flower-patterned leggings and a black silk shirt that fit loosely but had a low enough neckline to show hints of Shaun’s cleavage.
“And these.” Dasha tossed a pair of nude ballet flats onto the floor next to Shaun.
Shaun slid them onto her feet, completely confused as to why she needed to change in such a hurry but unwilling to cause a fuss. She was also quite grateful to be able to slip out of the skimpy silver dress that she’d still been wearing. She assumed someone had paid for the expensive gown before they left the shop in such a rush.
A sharp knock on the door made both women look up. Dasha rushed to the door and opened it a crack.
“He’s in the driveway,” the butler told Dasha.
“Thank you, now please go back to your duties,” Dasha said briskly, already closing the door in his face.
She looked at Shaun, pulling her lower lip between her teeth. Finally, she seemed to come to some kind of conclusion. She strode over to Shaun, took her hand and indicated they should sit together on the bed. Dasha retained a tight hold on Shaun’s hand, sitting it on her lap.
“Listen carefully and do everything I say.” Her words spilled out in a rush and her eyes were glued to the door. “You do everything he tells you promptly and without argument. Don’t bother to apologize for trying to run away, he won’t accept it. In our world, apologies are about as good as rats. If you have to apologize for something, then you shouldn’t have done it in the first place.”
“I wasn’t planning on apologizing,” Shaun said quietly. “I’m not sorry I tried to run away.”
Dasha nodded her approval. “Good girl, he’ll respect you more for that attitude. But keep it to yourself. Keep it all to yourself. He’ll do whatever he’s planning to do anyway.”
Shaun wasn’t so sure. After all, he’d pulled back after fully intending to shoot her in the head. She nodded her understanding anyway. “I’ll do as you say.”
Dasha squeezed her hand. “It’s for the best. My nephew has developed an attachment to you and I’ve never seen him care about anyone other than family. I dearly hope whatever feelings he’s developing will keep you safe.”
“Why do you care?” Shaun asked, trying to understand what Dasha could gain from helping her.
Dasha’s answer was simple. “We were asked to welcome you into our family. As our family is a small one that doesn’t grow often, I take that order seriously. You are one of us and I will try my best to protect you as I would any other member of this family.”
Shaun was floored by Dasha’s words, especially since she’d only known the woman for two days. “Thank you,” she said humbly, wishing she could do more to earn the loyalty Dasha was showing her. It shouldn’t matter to Shaun; Dasha was complicit in her abduction. Yet for some reason, she couldn’t think of the older woman as a kidnapper.
Dasha took Shaun’s chin in her hand and looked at her closely, then nodded her head. “You’re attractive, you’re smart and you can communicate with him. These are all points in your favour. Let’s hope it’s enough.”
Shaun’s mouth went dry. The way Dasha was speaking it almost sounded as though her life were in danger. Would Jozef really kill her for trying to escape? He had to know she’d try.
Dasha let go of Shaun and stood, stepping away from the bed. The door opened and Jozef strode inside, his eyes immediately zeroing in on Shaun. She stood, using the bed to keep her legs steady because she was shaking like a leaf under his stern stare. Dasha walked toward him, but his gaze didn’t waver from Shaun. Dasha stopped and touched his arm.
“Go easy,” she told him. “You knew she would try to run.”
Dasha left the room, taking all the warmth with her.
Shaun tried desperately to remember everything Dasha had told her, but it all fled as she raised terrified eyes to the mobster who was slowly crossing the room toward her. Shaun wanted to back away from him but there was nowhere to go unless she crawled across the bed. She stood frozen, even as he approached her until he was standing so close, she could smell the spicy scent of his aftershave.
The scent was very appealing to Shaun. She never wore any kind of perfume, body spray or even scented deodorant. It was against hospital rules. She was so used