heat radiating off him—palpable lust that makes my insides go hot. Occasionally I feel something else … something itchy and uncomfortable that feels a lot like flattery. The fact that my captor can’t seem to take his eyes off me shouldn’t make me feel desirable and powerful, but it does.
After the dinner parties, there’s an evening at the theater with Oleg, Galina, Nataly and Viktor. Oleg’s eldest son stares at me just like Diego does, but Viktor’s perusal leaves me feeling uncomfortable and exposed. Diego notices but doesn’t say anything, choosing to show his displeasure with scowls and narrowed eyes.
A few days later find us at the Indian Creek Country Club for brunch with Galina and Oleg. We were told Nataly wasn’t feeling well, but it’s obvious the Yezhovs are starting to get the message. After brunch, the men took to the golf course, leaving Galina and I to talk. The woman’s icy demeanor slowly melts as we discuss our common interest in fashion and art. By the end of the afternoon, we’re both a little tipsy off mimosas and making plans for a private fitting at my boutique for herself and her daughters.
It’s a plan I wouldn’t have been bold enough to make at the beginning of my agreement with Diego but as time goes on, he’s been allowing me small liberties. He calls them rewards for good behavior, and I take advantage of every inch he’ll give me. I’m now allowed to take my meals in the dining room, and sometimes have him, Marcella, or Jovan for company. Going anywhere by myself is strictly forbidden, but I can’t complain when I’ve been allowed to visit my apartment. Jovan chauffeured me there himself, with two other soldiers along for security. Under their watchful eyes, I gathered clothes and the familiar comforts of home. They accompanied me to the drugstore for some other essentials, and even took me to my favorite coffee shop for a latte and a pastry.
When Galina mentions the fitting at Belleza to Diego, he doesn’t seem to mind and even says he’d like to come along and see me in my element. Oleg and Galina seem to think this romantic, but I know it’s only so he can keep tabs on me.
The constant smiling and playacting have me exhausted and looking forward to sleeping in on the first Saturday without plans in weeks. That idea is dashed to pieces when Diego parts the curtains at eight in the morning, casually dressed in tan dress pants and a white button-up.
“Rise and shine, gatita. We’re having company this afternoon.”
With a groan, I yank the blankets over my head to block out the light. “It’s Saturday.”
“It is,” he agrees. “And the weather’s perfect for a barbecue out by the pool.”
I peek one eye from behind my blanket and find him standing over me, looking amused.
“Don’t you ever wear jeans?” I grumble.
“Rarely, but not today. This party isn’t for pleasure … it’s business.”
Throwing the blanket aside, I sit up and rub my eyes. “Oleg and Galina?”
“The entire family,” Diego corrects. “And a few of the bratva.”
He offers me his hand and pulls me from the bed. I’m caught in that simmering, dark gaze again, too vulnerable in my state of half-wakefulness to resist noticing how good he smells. He didn’t shave this morning, and the dark stubble makes him look twice as sinister as usual.
“How much longer are we going to have to do this?” I ask, tearing my gaze away from him. Diego is at his most dangerous at times like this; when he’s in a good mood and giving off enough charm to make me forget who and what he is. I need the distraction of idle conversation.
“Not much longer,” he says, while I cross the room and reach for my thin, silk robe. “Oleg no longer doubts our relationship, and hasn’t tried pushing Nataly into my path in a while.”
“Will she be there today?” I ask, unable to hide the irritation in my voice. Nataly seems like a nice girl, but she’s as boring as white bread and her constant staring and fawning over Diego have gotten annoying.
Diego’s lips twitch with humor as he reaches out to pull me into him. His hands skim my waist, and his thumbs trace the undersides of my breasts. The intimacy of the act catches me off guard, and all I can do is stand there while he toys with me.