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“Katyusha” He doesn’t touch ain but beseechesyou worry I understand that this situation isn’t easy on you”

I suck in a breath, trying not to cry I’m not usually a tearful person, but I’ the better of me

“Wait for me in the library,” he says “I need a shower Then we’ll talk”

I don’t argue I go back to the library and pace the floor while I wait Not ten minutes later, he joins ed into a pair of dark pants and a white shirt

“Cothe fireplace “You need a drink”

He gently pushes oes to the liquor tray After pouring a stiff shot of vodka, he carries the glass to me “Here”

Obediently, I take a sip “What happened?”

In a blink, he cla over his features

“Please, Alex Tell me”

“You don’t knohat you’re asking”

“I’ly, I hold his gaze “If you can’t give me freedom, at least treat me like an equal in this”

He works his jaw fro you”

“You’re not protectingnorant”

A spark flashes in his eyes “Are you sure you want to go down this road? There’s no returning from this, Katerina”

I s “I’ve already come to that conclusion”

Silence

“Don’t you believe I deserve your respect?” I ask softly

“Fine” He takes a step forward, putting us so close that our knees touch His eyes gleahten e”

I’ve already come to that conclusion too

A beat passes When I don’t take the opportunity he offers to back out, he gives a resigned nod “The tattoo you recognized belongs to a gang that operates fro,” he says

My oes dry “You went there”

“Yes,” he replies in a level tone

Our fingers brush as he takes the glass from my hand I wait quietly for his the glass to his lips and takes a generous s of the liquor