Page 80 of Savage Pakhan

“Nikolai will be here soon. We’re going to go to Vegas tomorrow.”

I sit up further, bouncing with excitement. I’ve never been to Vegas. I’ve never been anywhere, really. I lived a sheltered life on the east coast and wasn’t allowed to go anywhere until I moved to the west coast to be with Ivan.

Even then, Ivan wouldn’t let me explore the city. Everywhere I went to was for him. My life never grew or blossomed. My experiences are few and far between and the thought of seeing a city that I’ve only seen in magazines or on TV has the excitement nearly bursting from my body.

He angles his head towards me and grins, a smile that lightens my soul from all the trauma I’ve endured my entire life. “Does that make you happy, Lyubimaya?”

I nod vigorously. “What are we going to do there? Are we going to be able to have fun?”

He lifts a dark eyebrow peppered with silver. “I’m going to show you all the fun, Maya. After we get married, of course, and after you buy your wedding dress, the one you really want. While you are shopping for your dress, I’ll get our wedding rings.”

I glance down, staring at my thumbs as they rub together. I want to ask something, but I’m nervous. He’s already doing so much for me. I don’t want to overstep.

“Mia, what is it? I can help, Da?” He lifts my chin with his index and thumb. “Talk to me.”

“Can…” I swallow, my cheeks becoming hot when a memory of Ivan slapping me across the face, silences me. “Never mind.” I smile, doing my best to forget all about my questions. “I’m so excited to go! What do I pack? I don’t have a lot to wear.” I frown, staring down his shirt that I’m wearing.

“Do not change the subject.” He gathers me in his arms, his body warm and safe, and I sink into him, the anxiety fading. Alek brushes his fingers through my short hair, kissing my temple. “Talk to me. What is it that you wanted to ask me?”

My cheeks flame with so much heat, I feel the warmth behind my eyes. I swallow, suddenly afraid and nervous.

“You can ask me anything, Mia,” he softens his voice. “There is no reason to be afraid.”

“You said you were going to get the rings?”

“Da. Your wedding band, my band, and engagement ring. A big diamond for my love.” He grins again, so wide and proud.

“Can… Can I buy your wedding band while I dress shop?” My voices hitches through my whispers.

His hand cups the back of my head and pulls me into a firm kiss. It lasts for a few seconds, a deep passionate quickie before he leans back. “I would love for you to buy my ring. I’m a size eleven.”

“I can?” I’m so shocked. My eyes widen. “Really?”

“Are you kidding? I’d love nothing more. Nikolai will bring you a credit card with your name on it that you can use anytime you want for anything you want. Okay?”

“My own credit card? What’s the limit? Maybe I can have an allowance like Ivan gave me?”

He cuts his dark green eyes that seem to create their own storms when I say that. His gaze narrows at me. Alek rolls his head across his shoulders, taking a deep breath.

He’s agitated.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you mad. Forget I asked. I’m sorry.” I stand from the swing and wipe the tear that fell.

I’m pathetic and weak. I’m crying over fear when I know he won’t hurt me.

Alek grabs me by the wrist and tugs me to his lap. His fingers brush my tears away and I don’t have the heart to even look at him after the way I acted.

“I am not mad at you, My Love. You could never do anything that would leave me upset. I’m sorry you’re so afraid of asking simple questions because of my son. He didn’t treat you the way you deserved. The credit card has no limit, Mia. You aren’t going to get an allowance. You’re allowed to spend whatever you want, however you want, when you want. I just ask you’ll be okay with a security guard at your side. An allowance,” he curses, then a string of words in Russian blend together that I can’t understand.”

“An allowance for my wife?” He continues. “My wife will get whatever she wants. It only makes me want to kill Ivan more. I can’t believe he gave you an allowance. I raised a fucking monster,” he practically spits.

His fingers curl against his thighs, his knuckles turning white.

I slip my hand over his and he immediately relaxes, even blowing out a breath as soon as my touch happens upon his skin. It’s as if I regulate him somehow, bringing him back down from madness.

I’ve never had that kind of power before.

“It’s okay,” I say, keeping my voice soft and level with an edge of sweetness and understanding. “I’m not angry.”