The tub is filled halfway with warm water and lavender-scented oil.
“Arms up,” he murmurs.
My cheeks burn, but I obey. He undresses me gently, carefully, like I’m made of porcelain. His knuckles brush my skin, sending shivers through me that have nothing to do with fear. Once I’m naked, he eases me into the water, holding me steady until I settle. The warmth hits me instantly, followed by a rush ofrelief. He sits on the edge of the tub behind me, pulling my wet hair aside and massaging my tense shoulders with slow, careful circles.
I sag forward, trembling for an entirely different reason.
“That’s it,” he whispers, lips brushing the top of my head. “Breathe,lepestok.”
I inhale shakily and let it out slowly. He kisses my hair. My temple. My jaw. The sensitive spot behind my ear. My whole body begins to unclench, one careful touch at a time.
“Want me to call Andrei?” he asks, his lips brushing sensuously against my ears.
I shake my head even before the word escapes my lips. “No.”
“Natalya…”
“He’ll rush home,” I interrupt quickly, my voice cracking. “He’s been so excited to see Mikhail and get a break from the city. I want him to enjoy his time there.”
Viktor sighs. “He and Mikhail will be furious if they find out I kept this from them.”
“I’ll tell them both. I promise. Just…not yet.” I look back at him, pleading. “Please.”
He studies me for a long moment then lets out a defeated sigh.
“Fine,” he murmurs. “Not yet.”
Relief floods through me.
He brushes his fingers down my cheek. “Good girl.”
My breath catches.
He kisses the top of my head again and rises. “You’re calmer now.”
“A little,” I whisper.
“Good.” He grabs a towel and hands it to me. “I’m going to take Vanda for a short walk and order us dinner.”
Instant panic flares across my chest. He sees it and kneels again, cupping my face.
“I’m not leaving you alone,” he says firmly. “I sent a message to three of my men and they’ll be outside the building in five minutes. Armed. Watching every angle. You’re safe,lepestok. No one will come near you.”
I swallow hard and force myself to nod.
He leans forward, kissing my forehead with slow, deliberate tenderness.
“I’ll be gone for only a few minutes,” he murmurs. “And when I come back, I’m staying all night.”
My heart skips a beat. And not from fear this time.
Chapter Four
Viktor
The night air hits my face the moment I step outside, Vanda’s leash looped loosely in my fingers as she trots beside me. She keeps glancing back toward the building, ears pinned, like she thinks she should be upstairs guarding Natalya instead of out here taking a piss. I get it. I feel the same way.
But she needed the break. And I needed the space.
