Page 30 of Savage Pakhan

I sniffle, sliding my palm across his, those familiar sparks passing between us give me the jolt I need to stand.

“Good girl,” he praises.

I lick my lips, holding onto his hand as if it’s a lifeline. “Can you stay?” I dare to whisper, unable to meet his eyes. “I don’t want to be alone.”

His eyes round in surprise for a split second before he nods. “Of course. I’ll do whatever you need me to. I’ll sit right next to the shower, so you know I’m here.”

I give him my back so he can get me out of this damn dress. I don’t need to ask. He immediately works on the strings, loosening them as much as possible.

I take a deep breath in when it’s finally loose enough for me to inhale. He clears his throat, tugging the dress down my body, then offers his hand again for me to step out of the gown.

I’m left in nothing, but my matching bra and panty set. I don’t turn around. I’m too nervous.

His hand slips down my spine, unhooking my bra, and a chill sweeps over me, the kind that leaves my entire body tingling with anticipation.

“I’ll be right here when you’re done.” His hand disappears and I’m left feeling cold and alone.

I want him to shower with me, but I don’t know how to ask. It’s probably too much too soon.

“It’s okay. I’ll be here. I promise.” He clutches one hand onto my shoulder, his thumb rubbing back and forth across my shoulder blade.

“Can you… Can you shower with me?” My question is so low and quiet, I barely hear it myself.

“I… I don’t think that’s a good idea, Mia. I’ll be here. Right here. If you need me, let me know.”

I spin around, placing my hands on his chest, and he stares up at the ceiling, keeping his gaze away from me. It’s sweet.

“Please?”

He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing before he tilts his head down, his eyes meeting mine.

“I can’t,” he rasps. “I’ll stay right outside the shower stall, okay? I’ll be right here. You won’t be alone.”

“Please, Alek?” I resort to begging, tears threatening to fall. All I know is I need him close to me. I’m not ready to be alone. “It won’t be sexual. I won’t… I won’t touch you.”

“You think that’s what I’m worried about? You touching me?” He tucks a piece of hair behind me ear. “That’s the last thing I’m worried about.” His eyes finally betray him, roaming down my body before looking at my face again.

“Okay,” I relent, not wanting to force him, while not understanding at the same time. “I understand. I’m sorry I asked.” I step inside the stall and close the door behind me, slipping off my bra and panties. I toss them over the stall and stand under the hot spray.

Closing my eyes the rush of water beating down on me taking me back to the lake water invading my lungs and I gasp, struggling to breathe. It takes me to when Ivan dunked my head in the bathtub, threatening to kill me if I ever overcooked the chicken again.

“Mia! Mia, it’s okay.” Alek steps into the shower fully clothed minus his shoes and wraps his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. “It’s okay. You’re okay. You’re safe. You’re safe, Lyubimaya.” My back’s against his front, his arms embracing me tightly across my chest, and I cling onto him for dear life. “I didn’t realize. I’m so sorry you came in here alone. It’s okay. I got you.”

I take a deep breath in, my heart racing. Alek being here, holding me, telling me I’m safe is what I needed. He grounds me. He pulls me back to reality and out of the horror my mind likes to create.

I’m not with Ivan anymore. I’m not in the lake.

I’m with Alek. He won’t let anything happen to me.

I’m safe with him. I’m safe.

I repeat that to myself.

Alek leans against the wall while I let every emotion I’ve hidden come to the surface. He holds me up when my legs give out from under me and he slides down to the floor, taking me with him.

He kisses the side of my head, never once releasing his hold on me. “Let it out. It’s okay.”

I tilt my head back and scream at the top of my lungs, the ache from the compressions spreading across my chest. The memory of every bruise Ivan ever left throb. My legs, my arms, my cheeks, everywhere.