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She actually shuddered, and Jo burst out laughing at her response. “No, Elizabeth and James aren’t looking to have any kids. They’re good at being the nerdy aunt and uncle.”
When I was younger, I wanted to have kids. Back when my parents were still alive and my future was bright and hopeful. Now, though… The idea of getting pregnant scared me. It felt like a trap I’d never be able to walk away from. Getting birth control in my past relationship had been difficult, but very necessary. I’d rather live on the streets the rest of my life than bring an innocent baby into that situation.
“... and I still think he’s being crazy. The doctor never said anything about bed rest, but he demands I go lay down like three times a day now.”
I blinked a few times. I’d tuned them out for a moment, focused on my own melancholy, and now I had no idea what they were talking about. Thankfully, a knock on the door interrupted them and a familiar face had me sitting up straighter.
I didn’t want to admit that I looked forward to this visit the most. Viktor always showed up just before dinner and made me something special. I didn’t know he was the one who’d been cooking for me at first. He always got me comfortable in bed before making dinner. I’d just assumed he was ordering takeout or something. As it turned out, he was a really good cook.
He stepped inside, his expression stoic as usual. I got the feeling he didn’t smile often, and it made me nervous at first, but he never did anything to make me feel unsafe since my arrival here. He could be a little forceful without intending to be, but if I ever looked scared, he immediately apologized and tried again.
“Hey, Viktor. Are they back?”
He nodded. “O’Connor said for you to meet him downstairs. The weather is taking a turn, and he wants to get you home safely.”
She scoffed, but I saw the smile pulling at her lips. She complained about her husband being possessive and demanding, but secretly, I got the feeling that she loved it more than she’d ever admit. And she didn’t argue.
“Okay. I’ll see you later, Rosie. Do you have a phone? You can text me if you get bored.”
When I shook my head, Viktor came closer. “You can use the one I gave you.”
Heat burned in my face, and I bit my lip, glancing down at my hands. “I-I don't… have it anymore.” It came out in barely a whisper and I held my breath, waiting for him to get angry with me. Waiting for any of them to get angry with me. No one did.
“I will get you a new one.”
That was it. When I glanced up, Viktor’s eyes softened, and he gave me a reassuring nod before heading to the kitchen.
“Okay, that works. Add my number to her contacts when you do, Viktor,” Jo added.
He waved her off, his focus on the fridge. She and Elizabeth trooped out, their bodyguards waiting for them in the hall. The door closed behind them and I almost wished they’d stay. I felt safe enough with Viktor, but I still threw away the phone he gave me and I was worried he was waiting for them to leave before he reacted.
In serious need to do some damage control before he started yelling, I slowly got to my feet and wandered to the kitchen. He was pulling out ingredients without a word, and didn’t look in my direction until I spoke.
“I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have thrown it away. I got scared…”
When he straightened, I flinched automatically, my shoulders by my ears. Whatever I thought he might say, I wasn’t expecting him to gently cup my face in his big hand.
“You are not in trouble, ?????. I understand your fear.”
His thumb brushed over my cheek, and I let out a shaky breath, blinking back the tears that had gathered in my eyes. After years of careless treatment, every one of Viktor’s reactions came at a shock. I was starting to crave his soothing touch, and that felt more terrifying than anything else I’d experienced thus far.
When he released me, I had to clutch the counter to stop myself from melting. I shouldn’t let him affect me like that. I knew that. But it was hard to resist when I felt so safe with him. I hadn’t felt that way in years.
He turned back to the dinner prep without a word. Normally, I’d go lay down while he prepped dinner, but I found myself reluctant to walk away.
“Did… Did you need help?”
He glanced over his shoulder at me, a frown pulling at his lips. “You should rest, ?????. Go lie down, I won’t be long.”
Masking my disappointment, I nodded, taking a step back. I must not have been very convincing though, because he put the food down with a sigh and came around the counter to stand in front of me.
“I appreciate the offer, ?????, but you need your rest. Let me handle food. Yes?”
Embarrassment made it hard to look at him. When he guided my chin up with his knuckle, lifting his eyebrows and giving me a significant look, I nodded quickly to acknowledge him. His face softened, and he gently took my shoulders, spinning me around and urging me toward the room. He usually followed me to make sure I was comfortable, but a knock on the door drew his attention and he stepped away from me with a frown to answer it.
“What is it?”
“We have a problem.”
