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I press my lips into a thin line. “I’m so sorry—”
“Alina.” He gives me a hard glare. “What did I say about always apologizing? I’m not your mother, lyubimaya. I’m far more reasonable. I know this wasn’t your fault.”
I nibble my bottom lip. “Call me that again.”
He tilts his head to the side, reaching out to tuck a few strands of my hair behind my ear. “Lyubimaya.”
“Wife… Darling… You’re really spoiling me with the terms of endearment.”
The corner of Pyotr’s lip tugs up into a slight grin. “Should I stop?”
“No. I like it. I just feel bad.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t have any for you. I can’t think of anything that might suit you.”
“Try me.”
I curl up against the edge of the tub, closing as much space between us as possible. I take in the hard edge of his jaw, the distinguished bridge of his nose, and the ever-serious dip of his frown. I bring my hand up to caress his cheek, pleasantly surprised when he leans into my touch.
“Soltsne?”Sun.
Pyotr grimaces. “There’s nothing sunny about me.”
“Sakharok?”Sugar.
“Again, nothing sweet about me.”
I laugh softly. “I beg to differ. I think you’reverysweet when you want to be.”
“I don’t know. It’s a mouthful, isn’t it?”
“Then what would you prefer, husband?”
His smile widens. “That. Exactly that.”
I reflect his smile, my worries suddenly melting away. God, he’s gorgeous. I’m strangely protective of those smiles, like they’re little secrets only I get to see.
“Alright,” I murmur. “Thank you for the flowers, husband. And thank you for getting those pictures taken down.”
Pyotr’s face suddenly turns hard and serious. “I’m going to get to the bottom of this, Alina. I swear it. I’ll protect you no matter what. Whoever’s behind this… I’ll see to it they pay.”
A heat blooms within me, arousal pooling between my legs. As much as I love his smiles, I love it when he’s all serious, too.
“I know you will, husband.”
“Until then… I think you should remain at home. I’ll double your security and—”
“No.”
He regards me carefully. “No?”
“I don’t want to hide, Pyotr.” I cling to the edge of the tub, resting my cheek on his forearm. I like the warmth of his skin and the way the steam easily carries the scent of his cologne. “They’re trying to paint me as unfaithful, like I’m some gold-digging opportunist. I’m not going to let whoever’s behind this shame me into hiding.”
“Alina…”
“I kept asking myself if there was anything I could do to help. This has damaged your reputation and could reflect on our company, too.”
