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Desmier isn’t in here, and I can’t hear him in the shower. It’s just Ehlga.
Looking at the older woman, I straighten at the same time she faces me with that disgruntled expression on her face.
I don’t think Ehlga likes me. She hasn’t said anything to make me think it; I just assumed from the haughty glare she keeps giving me. I can’t stand people who judge you when they know nothing about you.
“You need to get up. Breakfast is almost over.” She speaks in a thick Russian accent. I get the feeling that she and Jayce only speak English when they need to.
“What time is it?”
“Nearly midday.”
I straighten even more. “I didn’t realize I slept for so long.”
“Master Volkova allowed you to sleep. However, he wants to speak to you now before he leaves for the day. After breakfast, I’ll show you around and help you sort your things out when they arrive.” She sounds so official. As if she’s about to train me to start a new job.
“Okay.”
“Five minutes. There’s another T-shirt and yoga pants in the bathroom for you.”
“Who do the clothes belong to?” It might be petty on the scale of things to worry about, but I want to know.
“They are a few things his aunt left behind before she died.”
“Do you mean Polina?” Polina was Leif’s wife.
“Yes, I do.”
As Polina was a lovely woman, I don’t feel awkward wearing her clothes. I do wonder, though, about all the secrets in this family. That part is none of my business, but since I’m here, I’m wondering who was ever truthful. She knew about Desmier and never said anything to anyone.
“Five minutes,” Ehlga reminds me, and I nod. “I will wait for you in the hallway and take you down to the dining room.”
“Thank you.”
When she leaves, I steal a minute to gather myself.
Instead of being here, I should be with Viktor in the Caribbean on our honeymoon for a two-week cruise.
But I’m inhis brother’sbed.
If not for Dad, I wouldn’t be here. I love my father with all my heart, but this is his fault. When I think of what the hell he must have done to get me wrapped up in this disaster, I feel like screaming and running through the walls.
I thought I had problems before with my nightmares, but damn, that was nothing.
I look at the nightstand and notice my engagement ring is gone. That’s the first sign that today will undoubtedly have its own set of challenges. I hope Desmier wasn’t spiteful enough to throw it away, the same way he disposed of my dress. Ehlga cleared away the pieces of fabric when she cleared the food last night.
With him wanting to speak to me, I can’t help but fear what new bomb he’ll drop on me to shake my already fragile state. There’s a lot to talk about and the same amount of things to think about.
At the top of the list is my freedom, which is getting further away from me.
There has to be a way out of this—a path I have to find. So, I need to see what I’m up against and keep my eyes open for opportunities.
With that reasoning, I head to the bathroom, shower quickly, and change into the clothes that were left for me. I leave my damp hair down so it can air-dry.
When I’m done, I look at myself in the mirror, noticing the dark circles under my eyes. My usually vibrant blue irises don’t even look blue anymore. My eyes look like someone placed a toner in them to fade the color, and my skin is blotchy. The glow I had from the facials I did at the spa with Lorelai only days ago is gone.
In a nutshell, I look like shit dragged in from the highway. But at least I’m alive and still have my virginity intact.
I walk away from the mirror and make my way out to the hallway, where I find Ehlga.
