I haven't shared my difficulties with her and I won't, but she picked up on my unease and covered it for me.
The way she dealt with that obnoxious Keller woman was particularly gratifying. I was aware of her gawping at me long before my wife was. But as soon as she realized Signora Keller was staring, Katya's hackles were raised. She was firm and just a touch threatening without crossing the line.
Staking her claim on me publicly like that was incredible. I could have thrown her over the table and fucked her there and then.
When she asks me if I'm disappointed in her, I'm quick to reassure her that I'm not. Far from it.
"No, you were perfect." I take her hand in mine and bring both over to rest on my lap. "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?"
"No." She smiles coyly. "Tell me now."
I'm happy to oblige. "You look stunning, dolcezza. The dress is gorgeous."
The elegant gown she chose dispelled every myth I'd heard about Bratva girls putting too much of themselves on display. I don't plan to dictate what my wife wears, but I won't have her flaunting what's mine in public either.
"I chose it for you," she tells me. "Because you like blue."
It pleases me that she remembers that small detail from our conversation after the wedding.
"I do, dolcezza. I like it even better on you."
Katya bridges the gap between us and rests her head on my shoulder. Sensing she needs this, I allow the closeness. She pulls her hand from mine and starts to stroke my thigh lazily.
As her fingers edge dangerously high, I put my hand over hers, stopping her progress before she can cause real mischief.
"Not here," I whisper harshly.
Katya sits up straighter, glancing toward Eduardo, who's driving us tonight. She shuffles back to her own side of the car but offers me a smile that promises we'll continue this later.
When we get back to the house, Eduardo pulls into the garage. I help Katya out of the car and lead her in through the kitchen.
Maria, who's sitting at the table with a mug of cocoa, smiles as we pass by.
"Such a handsome couple," she remarks.
Handsome? Maybe once, but nobody's called me that for years. I must react without realizing it, because Katya strokes my arm soothingly.
"Grazie, Maria," she calls out as we exit the kitchen. "Buona notte."
"Buona notte, bella ragazza," Maria replies.
"That means beautiful girl, right?" Katya asks as we walk toward the stairs.
"It does. Are you learning my language?"
Katya nods. "I've picked up a few words over the years, but I want to know more. When we have children, it will be important for us all to speak the same languages."
"You're thinking about our children?" That pleases me more than I care to admit.
"Yes. It's in the contract, isn't it?"
Her words pour cold water on my thoughts. Of course, she's thinking about the agreement we reached and not picturing us as a family.
Distracted by the strange disappointment that causes me, I lead Katya upstairs and without meaning to, bypass her bedroom in favor of mine. We walk in and I switch on the lights.
My room is larger than hers, about twice the size, with a massive oak-framed bed at its center. I had it custom made. I'm a restless sleeper and need the space to move around.
The walls are painted a dark green and the carpet is a similar shade. Heavy velvet drapes hang at the window, which looks out onto the front of the property.
