“Good. Now no more of this nonsense.” Konstantin pulled her up into his lap.
“But my bathing suit is wet!” she squeaked in protest.
He draped a towel around her, then settled her again. Towels were remarkably easy access. Despite her whimpered protests, he let his hand wander underneath the covering, then traced the seam of her pussy lips through the thin fabric of her suit. He slipped the brief garment aside, feeling a slickness that had nothing to do with pool water. Varushka was holding very still. Any squirming on her part would look suspicious, although with this crowd, they’d be eager to watch, rather than offended.
“Other than me, there’s only one man who gets a say about our relationship,” he murmured in her ear. “Luckily, he’s too far away to save you.”
Chapter Eleven
Varushka was getting used to the quiet emptiness when Konstantin was away for work. It was still strange having so much space and privacy, but she found ways to fill the few days here and there when he had to be away. At least now she had her animals to keep her busy, and in some ways, keep her company, as silly as it sounded.
She opened the goat pen, noting the dent in the chicken wire. “Have you been causing trouble again, Beda?” she scolded the white goat. The brown one followed her sister to the bucket, hungry to be fed. They were particularly noisy today. “All right, all right,” she said when they nosed her. “Don’t be so pushy.”
After feeding the goats, she moved on to the chickens, then grabbed the eggs laid while they’d been away. She was surprised how much she enjoyed taking care of their little farm. After having done it for so long at home, she’d have thought it would feel like a chore¸ but there was comfort in the familiar. Not just that, the farm at home was her papa’s. He made the decisions. He said what happened, when and where. But this garden, the two little goats, the chicken coop—it was hers. All hers. It was one of the only important things she’d ever had of her own and there was immense satisfaction in that.
Even Konstantin, as controlling as he was in some ways, let her do as she pleased when it came to this. He probably had no idea how much it meant to her. Smiling, she stood in the chicken coop, holding a basket of eggs, watching the birds peck at the ground.
The early-morning sun warmed her skin. Later, she’d check on the cucumbers she’d been growing. There was bound to be one or two ready to be picked. For a small moment, she felt invincible. Coming here had been the best thing to happen to her. And aside from missing Konstantin, life couldn’t have been more perfect.
Her phone vibrated in her apron pocket. Expecting Kon, she rushed to answer it. But the incoming number showed it was her parents.
“Hello,” she answered.
“Varushka!”
“Hi, Mama!” She smiled, pleased to hear from her. It’d been two weeks since the last time they’d spoken.
“Varushka, you must come home immediately.” —Her voice broke— “It’s Dedushka. He is very sick.”
“What?” Her breath caught in her throat. A picture formed in her head—her grandpa’s kind smile, the deep wrinkles creasing his forehead, white, bushy eyebrows. But he’d always been strong and healthy.
“He had a stroke. He is in the hospital. The doctors say there is a small chance he could get better but it could be the end. You must come say your good-byes.”
Tears began and she stared morosely at the ground.
“Varushka,” Mama said sharply. “Do you hear me? You must come home!”
Nodding, she made her voice work. “Yes. Of course. I’ll come right away.”
“Good,” she murmured, sounding tired. “Call us when you land at the airport. I’ll tell you if we’re still at the hospital.”
“Okay. I’ll be on the first flight I can catch.” Ice formed in her veins despite the warm summer air. With Konstantin across the country, she’d have to go alone. She suddenly felt sick.
Hunched over, she stumbled toward the deck stairs, then sat down. With her head resting on her knees, she fought back the nervous butterflies in her belly. She had so much to do. She had to pack and order tickets . . . She didn’t even know how to order tickets!
Phone still in her hand, she scrolled through to find Konstantin’s number. Would he be angry at her for disturbing him? What if he was in an important meeting? But, this was important too. And before he traveled he always said she could call him for anything. She hit the CALL button and waited while it rang.
“Good morning, love,” he said.
Just hearing his voice calmed her some. “Hi,” she croaked.
“What’s the matter?” His tone sharpened. How did he know something was wrong in one word?
She sniffled. “My dedushka is in the hospital. He’s very sick.”
“Sick?” A pause. “I’m sorry, malish.”
“I have to go there to see him. Before it’s too late.” Would he offer to come? Could he get here in time? It’d be so much easier if he could travel with her.