7. Mia #2
“You think that’s what I’m worried about? You touching me?” He tucks a piece of hair behind me ear. “That’s the last thing I’m worried about.” His eyes finally betray him, roaming down my body before looking at my face again.
“Okay,” I relent, not wanting to force him, while not understanding at the same time. “I understand. I’m sorry I asked.” I step inside the stall and close the door behind me, slipping off my bra and panties. I toss them over the stall and stand under the hot spray.
Closing my eyes the rush of water beating down on me taking me back to the lake water invading my lungs and I gasp, struggling to breathe. It takes me to when Ivan dunked my head in the bathtub, threatening to kill me if I ever overcooked the chicken again.
“Mia! Mia, it’s okay.” Alek steps into the shower fully clothed minus his shoes and wraps his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. “It’s okay.
You’re okay. You’re safe. You’re safe, Lyubimaya.
” My back’s against his front, his arms embracing me tightly across my chest, and I cling onto him for dear life.
“I didn’t realize. I’m so sorry you came in here alone. It’s okay. I got you.”
I take a deep breath in, my heart racing. Alek being here, holding me, telling me I’m safe is what I needed. He grounds me. He pulls me back to reality and out of the horror my mind likes to create.
I’m not with Ivan anymore. I’m not in the lake.
I’m with Alek. He won’t let anything happen to me.
I’m safe with him. I’m safe.
I repeat that to myself.
Alek leans against the wall while I let every emotion I’ve hidden come to the surface. He holds me up when my legs give out from under me and he slides down to the floor, taking me with him.
He kisses the side of my head, never once releasing his hold on me. “Let it out. It’s okay.”
I tilt my head back and scream at the top of my lungs, the ache from the compressions spreading across my chest. The memory of every bruise Ivan ever left throb. My legs, my arms, my cheeks, everywhere.
“I got you. No one will ever hurt you again. You’ll never have to worry about yourself again, do you hear me? I’m going to take care of you, Mia. All you need to do is relax.”
I turn my head into his neck, the water just rushing down on us. The water is tinged a light brown from all the dirt caked to us, swirling down the drain to have us start the day anew. Alek’s clothes are soaked to his bones by now.
“I’m so sorry, Alek,” I cry, clinging onto him for dear life. “I’m so sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. I do. I’m the one who’s sorry for raising a son who hurt you like he did. It’s my fault.” Emotion chokes his accent. “I won’t allow it to happen again.”
“It isn’t your fault. Ivan made his decisions. You’re a good man, Alek. You’re nothing like him.”
We don’t say anything after that. The only sound is the water rushing over us.
“Don’t move. I’ll wash your hair just like this. There’s no need to stand.”
I almost protest and decide against it. I’m too tired. For tonight, I give up the fight. My life is in Alek’s hands and all I can do is hope he won’t take advantage of my guard being down.
And I don’t mean touching me or even, if he dared, to kiss me. I’d love that. I’ve dreamed of that. He’s the only man I’ve ever wanted, but right now, all I want him to do is for him to use the hands that have killed so many, to be gentle and easy with me.
He reaches for the shampoo and conditioner, setting the expensive bottles next to us. The moment he opens the shampoo, the scent of tea tree oil fills the space and I inhale, allowing it to settle the fear and nerves raging through my system.
Alek’s hands rub my scalp, his fingertips massaging the roots. I sigh in relief and more emotion bubbles up my throat. Tears spill and with every careful touch he gives me, I can’t help but cry.
It’s been so long since I’ve had someone care about me like this. I’ve forgotten how good it feels. The way another person’s touch can change everything you believe has to be magic.
“Am I hurting you?” Alek asks, pausing.
“No. Not at all. Please, don’t stop.”
“You’re crying,” he points out the obvious. “If I’m hurting you—”
I place my hand on his knee and squeeze it. “I’m crying because it feels so good. I can’t remember the last time someone has touched me without malice. Please, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop.”
He wraps an arm around my waist and tugs me back so I’m closer to him.
He buries his fingers in my hair again, scrubbing away today’s events.
Alek doesn’t know this, but every touch, every brush of his fingers through my hair, every ounce of kindness he gives, heals one of the many cracks I have in my soul—in my bones—that his son put there.
“Time to rinse. Turn to me.” His voice turns husky and deep, his palms skimming down my sides.
I do as he says until our knees touch. I don’t have the energy to cover myself. It’s nothing he hasn’t seen before. I’m nothing special. I’m sure Alek has multiple women in and out of his bed every day. The thought leaves a sourness on my tongue and jealousy churning in my stomach.
His eyes never leave mine. They don’t waver once or look down. His white button up shirt is plastered to his skin and is sheer from being soaked. I’m able to see the rippling abs and wide chest easily now.
He’s beautiful.
I wish I had the nerve to unbutton his shirt and take it off so I can admire him while he is pampering me.
“Tilt your head back, Lyubimaya.”
I do as he says, and he rinses my hair out. He has to kneel and lean over me to make sure he gets all of the shampoo out.
Next, he applies the conditioner.
Without saying another word, he snags a washcloth, pours body wash on it, lifts my arm, and bathes me.
I have to look away. More emotion makes itself known and I can’t hold it back. Every touch is so light, so careful and tender, I actually feel like I mean something to someone.
And I never want it to end.