She chuckles. “I guess so, but just know I’m quite busy, so don’t ring constantly.”
I hold a hand to my chest. “I wouldn’t dare, but it’s very kind of you, thanks.”
“So, is there anything else I can get you, Anya?”
I search her eyes. “Yes, to be honest, I could really do with stretching my legs. How about I eat this in the kitchen with you as my supervisor?”
Her expression turns concerned as she glances toward the half-open door. “I think I would get in trouble.”
“It would save you coming back for the tray and I wouldn’t mind a nice ice cold glass of Kompot if you have some.”
Her eyes widen. “Of course we have Kompot.” She bites her bottom lip and then nods. “Okay, just this once. I’ll allow you to accompany me and eat in the kitchen.” She glances at my attire. “Are you going to come down wrapped in a sheet?”
Heat blazes through my cheeks as I shake my head. “One second. I think I saw a robe in the bathroom.” I rush into the bathroom and take the bathrobe off the back of the door, wrapping it around myself and tying the belt around my waist.
It may be manipulative to get her on side for a bit of freedom, but I have no intention of running. Valery may not trust me to roam the corridors of his home, but I’m fed up with being cooped up like a chicken.
And this woman seems friendly enough to engage in good conversation while I wait for him to return. A distraction that I need since I’m going crazy thinking about what might happen to Valery.
My home is heavily guarded, and I told him as much, but he just smirked and told me not to worry. The cocky bastard.
His home is lavish and beautiful, but perhaps not as pompous as my father’s house.
There’s an understated class to the decor, and this is carried through to the kitchen.
I always loved the kitchen in our home, but this one is even nicer. “Wow, nice kitchen.”
Dina’s brow raises. “Are you into cooking?”
I shake my head. “No, just consuming.”
She laughs. “I like you, Anya.” Nodding to the island. “You can eat there where I can keep an eye on you.” She winks.
I sit down on a stool and glance around, not really feeling hungry.
Knowing it would be offensive not to eat some of the food, I spoon the stroganoff into my mouth. “Delicious,” I say, and it truly is. “So how long have you worked for Valery?”
Her brow furrows hearing me address him by his first name. “I have worked for the Morozov family for over twenty-five years. His father employed me.”
“Is Valery a fair employer?” I ask.
“Yes, why do you ask?”
I shake my head. “No reason. I’m just trying to work him out, is all.” The fact is I’m intrigued by the man who has snatched me from my home, but has he freed me, really? As I’ve been a prisoner in my own home since I can remember.
Not to mention, his primal claim that he owns me is intoxicating.
Any of the men that my father had introduced me to were nothing like him.
He’s dark, dangerous and beautiful, even with the scar through his right eye.
“Well, he’s much more ambitious than his father, that’s for sure.” She sighs heavily. “Perhaps too ambitious for his own good.”
I nod. “Perhaps.” It is ambitious to believe that he can bring down the Lebedev Bratva, but someone will best my father in the end.
“Why exactly are you locked in that room?” Dina asks, looking a little unsure about asking me.
“Because of who I am.”