Chapter 14 #2
Alexei tucks himself back into his pants, then meets my eyes in the mirror with a dark, satisfied smirk. He looks entirely too pleased with himself.
“Take them off,” he says, voice still rough. “We’re buying the set, but you’re not wearing these home.”
I peel off the ruined panties with shaking hands, and he takes them from me, wrapping them carefully in tissue paper from the small basket in the corner of the fitting room.
“Get dressed, beautiful.”
I pull my original underwear back on—thankfully I have my own—then slip my dress over my head. The emerald lace bra stays on underneath, a secret reminder of what just happened.
When I step out of the fitting room, Alexei’s already at the counter with the saleswoman, looking completely composed. Like he didn’t just fuck my thighs and come all over expensive lingerie thirty seconds ago.
“We’ll take the green set,” he tells the woman smoothly, handing over his black card. “And these other pieces as well.”
The saleswoman smiles professionally, reaching for the emerald lingerie. “Wonderful choices. Let me just—”
“I’ll wrap it myself,” Alexei interrupts, already pulling out the tissue paper and carefully folding the bra and the cum-soaked panties he’s hidden in his pocket into the boutique’s signature box.
The saleswoman blinks, surprised, but recovers quickly. “Of course, sir.”
He finishes wrapping the set with meticulous care, then accepts the shopping bag with the other pieces. His hand finds the small of my back as we leave, thumb stroking possessive circles.
“You did so well, beautiful,” he murmurs in my ear as we step out onto the busy street.
“Can we stop for coffee?” I ask, nodding toward a café across the street. “I need a break from consumerism.”
He lets out a short laugh and nods. “Whatever you want vedma.”
We cross the street as a unit, his men shifting their positions like chess pieces to cover our movement.
We enter a cute little café that smells of rich espresso and fresh pastries.
He quickly leads us to a table in the corner, choosing a spot where the exit is accessible and he can see the entire room.
I get my overly sweet coffee, and Alexei gets his boring black coffee, and we settle in. My attention shifts to a nearby table where four young girls are all talking at the same time. They look like they're in their early twenties.
“How am I supposed to finish two essays and study for exams?” one moans, throwing herself into the seat.
“Easy. You don’t sleep,” another suggests.
All it takes is one second for them to burst out laughing.
College students, clearly. Living their young, chaotic lives.
I take a sip of my drink, the sugar hitting my system as I watch them.
They look so carefree, so completely unaware of the world we're currently moving through.
A girl at their table notices me looking, and her hand goes up in a friendly wave, a bright smile on her face. Heat climbs my neck as I wave back shyly. She stands and crosses over, completely comfortable approaching strangers. “MSU, right? Moscow State University?” Her tone is friendly.
“No, I don’t go there,” I tell her, trying to match her easy tone.
“Oh! My bad, I really thought I recognized you.” She grins, her energy infectious. “Anyway, we’re throwing a party this weekend. You’re totally invited if you want to come!”
Her gaze shifts past me to Alexei, and her eyes go wide. “Oh my god, your boyfriend is gorgeous.”
My mouth opens to correct her, but Alexei’s arm is already sliding around my shoulders, pulling me snug against his side. His warmth bleeds through my jacket. “You think so?” His voice drips smug satisfaction as he grins at them. “Do we look good together?”
“Oh my god, yes!” Her friend leans forward. “You two are literally perfect together.”
“And he’s built,” another observes, staring at Alexei’s shoulders. “Like, really built.”
I feel him sit a little taller beside me, soaking up every word the girl says.
“Right?” He’s completely serious now, leaning into the conversation with a sudden, unexpected charm.
“I keep telling her we’re meant to be. It’s like fate or something.
” He rests a hand on the back of my chair, effectively marking his territory while the college student beams at us.
I take a very long sip of my coffee, trying to disappear into the ceramic mug.
“Stop.” My face burns.
“You two are perfect,” the first girl gushes. “Like, relationship goals.”
“Hear that, Vedma?” Alexei squeezes my shoulder. “Relationship goals.” Every compliment makes him worse. He’s agreeing with them, encouraging them, practically glowing. Meanwhile, I’m dying. This table needs to swallow me whole.
At last, they’re leaving. A flyer lands on our table, covered in scribbled writing. “That’s where the party is. Come if you can!” She’s smiling as they walk away. “See you!” The door chimes as they leave.
Alexei picks up the flyer, examining it. “They’re very friendly.”
“Mhmm.” I track their movement until they turn the corner. Alexei pulls on his coat and picks up the shopping bags. Time to go.
We stop by the seamstress on our way, grabbing the box before beginning the quietest ride ever.
I stand at the sink, washing and moisturizing my face until my skin feels hydrated again. From the bathroom, I can see Alexei settled in bed. His laptop is open, casting a soft glow across the sheets as he works in the quiet of the room.
Finishing up my routine, I walk over to my side of the bed. The sheets feel crisp and cool as I slide under them, settling into the mattress. I stay tucked firmly on my edge, keeping a deliberate distance between us while the steady tapping of his keyboard fills the silence.
He types for a few more minutes, then closes the laptop with a soft click.
The light disappears. He sets it on the nightstand and shifts down into the bed.
I give it a minute, then begin my slow migration toward the center.
My movements are quiet and cautious as I slide over the cool cotton.
The space between us shrinks gradually, the distance closing bit by bit.
“Took you long enough,” he says, amused. His arm wraps around me and yanks me closer until I’m pressed against him. “You know,” he murmurs, “if you wanted to be held, you could’ve just asked. I’m right here.”
“I was just cold,” I say quickly. “This side of the bed is warmer. That’s all.”
“Stop being so dishonest.” His hand settles on my back, holding me in place. “Your body doesn’t lie. If you want me, just say so. I’m quite easy to please.”
I settle against him, my cheek pressed to his chest. His heartbeat thuds steadily beneath my ear. “Those girls were pretty nice today.”
“Mhmm. They had nice things to say about us.” His voice rumbles through his chest. “And they were right. We do look good together.”
“Yeah. And they go to school. They probably have so many friends and get to do so many activities.” My voice goes quiet, the words trailing off as I stare at the couch on the far side of the bed.
His hand moves to my hair, his fingers threading through the strands. “What do you want, my love? Tell me your heart’s desire so that I can fulfill it.”
“That’s very genie-like of you.” I raise an eyebrow.
“Should I rub a lamp first?” He pulls me in tighter, tucking my head against his chest so I can hear the calm, steady rhythm of his heart.
“Yes. Tell me anything you want. I know something’s bothering you, and it has been bothering you since earlier.
Tell me, and I will make sure I fulfill it no matter the cost.”
“Fine.” My fingers curl into his shirt. “Before I left Ukraine, I took entrance exams. For journalism school. It was my plan.”
“I’m listening.” His voice is calm, encouraging me to keep going.
“Okay, but before I continue, you have to promise me that whatever I say, you’ll think it over.
” I pull back to look at his face. His chest shakes with laughter.
“This isn’t funny. I mean it.” I glare up at him. “Promise me you’ll think about it.”
“Alright, vedma.” The amusement leaves his voice. “I’ll consider your request and do everything I can to grant it.”
“You’re being noncommittal.” I narrow my eyes.
“Take it or leave it.” His voice is gentle despite the firmness. “Now tell me, beautiful. What do you want?”
“College.” I say it quietly. “I want to go to college and study journalism. It’s been my dream. I want classes and assignments and the normal student experience. I understand I have obligations here, but I need this.”
“Is that all?” His tone is light. “Yeah.” I nod against his chest. “Done.” He says it without a moment of hesitation. “I’ll set it up. You’ll attend Moscow State University since I already fund the school, so your admission to the first year program won't be an issue.”
I lift myself onto my elbow, studying his expression. “Wait, that was too easy. Why aren’t you arguing with me?”
“Like I said, vedma.” His fingers lace with mine. “I’m not complicated. My wife wants something, I get it. Making you happy is simple math for me.”
“You’re serious?” I can barely breathe. “You’re really letting me go to college?”
“To the world, I’m a criminal. A monster. Whatever they want to call me.” His thumb traces my cheekbone. “But to you, vedma, I only tell the truth.”
Tears sting the corners of my eyes, and I bury my face in his chest. “I don’t understand why I keep crying when I’m with you.”
“Beats me.” There’s amusement laced in his tone. “You cry when I’m sweet to you. You yell when I’m terrible. I’m getting mixed signals here, Vedma.”
I choke on a laugh and lift my head. Then I bend down and kiss the side of his cheek. “I’ll work up to your lips one day.”
“Then I’ll keep trying.” His hand settles on my back, his fingers drawing slow, lazy circles. We drift off together.