t sexual, his heated gaze lights me on fire.
When he finishes cleaning me, I swat his hand from the shampoo. I gather some in my hand and clean his hair. I appreciate my height at the moment since I don’t have to get on my tiptoes to reach him.
When I’m done cleaning him, he gets out and grabs us towels. We dry off and get dressed. I tell myself putting on my dirty clothes is fine because I’ll change into workout gear when we get home, and after the workout, I’ll shower again.
We head home, and conversation flows as normal. We change into workout gear and head to the gym. I like working out with him because he challenges me to be better. Later we go to the shooting range. He gives me a few helpful tips but overall seems impressed by my skills.
I can’t help the pride that flushes through me when he compliments my stance. Nor the victorious feeling when I hit the target every time.
And the whole afternoon, even though we’re acting normal, something’s different. It’s the way he looks at me. There’s something in his gaze that I can’t describe. An emotion I’m not familiar with.
The man who looked at me with contempt and disappointment all those months ago is long gone. And in his place is a man who cares for his wife in ways I don’t understand.
Chapter 40
Katerina
“Pick up your knees!” I not-so-gently remind my husband. “You’re dragging your feet. We ran this route two days ago!”
He’s red-faced and panting. That’s fine, but I won’t let him injure himself due to poor form.
“Goddamn it, tiger. You’re gonna kill me.” Despite his words, a grin overtakes his features. I know he enjoys our runs, even if they do leave him exhausted.
“We’re almost at five miles. Only two more minutes.” We’re looping back to the beginning of this trail so his run can end. I’ll rerun the route to get my full run in. We’ve learned since our first run that he can’t do my full workouts.
He nods and speeds up. I pick up my pace. He’s ready to finish, and I’m excited to keep going. I can’t help but notice how much more enjoyment I get from running with him by my side.
“Done!” I tell him, and he immediately halts. He dramatically throws himself onto the ground. “Get up, drama king, or your men will think you’re weak.”
I lightly kick his side, and he reaches out to grab my foot. I leap out of his reach and circle him.
“I’m going to finish my run,” I tell him as I make my way back into the woods.
“You’ve got this, tiger. If you beat our time, I’ll give you a treat.” His husky tone has me picking up my pace. I’m sure as fuck getting that treat.
I’ve only been running alone for about five minutes when I hear footsteps behind me. I laugh and pick up my pace.
“You need to be careful, darling. Remember what happened last time you tried to keep up with me!” I laugh knowing Dominic will only last a few minutes at this pace.
But instead of responding, the footsteps gain on me, then I’m tackled. I let out a shriek as I meet the ground. I whip my head around, but instead of being greeted by my husband’s dark eyes, I’m met with blue ones. Cold, angry, blue ones.
