There’s a weird mixture of panic and anticipation in my chest. On the one hand, I know Viktor won’t hurt me. I’ve had sex with him already. But… A repulsed shiver races down my spine when Alessandro pops into my mind again.
Then it spirals – my family did the same thing to so many people. They took away their rights and dehumanized them by forcing them into hideous situations.
I can’t deal.
Don’t think about it.
Viktor takes hold of my panties, and as he slides them down my legs, he crouches in front of me. My breaths are coming faster as a feeling of distress skirts around the edges of my heart.
This is Viktor. He won’t hurt you.
You love him. His touch is safe.
I place my left hand on his shoulder to keep my balance as I step out of my underwear.
While Viktor is crouching at my feet, he locks eyes with me right before he presses a kiss to my hip.
He makes me feel loved. He’s safe.
A breath quivers over my lips, and I quickly look away. I have to swallow hard on the tears threatening to escape from the phantom feel of Alessandro’s fingers touching me, still lingering between my legs.
Oh God, make it go away.
Viktor straightens to his full height, then takes hold of my chin and tilts his head to catch my eyes. “What’s wrong?”
I quickly shake my head.
“Rosalie,” he pushes. “Tell me.”
I pull my chin from his hold and duck my head low, squeezing my eyes shut.
Breathe. Just breathe.
Now that I’m safe, all the memories and emotions are spiraling out of control.
The pain and terror.
The absolute cruelty and abuse.
My breath hitches.
“Hey,” Viktor murmurs tenderly, his tone so caring and filled with worry it makes the gates burst open.
A sob sputters from me, and my voice is hoarse from how vulnerable and violated I feel. “The p-past four d-days were j-just really h-hard.”
He pulls me into a hug, wrapping me up in the safety of his strong arms. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to you sooner.”
I place my left hand over his chest and rest my cheek against him. “I r-regret leaving you. More than I’ve r-regretted anything in my life.”
I feel his mouth brush against my hair. “Did you at least find some of the answers you were looking for?”
In the most horrible way.
I nod, my cheek brushing against his shirt. “I found all of them.”
“That’s good.” Viktor pushes me back. “Let's get you dressed. Seeing you naked is pushing my self-restraint to the limits.”
While Viktor helps me put on the clothes, my eyes stay glued to him. I drink in every line on his face, once again thinking he’s really the most attractive man I’ve ever seen.