Chapter 14 - Gela #2
But before I can second-guess where I’m at, I just spit out how I feel. “This was just sex to blow off some steam. That’s all.”
He goes quiet, but then shrugs. “Sure. If that’s what you want.”
The casual tone stings. The fact that I’m disappointed he isn’t fighting harder sends me into a spiraling mess of confusion.
This is what I want, but why does it hurt when he agrees?
I grab my clothes before the disappointment on my face gives me away. “I’m going to take a shower.”
He nods and reaches for his own clothes. “I have some business to handle anyway. I'll be out for a while.”
“Okay,” I say, unable to look at him. “See you later, then.”
***
The doorbell rings hours later, while I’m in the living room, watching some silly reality show to distract myself.
Valentin still hasn't returned, and the sun’s already about to set. Who would be visiting at this hour?
“I’ll get it.” I smile at the housekeeper who scuffles in from the dining room to get the door. “I’m closer to the door anyway.”
I check the security monitor, and when I notice it’s Valentin’s sisters, Darya and Nadya, along with Yulia, his sister-in-law, I open the door immediately.
“Ladies! What a surprise.”
“We were dying to see you!” Nadya says, bouncing in first to give me a big hug. “We thought you might be going stir-crazy locked up with my brother all day.”
“Is Val around?” Darya asks after saying hello, looking past me into the house.
“He had some business to take care of,” I reply, trying to keep my tone light. “Not sure when he'll be back.”
Yulia gives me a knowing look. “Trouble in paradise already?”
“What? No, nothing like that.”
“Honey, we've all been married to Yuri men,” she says with a laugh. “We know that look. They're a handful.”
I wonder if I look that affected by Valentin’s absence as I lead them into the living room. Yulia takes a cozy chair while Darya and Nadya take the couch. The same couch where just hours ago... I quickly push that thought away and offer them drinks.
“So,” Nadya says once we're settled down with some wine, “how are you holding up? Are you taking good care of yourself?”
“Yeah, are you?” Yulia looks at me with compassion.
“I’m good.” I smile and sip my wine. “I’ve started working again, actually.”
“Have you, really?” Darya squeals. “So like, you head out to your office?”
“No, I work from home.” I give her a small smile.
“Does it get lonely?” Yulia asks. “You must miss human company, and I know Valentin. He’s probably always out.”
“Actually,” I admit, “he’s been working from home more often too.”
“Ah! Young love,” Darya sighs and looks like she’s daydreaming about something.
As the women begin to tell me Valentin must really be obsessed in order to stay at home for me, I find my mind wandering. It’s not like him to be away all day without checking in with me or the house staff. I begin to wonder if everything’s alright with him.
“It’s sweet of Valentin to be around the house more,” Darya says and wiggles her eyebrow. “But…if he’s being overbearing, just let us know.”
“He's actually been...” I search for the right word, “considerate, mostly.”
Nadya looks skeptical. “My brother? Considerate? Are we talking about the same Valentin?”
“He has his moments,” I admit with a small smile.
“Well, if you need a break from this place, or from him, you call us,” Darya insists. “In fact, we should go shopping soon. There's this boutique downtown that just got a new collection in.”
“That sounds fun, but I'm not sure Valentin would be on board with me leaving the house,” I say before I can stop myself.
All three women exchange glances.
“Is he keeping you under watch all the time?” Yulia asks, her voice taking on a serious edge.
“No! No, it's not like that,” I backtrack quickly. “It's just... There are some security concerns.”
“The Zakharovs,” Darya nods knowingly. “Trifon mentioned something about that. But don't worry; we can arrange security for a shopping trip. We, Yuri women, don't let our men dictate our lives.”
“That's right,” Nadya agrees. “Besides, you need some fun. Being married to my brooding brother can't be all rainbows and sunshine.”
I laugh despite myself. “He does brood a lot, doesn't he?”
“Oh my god, it's his superpower.” Nadya rolls her eyes. “When we were kids, he'd lock himself in his room for days if something upset him.”
“Really?” I lean forward, suddenly hungry for these glimpses into Valentin's past.
“He's always been intense,” Darya confirms. “But loyal to a fault. Once Val decides you're his, he'd move mountains to protect you.”
Something warm unfurls in my chest at her words, but I quickly suppress it. I don’t have a right to feel warm and fuzzy, not after I’ve made it clear that we aren’t a thing.
“So, shopping next week?” Yulia suggests, mercifully changing the subject. “We can make a day of it. We’ll grab some lunch, hit the spa—the works.”
“That sounds amazing,” I admit. I've been cooped up in this house for so long that the idea of a day out, for anything non-work-related, feels like freedom.
We talk a while longer, and then the girls decide they should head home.
“You sure you guys don’t want to stay for dinner?” I ask once more.
“It’s very kind of you to ask, but we’ve got plans with some friends,” Darya and Nadya say.
“And Trifon’s waiting back home for me,” Yulia smiles.
“Alright, then. We can do dinner another time!” I suggest. I really enjoyed my time with them today. The hours flew by incredibly fast, and I feel mentally recharged.
“Should we wait for Val?” Nadya asks as they begin to gather their things. “I haven't seen him in ages, and if he’ll be back soon, we could stay a little longer.”
“I really don't know when he'll be back,” I say, and I can't help the note of concern that creeps into my voice. He's been gone for hours now.
“Don't worry about him,” Darya says, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “These Yuri men disappear sometimes, but they always come back.”
After they leave, the house suddenly feels too quiet and empty. I eat my dinner alone, but my mind keeps drifting to Valentin. What business is keeping him away? Is he avoiding me after what I said?
Hours pass, and there’s still no sign of him. I try to watch TV, but nothing seems to hold my attention. Eventually, I end up on the couch, waiting, though I tell myself I'm not sleepy enough to head to bed.
I must doze off because the next thing I know, I'm jerking awake to the sound of a splash. I check the time and see that it's past midnight.
Is Valentin home?
Following the noise, I make my way to the back of the house, toward the indoor pool area. Through the glass doors, I see movement.
I push the door open quietly and step onto the pool deck. The lights are dim, but there's no mistaking Valentin as he stands by the hot tub with his back to me.
He unbuttons his shirt, and I watch him shrug it off his shoulders, letting it fall slowly down his ripped arms and shredded back. Even from here, I can see the shadows playing on the ridges of his back when he moves.
He tosses the shirt aside, then reaches for his belt.
I stand there frozen, enamored by the sight of him.
The night is dark, quiet, and feels like a little secret I own.
Valentin takes off his pants next, and his thighs are straight out of a fever dream. Strong, muscled, and toned as hell.
When he steps out and stands there with just his boxers on, my mouth goes dry. The man is gorgeous, there’s no doubt about that. He stretches his arms above his head, and I follow the lines of his body, and that’s when I see the dark bruises lined across the side of his ribs.
My heart begins to race as I take a few more quiet, cautious steps forward, because with each step I take, I feel like an utter fool for not noticing the terrible injuries before.