Page 35 of Dancing With Distraction

He shifts and his hand loosens. Then his hot breath skims across my breast. “No,” I whisper, twisting to avoid his mouth on me. “Please.”

His teeth sink into my skin, and I cry out again. It turns him on, and he takes my nipple into his mouth. “No,” I repeat, this time bucking up and causing him to release me.

He grins, letting his hand go to my throat. It’s not the same as when Dmitry does it. Marcus’s fingers dig into my flesh, almost like he’s about to rip my windpipe free.

I close my eyes and inhale slowly, filling my lungs with air before balling my hands into fists and shoving hard against his chest. “Get the fuck off me,” I scream. He falls back, landing on the floor, and I sit up, pulling the shirt to cover my body. “I am not ten years old anymore,” I yell, and he almost looks alarmed, “and I am not scared of you.”

He pushes to his feet, eyeing me warily. “So brave,” he murmurs.

“Get out or I’ll scream the place down, and I know you wouldn’t want Phoebe down here discovering your grubby little secret.”

He gives a small, unamused laugh. “I think I like the fight in you, little sis.” I shudder at his words. “The terrified little girl act was becoming boring.” He heads for the door. “I’m going home this weekend. You’re coming too.”

The thought of going home to see my parents makes me sick, and I really don’t want to let Dmitry out of my sight for an entire weekend, not with Vivian trying to make plans for a mini-holiday. “I can’t, I have work,” I lie.

He shrugs. “Okay, I guess Pops and I will get to spend time together instead.”

I ball my fists again, wanting to punch him in his smug face. “Fine.”

“Great,” he smiles wide. “Some alone time is just what we need.”

He leaves, and I sag in relief. How the fuck will I get out of the weekend? If he gets me alone, away from Phoebe, he’s going to carry out his attack. But I also can’t let him be alone with Poppy. It’s the main reason I tolerate him being here in London with me, because she’s now at the right age for his taste.

Dmitry

Ican’t get the look of complete torment in Victoria’s eyes out of my head. Falling for each other was never part of the plan, but somehow, I think it’s the direction we’re headed. She’s addictive.

I have this impulsive need to check on her today. It didn’t feel right walking away, but she used the safe word, and if this agreement is going to be more long-term—like I now want it to be—she needs to know that I uphold my word.

I make my way into Harrods, intending to check on her from a distance. She’s all I crave, but I need to give her the space she asked for. As her Dominant, her safety, as well as her mental well-being, is my responsibility.

“Morning, Karen,” I say brightly. The woman turns to face me and blushes, liking that I’ve remembered her name. “I know I don’t have an appointment, but I have a very important charity event this weekend and require something to wear as a matter of urgency.”

“Of course. We have Aaron available, is that okay?” I nod, wondering if Victoria has spoken with her and requested not to have any dealings with me.

Karen rushes off and returns with a young shop assistant. “Follow me, please, Mr. Volkov,” he says, his voice wavering from what I assume is nerves.

I follow him into the changing room area. “No Victoria today?” I ask while undoing my jacket and placing it on a coat hanger.

“No, Mr. Volkov, unfortunately, she called in sick today.” I frown at this news, taking out my phone to make sure I haven’t received any messages from her. An uneasy feeling swirls around in my stomach, and I shrug my jacket back on.

“Sorry, Aaron, I have to go. There’s an issue at the office that needs my attention. Thank you for your time.” I head out without another word.

As I step out onto the street, sickness replaces the unease. This whole feeling is alien to me. I’ve never had to worry about anyone before, and it has me questioning the entire situation.

I get into my car and pull out into traffic, causing a few others to brake and beep their horns in annoyance. Before I know it, I’m parked outside Victoria’s home, staring up at the window for any sign of movement. I don’t want to break her boundaries, but it’s exceptional circumstances.

I dial her number, but it rings out before going to voicemail. I groan out loud in frustration, battling with myself. Everything about this feels off, and as I step out the car and head up the steps, someone is exiting the building, and it’s the only sign I need that I should go inside. When her bedsit door opens without me knocking, I’m angry. Why doesn’t she ever take her own safety seriously?

I shake my head, but on entering, my anger disappears and worry returns at the sight of Victoria sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall.

She doesn’t even look up as I enter, closing the door behind me and clicking the lock into place. There’s blood running down her hands as she digs something sharp into her breast and small sobs escape her lips.

In two strides, I’m standing before her. Crouching down, I grab her wrist, startling her. She drops a shard of glass to the floor and my heart breaks a little at the mess she’s left behind on her skin.

Her eyes are puffy from all her fallen tears. Shame washes over her expression, and she lowers her gaze to the floor. I take her chin in my fingers and tug her to look at me. I need her to see that this won’t chase me away, that it doesn’t scare me. Her eyes are haunted as fresh tears begin to fall. “This,” I gesture to the fresh wounds over her breast, “doesn’t intimidate me.” I lean down and lick across the wound, closing my eyes as the metallic taste ignites something within me.

Victoria’s breathing hitches and a small sob escapes her. “How could you ever find this attractive?” she asks, her voice shaky. “I’m a mess.”

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