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They must pay for what they’ve done

Like Sokolov, they must be neutralized

Then and only then e be truly safe

2

Sara

I wake up with the startling realization that I’m married

Married to Peter Garin, aka Sokolov

The e Cobakis,me

My stalker

My kidnapper

The love of my life

My hout my body—a mixture of embarrassment and arousal He punishedhim up at the altar

He took me brutally, and in the process, he made me admit it

Made me confess that I love him—all of him, the dark parts included

That I need that darkness… need it directed atI fell for a monster

OpeningWe’re still inwe’ll move soon And then what? Children? Walks in the park and dinners with my parents?

Am I really about to build a life with theif I didn’t show up?

Hebreakfast because I s both sweet and savory, andat the soreness in s

If we’re going to be fucking in exotic positions a lot, I a

Shaking o to shower and brush my teeth, and by the time I come out, dressed in a robe, I hear Peter’s deep, softly accented voice calling me

Orhis “ptichka”

“I’ into the kitchen—only to findarhly that I lose my breath

“Yes, you are,” my husband murmurs when he finally setsanywhere” His large hands rest possessively onlike silver in his stubble-darkened face Though he’s dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, he must not have shaved yet, because that stubble looks deliciously rough and scratchy,me wonder what it would be like to have him rub it all over my skin

Impulsively, I lift ined, and I grin as he closes his eyes and rubs his face againsthis territory

“It’s Sunday,” I tell hioing anywhere What’s for breakfast?”