Chapter 17
Zoya
The house is dead quiet when we get back. I head straight upstairs, and my clingy future husband follows right behind, practically attached to my heels. Inside the bedroom, I struggle with my corset, reaching back blindly. “Help.”
Alexei is there instantly. His fingers are steady as he works the lacing, loosening it until the dress falls away.
I shed the jewelry, feeling lighter with every piece I drop onto the vanity.
I’m too tired to even wash my face, but as I reach for the cotton pads, Alexei’s hand stops me. “Sit. I’ll do it.”
He strips down to his boxers and kneels before me. His touch is surprisingly gentle as he wipes away the makeup, removing the mask I’ve worn all night.
“Where did you learn to remove corset dresses and makeup?” I ask.
“YouTube.” He switches to a fresh pad. “There’s a guy who teaches how to be the best husband so your wife won’t abandon you. I’ve been watching him for a few years in preparation for today.”
I blink at him. “You’ve been preparing for years?”
“I’m thorough when it comes to things I want to keep.”
When he’s done, we move to the bathroom. Under the hot spray of the shower, he washes my hair, his hands massaging my scalp until I’m nearly purring. Back in the room, I pull on one of his old shirts.
“What? You’re not putting on silk robes to look good for me?”
I pick up a silk nightdress nearby and chuck it at his face. “Why don’t you put it on and look good for me?”
He catches it and laughs. “You really love to counter everything I say.”
“I like to match energies,” I say with a grin.
He laughs, pulls on some sleep pants, and joins me on the bed. He immediately goes for my feet, his thumbs digging into my arches. I let out a moan that has him looking up with a dark grin. As he moves up my legs, his hand hooks into the waistband of my underwear.
“You said you wanted to massage my legs. Why are you trying to take off my panties?”
“It’s for the massage.”
I raise an eyebrow. “I’ve never heard of a massage technique that involves that.”
“It’s a new method.”
“Try again.”
He grins. “You caught me.”
He goes back to the massage, working my inner thighs until the tension is gone. When he’s finished, he pulls me back against his chest in a big spoon. My phone buzzes on the nightstand, and I reach for it. I can feel him reading over my shoulder.
ANYA
Hey Zo, why have you disappeared? Do they want ransom money this time?
Read
I’m pretty sure we can’t pay this ransom.
Read
ANYA
Shit, is it more than 500 euros? I’m pretty broke, but we can crowdfund.
Read
It’s just my past catching up to me, but I’m safe. Just moved out of my place.
Read
ANYA
MOVED OUT?? Where tf did you move to?
Read
I shove the phone toward his face. “Here. Why don’t you have a closer look?” He just smiles and pulls me tighter.
Anya It’s complicated.
Read
ANYA
That’s what people do when they join a cult. Zo, blink twice if you need help.Are you in a pyramid scheme?
Read
Suddenly, I feel a sharp sting on my neck. “Ow! What are you, a mosquito?”
He laughs against my skin. “I’m Russian mafia. A mosquito doesn’t leave a brand this permanent. I’m making it clear to everyone that you’re taken.”
“Pretty sure the engagement ring does that job.”
“The ring keeps the bastards away. This is just for us.”
ANYA
Wait, are you staying with a MAN???
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…
ANYA
OH MY GOD! YOU ARE! Zoya Koval, you better spill. Is he hot?
It’s really complicated
Read
.
ANYA
Is he there right now? Is he reading this?
Read
Yes
ANYA
LMAOOOOO. Hi, Zoya’s boyfriend Tell him I said if he hurts you, I know where to buy acid.
Read
He says noted.
Read
ANYA
Good. Anyway, since you’re not dead, remember its Yelena’s birthday tomorrow.
Read
I set the phone down and look at Alexei. “I’m going out tomorrow. My best friend is having a birthday party, and I have to be there.”
“No,” he says, pulling me flush against him.
I twist around in his arms until I’m looking up at him. “Why not? What, are you worried I might be having an affair with a woman?”
He smirks, his thumb grazing my jawline. “Yes. You’ve got the skills to pull both genders. But that’s irrelevant because you’re my wife.”
I blink, caught by the blunt compliment. “What is it going to take for you to let me go?”
“If you go on a date with me - let me actually get to know you - I’ll let you see your friends.”
I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips, and his eyes widen slightly. He reaches up, stroking my cheek. “I love your smile.”
“Thank you. I love your cooperation.”
“But,” he adds, his tone hardening, “you’ll have my men with you. There’s a war brewing in the Bratva, and I need you safe.”
“Fine. As long as I can go.”
“Deal.” He kisses my forehead and pulls me back into his chest. “Goodnight, Vedma.”