Alina
Shaking my head, I stepped into the shower. The moment the warm water hit me, sliding down my bare body, warming the numbness, I felt my tense muscles loosening. At first my bruises itched and were aching under the warm water, but after a few minutes, all I felt was warmth.
I sucked in a deep breath as my body went limp. Lifting my face up into the spray, I let the water cascade around me. A feeling of happiness consumed me as I reached up, squeezed out some shampoo in my palm and started to massage it through my dirty hair.
I let the water sluice through my hair. Brown water, leaves, and small twigs swirled through the drain. When the water finally ran clear, I started to wash my body. After I was done, I stayed under the water for a few more minutes, letting the heat penetrate my body.
I stepped out of the shower on wobbling legs, and when the cool air hit my body, I shivered. Grabbing a towel from a nearby rack, I started to dry my hair and then my body. I wrapped the towel around me and went to stand in front of the mirror.
I looked much better. My bruises didn't appear as horrible as they were before. My face was no longer pale. My cheeks were red from the warm water and my green eyes shone brightly. Giving my reflection a smile, I opened the door and peeked outside.
When I saw that Nikolay was not there, I stepped out and walked over to the bed, where a black dress was waiting for me with a pair of underwear.
The cotton dress was simple, and when I put it on, it came down to mid-thigh. It flowed from the hips and fit me perfectly, showing my curves. Putting on the black flats I found beside the bench, I walked back into the bathroom.
I opened several drawers, looking for a hairbrush. When I finally found one, I combed my messy, tangled hair until it was smooth and shiny.
After giving myself a pinch on each cheek and biting down my lips, reddening them further, I was ready. I walked toward the door, my steps confident and my shoulders straight. Opening it, I saw Nikolay waiting for me, leaning against the wall.
When he looked at me, his eyes flared for a moment, his expression one of surprise.
"C'mon," he said after masking his emotions again. His face was hard and he glared at me. It's probably the only thing he knows. Glaring, growling, and anger.
Without waiting for my response, he started to walk toward the stairs. I followed him, my steps close behind his.
I was ready for this. Whatever would be thrown at me, I was ready. Because this time, I was going to fight for my freedom.
Alex
I was leaning back on my sofa chair, head tilted toward the ceiling, my eyes closed when the door opened. I knew who it was without opening my eyes. Only one person would dare come into my room without permission.
Opening my eyes, I caught sight of Viktor strolling in. He closed the door behind him, leaned against it, and crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"Seriously?" he asked as he stared at me, his face expressionless.
"I need a full background check on Alina Blinov," I fired back without answering his question. I knew what he was talking about, but I had no desire to discuss that matter. It was none of his business who I decided to keep or not.
I stood up and walked over to the small bar. "I'm sure her last name is not Blinov, but I still want a check, in case you find something."
After I poured some whiskey in two glasses, Viktor took one from my hand and sipped slowly.
We both stared at each other, the air tense around us. When his glass was empty, he placed it on the bar and turned back toward me.
"What are you planning, Alex?" he asked, giving me a strange look.
I shrugged. "Why do you think I'm planning something?"
Viktor scoffed and shook his head. "Because you never do anything without a plan. The girl trespassed and you are keeping her. Sounds like a plan to me." He paused for a second and then asked slowly, "Is she a rat? Is that why you are keeping her? To know who she's working with?"
Shaking my head, I glared at him. If it was someone else questioning my decision, they would be on the ground writhing in pain. But Viktor was my second in command.
We were born two weeks apart. His father was my father's second in command. When I took over, it was never a question that he would be my second. He was my brother.
"Do you really think I would keep her if she was a rat?" I asked through gritted teeth. He got on my nerves sometimes.
"Anything is possible with you. Why are you keeping her, anyway?"
"None of your business. Do as you're told," I responded harshly.
Viktor nodded and stepped away from the bar. "I'll let you know what I find."
I turned toward the large windows, dismissing him. I heard his feet shuffling and then the door closed.
I looked down at the glass in my hand as I moved it around my fingers.
"Let's see what we get about you, kitten," I whispered, bringing the glass to my lips.
I was intrigued. My body was coursing with excitement.
I would slowly uncover her, layer by layer until I knew everything. Every last detail. And when I was done, I would devour her until nothing was left.
A few minutes later, I was still standing in front of the large windows that overlooked the majestic back garden. My phone rang in my pocket and I quickly took it out, answering the call without looking.
"What?" I barked.
"There's nothing on her," Viktor said. My hand tightened around the phone and I smirked.
I knew it.
"She doesn't even exist in the database," he continued, his voice smooth and calm as if he knew the information wouldn't surprise me.
I let out a small laugh. Shaking my head, I thought about the seemingly innocent girl I found cowering under my bed. The moment I saw her, I knew she was trouble, and instead of taking it out, I invited it.
Why?
Simple. She intrigued me.
"I got this," I said through the phone, and hung up without waiting for an answer.
Well, this is going to be fun.
I walked away from the window and out of the room.