ISABELLA
The flight to LA messed with my head.
By the time we reach Alexei’s mansion, I feel drained and frazzled. I’m holding Ana’s hand, more for myself than to give her support.
I’m using Ana as a shield to keep Alexei at a distance, and it makes me feel like a rotten friend.
Then I remember the fact that Alexei came for us. We would’ve been attacked, and there’s no telling if I would’ve been able to get us out of the house alive.
Alexei could’ve left me to my own defenses, but he didn’t. That has to mean something. Right?
Then the thought crosses my mind that Alexei charges a substantial amount for his protection, and my eyes dart to him.
“How much do I owe you?” the words burst from me as we walk into the house.
Alexei lets out a chuckle. “Hmm… I’ll let you know.”
I shoot him a glare. “Don’t play games with me.”
Alexei stops walking and comes to stand right in front of me. His stare is intense as his eyes meet mine.
It’s different meeting his eyes after my memory returned, knowing the power he holds. It’s intimidating, making me feel awkward instead of strong.
Ana’s fingers tighten around mine, and I give her a reassuring squeeze.
“How much?” I demand. I have twenty million that I’ve stolen from my mother over the past two years. I’ll pay everything if it means I’m not in Alexei’s debt.
He tilts his head. “I want time as payment.”
A frown forms on my forehead. “How much time?”
The corner of his mouth lifts in a hot smirk. “An hour alone with you.”
Ana grips my hand tighter, and it has me asking, “Only to talk?”
“Of course,” Alexei mutters, and then there’s a sudden flash of anger in his eyes. “I’m offended that you even have to ask.”
Instant regret ripples through my heart because I know Alexei won’t demand anything intimate. Taking me by force won’t be a turn-on for him.
To Alexei, it’s all about me submitting willingly and the power he gains from it.
“I didn’t mean to offend you,” I say, then I agree, “One hour.”
“Now,” he demands, and then he heads up the stairs. “Get Ana settled in one of the guest rooms.”
I tug Ana up the stairs and watch as Alexei goes into his suite while I head to the guest room next to his.
When I shut the door behind us, I turn to Ana. “We’ll be safe here.”
Ana nods as she glances around the room.
“Go take a shower while I talk to Alexei.”
Ana’s eyes dart to mine. “Will you be okay?”
I nod. “It’s better to get the talk over with as soon as possible.” I open the door then say, “Try to relax.”
Ana nods as she sets her backpack down.
I shut the door behind me and walk to Alexei’s suite. When I step inside, Alexei’s standing out on the balcony, his back turned to me.
My gaze roams over the room, and I notice everything I used while I lived here is exactly where I left it.
Alexei turns to face me, and then a sad smile tugs at his mouth. “Do you feel violated?”
The question catches me off guard, and I frown at Alexei. I shake my head. “Humiliated. Angry as hell. Hurt.” I move closer. “The list goes on, but no, not violated.”
Alexei looks relieved, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Then he sets the timer on his watch. “One hour, starting now.”
I nod, and lifting my chin, I brace myself.
Alexei doesn’t say anything but just stares at me. When minutes start to tick by, I ask, “You wanted to talk?”
“I’ll get to that. But, first, I just want to look at you.”
Lightly shaking my head, I take a seat on the side of the bed, and then I stare back at Alexei.
I take in the man that’s upended my world while making me feel safe at the same time. It’s something to get used to.
I’m torn between how I felt during the two months I stayed here and not knowing what to believe.