Servants come down with luggage packed just as Arina returns with more servants, Matvey, and Alfie.

Her main luggage is left at the door, and Yvonne comes back to direct the ladies on how to unpack Arina’s things.

Arina comes inside and looks at me, blushing slightly—no doubt remembering our kiss. Good, I want her to think about it as much as possible.

Matvey walks up to me. “We’ll load your bags into the car and get on our way. We’re taking two cars since I’m sure you and your bride would like some privacy.”

“I’m tempted, but no. We must discuss how we’re going to handle this situation. Let there be two cars, but only because I know you won’t stay.” I look at Arina. How did she behave?”

“No problems at all,” Matvey says. “She didn’t try anything while we were at her place. Just packed everything up and gave Alfie the keys to get the rest of her stuff into storage until she can go through it.”

“Good, I’m glad she’s come up with this little proposal to fuck over her half-brothers. We’re going to make a lovely partnership.” I stare at her.

She’s standing to the side, looking at the artwork on the wall, and I smile. She hides her wicked side so very, very well.

Chapter 9 - Arina

I open my apartment with the keys Matvey retrieved from my car. As promised, I don’t try to escape from them, although I don’t see how I can with Alfie keeping such a close eye on me.

The four servants who came with us look at me, and I look around the apartment. “Um, clothes and vanity products definitely. Pack up the food, or it’ll go off. I want to take my wine collection and, yeah, basically everything except the furniture.”

I look around awkwardly as they separate and start packing.

I walk into my bedroom and get out my luggage, where Marie starts making up one of the boxes they brought with them.

“You guys really are organized,” I point out.

“Mr. Sidorov expects us to be, ma’am.” Marie smiles at me as she tackles my closet.

I get my more precious items together and pack them in the luggage. Then, I help her with the closet, packing what I need for the trip to the resort. This all feels surreal.

Yesterday, I wanted nothing more than to get away from Igor. Now, I want to be his equal partner in getting revenge against my half-brothers.

I change into more appropriate clothes and shoes for a resort, opting for comfort most of all.

It doesn’t take us long to pack up things with the servants helping, and soon enough, we’re on our way back to the estate.

Matvey hasn’t said two words to me and keeps giving me dirty looks when he does glance in my general direction.

As soon as we arrive, Matvey gets out of the car and walks inside without a backward glance.

Yvonne comes to stand outside and directs the servants where to take my things. I feel so awkward.

I feel like I’m in the way.

Yvonne gives me a reassuring smile and heads inside.

I walk inside, and my eyes meet Igor’s, and I think of that steamy kiss and his body pressed against mine. I blush slightly.

I walk further in and pretend to examine the artwork on the wall to pass the time while Matvey talks to Igor. I hear them discussing taking two cars, which is such a waste, really. We could all go together.

When I hear him mention Igor might want some privacy with me, I blush again. I don’t count on sleeping with Igor to exact my revenge on the Milovs.

I keep my attention on the artwork until I feel a hunkering presence behind me. I turn quickly to look up at Igor.

“We’re leaving shortly. Is there anything else you need?” he asks, standing close to me.

My face flushes as I realize he’s wearing tight suit pants and has a huge bulge in the front.