me, and my eyes snapped open to the sight of a muscular arm draped across my waist. Vladimir. His presence in my bed was an immediate,

there, gathering my hair, while a thumb rubbed soothing circles on my lower back. I registered a low murmur of indistinct words, lost beneath the tumult of my distress. When the storm subsided, I rinsed my mout

she? What

reprieve: "Left early. Didn't want 'Mr. I ll-Kill-Everyone' to make me more scared than I alr

eamy gaze fixed on me. I attributed the unsettling f

you with you

ed, his voice

en know what I'm thinking,"

s gaze unwavering. "Becaus

white blouse. A shower became a necessary ritual, a means to cleanse away the lingering remnants of mornin

asually preparing breakfast. He looked undeniably good – his strong, exposed chest visible above sweatpants t

ructed, gesturi

ked omelet and fresh fruit before me. "Why don't you pa

inform my boss I won't be available," I replied,

il it,"

isted, shak

ng firmly on my waist. "If you go, y

en conceded wit

re I now noticed a tailored suit laid out on the couch. Minutes later, just as I fi

ring my phone and a few essential items into my bag. T

s them. "This is Alexie," he said, indicating the more intimidating figure. "And this is Ivan." He then turned to me. "They will ensure everything goes well when I am no

head once more, then walked towards the other black car. The vehicle was a high-end luxur

churning inside me. I attempted conversation, primarily to break the oppressive quiet.

seat, remained a block of stone, seemingly impervious to any attempts at interaction. I

wo "bitches," as I'd decided to humorously refer to them. I entered the elevator, p

worried eyes. "Oh my God, you came! And with a personal security detail, I see," she whispered, glancing at

ck a small smile. "And yes, they're forming hard he

tone wall, but I caught Ivan almost smiling a few times during our conversation. It felt strangely normal, even

d, and Vladimir walked in. I looked up, startled by the unexpe

said, his voice carrying cl

. "I just wanted to assist my sweet boss w

hint of something cold in his tone. The jealousy was

he door. They must have been instructed to wait outside. Vladimir walked over

ing deep into his eyes – dark, intense, and surprisingly vulnerable at that moment. I found myself mirroring his gaze, lost in t

ossessive claim that left me brea

motion. "You give me a chance. I have never been... a lover.

my mind. The vulnerability in his voice was unexpected. "L

leave in the next two days. Anything you want, I will do." He paused, his gaze hardening

and leaned in to kiss him again. "I