The bed I shared with Pyotr still occupies the center of the spacious room, and a cold trickle of dread settles in my stomach.
It’s the first time I’ve been in here since Miko killed my husband—former husband.
Miko holds that title now.
No doubt tonight, my new husband will expect me to sleep with him. Toconsummatethe marriage.
The tremors come hard and fast now, a shaking so uncontrollable, it rattles my teeth and vibrates in my bones.
I know Miko must hear the chattering because he glances down at me like I’m a bomb that could detonate at any moment.
“I think you’re in shock. Let’s draw you a hot bath,” he suggests, guiding me toward the bathroom.
Again, I nod, unsure of how else to respond with the fear that’s formed a block of ice around my heart.
In the bathroom, Miko stations me beside the counter, placing my hand on its cool stone surface so I can grip it for support.
Then he goes to turn on the tub’s hot water, leaving me unattended for only a fraction of a moment.
Raking in a shuddering breath, I reach up to remove the comb of my veil from my hair.
I set it carefully on the countertop, then reach behind me to start undoing my dress.
But my fingers are trembling so badly, I can’t seem to separate the silk buttons from their loops.
As Miko turns to watch me, his eyes soften. “Let me help you,” he suggests, straightening to step behind me.
A jolt of electricity crackles up my arms, warming my skin as his fingers brush past mine.
I gasp, snatching my hands away as if removing them from a hot stove.
I don’t quite know what to make of my body’s reaction to Miko’s touch.
At this point, though, it’s happened enough times that I know it’s not a coincidence.
And as his thick fingers slide inside the back of my dress, a shiver races down my spine.
My pulse flutters, making me sway dizzily as he undresses me one button at a time.
I can’t believe I’m letting him.
But I don’t know what else to do right now.
The only way I’m going to stay on my feet is if I brace my palms against the counter. I’m so cold, I’m desperate for anything that will thaw my bones, and I can’t get into the water still wearing my wedding dress.
Miko finishes loosening my buttons, and his warm palms find my shoulders as he guides the thin straps down my arms.
Despite the simplicity of the dress, it’s quite heavy, and it drops to the floor, pooling around me in a dense heap.
My arms go automatically to shield my bare breasts, my heart breaking into a sprint as my eyes meet Miko’s in the mirror’s reflection.
I can’t move.
I can’t breathe as his thumbs hook inside the elastic waist of my white lace panties, and I watch with detached fear as he slowly guides the flimsy fabric down my hips, stripping me completely.
I can feel his eyes on my body as he bends to help me out of my heels.
Then fire ignites across my skin as his hands return to my waist.
