Chapter 7
Chapter
Seven
SOFIYA
I think about Mikhail’s proposal long after he leaves. The only way to get my sisters here is to submit to Mikhail fully. I’m scared of what that entails. Mikhail has promised he wouldn’t whip me like he did Irina, but how can I know for sure? He could be lying.
Granted, he hasn’t lied to me yet. But he’s still a stranger to me. I know nothing of his past. There aren’t any family photos hanging up in the house. I don’t even know his middle name.
How can I give myself over to a man I don’t really know?
What I do know, though, is how my body responds to him. It’s like he’s calling my body forward, and I’m powerless to stop it. I know that for a fact. But is physical attraction enough?
I sit on the bed, staring down at the welts on my arm. They don’t sting as much after the salve, but they remind me I can’t trust anybody in this house. Mary has shown she’s not an ally. Andrei makes me uncomfortable. Irina is my competition.
That only leaves Mikhail to trust, and he’s put me in a tough position. Fully choose him to save my sisters or let Boris have them. None of this is fair.
I need answers. I need to know what kind of man Mikhail is before I can even think about submitting to him.
I find Mary in the kitchen. She hates me, and I hate her, but she might know more about who Mikhail is as a person, and I’m desperate.
“What?” she snaps as I lean against the counter. “You already ate lunch. Dinner isn’t for another few hours. Leave me to my work.”
“How is Mikhail as a boss?”
Mary scoffs. “Why would I talk with you? I don’t like you, girl.”
“Why not? What have I done to you?”
“It’s not you. You’re just not her .”
I stand up straighter, my heart beating faster. “Who’s her ?”
“The previous lady of this house. She was much more elegant. She also knew her place.”
“Wait. What lady?”
“Mikhail’s wife.”
I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. “Mikhail was married before me? He never said.”
“Why wouldn’t he? She’s dead. It causes him a lot of pain.”
Knowing that Mikhail has been married before fills me with jealousy. I’m not the first woman he’s married.
I feel immediately bad. His previous wife died. I should feel sympathy.
And then a dark thought enters my head.
“How did she die?” Please don’t let it be at Mikhail’s hands. Please, please, please.
“I … can’t say.” Mary turns away from me and starts vigorously cleaning the counter.
“Why can’t you say? Did he … hurt her?”
“What?” She whips back around. “No! I can say that with certainty. Her death was not his fault.”
“Ok,” I whisper. At least, that’s something. “Is there anything else I should know about Mikhail? I am his wife now.”
“That’s it. Mikhail is a good boss. He treats me with respect. He pays well. I wouldn’t want to work for anyone else.”
I rub the welts on my arm. “Did you hit his previous wife, too?”
Mary gives me a withering stare. “She never did anything to deserve it.” Her words are a slap to the face.
“See you at dinnertime,” I mutter and leave the kitchen. So, Mikhail was married, and he didn’t think to tell me. Why? Was her death that painful he can’t talk about it? Or did he not love her and didn’t care if she died?
With a deep breath, I force myself to knock on Mikhail’s office door. I need to go to the source.
“Come in,” Mikhail says.
I open the door.
“Sofiya? What can I do for you? I’m in the middle of work right now.”
“I know. I don’t mean to bother you. But I was just told that you were married before, and you didn’t mention it to me.”
Mikhail tenses for a moment before nodding. “Mary. She told you.”
“Yes.” I wring my hands together. Standing before him while he sits behind his imposing desk is intimidating. He has all the power. “If I’m going to give myself to you, then you have to be honest with me. I have a right to know my husband.”
“You’re correct. You do have that right.” He sighs and leans back in his chair. “I didn’t tell you before because I didn’t see the need to. Natasha and I were in an arranged marriage, one my father set up for us. We married young. I was only eighteen. I lost her a few years later. We didn’t love each other. That never really came, but we tolerated each other. We even became friends. Then I lost her. I haven’t thought about her in years. Natasha was my past, but you’re my future. I don’t really care to look back.”
His words filter through my mind. “Ok. Thank you for telling me.”
“You’re welcome. Is there anything else you’d like to know?”
“Can I trust you?”
“You’ll have to figure that out for yourself. If you decide to join me later tonight, then you’ll know the answer to that. If you don’t, then you also have your answer.”
I grip my hands together to stop them from shaking. “But you want me to be submissive. Don’t you want to make those decisions for me?”
He smiles slightly, which makes his hardened face even more handsome. I push the thought away so I can focus on what he says. “When it comes to this, I need you to choose. I would never force you to become my sub.”
“But didn’t you force me into this marriage?”
“Did I? You didn’t have to marry me. You could have chosen Boris. But instead, you decided to come with me. I didn’t force you, Sofiya. I didn’t kidnap you. You’re here of your own free will.”
My heart is pounding so fast I can barely think. “So, if I wanted to leave, I could?”
He places his hands on his desk—so large and imposing. “I wouldn’t go that far. When you married me, you became mine. I want you safe. So, yes, you can leave the house if you want, but under my supervision or with a guard. Never by yourself. But you’re not going to leave me, Sofiya. You’re bound to me now.”
It’s an illusion of choice, which angers me. I’m just angry. Angry at him. Angry at the situation he’s put me in. Angry at losing my parents.
“I don’t know what you want from me,” I admit. “You want me to choose to be with you, but you chose that for me. So, which is it?”
“It’s both.” He sits back down. “I want you, so I took you. But I want you to want me, too. Which is why I’m giving you a choice now. Submit to me fully, and I will let your sisters come here. If you choose not to, then we can continue on as we are, but you’re sisters will not be joining us.”
Do I want to continue as we have been? With Mikhail intimidating me? With feeling lonely every day? If I submit to Mikhail, maybe I won’t be so lonely anymore. But I would be giving up every ounce of power I have.
And I’m still scared of what he’ll do with it.
“I need more time to think,” I say.
He nods. “Then I’ll see you tonight. Or not.” He turns back to his computer, silently telling me I’m dismissed.
I leave his office even more confused about how I feel.
How am I supposed to know what to expect tonight if I’ve never been in this position before?
Then a thought occurs to me—there’s someone who knows what Mikhail’s like as a dom.
I need to talk to Irina.
I’m sitting in a quaint coffee shop across the street from Mikhail’s apartment building. Well, I guess my apartment building now.
I told Mikhail I wanted to go out for coffee, and he let me, just with a guard in tow. Danil, my guard, stands a few feet away from me. I wanted my space to do what I have to do.
When I spot Irina stepping up behind the counter, I remind myself of my plan. Irina has answers to my questions.
I knew she worked here or frequented here when I saw her bag from last night. I just didn’t realize she worked right across the street from where I live. From where Mikhail lives.
I slowly approach the counter. Irina smiles at first, then tenses when she recognizes who I am.
She speaks in Russian, holding onto a pen and a notepad.
“You know I speak English,” I tell her. “And I want to talk to you. When’s your next break?”
“In a half hour. Why do you want to talk?”
“Just meet me outside, then.” I walk back to my table and sit down. Irina glares at me before turning to the next customer.
In a half hour, we’re standing outside together.
“What?” she asks, crossing her arms. “It’s because of you I didn’t get to be with Mikhail last night. You’re a horrible woman.”
I flinch. “I’m his wife.”
“So?”
I sigh and cross my arms to match her stance. “I want to know what Mikhail is like. As a … dom.”
She raises an eyebrow. “And what makes you curious? You’re so innocent, like a baby bird.”
“Just tell me. What does he do to you?’
“You saw it that one time.”
“I know. But what else?” Other than a whipping . God, the thought of that still scares me.
She sighs. “Fine. He pleasures me. He makes me beg for his attention. He gives me the best orgasms of my life. And once we’re done, he comforts me. Makes sure I’m all right. Which is why I am mad at you. You took that away from me.”
“So, he’s good to you?”
“He’s the best dom I’ve ever been with.”
“You’ve been with more than one?” I ask, barely believing her words.
“You’re so innocent. I’m amazed Mikhail hasn’t eaten you alive by now.” With a wave of her fingers, she walks back into the coffee shop.
Even though Irina unnerves me, she’s given me hope. Irina has no reason to lie to me. She wants to be with Mikhail, which means he’s doing something right with her. She’s choosing to be with him.
Which means I can choose to be with him, too.
I’m still nervous about what Mikhail has planned for me, but … if his goal is to make sure I’m all right, then it can’t be all bad, can it?
I have to save my sisters. And if this is how I can, then I’m going to do it.
I stand outside the door to Mikhail’s sex room. It’s strange to think of a room like that, but I don’t know what else to call it. Which only makes me think of what Irina said—that I’m still so innocent. The moment I cross the threshold that will be it. I’ll be giving myself completely over to Mikhail.
I don’t think I’ll be innocent for much longer.
With a gulp, I turn the doorknob, ready to get this over with. I have to choose to trust Mikhail. Otherwise, I can’t imagine living in a home with a man I can never trust.
The room is filled with a soft glow from the lamps. It makes everything more cozy than it should be, but my eyes land on the whips and canes aligned on the wall, and I know this room is anything but cozy.
Mikhail stands in the middle of the room, his hands in his pockets. He’s wearing a white button-down shirt and slacks. Dark shoes cover his feet. I glance down at my own feet. Barefoot again. I rub my right foot against my left ankle.
“You came,” Mikhail says, a lightness in his eyes. He’s happy, I realize. For how confident he is, maybe he wasn’t sure I would show up. That puts me more at ease.
“I did.”
“Before we begin, shut the door behind you.”
I do as he instructs, then turn back to him. He nods like he’s proud of me and I’m surprised to find that notion is addicting.
“If you’re at all uncomfortable with anything, you can always say stop, and I will stop. You have my word on that. But know that I will push you. And I urge you to keep an open mind. I will tell you everything I will do to you before I do it. I’m not here to surprise you. I want you to trust me, Sofiya. This type of relationship only works if there’s trust.”
“Ok,” I whisper. “I understand.”
“Good. Then, let us begin. I want you to take your panties off but leave your dress on. Then I want you to lean over that bench and pull your knees up to your chest. You’ll stay like that until we’re finished. Is that clear?”
I gulp. “Yes.” That doesn’t sound too bad. He’s not using a whip or cane on me. Maybe I’ll be fine. He said I could tell him to stop if need be.
Ducking my head, I slip my underwear down my legs.
“Hand it to me.” Mikhail’s commanding voice sends shivers over my body. I’m not sure if they’re good shivers or bad ones yet.
I pick up my underwear and hold it out for him. He takes the fabric and rubs it between his fingers. Watching him touch my underwear—the piece of clothing that was pressed against my most intimate area—makes me feel wild. I don’t think my heart will ever beat at a normal rhythm again.
“Now, sit on the bench and pull your knees up to your chest.”
I manage to sit down without falling over from nerves. My hands tremble as they grab my legs and pull them up.
Mikhail gazes down at me with his striking eyes. I could get lost in those eyes. “Now, push your dress up around your waist and spread your legs for me.”
For the first time since entering this room, I feel a throb of pleasure.
Keeping my eyes locked on his—even when all I want is to look away—I push my dress up and spread my legs for him. His eyes lock on the space between my legs. I’ve never felt self-conscious over my vulva before, but now I can’t help but consider what it looks like. Does he like it? Is he repulsed?
Judging from how his eyes darken, he likes what he sees. That makes me feel … powerful. Mikhail is the one in control, but I think I have a hold on him more than he’d like to admit.
Mikhail walks over to me and kneels before the bench, his eyes at the same level as mine. “I am going to touch you, but you cannot come.”
“I’ve never …”
He tilts his head to the side. “You’ve never made yourself come before, Sofiya?”
I slowly shake my head.
“Why not?”
Before I can respond, he brings his hand between my legs—the one holding onto my underwear—and presses his hand against my folds. The fabric of my underwear rubs against my skin, creating friction.
I almost jump out of my skin at the touch.
“I asked you a question, Sofiya,” he says in a low voice.
My hands slap against the bench behind me, catching myself just in time to keep myself upright. Mikhail rubs his fingers against my bundle of nerves, still keeping my underwear between my skin and his skin. My legs open wider on instinct.
“Sofiya,” he warns. “Why haven’t you touched yourself before?”
“I was too … shy to do it. I thought I would get in trouble.” I gasp as he presses down on my nub. My toes curl at the touch. I’ve never felt this kind of pleasure. I understand my anatomy—I did research out of curiosity. I just never worked up the courage to actually pleasure myself before.
And something tells me my own touch would have paled compared to Mikhail’s hands.
“Well, you won’t get in trouble here.” He rubs me harder. My breath starts coming out in pants. My cheeks are flushed. My body is hot.
“Is this normal?” I ask. Without meaning to, my hips jerk up from his touch.
A low growl escapes him, sending more pleasure over my body. “It’s very normal. Your body is responding to my touch. I knew you’d like this.” He grinds his palm down against my folds.
My legs clamp together around his hand as a burst of pleasure fills my body. I’ve never had an orgasm before, but I’m pretty positive I’m close.
“Remember, Sofiya. No coming.” Using his free hand, he spreads my legs wide again. He grips my knee as his other hand continues pleasuring me.
“It’s too much,” I gasp, shaking my head. Mikhail has a spell on my body. I’m possessed.
“Then I think we should be done for the night.” He pulls his hand away and stands up. I gasp and clench my legs together again. My body sings for release, yet he denied it to me.
“Why?” I ask.
“Because you need to learn that I’m in control of your body. I’m in control of your pleasure. I’ll make you come the next time we’re together. But until then, don’t touch yourself. You will not come without me.”
I hug my knees to my chest and rest my chin on them.
“Now come here.” He opens his arms to me.
Without even thinking about it, I run into his arms. Mikhail wraps me into a hug, and for the first time since arriving in Russia, I feel safe.
I wait at the terminal, looking around for my sisters. When I spot Mila, I take off running. Mikhail doesn’t say a word to stop me.
“Mila!” I reach her and pull her into a hug. She cries out, hugging me back. We stay like that for a long time.
Well, until Vik clears her throat. “I’m here, too, you know.”
I pull back from Mila and turn to Vik. “I’m happy you’re here as well.” We give each other a quick hug before pulling apart.
“Are you ok?” I ask Mila, rubbing her arm. “Boris?”
“He brought over a wedding dress and everything. Just like he did with you,” she tells me as we walk back to where Mikhail waits. “Vik bought the tickets, and we left during the night before Boris could find us. You saved me, Sofiya. Thank you.”
“Of course. I would never let Boris marry you. Either of you.”
Vik rolls her eyes. “I’m not going to marry a man like Boris. Only one of good breeding for me.”
We reach Mikhail.
“Thank you for inviting us here,” Mila says.
Mikhail inclines his head. “Of course. You’re Sofiya’s sisters. Her home is your home. Let’s get your get luggage.”
Vik looks at him longingly as he walks over to the baggage claim. I give my sister a nudge.
“What?” she asks, scowling.
I scowl back. “He’s my husband.”
“I know that.” She shakes her head and mutters under her breath like I’m the problem. I sigh. Having Vik here will not be fun.
But if it means keeping her and Mila safe, then I will do what I have to.
“These are your rooms,” I say, showing Vik and Mila to their bedrooms after we arrive home.
“It’s beautiful,” Mila says.
“It’s all right,” Vik says.
Mikhail clears his throat, drawing the attention toward him. “I wanted to let you know that tomorrow night, I invited some people over. A welcome party. One to celebrate Sofya’s and my wedding as well as your arrival. It’s black tie. Dress appropriately.”
“We always do,” Vik says haughtily.
“Sofiya,” he says to me. “I’ll give you some alone time with your sisters. I’ll see you later tonight.” He grazes his fingers down my cheek before walking away.
“That’s so romantic,” Mila says in a dreamy tone. “He likes you, Sofiya.”
“They’re married,” Vik snaps. “Of course, he likes her.”
I sigh. “Vik, can you drop the attitude?”
“What attitude? My leg is still broken, Sofiya.” She nods at her cast. “Or have you forgotten? I wasn’t exactly happy about traveling overseas with a broken leg.”
“I know. I’m sorry. That couldn’t have been easy. But let’s just focus on the positives. You’re both here now. You’re safe from Boris. No more fighting.”
Mila nods right away while Vik looks around at everything but me. Finally, she sighs herself. “Fine. I’ll try to be nicer. I just have no idea what dress will go with my cast. This is impossible.” She continues to mutter to herself as she walks into her room.
Mikhail doesn’t wake me up that night to spend time together. And the next morning, I’m disappointed when I wake up and see he’s not in bed with me. He’s already downstairs, working in his office.
What Mikhail and I shared has been a constant thought at the back of my mind. My body craves to be touched again. But since we’re having the party tonight, I doubt that’ll be happening anytime soon.
I introduce Mila and Vik to Mary. Mary takes an immediate liking to Mila, which isn’t surprising. Most people like Mila. Whereas Vik eyes Mary over, and Mary does the same to her. Eventually, they settle on a silent respect for each other.
Wish that would happen for me. Mary still hates me, and I’m unsure if that will ever change.
I change into my dress for the party. It’s pink and flowy, and there’s a fairytale quality to it. Mikhail likes me in clothes like this and I want to make him happy.
Mila is in a gown similar to mine, but just in blue. It makes her kind of look like Cinderella. But Vik … she knows how to rock a dress. An old Hollywood-style red dress that she somehow manages to make work with her cast. Her light blonde hair is styled in voluptuous curls.
I blink as I look at her.
“You look great, Vik,” Mila says.
Vik smiles demurely, but I know it’s fake. “I just want to make a good impression on Mikhail’s guests.” I know what she’s really saying. She wants to make a good impression in case there’s a potential husband in the mix for her.
“Come on. I think the guests are arriving.” I can hear faint chattering coming from downstairs.
The three of us stand at the top of the stairs, looking down at the already crowded living room. Mikhail is in the center of it all.
“Oh,” Vik says in surprise.
I know why she’s saying it.
There’s not one other woman in the room except for us three.
The only people Mikhail invited to this party are men.