Chapter 10

TORI

I wake and reach over, relieved to find the other side of the bed empty so I can avoid the awkwardness of having to ask Dmitry to leave.

I stretch out, allowing my muscles to ease after our night of passion, and smile to myself. When things are good between us, they are so good, and this is why I fell hard for the man.

My stomach growls as hunger pains hit me, so I slide out of bed, grabbing my silk dressing gown from the back of the door.

I follow the smell of bacon wafting through the entire place and wonder if Marshall has finally cooked breakfast. As I pad into the kitchen, I freeze with my mouth hanging open in surprise. Dmitry is standing at the worktop, making breakfast. I’ve never seen him cook, yet here is, in my kitchen half-naked, doing just that. His defined abs bunch together as he moves around, grabbing whatever he needs. He hasn’t spotted me yet, and as “Lose Control” plays loudly over the sound system, he mutters the words. I watch in awe, realising it’s the first time I’ve seen him at such ease, and it makes my heart swell.

The internal battle between my head and my heart continues to play out at the thought of kicking him out when he’s clearly making an effort to put things right. He looks up and spots me. His dimples appear as he smiles, and his eyes light up. “Take a seat, my krasota ,” he says in his deep, gravelly voice, sending shivers through me.

“Since when do you cook?” I ask, laughing.

He raises an eyebrow. “I’ve always cooked, I just never seem to have the time. But today, I wanted to cook for my love and my growing child.” He beams with pride as he approaches me and places a finger under my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. My final resolve ebbs away when I’m met with complete and utter love. I want more of this, the playful, fun-loving side, where he sees nothing but me.

“I love you, my krasota ,” he whispers before he claims my mouth in a delicate kiss. He breaks away, going back to making breakfast, and I watch him attentively, savouring the tenderness of his touch.

I move towards him, and he watches me with hunger in his eyes. I slip my hand around him to get to the stack of toast he’s buttered, and I snatch a piece, popping a corner in my mouth and taking a bite, moaning in delight at the salty, buttery goodness. “We better feed you,” he says with a laugh.

“What’s your plan, Mr. Volkov? Put me in a food coma and leave me for the day?” I ask around my mouthful of toast. He shakes his head at me, laughing harder. “What?” I ask innocently. “Your kid is making me hungry all the goddamn time.”

“I was planning on spending the day, if that’s okay with you,” he replies, and he reaches over to pull me into his embrace. “And my child needs feeding. He’s going to be strong, just like his mama.” He places a stray hair behind my ear, and I suddenly feel overwhelmed with emotion.

“Hey, what’s the matter?” he asks, looking concerned and wiping a stray tear away with his thumb.

“Nothing,” I sniffle. “Goddamn emotions. I’m happy, honestly. Right here, right now, if I could bottle this up for eternity, I would.” I smile sadly.

“We can,” he whispers. “It doesn’t have to end here, let’s have today and just take it slow.” I start protesting, shaking my head, but he cups my face. “Stop overthinking. It’s all at your pace. Let’s just enjoy each other’s company today. No work, no drama . . . just me and you.”

I offer a small smile and nod, not trusting myself to speak. I want nothing more right now than what we have right here to continue. I want this forever, but the fear of getting hurt weighs heavily on my mind. And while Vivian is in business with him, we’ll never have the kind of peace I crave.

We eventually leave the house a couple hours later after showering . . . and getting distracted with each other being naked . . . again.

Dmitry ordered Marshall to stay home with Phoebe, wanting it to be just us, a normal couple out enjoying our day. And even though I should be scared that there are people out there wanting me dead, especially with my most recent run-in, I know Dmitry won’t let anything happen to me again. He will kill anyone who puts me at risk, including his own men.

He stares straight ahead, keeping his eyes fixed on the road as he reaches over the centre console to rest his hand on my bare knee. He chose my short dress especially, I’m certain. And as his fingers repeatedly brush over my skin, it ignites something within me, even though it wasn’t even an hour ago he was buried inside me.

He pulls up outside Dolce & Gabbana and looks across at me, that grin firmly in place. I arch a brow. “Mr Volkov, what are we doing here?” I ask.

“You’ll be needing some maternity wear, and you should have only the best.” He winks as he gets out the car and makes his way around to my side. He opens my door, and I roll my eyes as he holds out his hand for me to take. I do, laughing, because he knows how much I hate it.

He slams the door and throws his arm around my waist, tugging me closer into his side. I shiver in his hold, feeling my heart swell with happiness at such a simple touch. “Are you cold?” he asks, concern lacing his features.

I shake my head. “You do these things to me when you’re close, Dmitry,” I say, smirking and darting my tongue over my lips suggestively. “Shall we just go back home?”

“Nice try, my krasota , but I’m going to treat you like my queen today.” He pulls away, opening the door, and I walk inside.

We leave an hour later with a completely new wardrobe. I slide into the front seat of his Range Rover and slip off my heels while he loads the bags into the back. I sigh at the gorgeous six-inch heels, realising I’ll soon need to exchange these for something more suitable.

Dmitry gets in the driver’s side. “Lunch?” he asks, and I’m almost taken aback that he’s asking what I want to do rather than ordering me. I bite on my lower lip, wondering if my next question might ruin his mood. I don’t want to spoil the rest of the day. He reaches over, pulling my lip free. “What is it, my krasota ?”

“Nothing.” I shake my head, reaching for my seatbelt and thinking better of my idea.

“Victoria,” he growls, and I offer him a weak smile. “Speak to me. Tell me what’s going on in that beautiful little head of yours.”

“I don’t want to spoil the day,” I mutter.

He places his hand on my knee, lightly grazing my skin with the tips of his fingers. “I promise it won’t.”

“I want you to take me to V’s.” I look away, waiting for his automatic refusal.

He sighs heavily, and I brace myself. “Why?” he asks, and I sense he’s running his fingers through his hair in frustration.

“I just want to see what you own with her,” I explain, turning back to look at him. “I want to know more about your life.”

He stares at me for a few seconds before nodding and starting the engine. I frown. I was expecting his protest, but I feel relieved it hasn’t spoiled his mood, even though I can see his jaw tensing.

Ten minutes later, he opens the door for me, escorting me into V’s while holding my hand tightly. I look around, appreciating how beautiful the place is. I see why he’d want shares in the business—it’s lunchtime and the place is bustling.

He leads me towards the bar and pulls out a seat for me, placing a tender kiss on my head as I slide onto it. “Two waters, please,” he asks the barman.

“Of course, Mr. Volkov. Are you having a good day?” asks the barman, grabbing the bottles and two glasses. He fills them with ice and a slice of lemon.

“I am, thank you, Walter. This is Victoria, my wife-to-be.” I glow at his introduction.

Walter smiles. “Lovely to meet you,” he says, placing the bottles in front of us, followed by the two glasses. “Let me know if you need anything else.” And he goes on to serve the other waiting customers.

“It’s beautiful here,” I say, looking around, “and busy.”

“This is quiet compared to how busy it gets later.” He leans in closer to my ear. “And maybe, one day, it will be yours.” He places a kiss on my cheek before picking up a bottle and filling my glass, then filling his own.

“I’m not sure I’d want something that belonged to that dirty skank,” I admit, adding a laugh as I scan the room looking for the devil herself.

“Well, someone will have to run it—” He’s stops mid-sentence, and I follow his line of vision to see Vivian approaching us.

She isn’t her usual confident self as she manoeuvres through the crowd. “Lovely to see you both,” she says stiffly. No air kisses today or inappropriate touching, and I almost want to high-five Dmitry that she’s finally got the message.

“Victoria wanted to see the place,” Dmitry offers, his playful tone from earlier disappearing.

“It’s certainly come a long way since the joint ownership. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of your father,” she says firmly, and I hear the venom in her tone.

“I’m sure shagging the head of the Bratva has to come with some perks, because you clearly aren’t with him for his stamina,” I scoff, and she turns to me.

Her face reddens, and I wait for the barrage of abuse, but Dmitry interrupts by grabbing my hand and standing from his chair. “Come, my krasota . Let’s get you some lunch.”

He gently pulls me from my seat. I rest my hand on the small swell of my stomach and see Vivian’s eyes follow the movement. “Yes, this baby needs feeding if he’s going to be big and strong like his father,” I reply, arching a brow at her.

Her jaw twitches as she battles with herself not to rise to my words and instead offers a fake smile. “Of course, you both know you are welcome here anytime,” she gushes, full of fakeness.

Dmitry places his hand on the small of my back and leads me out the bar.

I stop him in the doorway, turning and placing a tender kiss against his lips. He smiles. “Thank you,” I whisper.

DMITRY

I eye Victoria across the table, marvelling at her beauty despite the way she’s ramming her food in. We’ve come to my favourite Italian restaurant for lunch, and as she shovels her food, I smile, appreciating the fact she’s eating well after losing so much weight.

Over the last few weeks, she’s gotten her glow back, and I see glimpses of the same Victoria that captured my heart that very first night. I knew she’d be trouble back then, but I also knew that I wouldn’t be able to stay away from her. I was right.

She wipes her mouth on her napkin, finishing her mouthful. “What are you staring at?” she asks, laughing.

“It’s just nice to see you happy again.”

She rolls her eyes. “Are you going to eat that?” She nods at the spare garlic bread in the centre of the table.

I grin. “No, my krasota . I think you need it more than me.” Her eyes are full of love as she takes the garlic bread. “He’s a growing boy,” I add.

“You never know, it might be a miniature me.” She takes a bite of the bread and holds her hand over her mouth to disguise the fact she’s taken a larger bite than her mouth allowed.

“And I will love her as much as I do you. Although, if it’s a girl, I may have to murder a few boys over the years. No one is touching her, just like no one is touching you.”

She rolls her eyes again, finishing the last garlic bread and placing her napkin on the table. She runs her foot up the inside of my leg, and I feel myself harden instantly. Sitting on the opposite side of this table for the last hour, all I’ve wanted to do is feel her pussy clench around my cock with its vice-like grip.

“Dessert?” I ask, hoping she refuses because I’m not sure how much longer I can last.

She picks up the menu and looks at me over the top, grinning playfully. I outwardly groan and pick up my glass, draining the contents. She runs her foot right up to my crotch, and I inhale sharply. She watches me attentively over her menu then throws her head back, laughing loudly.

“I think I’ll pass,” she says, placing the menu back on the table. “There’s something else I would much rather devour for dessert.”

I close her bedroom door with my foot while I make hasty work of removing her dress. She kicks off her shoes and reaches up on her toes, kissing me with so much pent-up frustration, I think I might just bust my load in my pants.

She sucks gently on my tongue as she makes haste of the buttons on my shirt. She runs her hand over my chest, and I push her back onto the bed. I unfasten my trousers, and she watches me through hooded eyes. Her chest heaves with anticipation. She needs this as much as I do right now.

I reach down, hooking my finger under her sexy white underwear, and I give a small tug, snapping the lace and discarding them on the floor.

She bites on her lower lip. “Are you just going to stand there, Mr. Volkov?” She smirks as her hands trail down her body, resting just about her sweet spot.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” I mutter, but she’s got that mischievous look in her eyes, and I know she’s going to ignore me.

She places her fingers between her folds, and I watch in awe as she inserts one finger, drawing it back up to her clit and circling it. Her back arches off the bed, and she groans in pleasure.

I growl, and her eyes open as she bites on her lower lip, smiling at me seductively. “Sorry, Sir,” she whispers. “You were taking far too long.” She slowly removes her fingers and drags them up her stomach. It’s then I notice a trail of blood. My heart almost stops, and I must pale because she frowns, following my gaze.

She sits up suddenly, staring at the blood, and her breathing hitches. “Shit,” she mutters.

I kneel in front of her, cupping her face in my hands. Tears fill her eyes, and I offer a weak smile. “Don’t panic, my krasota ,” I say softly, trying to keep my own panic under control.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers, and tears begin to fall.

I grab the blanket from the bed, wrapping it around her shoulders. “You have nothing to apologise for,” I reassure her, rubbing along her arms. “We’ll go and get checked over at the hospital. It might be nothing.” She nods but looks so forlorn. “Wait here, let me grab you some clothes.”

I get myself dressed quickly before going into her wardrobe and grabbing a pair of leggings and a baggy top from her drawers.

I help Victoria get dressed as she cries. Nothing I can say right now will reassure her, so I just need to get her to the hospital and get her checked.

I’m lost in my own thoughts when she grabs my arm. “What if this is all my fault?” she cries, and I sit beside her on the bed, wrapping her in my arms. She lays her head against my shoulder as her body shakes with sobs.

“You can’t think like that, and no matter what, I’m here—” I hear my voice crack with emotion and swallow hard. “I’m here for you. You will always be mine to protect, to cherish forever.” I kiss her head, and she whimpers against my shoulder, her tears soaking through my shirt. I lift her from the bed and lead her out the room, throwing my car keys at Marshall, who’s standing in the kitchen.

“What the hell happened?” Marshall asks, his expression full of concern as he takes in the state of Victoria. I’m holding her up as she walks tucked under my arm. I don’t think she has the energy to move as her mind conjures up the worst possible outcome.

“We need to go to the hospital. Can you drive?” I ask firmly, not appreciating his tone.

“What the fuck have you done now, Dmitry?” Phoebe shouts as she enters the room.

I growl in frustration. I know I’ve fucked up and let her down, but I would never harm Victoria ever. I would rather take my own life. “She’s bleeding. We need to get her seen now, so can you save your shit for another time,” I snap, and Marshall dives into action automatically, rushing to grab the door.

I guide her out to the car, lifting her in.

The ride to the hospital is unnerving. Nobody wants to speak, and the atmosphere is thick with trepidation.

We sit in a hospital room, waiting for the doctor to come and speak with us. Victoria clings to my hand tightly. She hasn’t murmured a word since we left the apartment, not even when they took her through for the scan. She’s pale and a shadow of who she was just mere hours ago.

I rub circles on the back of her hand with my thumb, trying to reassure her, but I have no words either. And I can’t help but think this is down to my fucking father. The sooner I end the bastard, the better.

The door swings open and both our heads whip round. The doctor smiles, and it’s reassuring, but I don’t trust smiles. I need words.

“Victoria Harding?” he asks, and she nods. He turns to me.

“Mr. Volkov,” I offer.

“Is it okay to speak in Mr. Volkov’s presence?” he asks, and she nods again. I let out a breath, relieved that she isn’t shutting me out. “Let me start by reassuring you that everything is absolutely fine.” We both release a relieved breath. “Many women experience some bleeding in pregnancy. Have you been pushing yourself too much or causing yourself unnecessary stress?” he asks, and she looks away, staring down to where our hands are entwined.

“Yes, doctor, she has,” I grit out, and she looks at me with a frown.

“No, I haven’t,” she snaps, pulling her hand free.

“Yes, Victoria, you have. You’ve been chasing my father and Vivian just to prove a point,” I snap as I reach for her hand again. She snatches it away instantly. “You have nothing to prove. You are the strongest woman I know, and I love you with my everything. If anything happened to you, I wouldn’t be able to live without you. You need to let me handle them. It’s no good for you or the baby.”

“He’s right, Miss Harding. Being pregnant can be very stressful without you adding extra pressure on yourself. I’ll need you to take it easy, rest up for a few days, and the bleeding should subside. If it continues or gets heavier, please don’t hesitate to return, okay?” the doctor instructs, and she nods. “And I mean rest,” he adds, heading for the door. “Complete rest and no stress.”

“Okay,” she utters, and he leaves.

“Victoria,” I say sternly, but she ignores me. “Tori,” I whisper, knowing that using her preferred name always softens her a little. She turns to face me, and I reach across to grab her hand again. This time, she lets me. “I’m sorry, but you mean the world to me. I couldn’t stop what happened before, but I’ll be damned if I let them continue to break you. They will end?—”

She puts her hand up to stop me in my tracks, and my stomach drops a little, wondering if this is where she tells me there’s no chance for us and her walls go back up.

“I promise not to poke them, not to create more issues, under one condition.”

“Anything, my krasota .” Relief floods me that she hasn’t closed down and put a stop to what has been an amazing few days.

“When you end them . . . I want to be there.”

My heart slams heavy in my chest. “Is that such a bright idea, my krasota ?” I ask gently, not wanting to annoy her. The thought fills me with complete dread, and even though I want her to know she’s my queen, there are some things she should never have to see again, and a dead body is one of those things.

“I need to know this is over, that there’s no returning. I need to know our relationship can be built on trust. What better way to trust one another than sharing such a huge thing?”

“We’re not Bonnie and Clyde,” I mutter. “This isn’t a game.”

“Don’t you think I know that, Dmitry? I feel fucking traumatised by them, and whenever I’m out and not with you, I’m looking over my shoulder. I need to know they’re gone.”

“And my word is not enough?” I ask, unable to hide the hurt lacing my words.

“Dmitry,” she whispers, looking down at her hands as they twist in her lap.

“Fine,” I mutter, and she glances up, looking surprised. “I’ll give you it all, my krasota ,” I say as I stand, planting a tender kiss on her head. If she asked me to burn the world right now, I would.