toed the water, looking back at me. “Your breakthrough?”
“I—” The words died in my throat.
Realization hit me suddenly. In this moment, I had to tell Konstantin what I knew. What I had discovered.
It would break his heart.
“Tatiana…” I tried to pull the words out of me. Just say it, Elena, I told myself. Just say it and let it be done. Don’t drag it out. “Tatiana…”
Concern took over his face. “Is she okay?” He took his foot out of the pool and prowled towards me. His chest rippled as he moved. “Elena, is Tatiana okay?”
I swallowed.
“I told you. Anything you need is at your service,” he said. “There is nothing we won’t do to help Tatiana.”
I couldn’t look at him. I couldn’t meet his eyes.
“I—” I turned my head to the pool, drinking in the water like it might offer some relaxation.
His words rung through my head, the worry in them so distinguishable.
Anything you need is at your service. There is nothing we won’t do to help Tatiana.
Noise came out of my mouth before I could stop it. “I found the cure,” I said. “I…found the cure. I just need some ingredients…”
Konstantin’s smiled widened, and he kissed me on either cheek. Heat darted through me at the contact. “Brilliant, Elena. You did what our best doctors could not.”
“I… She’s not completely better yet,” I murmured, flustered by his reaction. “I need a few more things.”
The word coward was ringing through my head on repeat, like a bell swinging from a sleigh. Coward, coward, coward.
“Write a list and give it to Feodor. He will get you anything you need.”
I nodded, wrapping my arms around myself. I must’ve looked tensed because Konstantin asked, “Why don’t you join me for a dip? The banya is to help relax, to socialize.”
I tightened my arms over my chest. “I didn’t bring a swimsuit.”
He smiled. “One does not wear swimsuit into the bath, Elena.”
My entire body tensed. “Then I’m not getting in.”
“Scared, Elena?”
I rolled my eyes. “Of a bath? I’m not a child.”
Konstantin looked nothing but amused. He gestured behind me. “There are robes in the closet over there.”
I shifted on my feet, weighing the decisions in my mind. Turning around and leaving would be so easy.
But the look in Konstantin’s expression, the dare in his smile...
I beelined for the robes, ducking into a small alcove to undress in privacy. The plush fabric of the robe felt nice against my overly sensitive skin and being out my jeans and sweater allowed my body to cool down. I scooped my hair off my neck and pinned it up, cooling me down even further.
When I stepped back into the main room, Konstantin had abandoned his towel by the side of the bath. He stood tall in the water, back to me, the still water allowing me to take in the curve of his ass, the length of his legs. If he turned around...
“I don’t like swimming,” I said.
Konstantin turned around. I forced myself to keep my eyes above his shoulders.
“It’s not very deep,” he assured me. “You won’t drown. And if you do, I’ll save you.”
“Via mouth to mouth, I’m sure.” I dropped myself down beside the bath, holding up the robe so it didn’t get wet as I dunked my legs in. The toasty water felt uncomfortable against my skin, but after a few seconds, I felt my muscles begin to unclench and relax.
Konstantin walked over, causing ripples to spread throughout the water. The steam caused strands of his hair to curl slightly, making him look younger somehow.
“Not a fan of the banya?” he inquired.
“It’s fine,” I said dismissively.
Konstantin was close enough now that if I reached out with my foot, I would touch him.
I didn’t move.
“There are different times for women and men,” he said. “You might be more comfortable during the women-only time.”
“I think I’ll be more comfortable alone in my bathroom at home.”
Konstantin’s eyes brightened. “Home.” He didn’t pose it as a question.
I met his eyes. “Home,” I confirmed.
His eyes danced over my skin. Despite the modest robe, I could feel his attention on my upper neck and exposed legs.
“It will be a shame when you leave,” he said. “Danika’s grown quite fond of you, as have the others. Babushka, included.”
I snorted. “Babushka hates me.”
“I may have exaggerated,” Konstantin laughed. “But I only did it to convince you to stay a little while longer.”
I didn’t respond. A decision was forming in my mind, fueled by the warm water and humidity and Konstantin’s nakedness.
He cocked