Chapter 5

TORI

“ W e should celebrate,” Phoebe announces.

I glance up from the magazine I’m pretending to read. I can’t focus on anything lately. “Huh?”

“The baby. Let’s celebrate.”

“How?” I ask, frowning. “I can hardly down the cocktails now.”

She laughs. “Not every celebration has to involve alcohol.”

I wince. “Really? That sounds pretty boring.”

“Come on, it’ll be fun to get out of this place.”

I picture Vivian and shake my head. “I’d rather not.”

“What are you going to do, hide in here forever? And what are the chances of you bumping into those crazy pricks?”

The front door opens and closes, and Marshall strolls into the living room. “Let’s ask him,” I suggest, arching a brow and knowing full well he’ll say no. “Phoebe wants us to celebrate the baby.”

“It’s not even here yet,” he mutters, taking a seat beside me.

“She can’t hide in here forever. It’s not good for her,” Phoebe argues. “We can book a nice restaurant with the girls. You haven’t seen everyone in ages.”

“It’s not gonna happen,” says Marshall, and I give Phoebe a knowing smile and shrug. Case closed.

“Since when do you take orders from Dmitry’s yes man?” she challenges, and I smirk at how quick Marshall’s head spins to face her. “Because let’s face it, it’s not Marshall saying no, it’s Dmitry, and you two aren’t together anymore.”

I stare back down at the magazine in my lap. I’ve not read a single word of it since I opened it half an hour ago. My mind is full of babies and Dmitry. But I know what Phoebe is doing by planting a seed to get me to rebel, which feels odd seeing as it’s usually me talking her into these sorts of things.

“I am not Dmitry’s yes man,” argues Marshall. “But we need to keep Tori safe, hence why she’s here.”

“Don’t use that tone with me, yes man . I am thinking of Tori’s mental health. How long can you keep her imprisoned?”

“She’s not in a prison,” he mutters.

“Good,” I interject, standing and letting my impulsiveness take over. “Let’s go and eat then.”

Marshall stares wide-eyed. “That’s not a good idea.”

“Just the three of us,” I add. “A quick dinner out to see how I feel about it.”

“Okay, we can take it at your pace,” Phoebe agrees, and I nod in appreciation. Being outside scares the crap out of me, but Phoebe is right, I can’t stay in here forever. Sooner or later, I might come face-to-face with Vivian or Vladimir, and hopefully, I’ll be strong enough to stand up to them.

I notice Marshall worrying his bottom lip and I take pity on him. “Look, they’re hardly going to shoot me in front of everyone. The only reason they got to me before is because they managed to separate me from you and Dmitry. That won’t happen again, right?”

He nods, standing. “Right.”

“So, let’s just grab something to eat and come right back.”

He sighs heavily before nodding in agreement. Phoebe stands, winking at me and heading for the door. “Fabulous.”

We don’t go far as there’s a nice restaurant just around the corner. It’s so close, we can walk, and luckily, they have a table free.

We take our seats and the offered menus. “Can I get you some wine for the table?” the waiter asks.

“No. Water all round, please,” says Marshall.

The waiter leaves, and Phoebe glares at him. “I would’ve liked wine.”

“Tough,” he mutters, regarding his menu.

“Seriously, that moody bullshit you have going on is annoying,” she states, opening her own menu. I smirk when he snipes back with something equally as childish.

“We’re like real housemates,” I announce, closing my menu and placing it on the table. They glance at each other, then at me. “Well, you fight and pick at one another. You’re like brother and sister . . . right?” I arch a brow to get my message across.

“Relax, Tori. Phoebe is way too straitlaced for me,” says Marshall with a grin, then he goes back to the menu. Phoebe’s mouth drops open, and she shakes her head before slamming her menu closed and placing it a little too hard on the table, earning glances from diners nearby.

“Are you going to find out the sex of the baby?” she asks, deciding to change the subject.

I shrug. Thinking about the future and other scans makes my heart ache. I don’t want to do this alone.

“I’m sure Dmitry will want to know if he’s having a son,” Marshall utters.

“Why?” I ask, my tone brisk. “What difference will it make?”

He meets my eyes. “Well, yah know, if it’s a boy . . .” He trails off.

“It makes no difference. This child will not be a part of his family.”

“Tori—”

“No,” I snap. “You think I want my child to be like him, like them? Greedy and conniving?”

“Greedy and conniving?” I inhale sharply at the sound of Dmitry’s voice, slowly turning to find him behind me. My eyes trail up his body until they meet his, and then we’re locked in a stare so full of pain, I think my heart might explode.

“Dmitry,” I whisper.

“What are you doing here?” snaps Phoebe.

“More to the point, what are you doing here?” Dmitry counters, dragging his eyes from me and narrowing them on Marshall for an explanation.

“Boss, I?—”

“I’m not a prisoner,” I cut in, suddenly finding my words.

“No,” he agrees, nodding, “but you may well be in danger.”

“As I’ve already explained to Marshall, they’re not likely to kill me in public.”

“Don’t be so sure,” he warns, glancing around.

The waiter approaches with three glass bottles of water. He stares at Dmitry before nervously smiling. “Sir, would you like a chair so you can join this table?”

“No, thank you. I’m dining alone. I have a table booked already,” he says, and my heart stutters. The waiter gives a slight nod and rushes off after placing the water down. “Enjoy your meal,” Dmitry adds and turns to walk away.

“You could,” says Marshall, and I glare at him. “Join us,” he adds, like that needs clarifying.

Dmitry turns back but shakes his head. “No, but thank you, Marshall. Place the bill on my tab,” he adds, turning to leave again.

“I feel bad,” Phoebe whispers. I don’t tell her that I do too. “He’s all alone.”

“Dmitry chooses when to surround himself and when to be alone. He’s here alone by choice, not because he doesn’t have anyone,” I say, taking a bottle of water and unscrewing the cap. I look back to where Dmitry is sitting and find him staring directly at me. I blush, hating he caught me, and turn back to empty my bottle of water into the glass.

We order food, and I’m relieved when it comes out quickly. Phoebe and Marshall spend the meal chatting like old friends, and I feel like a spare part. I finish what I can manage of my steak and throw the napkin on the plate. “I need the bathroom,” I mutter, but they don’t notice because they’re so engaged in chat. I roll my eyes and head for the ladies’ room.

A few minutes pass before Dmitry pushes the door open, filling the doorway and glaring at my reflection in the mirror. “Dmitry,” I begin, about to protest, but he closes the gap between us and wraps an arm around my waist. I inhale sharply as our eyes meet in the mirror. My reaction to his touch is instant, and I lean my back against his front. “Please,” I almost whisper.

“Please what?” he murmurs, pressing his lips to the side of my head and inhaling deeply. His eyes briefly close before meeting mine again. “I hate this,” he adds. “Being apart from you is killing me.” His hand slides to my stomach and he leaves it there with his fingers splayed out over my non-existent bump. “Forgive me, please.”

“It’s not that simple,” I mutter, breaking eye contact to stare down at the basin. “You shouldn’t be in here.”

“We’re in the same fucking restaurant, Victoria, and you can’t even look at me,” he hisses. “How long can this go on?”

I turn in his arms and gently push against his chest until he steps back. I welcome the space because his touch is all-consuming. “Let’s not do this.”

He sighs heavily, placing his hands on his hips and allowing his head to hang like he’s defeated. “You came to dinner in tracksuit bottoms,” he says, a slight smile pulling at his lips.

I glance down at the joggers and smile too. “I have bruises all over my face, so I don’t think people are looking at my attire.”

The sadness is back in his expression. “You’re too thin,” he adds, almost as an afterthought, and as if to prove his point, he hooks a finger in my loose waistband and gently runs it along the material, occasionally brushing my stomach. “Is everything okay with the baby?” I nod. “And you, are you feeling okay?”

I shrug. “Tired. Sick. Worried.”

He slowly nods, still not meeting my eyes. “They’ll pay, my krasota .”

“I don’t doubt it.”

“They think I don’t know what they’ve done.”

“You haven’t told them?” I ask, frowning. He shakes his head. “So, they’re still walking around free?”

He finally looks at me. “For now, Victoria.”

“Why?” I ask, struggling to see why the hell he’s not told them he knows. I at least thought they’d be in hiding. “Are they on the run?”

“No. I need permission.”

“From whom?” I snap, feeling that familiar panic mixed with anger.

“The families,” he says on a sigh. He rubs his brow, and I feel the stress pouring from him.

“Great. So, I’m out here like a sitting duck?”

“No, that’s why Marshall is sticking around.”

“Really? Because he’s practically eye-fucking my best friend out there. Have you noticed he’s not come to check on me and I’ve been gone a few minutes?”

“He saw me follow you,” he admits. “Look, Marshall will keep you safe, and like you said, they’re not going to kill you in the street.”

“You told me that wasn’t for sure. I assumed they’d be hiding from you, Dmitry. Will they be looking for me?”

“No, I’ve told them we’re not together anymore.” His expression is pained as he says the words, and it’s another blow my heart can’t handle. I move around him and head for the door.

“Good,” I snap, about to pull it open when I feel myself pressed against it. Dmitry’s hands wrap around me, and I close my eyes, enjoying the safety of his arms.

“I love you, my krasota . More than life itself . . . and I won’t give up on us.”

DMITRY

Just touching her settles the craving, and I release her, allowing her to leave the bathroom. She doesn’t look back, and when I step out a few seconds later, she’s sitting back at the table.

I settle my bill and leave instructions to cover Victoria’s bill too, then I head for the exit. I’ll speak to Marshall and make it clear I want a full rundown of Victoria’s movements from now on.

I head for V’s, which is just around the corner from the restaurant. Vivian is unlikely to be there at this hour, and I need to take a look at her books. If my father is correct and she’s finding her feet, they should all be in order.

I shake the hands of the doormen as I pass through and head inside. I’m almost through the main door when I hear her shout my name. I turn to find the doormen blocking Victoria from following me. I spin on my heel and march back to the door. “What are you doing here? Where the fuck is Marshall?” My mobile rings at the same time I finish the sentence, and I see Marshall’s name. I arch a brow. “You seriously didn’t give him the slip?”

“Why are you here?” she demands, and I note she looks mad.

I answer the call. “She’s with me,” I snap. “I’ll get her home.” I disconnect and tuck my phone in my pocket before taking her by the hand and leading her away from the bar. We duck inside another bar farther down the road. “Seriously, Victoria, what are you doing?” I ask, turning to face her.

She suddenly looks unsure, and I lower into a nearby booth. She does the same. “I wanted to give you this,” she mutters, sliding a small envelope across the table. I take it and open it, sliding out the scan picture. “I got a couple so . . .” She shrugs.

I stare for a few seconds, my heart swelling with hope. “Thank you.”

“It’s better in real life rather than a photo on your phone.”

I nod in agreement. “I love it.”

“Great. Good,” she answers, sounding flustered as she stands again.

I look up at her. “Where are you going?”

“Home.” She frowns. “I mean, not home but . . . well, back to Marshall’s.”

“I’ll take you.”

“It’s literally around the corner.”

“Let’s walk together.” I stand and hold out my hand. She looks at it for a few seconds before folding her arms over her chest and walking out the bar. I follow, fighting the urge to grab her by the throat and order her to come home.

“Why were you at V’s?” she asks again.

“I own a share, and I wanted to check the books.”

“Is she there?”

I glance back to V’s just as Vivian’s car pulls up. “Fuck,” I mutter, grabbing Victoria and backing her down a nearby alley. She gasps as I press her against the wall and peek out. Vivian is getting out the car, and my father follows her.

“What is it?” hisses Victoria.

“They’ve just arrived at V’s. Do you see why I didn’t want you out alone?”

She also peers out before slamming herself back behind the wall. “Oh god,” she whispers, and I hear the panic in her voice.

I cup her face and force her to look at me. “It’s fine. You’re safe with me.”

“Then why are we hiding in this alleyway?” she hisses.

“I can march right up to them now with you by my side if it makes you feel better,” I snap, “but I want them to think I’m unaware they’re working against me until I have everything in order.”

She stares down at the ground. “I don’t want to see either of them ever again.”

I brush my thumbs over her cheeks. “Soon, I’ll make that possible, my krasota . Be patient.”

Her eyes find mine again, and we stare at one another silently. Her tongue darts out, wetting her lower lip, and I move my face closer until I’m an inch away. “Did I tell you I miss you?” I whisper. I gently press my lips to hers, and when her eyes flutter closed, I deepen it, savouring the taste of her sweetness as my tongue dips into her mouth.

When we pull apart, her cheeks have reddened, and her eyes are full of lust. “It feels like forever since I’ve kissed you,” I murmur, brushing my thumb roughly over her swollen lips. She gasps, and I lower my hand to loosely grip her throat. “Forever since I’ve claimed that mouth,” I add, pushing my thumb between her lips until she sucks it into her mouth. I trail my other hand down her front, slipping it into her joggers to find her naked underneath. She gasps when my hand cups her. “Where is your underwear, my krasota ?” I whisper next to her ear, sliding my finger through her folds to find her wet.

“Dmitry, maybe we shouldn’t—” she begins to protest, but I move my hand to cover her mouth while I push my finger into her. She groans, the sound muffled against my palm.

“You’re wet for me, Victoria,” I tell her, withdrawing my hand and holding it up for her to see the wetness coating my fingers. “Now, be a good girl and take what I’m offering.” I shove my hand back into her joggers and rub her clit, gathering her juices and using it to make the friction faster. I keep her mouth covered and place my leg between hers so she’s forced to keep them apart while I bring her to orgasm. She grips the wrist of the hand covering her mouth, digging her nails into the skin there as she comes apart, shuddering and groaning.

When I’m satisfied the last waves are rippling through her, I release her mouth and go back to holding her throat. I bring my hand from between her legs and press a finger to her lips. She sucks it into her mouth, and I groan at the sexiness as her tongue swirls the digit. I pull it free and pop it in my own mouth, lapping the rest of her from my fingers. She watches through hooded eyes, and I know if I was to drag her back to the dungeon now, she’d let me.

I step back and adjust my trousers to allow for the bulge there. “Let’s get you home,” I say, peering around the wall to find the coast clear. I grab her hand and lead her back towards the apartment.

We stop outside the building, and I turn to her. “Maybe we could have dinner,” I suggest, holding my breath as I wait for her to reply.

She drops my hand. “Actually, that’s not a good idea.”

Disappointment crushes me, and it’s a feeling I’m not used to. “Why?”

“Because,” she says, shrugging, “things might get confusing.”

“For me or for you?” I snap.

She looks disappointed and turns away. “Goodnight, Dmitry,” she mutters, but I grab her arm before she can head inside.

“We need to discuss so much,” I try.

“We’ve said all we need to.”

“No,” I snap, “you have. I haven’t said much at all, Victoria. We need to talk about the baby and the future.”

“Actually, Dmitry, I haven’t said nearly enough,” she spits angrily. “And I already told you, there is no future.”

“You just came on my hand,” I growl. “I don’t think we’re done.”

She pulls free from me. “It’s hormones,” she says defensively. “I’d have come on anyone’s hand had they shoved it in my joggers like you just did,” she snaps.

Anger pulses in my veins, and I have to take a step back. “Well, you make sure that never happens, Victoria,” I hiss, my tone warning.

She scoffs. “You think I’ll stay single forever?”

I close the gap between us, pushing my face to hers. “Yes, Victoria. It’s me or no one.”

Her eyes narrow, and I brace myself for her cutting words. “Sex is all we ever had,” she whispers angrily. “I can get that with anyone. One day, I’ll meet a man who will love me for who I am. He’ll embrace my crazy and never question my sanity.”

“You think I didn’t embrace the crazy?” I spit, “You gave me no fucking choice.”

“Well, now you’re free from it, Dmitry. Embrace that instead.” She marches away.

“We’re not over, Victoria,” I shout after her. “This isn’t it.”

“Distraction,” she yells back.

“You can’t fucking use it whenever you want me to go away,” I yell back. “I’m cancelling the safe word.”

“Goodnight, Dmitry,” she spits, going inside without looking back.

“Fuck,” I mutter, running my hand through my hair.