Chapter 30

Chapter

Thirty

"Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time."

― Maya Angelou

Sofiya

"I brought you some fresh clothes," she said softly, holding up the bundle in her hands.

I muttered into my pillow, motioning for her to join me on the bed.

Sunlight filtered through the window, casting a gentle warmth across my skin.

The rain had finally stopped, leaving a quiet calm in the room.

Pulling the covers closer, I tried to ward off the lingering chill that seemed to seep into my bones .

Sleep had evaded me all night.

I had fled Volk's bedroom in a whirlwind of shame and regret after giving in to him, after letting him have me despite everything he had done.

I didn't want him to witness my emotional collapse, so I ran. I knew it was my fault—I had begged him to have sex with me.

After nearly dying, I needed to feel connected, to feel warmth, and I was grateful that he had helped me feel good.

But I was ashamed.

Ashamed that I needed him so desperately, that despite everything he had done, my heart still called out his name.

I tossed and turned for hours, part of me wishing he were there to hold me tight.

But reality hit hard.

Today was the day of my death, and Volk played a role in this mess.

Dasha approached with clothes in hand, sinking the mattress slightly as she sat beside me.

Without a word, she reached out, touching my arm gently, offering silent support.

I met her gaze with a faint smile.

Words felt insufficient in that moment to convey the depth of my pain.

Sometimes, silence spoke louder than words ever could.

As her eyes softened, I could tell that Dasha understood the ache in my heart.

Tears welled up despite my efforts to hold them back, streaming down my cheeks.

She didn't offer false optimism; instead, she simply held my hand in hers.

"You need to get ready," she said softly, brushing my hair away f rom my face. Her touch was comforting, familiar—like home. "Igor will be here by dinner time."

Cupping her cheek gently, I asked, "Are you scared?"

She nodded faintly, vulnerability shining through.

Without hesitation, she pulled me close, holding me tight.

"I love you, Sofiya," she whispered, her voice filled with love and concern. "I'm sorry for everything."

I clung to her desperately.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, inhaling her sweet scent, reminiscent of fresh raspberries. It reminded me of the time she made the most amazing raspberry pie. I told her it smelled and looked as beautiful as she did, and we both grinned ear to ear. I was only fourteen then.

In that fleeting moment, as we held each other close, time seemed to stand still.

It was as if we were in our own little bubble, shielding ourselves from the upcoming chaos.

Out of the blue, a knock on the door shattered our moment.

With a sigh of frustration, we reluctantly released each other and turned to confront the unexpected visitor.

Leaning casually against the door stood a tall man, easily six-foot-two or three, with dark blond hair and piercing blue eyes that captivated me—they were the bluest I'd ever seen. He exuded confidence, his arms crossed as if he owned the place.

"Hate to interrupt your lovely chit-chat, ladies," he chuckled, scrunching his nose. "But I'd like to have a word with Volk's little princess."

I frowned, my curiosity piqued. "And who the hell are you? "

He straightened up, flashing a mischievous grin and raising an eyebrow.

"Just an ex-friend of your papa's," he replied playfully. "Well, the real one, of course," he added, winking.

"Leave her alone, Alexsei," Dasha snapped, dropping the clothes on the bed and motioning him to leave.

He nodded, winked at me, and exited.

"Don't worry, he won't harm you," she whispered, hand on the door. "He used to be Volk's close friend."

"Used to be?" I asked.

Questions about Alexsei's intentions and his betrayal of Volk lingered, leaving me curious and skeptical.

"Yeah," she replied with a faint smile. "He betrayed him and started working for Vlad."

Pausing with her hand on the doorknob, she turned to me with concern in her eyes.

"Volk told me what happened yesterday." Her face grew pale. "Are you okay?"

I stared at Dasha, momentarily caught off guard.

Memories of last night flashed—the frozen water, the panic.

Alongside them, Volk's hands, mouth, and rough words against my skin.

Confusion clouded my thoughts. Was she talking about the lake incident or my night with Volk? No. She must be referring to Marina.

"Uh, yeah, I guess I'm fine," I replied, my voice shaky. "It was… scary. But I'm fine."

Dasha's concern deepened, her face paling slightly. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm good," I said, lacking conviction. "Just a bit shocked, I guess."

"I'm really sorry, Sofiya," she whispered, filled with remors e. "I should have stayed with you. Thank goodness Volk was there to save you."

I swallowed hard, my throat tightening. "Yeah. Thank God."

He saved me and I used him.

I couldn't decide which burden was heavier. His rescue threw me into Igor's hands, while my own actions tore at my heart.

Dasha sniffled, wiping away a tear. "I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you."

"We'll make it through, Dasha," I sighed, unsure of my own words.

After she nodded and left quietly, I gathered the strength to rise and shake off my sleepless night.

Stepping into the shower, warm water washed away lingering regrets.

Wrapped in a soft towel, I dressed in the gray linen shirt and pants Dasha brought.

With damp hair cascading down my back, I ventured out, bare feet padding gently across the hallway.

Curiosity and apprehension tugged at my heart, prompting me to pause outside Volk's door. I pressed my ear to the door but heard … nothing.

Where is he?

A twinge of disappointment washed over me, yet relief coursed through my veins.

With a heavy sigh, I continued down the hallway.

Entering the living room, I found Alexsei comfortably seated in a velvety chair, coffee cup in one hand.

His brows were furrowed, deep in thought.

As he noticed me, a wry smile tugged at his lips.

"Sorry, princess, it's just you and me this morning," he drawle d, sipping his coffee with casual indifference. "Volk's off with your mama, preparing for the big family reunion."

A faint smirk played across his face, sparking an inexplicable urge in me to slap that smug expression right off his handsome face.

"Why are you here then? Oh right, the traitor has come crawling back to save his own ass," I shot back, raising an eyebrow.

He burst into laughter, setting his cup down and clutching his stomach, unable to contain himself.

"Now I get it," he managed between laughs.

Confusion welled up inside me. "Get what?"

Finally regaining his composure, he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.

"You're just as fiery as Volk described," he chuckled, shaking his head. "I can see why he likes you."

Annoyance mingled within me as I crossed my arms. "What are you talking about?"

Leaning back in his chair, a mischievous glint flickered in his eyes. "Oh, come on, Sofiya. Don't play dumb. Volk's been infatuated with you since day one."

What?

"That's… not possible. We hardly know each other. And besides, that's none of your business."

"Hmm," he mused, shaking his head as he brought his cup to his lips. "Take a seat."

I made my way to the other end of the table and took a seat across from him, drawn in by the enticing aroma of chamomile tea and a spread of bread with jam and butter.

My stomach grumbled, reminding me of my hunger from the previous day.

I grabbed a slice of bread, slathered it with butter and strawberry jam, and took a big bite. The flavors danced on my ton gue, and I couldn't help but let out a contented hum.

Alexsei watched me with a smirk, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

"You sure know how to enjoy a meal," he remarked with playful sarcasm.

I shrugged, my mouth still full of bread. "Food is one of life's simple pleasures."

He chuckled, sipping his coffee. "Can't argue with that."

Silence settled between us as we focused on our breakfasts.

The room was filled with the soft clinking of cutlery and the occasional sound of sipping.

Finally, my curiosity got the better of me.

Swallowing the last bite of bread, I leaned forward. "So, what do you want?"

He raised an eyebrow, a sly smile on his lips. "Well, princess, I have something interesting to share with you." He leaned back, crossing his legs. "But first, tell me about your time in Russia. Do you like the view?" He gestured around the room.

I brought the cup of tea to my lips, savoring the warmth. "Not much to see when you're held against your will."

He scoffed and leaned forward, resting his hand on his chin. His other hand toyed with a butter knife, tracing its edges.

The amusement faded from his expression, replaced by a more serious look. His eyes searched my face, contemplating his next words.

"You're leaving tonight," he said as his phone buzzed with a text.

He quickly typed a response before returning his gaze to me .

My eyes widened in surprise.

The pieces slowly started coming together in my mind.

Volk had made the decision for me. He wanted me to leave, to go back to the States.

It was a shock to hear it from Alexsei, but somehow it made sense.

I blinked, trying to process the information. "Volk asked you to take me back?"

Alexsei nodded, got up, and strolled over to the window.

With his back facing me, he peered out at the winter scene beyond.

The rain had washed away the snow, leaving a muddy mess in the garden.

I followed his gaze, my curiosity growing.

A part of me didn't want to be too excited in case everything was just a lie.

" Da ," he replied casually, still with his back to me.

He pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lit one, and took a long drag, his gaze focused on the forest outside.

Turning around, he leaned against the window, his expression neutral.

"Igor will know everything tonight," he said, taking another puff from his cigarette. "But Volk wants you gone. He thinks you don't deserve to die," he exhaled the smoke, the cigarette poised between his fingers. "Which I disagree with, by the way. No offense."

I scoffed loudly, the sound filled with shock.

With a trembling hand, I brushed a few strands of hair away from my face, my throat tightening as tears threatened to escape.

"I'm innocent in all of this. I don't deserve to die for the mistakes of others."

"The mistake you made was being born as Vlad and Victor ia's child," he said with a nonchalant shrug. "That's the price you have to pay."

"It's not like it's my fault!" I spat out, rising from my seat.

How could he be so oblivious to the fact that we don't choose our family or our lives?

He casually shrugged and continued smoking, as if my entire existence wasn't at stake within the next ten hours.

My breath quickened, and I clenched my fists to suppress their trembling.

I had never felt such intense anger before—I wanted to yank out my hair and set this house ablaze, with everyone inside.

But I had to find a glimmer of hope amidst it all; at least I would soon be free.

"What about my mama?" I choked out.

He met my gaze, his eyes filled with amusement. "Helena won't leave the country alive, I can assure you of that."

"I won't leave without her," I sobbed, my knees buckling, forcing me back into my chair.

I buried my face in my hands, trying to stifle my tears.

"We're leaving tomorrow no matter what you want," he said, moving around the room. I heard the sound of a bottle popping open. I raised my head, hands resting under my chin, and watched as he poured himself a glass of wine.

Who drinks wine at eight in the morning?

I was on the verge of snapping back at him, ready to unleash my frustration, but a sudden unease washed over me. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end, and a chilling shiver cascaded down my arms. My breath hitched in my throat as I crossed my hands tightly on my lap, my unwavering gaze still locked on Alexsei.

He casually lifted his glass to his lips, his eyes fixated on something—or rather, someon e—behind me.

His arched eyebrows hinted at a teasing amusement as he settled back into his chair.

I knew precisely who stood behind me, my body instinctively recognizing him long before my mind caught up. The goosebumps on my arms served as undeniable proof.

I couldn't bring myself to turn and face Volk, not after what happened last night.

The soreness between my legs and the marks on my chest were constant reminders of him.

I didn't want to see his face, but I felt his presence like a heat against my back. The tension was electric, my breath shallow and fast.

I could almost feel his hands on me again.

I stayed frozen caught between anger and an undeniable, unwanted desire

"You're back early," Alexsei scoffed, reaching for his phone.

" Ubiraysya k chertu , Go to hell ," Volk's voice cut through the tension, sending a swarm of butterflies fluttering in my lower stomach.

I tried to brush off the sensation, biting my lip nervously.

The way he spoke, all harsh and on the verge of losing it, made it crystal clear he was pissed.

I just had no clue why.

Alexsei got up, taking his glass with him.

As he made his way toward me, he plonked the glass down in front of me.

"You need this more than I do," he said, patting me on the shoulder. "Good luck."

As Volk's knuckles grazed my arm, a surge of electricity shot through me. His touch was rough yet strangely thrilling, despite the obvious tension in the air .

But before I could fully process the sensation, he hurled the glass in Alexsei's direction.

Alexsei quickly dodged, missing the glass by an inch.

He then chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief. "Alright, I'll leave you two alone. See you soon, princess," he said with a wink.

As he made his grand exit, Volk's expression hardened, his attention now completely focused on me.

A bitter smirk tugged at Volk's lips as he closed the distance between us.

"Well, princess ," he said, his words laced with a hint of sarcasm. "I hope you had a good morning."

I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze. It hurt too much.

"Yes. Whenever I don't see you, I always feel great."

He scoffed, and leaned in, placing his hands firmly on the table.

"Don't worry, princess . After tonight, you'll never have to see me again."

I turned my face to meet his dark eyes.

As our faces inched closer, my heart pounded.

His minty breath brushed against my skin, and I fought the urge to kiss him.

"I can't wait," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

A playful smirk curved his lips as he closed the distance, his soft lips deliciously grazing mine.

" Ya tozhe , Me too ," he breathed against my lips.

His words hung in the air, momentarily causing me to forget our conversation.

I gulped, my nose nearly touching his. "I'll write you a review on Booking for your services. One star for everything except the food. No offense."

The words slipped out, my mind clouded by his proximity .

I knew I was being sarcastic, but I couldn't hold back. "Maybe I'll throw in an extra star for those fancy cars of yours."

His lips brushed against mine again, sending a thrill through my body.

Then he gently trailed them up my cheek, leaving a tingling sensation until they reached my ear.

"And yet, I didn't hear you complain last night when you were sucking my dick like a slut, Sofiya."

I felt a jolt in my throat, like a punch to the gut.

But I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing how much his words hurt me.

With a hint of a smirk, I brought my lips close to his ear.

"I was too busy imagining your dick was someone else's," I whispered, teasingly trailing a finger down his neck. "But truth be told, the sex was quite forgettable. Hardly memorable at all."

He stood up straight, cheeks flushed with anger, fists clenched tight, knuckles turning white. Thick veins popped on his neck, showing just how furious he was.

Suddenly, he seized my arm, pulling me up forcefully, his grip tightening around my throat.

In a burst of anger, he pressed his lips against mine in a forceful and aggressive kiss. It was raw and filled with rage, his mouth rough against mine.

I wriggled and struggled, throwing punches wildly at his body, desperately attempting to break free. But he was too strong, quickly grabbing one of my hands, making my punches useless. His other hand tightened around my throat, fingers digging into my skin.

With a wicked grin, he licked his lips and smashed them against mine, trying to force his tongue into my mouth .

I wasn't having any of it. I clamped down hard on his tongue, biting into the intruding flesh.

The metallic taste of blood flooded my mouth.

"Fuck," he shouted, suddenly releasing his grip.

I gasped for air, his curses fading into the background.

Before I could fully process what was happening, he swiftly moved behind me, his strong arms encircling the back of my knees.

In one swift motion, he lifted me onto his shoulder.

A surge of panic coursed through me as I realized where he was about to take me.

"Put me down!"

A sharp spank landed on my ass, silencing me.

I scratched his back with my nails, but it was in vain.

He hurriedly carried me towards his bedroom.

He kicked the door open with a force that made it slam against the wall. Then, he threw me onto his bed, the charcoal gray sheets crisp and new.

I landed with a thud, my breath knocked out of me as I sank into the softness of the mattress.

The room seemed to shrink, his presence overwhelming as he towered above me, eyes filled with fury. He stripped away my pants and panties, the cool air caressing my naked skin.

With a firm hold, he turned me over on my stomach, my exposed ass fully visible to his intense gaze.

He tugged my hair back, his grip tight. "Get on your fucking hands and knees."

As his grip on my hair tightened, I winced and got down on all fours.

The room was dead silent, except for our heavy breathing .

The silence made everything feel more intense, like a pressure cooker ready to explode.

"Whose dick were you fantasizing about, huh?" he demanded angrily as he gently stroked my bare ass. The contrast between his roughness and tenderness made my head spin. " Skazhi mne. Tell me. "

I racked my brain, trying to come up with a name to throw at him, hoping he'd buy into my lie.

But his teasing touches on my ass and hips had me all disoriented, and I bit down hard on my lip to stifle any moans that threatened to escape.

"You don't know him," I muttered, as he pressed his thick hard-on against my ass.

"I'm pretty damn sure I do," he chuckled bitterly. "Come on, princess, spill it."

"C-Charles Noels," I stammered, my voice unsure as I braced myself for his next move.

I'd rather die than imagine Charles Noels naked in front of me, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

I knew he had no clue who Charles Noels was, and any made-up name would be too risky.

Without warning, a loud, harsh slap landed on my ass, and I yelped as the burning sting spread. I squirmed, trying to wriggle out of his hold, but he held me down firmly.

"Charles Noels, huh? Did you know Helena was banging his old man?"

"What?!" I screamed as another slap sent a mix of pleasure and pain coursing through me. I half-winced, half-moaned, unable to deny the arousal his touch ignited. "What are you talking about?"

My mama had slept with Mr. Noels?

Suddenly, all those times she insisted we visit their place made sense .

"I'm the only one who gets to ask fucking questions," he snapped, his hand caressing my sore skin, fingers trailing down my ass and brushing against my pussy.

"You can't—" He cut me off by slapping my ass again, and I moaned as he let go of my hair.

He grabbed my hips and pushed them forward.

I caught myself on my forearms, my face in the pillow, my ass still up in the air.

He parted my legs and let his tongue lick me from my clit to there, his nails delicately digging into my skin.

I grabbed the pillow and pressed my face into it, trying to muffle my sounds.

"You're so wet," he murmured, sucking on my clit, making my head turn. "See, I knew you were my little slut. You're always ready for my dick," he said, burying his face between my legs and licking me everywhere.

I tried to grind myself against him, but he held me firmly in place.

"I don't want yours," I said as he thrust two fingers inside me. "I don't like y-you."

He let go, and before I could react, I felt the tip of his dick brushing my folds and clit.

"Tell me to stop," he said, placing the tip at my entrance.

I moaned as he slowly pushed in a few centimeters.

"Come on, dorogaya , tell me to stop, and I will," he said, his hands on my hips, tracing circles with his fingers.

I wanted to tell him to stop, but the need to feel him inside me was too strong.

I simply shook my head, my face buried in the silky dark gray pillow.

He yanked my hair, forcing me on my hands and knees again.

"Say it," he growled, thrusting half his dick inside me .

I whimpered, needing it deeper.

"Say you want me to fuck you."

I shook my head, the wetness between my legs dripping down my thighs.

My ego resisted, but I soon realized I didn't care about the humiliation.

Part of me was even aroused by it.

"I-I want you to fuck me."

"Say you love my dick."

I shook my head stubbornly.

His grip tightened in my hair, and he slapped my ass with full force, making me moan louder.

He wasn't taking no for an answer.

"I love your dick," I finally breathed out.

He released my hair, gripped my hips, and thrust deeply into me. I screamed his name as he moved with force and intensity, slapping my butt cheeks with each thrust, taking my breath away.

"I'm so fucking pissed at you," he growled, wrapping an arm around my neck and lifting me from my hands and knees into a chokehold.

I grabbed his forearms for stability as he fucked me hard and fast, his free hand gripping my hip.

"Do you still not like me?"

"I hate you," I moaned, grinding on his hard-on, digging my nails into his forearm as tears and sweat ran down my face.

It was like a fever, and only his body could cure it.

"I hate you so much," I cried louder as he sucked on my neck and rubbed my clit.

My body started to shake, warmth spreading from between my legs .

My orgasm hit hard, and I bit down on his arm to muffle my noises.

His finger still pressed gently on my clit as he continued thrusting, slower this time, allowing the wave of my climax to caress him.

As I came down, he pulled out and strode to the bathroom, naked.

The door slammed, and the shower started.

I winced, feeling the soreness between my legs and pain shooting through my lower belly now that the moment was over. I wiped the sweat from my forehead and settled onto the bed, pulling the covers up to my chest.

What the hell? Had I lost my mind?

The water stopped, and he returned, a towel around his waist.

He paused, surprise crossing his face before he hid it behind a neutral expression.

His dark eyes met mine before he dropped the towel, revealing his strong back, water droplets running down it.

I remembered the night before, seeing the marks from my nails, and my cheeks flushed again.

His erection was still long, hard, and slightly red.

Before I could say anything, he put on fresh white boxers and returned to the bathroom. He came back with his phone and lay down on the bed without sparing me a glance.

"Go to your room," he muttered, eyes glued to his phone. "Dasha will come and get you once Igor's here."

I stared at him in disbelief.

What?

Angry, something inside me wanted to push back, to piss him off, to get under his skin.

Maybe I just wanted to annoy him .

So, I plopped down next to him and turned my head towards him.

"Need a hand with that?" I asked, running my fingers along his abs, stopping at his waistband.

" Nyet, " he pushed my hand away and returned to his phone. "I've already got someone else lined up for that."

His words landed forcefully, leaving me breathless.

Who could he have in mind? Marina? It couldn't be.

He wouldn't turn to another woman, especially one who had tried to kill me just nights ago, would he?

"Well, why bother when I'm right here?" I shot back shamelessly.

I saw a flicker of frustration in his expression, a brief crack in his facade.

He paused, clearly caught off guard. "I don't cum inside or on women who hate me."

"Funny, because you certainly did last night," I retorted, a smirk playing on my lips.

Teasingly, I pulled my top down a bit, revealing a hint of my chest and tracing it with my fingers, making sure his eyes followed every move. "Right here."

His gaze involuntarily trailed along the path my fingers traced, caught up in the memories.

He was pissed, his face turning red, his damp hair adding to his frustrated appearance. Instead of engaging further, he shot me a glare that could melt steel and buried his head in his phone.

That wasn't going to stop me.

I leaned in, a devilish grin spreading across my face. "Ignoring me won't make it any less true, Volk."

His grip tightened around the phone, his jaw clenching, but he stayed silent, pretending I didn't exist.

"I lied," I whispered, gripping his strong arm as I moved closer , planting a gentle kiss on his shoulder. "I don't hate you and there's no one else in my mind but you."

Lowering his phone, I gently turned his face towards me with a finger, bringing our lips tantalizingly close.

I could feel his breath tickling my skin.

"All I crave is you," I murmured, my lips tentatively brushing against his.

He turned his head slightly, keeping our mouths just inches apart. My lips landed on his strong jaw, his beard grazing my skin.

Unfazed, I planted a soft kiss on his cheek and nestled my head in the curve of his neck.

"I only want you, Volk."

With fierce determination, I took my top off. I was now completely naked.

Lowering myself, I planted a trail of hot, lingering kisses down his chest and abs, relishing the taste and texture of his skin. I couldn't resist nibbling and biting.

Feeling the intensity build, I playfully licked his skin before blowing a cool breath across it. His reaction was immediate, a guttural growl escaping his lips as he grabbed a handful of my hair and yanked it back, forcing our eyes to meet.

"Get out, Sofiya."

I shook my head, placing my hands over his, digging my nails into his skin as I lowered my head and licked his erection through his briefs.

My breasts rubbed against his thigh, and I hummed deeply, letting out a throaty moan as I kept licking.

"I said, get out," he repeated.

"You said we'd never see each other again," I whispered as he released my hair.

Lowering his briefs, his thick, long erection flopped onto his st omach, making my mouth water. Precum slowly ran down his shaft.

"So let me give you something to remember," I said, straddling him, my own wetness smearing on his thighs.

I licked his balls and dick from bottom to top, savoring his taste.

I sucked on the head, circling it with my tongue and licking his precum.

"Whenever you think about me, picture this," I whispered.

I took his entire length into my mouth, gagging as I forced my face down.

He moaned as I bobbed my head, my free hand playing with his balls.

"I want you to come in my mouth," I said, sucking him harder, his tip hitting the back of my throat. "Will you do that for me, please?"

He whimpered, my name leaving his lips as he grabbed my head, thrusting deep and fast.

"Is that what you want?" He asked, slapping his dick against my cheek and mouth. "For me to remember how great of a slut you were?"

I nodded, trying to speak, but he filled my mouth again, fucking my face hard.

"You want to be fucked like a whore?" he hissed, still fucking my mouth as I tapped on his thigh.

He let me breathe, pinching my nipples hard.

"Only for you," I whispered, locking eyes with him.

Time stood still as we shared an intense gaze.

His brows furrowed before a knowing smile spread across his face.

"Fuck, yes, dorogaya ," he groaned. "Only for me."

I sucked his tip, gulping as his hot cum filled my mouth. His ta ste lingered as he whispered my name with a breathy moan.

I made a pleased noise, licking him clean.

He relaxed, loosening his grip. I let him slip out of my mouth, exploring his chest with my tongue and suckling his neck.

Finally, my lips found his for a sweet kiss.

"I love when you say my name," I whispered, nuzzling his nose. "It makes me happy."

He kissed my forehead, pulling me close. Our naked chests pressed together.

"And you drive me fucking crazy," he whispered, his hand gliding through my hair.

My eyelids grew heavy, my body relaxing.

I love being in his arms.

"In a good way, I hope," I chuckled softly, yawning, holding him tighter.

His body felt so solid, so powerful against mine.

" Da , dorogaya ," he murmured, kissing my shoulder. "In the best way."