Without thinking, I threw my arms around his shoulders and dropped my face into the curve of his neck. His words filled my heart as I leaned in between his hips. Kova wrapped his arms around my lower back and held me snuggly to him. He sighed into my neck. His confidence in me filled me to epic proportions. I needed that, needed to feel like I could do anything, and that he had my back.
Tears poured from my eyes as I cried and thanked him repeatedly. His words were music to my ears. I was petrified and angry when I walked in here today, ready to go toe-to-toe. I feared this meeting would be déjà vu all over again and he’d tell me we'd have to downgrade my skills. But he surprised me in many ways. I had no idea anyone had taken interest in me since the competition.
Kova's hand ran in soothing circles on my back. He leaned his face against the side of my head and murmured, "You got this, Ria. Focus but be smart. I will be right there with you every step of the way." He gave me a little squeeze and dropped a soft peck to my temple. My body warmed and I began to catch my breath when I heard the door creak.
I froze, my heart stopped, and I sucked in a breath as Kova's hand stopped moving. His body hardened against mine and before we could move, the door flew open.
"What…what is going on here?"
I looked over my shoulder and met Katja’s vivid golden and peridot eyes. Fuck.
Kova pulled back. One of his hands slid to my hip and his thumb ran in small circles on my pelvis, only for me to feel and no one to see.
Katja’s eyes shifted rapidly from me to Kova, the accusation in her gaze strong enough to render me speechless. Oh, God.
"Katja, what are you doing here?" Kova asked as he stood and put a little distance between us.
"Why were you two…embraced like that?" She stared at me like I was a roach she wanted to step on. "What is going on here, Kova?" Katja glanced at him, then looked back at me. "She is a child," she spat, and I paled.
"I am aware, Kat, but it is not what you think."
"Not what I think? Then what the hell is going on? Why were you two holding each other like…like lovers," she bit out.
Kova's eyes darkened and he moved lightning fast to stand in front of her. He began mouthing off in Russian, short and clipped words, but it didn't take a fool to realize he was furious. The tension in the room was stifling, so much hostility it was hard to breathe. I suddenly felt like a leper. Each time Katja tried to get a word in, he cut her off. Her eyes shifted to me, but Kova snapped his fingers and his voice rose every time. She jumped, and I rolled my bottom lip between my teeth as she looked back at him with shame in her eyes. The conversation tampered off, then an uncomfortable silence filled the room for a moment.
"As you see, Adrianna has an injury."
Katja's eyes dropped to my foot that had been wrapped in tape. Her jaw bobbed. Her cheeks blushed. I'd never been so thankful to have this injury until now. The chair had blocked my leg from her view when she had walked in.
Her tune changed immediately, but there was something in her eyes that didn't quite sell me. I wish I knew what he said to her.
"I…I did not know. I apologize greatly."
"It's okay. I got a little emotional thinking my gymnastics career would have to change once again, and I couldn't handle that after coming so far." My voice shook a little.
"Kova has mentioned what a great deal of improvement you have made in the past year. In fact, he says you are his best gymnast and sees big things for you."
My lips parted and I glanced at Kova. Blood pumped faster through my heart as our eyes connected. His body was stiff, his mouth a firm, thin line.
"Now, if you will excuse me, I will see you for dinner tonight, malysh."
Malysh. My eyes lowered.
Katja smiled and leaned in for a kiss, and I decided it was my cue to leave.
Grabbing my keys and cell phone, I mumbled my gratitude to Kova and that I'd see him tomorrow for