Annika
“Kirill?” I mutter.
As I come out of my deep sleep, the first thing I notice is that the bed feels cold. With effort I open my eyes and roll over, and see nothing but an empty space beside me.
“He is in the city for today,” a feminine voice states.
I turn toward the voice with a gasp, instinctively pulling the sheets closer to me. I find the tallest woman I’ve ever seen lounging in one of the plush white chairs caddy-corner of the bed.
“Who are you?” I ask, taking her in.
She’s tall. Obviously muscular beneath her black t-shirt and trousers. She has a warm, brown complexion with darker brown eyes and brows, and dark brown hair plaited down her scalp and neck. Her eyes gleam with a predatory nature as she rests herchin on one of her black-gloved hands, and there isn’t a speck of emotion on her naturally beautiful face.
I knew there wouldn't be a honeymoon, but still- I wasn’t expecting to wake up next to a strange woman instead of Kirill.
“My name is Yana Kalugina,” the woman states calmly, not bothering to look away from my naked state. “Mr. Pavlovich has assigned me to watch over you.”
I frown in discomfort.
“I am sure he did not mean so literally,” I reply.
Yana’s sleek right brow perks slightly.
“Then you obviously don’t know him very well,” Yana replies.
There’s no judgment in her voice, but I feel it all the same. It’s true. Even though I tried to get to know him a little better last night after our intense lovemaking, Kirill has still not shared much about himself.
“You are thePakhan’swife now,” Yana goes on, leaning forward. “It’s a very esteemed position to be in, but also a very vulnerable one. So when the boss asks me to watch you, I watch you.”
I want to argue, but I’m already quite positive that it wouldn’t do me any good.
“Well, can I at least pee by myself?” I mutter. “Or is that against his highness’s commands?”
A smilealmosttouches Yana’s lips, and she nods.
“There’s a robe at the end of the bed. I’ll turn around so you can put it on.”
As Yana stands up and faces the door, I look toward the end of the bed and as promised, there is a black silk robe. I quickly put it on and scamper to the bathroom. With the door shut, I take a minute to relieve myself. When I’m finished and go to wash my hands, I look down at the counter. There’s a new toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, and several other brand new hygiene products laid out for me- including new make-up and brushes from my favorite brand.
Everything is still packaged, so it’s obvious that it wasn’t someone else’s. Still, even though I’m just waking up and still delirious from great sex, I’m sure the stuff wasn’t on the counter the night before.
“Where did this stuff come from?” I ask Yana, walking back out to the bedroom.
“They are your new things,” Yana replies, back in the chair. “Mr. Pavlovich had them delivered this morning. Along with a few dresses and some other clothing items. I took the liberty of going ahead and putting everything in your closet.”
Yana gives one of those almost smiles again and adds, “I’m surprised you didn’t hear me. You must be a very sound sleeper.”
I frown.
“Well, that’s very nice of Mr. Pavlovich, but I already have my own things. I’m going into the city to pick them up shortly.”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Pavlovich, but that is not possible,” Yana replies calmly as she crosses her muscled legs, “You are not to leave the compound until your husband deems it safe for you to do so. I’ve already spoken to your father about the matter and sent a moving crew to his townhouse. They’ll take care of it for you and have it here by this afternoon.”
“No!” I exclaim, my heart beginning to race. “He can’t just decree something like that! I want to see my sister and father. And I have a job, too! I have a meeting with my art dealer tomorrow, I need to prepare for a new show. I need to finish my pieces!”
Yana remains eerily calm as I feel her anxiety heighten; only making it worse.
“Your father and sister are welcome to visit you here any time they like,” Yana replies. “As for your work, I will brief Mr. Pavlovich on your concerns. He is a fairly reasonable man. I am sure he will find a way to make it possible for you to complete your pieces. In the meantime, I suggest you call your art dealer and let them know the meeting is cancelled.”
