Page 37 of Between Power and Passion

I spit the toothpaste into the sink of running water and watch it go down the drain. I gargle some water and spit it out before turning off the faucet. I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand and find a hair tie to tie my hair into a somewhat decent bun. I roll my eyes when I see the pile of dirty clothes next to the hamper.

What's so hard about putting the clothes IN the hamper? I think as I just do it myself. I straighten up the rest of the bathroom before I make my exit. I walk out to see suitcases by the bedroom door. I hadn't noticed them before.

I sit down on the bench in front of our bed and watch him walk back and forth. As he finally hangs up the phone, yesterday comes back to me in a rush. I place my hand on my stomach and reassure myself that everything is okay. His intense eyes turn toward me.

"Are you okay?"

I nod, trying to muster a reassuring smile. "Yes, I'm okay."

He takes a deep breath, running a hand through his dark hair. "Valentina, I hope you understand why I'm doing this," he says, his eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt.

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of his words. "I do," I say quietly. "And I'm sorry for telling you to stop. I just... I don't want to lose you."

His expression softens, and he steps closer, reaching out to cup my cheek with his rough hand. "You won't lose me," he says firmly. "I promise."

My heart aches at his touch, and I lean into his hand, savoring the warmth and strength it offers. But then he pulls away, and the distance between us feels like a chasm.

"I have to go for a few days," he says, glancing at the suitcases by the door.

My stomach tightens with worry. "To where?"

He shakes his head. "I'm not going to tell you where I'm going. Not because I don't trust you, but because I don't want you to worry."

"How can I not worry?" I ask, my voice trembling. "Is it safe?"

"You know the answer to that," he says with a hint of resignation. "But I'm not going to lie to you. I'll come back."

His words are meant to reassure me, but they only deepen my fear. I want to beg him not to go, to stay here with me where it's safe—or at least safer—but I know better than to try and stop him. His mission is too important.

I nod again, forcing myself to believe in his promise.

"Okay," I whisper.

He leans down and presses a gentle kiss to my forehead before stepping back and grabbing one of the suitcases.

"I'll be back in a few days," he repeats, as if saying it enough times will make it true.

"Dmitri, promise me," I say.

He looks at me, his piercing eyes softening. "I promise, Valentina. I'll come back to you."

I nod, feeling a lump in my throat. "Good. Because I have something to tell you when you return."

His eyebrows shoot up in curiosity. "What is it? Tell me now."

I shake my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "No, Dmitri. You'll have to wait."

He steps closer, his expression turning playful. "Come on, tell me. I can't wait that long."

"Nope," I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

He narrows his eyes at me and then suddenly lunges forward, his fingers dancing along my sides. I squeal and try to squirm away, but he's relentless.

"Stop! Dmitri! Stop it!" I laugh, trying to push his hands away.

"Not until you tell me," he says, grinning as he continues to tickle me.

I gasp for breath between laughs. "Okay! Okay! I'll tell you when you come back safely!"

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