“Do you want those things?” he asked.
I shrugged. “I think I’d like the option.”
Slavik continued to stare at me, and I averted my gaze. The early part of our marriage was a nightmare, no doubt about it. There was no love, not even conversation. We’d cohabited the same space.
Now, nearly ten months together, we’d changed. We talked, made love, fucked, and spent time together. Not just for the cameras either, or the spies. I enjoyed his company. He didn’t scare me. I never believed he’d hurt me, not really.
The threat was obviously always there, but it had nothing to do with him.
Our positions were thrust on us by our positions.
I wondered if he’d have tried harder with Isabella.
Don’t go there. No pity party for Aurora.
When Isabella did visit the last time with the whole fish dinner, Slavik hadn’t paid her the slightest bit of attention. He hadn’t shown me any either.
I didn’t know what would have been worse.
“Working is not an option, however, I have no issue with you studying. I’ll arrange for a multitude of courses to be presented to you. You can take your pick.”
We’d spoken about it before, but nothing had come from the conversation. This time, it was different. He already had his cell phone and was barking orders at someone to find the right college for me.
My mouth fell open in surprise.
The moment he finished the call, I hugged him, showing him my appreciation. “Thank you.”
“We’ll see if you’ll be thanking me when we get back.”
I didn’t care. I was so happy we’d arrived at our hotel room.
It was a large building, fancy, private car parking. Slavik’s men took the lead and were already booking us in as we were headed to the elevator.
I ignored the stares, refusing to let it bother me today. I was so happy. I was going to pick a college course and further my education.
I had no idea what I’d pick. Again, our conversation from before rushed through me but now with my choice of any course, I wondered what would hold my attention the most.
My smile dissipated when I saw the dress waiting for us on the sofa. Considering this was a hotel room, there was a small sitting room and even a table for us to take our meals.
“Can you cancel me being a bridesmaid?” I asked.
“It’s good for public image.”
“How?”
“Andrei is one of us. You’re my wife. It shows a unity of power.” Slavik picked up the dress. It was a pastel pink. “Come on. I’ll help you get it on.”
We went into the bedroom as the guards brought up our stuff. The last thing I wanted to do was wear the bridesmaid’s dress.
Slavik helped me out of my current dress, sliding the zipper down. “Doesn’t the bride want someone she knows to be at her wedding?”
“Aurora, shut up. You’re not going to get out of this.”
I rolled my eyes, stepping out of the dress and turning to Slavik. His gaze was on my ass and slowly traveled up my body. I was very much aware at that moment of how not perfect I was.
“You’re beautiful,” Slavik said.
“Would you please stop saying stuff like that?”
“You want me to stop paying you a compliment?”
“When it’s not true, yes.”
“And who says it’s not true?” he asked.
I sighed. “Come on. You and I both know the truth. You don’t have to pretend with me.” I’d been told all my life how ugly I was. How I didn’t measure up to my sister.
Slavik dropped the dress, and within seconds, I was trapped on the bed. My arms pinned above my head, his body flush against mine. In the process, my legs had spread open and he lay pressed against me.
Pleasure rushed through me. Instantaneous. A burning need only he could put out.
“I find you beautiful,” he said. “I’m your husband. Your keeper. Your protector. My word, in your world, is fucking law. I’m getting tired of having to compete with all the bullshit going on inside your head. It doesn’t have a right to fucking live there, Aurora. I don’t say shit I don’t mean. When I tell you I think you’re beautiful, I mean it. Do you understand me?”
I nodded.
“Are you beautiful?” he asked.
I started to shake my head. He glared down at me.
“I can’t.”
“Wrong answer.” He slammed his lips down on mine.
I kept my eyes open as he kissed me. Slavik didn’t close his as he thrust his body against me. I gasped as he touched just the right spot. With most of my clothes off, I only had the lingerie to protect me. He knew this and used it to his advantage.
I gasped as he held my hands above my head, and with a single finger, he traced down my arm, going to the puckered bead of my nipple.