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“Thanks. I'll see you soon.”

The call ends, and the room falls quiet again.

I slip out of bed and walk over to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Peeking through the sheer curtains, I see the grounds below, perfectly manicured lawns stretching out under the morning sun, and several hefty men in dark clothes patrolling with visible guns slung over their shoulders.

My stomach drops. Getting past them is going to be nearly impossible.

Where is Andrei anyway? Did he lock me in here?

I rush to the bedroom door and twist the handle. It opens easily. I let out a shaky breath of relief.

I notice another door on the far side of the room and open it. It’s the ensuite bathroom, and the space is huge.

A massive walk-in shower stall with dark marble tiles takes up one wall, a deep soaking tub sits beside it, and a long floating vanity with double sinks lines the opposite side.

My reflection in the mirror is a mess. Hair wild and disheveled, mascara smeared under my eyes, last night’s makeup streaked across my face. I can’t believe I slept with Andrei barely twenty-four hours after running into him again.

And I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy every single second of it.

Fuck… it’s been so long. Between work, bills, and raising Anya alone, I haven’t had time to date anyone. Besides, it’s hard when every man I meet gets compared to that one unforgettable night four years ago.

I open the cabinet under the sink and feel a small rush of relief when I find a brand-new toothbrush still in its packaging. I brush my teeth quickly, then splash cold water on my face, trying to make myself look at least somewhat presentable.

When I’m done, I step back into the bedroom. I’d love to take a proper shower, but that would mean spending even more time here, and I need to get going.

I scan the room for my clothes but don’t see them anywhere. I’ll go downstairs and look for them but I can’t walk around naked in the meantime.

I spot one of Andrei’s black shirts draped over a chaise near the window.

I slip it on. It swallows me whole, the hem falling almost to my knees, and it smells like him—spicy and faintly woody.

I stop myself from inhaling deeper. As I turn toward the door, the bedroom door swings open.

Andrei walks in. He closes the door behind him with a quiet click.

He’s fully dressed in a crisp black button-down and slacks. His eyes find me immediately, sweeping over me in his shirt, and something dark and possessive flickers across his face.

For a long moment we just stare at each other.

“I couldn’t find my dress,” I say quickly. “I hope you don’t mind.”

His gaze snaps back up to my face. He gives a small shake of his head, but says nothing.

I watch him run a hand through his hair. He looks exhausted, like he hasn’t slept at all. Where was he all night? With another woman? The thought stings more than it should.

“You must be hungry,” he says.

“No,” I answer. “I’d like my dress so I can get going.”

His expression darkens instantly.

“I already told you it’s not safe out there.”

“You can’t just keep me here,” I snap, panic rising. “My best friend’s wedding is tomorrow. That’s the whole reason I came back to New York in the first place.”

He stares at me for a beat, then slowly nods. “Okay. Where are you staying?”

“At a hotel.”