Her eyes snap up to meet mine once more. "You mean sex?"
"I mean fucking wherever, whenever, however I want."
Her lips part as a gasp escapes her but there's an ember of arousal in her eye that tells me she's not repulsed by the idea of me owning her body completely.
"I can accept that. What else?"
I'm glad she's smart enough to know that's not all I'll require of her.
"You will understand that my word is law. You won't leave the house without telling me where you're going and how long you'll be. An armed escort will accompany you. When I require it you will attend social events with me and act the part of my loving wife. You will defer to me on all matters relating to security and I do not want to hear complaints if it becomes necessary to restrict your movements."
Her jaw clenches. "Is that it?"
"You will become the main liaison for my household staff. They know how I like things done but occasionally you may need to make decisions."
"And in return?" Her voice is quieter now, subdued.
"In return you will be protected. I will ensure you have access to a generous bank account and you can amuse yourself however you want, provided that entertainment doesn't involve other men. Fidelity is non-negotiable."
"Does that apply to you too?"
"Naturally." My father cheated on my mother constantly and beat her when she complained. "And I promise you will never have to fear violence from me."
"Okay."
"When we have children, which will be sooner rather than later, I will always listen to your opinions about how they are to be raised."
Her eyes narrow. "But you'll have the final say?"
"Do you know a family in our world where it's any other way?"
She mulls that over, then shakes her head.
"You'll have a good life, Katya." This has been hard on her and I need to offer some assurance.
"Okay."
"So we're agreed?" I ask.
When she nods in confirmation I take my phone from my pocket and text Maria, the housekeeper who recently replaced a woman who'd worked for me for years. She's the mother of one of my soldiers and entirely trustworthy.
A minute passes in which Katya and I return to silently appraising one another before Maria knocks and enters the room. Katya slants her a curious glance.
"This is Maria. She'll show you to your room." I get up from my seat. "Get ready. We leave in an hour."
"Where are we going?"
"To get married, of course."
Katya leaps to her feet, panic flaring in her eyes. "Today?"
"Today," I confirm.
Her gaze darts from me to Maria and back again. No doubt a thousand thoughts are swirling in her mind, but she wisely keeps them to herself in front of my staff. She plasters an insincere smile on her face.
"How long do I have to get ready?"
I glance at my watch. "One hour."
