Alexei picks up the flyer, examining it. “They’re very friendly.”
“Mhmm.” I track their movement until they turn the corner. Alexei pulls on his coat and picks up the shopping bags. Time to go.
We stop by the seamstress on our way, grabbing the box before beginning the quietest ride ever.
I stand at the sink, washing and moisturizing my face until my skin feels hydrated again. From the bathroom, I can see Alexei settled in bed. His laptop is open, casting a soft glow across the sheets as he works in the quiet of the room.
Finishing up my routine, I walk over to my side of the bed. The sheets feel crisp and cool as I slide under them, settling into the mattress. I stay tucked firmly on my edge, keeping a deliberate distance between us while the steady tapping of his keyboard fills the silence.
He types for a few more minutes, then closes the laptop with a soft click. The light disappears. He sets it on the nightstand and shifts down into the bed. I give it a minute, then begin my slow migration toward the center. My movements are quiet andcautious as I slide over the cool cotton. The space between us shrinks gradually, the distance closing bit by bit.
“Took you long enough,” he says, amused. His arm wraps around me and yanks me closer until I’m pressed against him. “You know,” he murmurs, “if you wanted to be held, you could’ve just asked. I’m right here.”
“I was just cold,” I say quickly. “This side of the bed is warmer. That’s all.”
“Stop being so dishonest.” His hand settles on my back, holding me in place. “Your body doesn’t lie. If you want me, just say so. I’m quite easy to please.”
I settle against him, my cheek pressed to his chest. His heartbeat thuds steadily beneath my ear. “Those girls were pretty nice today.”
“Mhmm. They had nice things to say about us.” His voice rumbles through his chest. “And they were right. We do look good together.”
“Yeah. And they go to school. They probably have so many friends and get to do so many activities.” My voice goes quiet, the words trailing off as I stare at the couch on the far side of the bed.
His hand moves to my hair, his fingers threading through the strands. “What do you want, my love? Tell me your heart’s desire so that I can fulfill it.”
“That’s very genie-like of you.” I raise an eyebrow. “Should I rub a lamp first?” He pulls me in tighter, tucking my head against his chest so I can hear the calm, steady rhythm of his heart. “Yes. Tell me anything you want. I know something’s bothering you, and it has been bothering you since earlier. Tell me, and I will make sure I fulfill it no matter the cost.”
“Fine.” My fingers curl into his shirt. “Before I left Ukraine, I took entrance exams. For journalism school. It was my plan.”
“I’m listening.” His voice is calm, encouraging me to keep going. “Okay, but before I continue, you have to promise me that whatever I say, you’ll think it over.” I pull back to look at his face. His chest shakes with laughter. “This isn’t funny. I mean it.” I glare up at him. “Promise me you’ll think about it.”
“Alright, vedma.” The amusement leaves his voice. “I’ll consider your request and do everything I can to grant it.”
“You’re being noncommittal.” I narrow my eyes.
“Take it or leave it.” His voice is gentle despite the firmness. “Now tell me, beautiful. What do you want?”
“College.” I say it quietly. “I want to go to college and study journalism. It’s been my dream. I want classes and assignments and the normal student experience. I understand I have obligations here, but I need this.”
“Is that all?” His tone is light. “Yeah.” I nod against his chest. “Done.” He says it without a moment of hesitation. “I’ll set it up. You’ll attend Moscow State University since I already fund the school, so your admission to the first year program won't be an issue.”
I lift myself onto my elbow, studying his expression. “Wait, that was too easy. Why aren’t you arguing with me?”
“Like I said, vedma.” His fingers lace with mine. “I’m not complicated. My wife wants something, I get it. Making you happy is simple math for me.”
“You’re serious?” I can barely breathe. “You’re really letting me go to college?”
“To the world, I’m a criminal. A monster. Whatever they want to call me.” His thumb traces my cheekbone. “But to you, vedma, I only tell the truth.”
Tears sting the corners of my eyes, and I bury my face in his chest. “I don’t understand why I keep crying when I’m with you.”
“Beats me.” There’s amusement laced in his tone. “You cry when I’m sweet to you. You yell when I’m terrible. I’m getting mixed signals here,Vedma.”
I choke on a laugh and lift my head. Then I bend down and kiss the side of his cheek. “I’ll work up to your lips one day.”
“Then I’ll keep trying.” His hand settles on my back, his fingers drawing slow, lazy circles. We drift off together.
Chapter 15