Page 73 of Sinful Wrath

Even when he’s angry at me, he never fails to ensure that I’m taken care of.

It makes me wonder if his feelings run deeper than he’s willing to admit.

I know mine are.

Lifeat the Forest Hills mansion is different to say the least. For one, there’s an energetic one-year-old who keeps bumping into my legs and there’s always an influx of people around, whether it’s Mikhail’s brothers or their security or household staff.

There’s not a moment of peace, but I kind of like it. I’ve spent so much of my life on my own that the constant company is a welcome change.

But Mikhail wasn’t kidding when he said the place was secure. Not that I have any intention of trying to leave, but I can’t help but be aware of every possible exit.

There are guards at every entrance as well as countless cameras and security systems that make it almost impossible just to travel from my room to the kitchen for a morning coffee without being seen from every possible angle.

Bianca, Alexei’s wife, assures me that I’ll get used to it, and I only hope she’s right.

The next day, Mikhail is busy with meetings, so I decide to spend the day by the pool. Despite it being almost March, it’s surprisingly sunny, and the pool is heated to the perfect temperature and the patio is surrounded with heaters that make me feel as if I’m on a beach in the Caribbean.

I want to keep out of Bianca’s way, not because I don’t like her, but because I know having me here is an inconvenience.

She has a young child and a household to run. The last thing she needs is to babysit me. Plus, Leo seems to not be taking to my arrival very well.

From the few interactions we’ve had, he’s done nothing but scream the house down which only makes me feel worse for imposing on Bianca and Alexei.

Not only have I invaded their house, but I’ve also made their kid cry.

Great job, Lucia.

But with Mikhail gone all day, and Bianca busy with Leo, I start to feel the pang of loneliness in my chest.

I check my phone for the fifth time in case I missed a message from Macy or Kara, but there’s nothing but radio silence.

I was literally almost kidnapped in the park, and they have no idea, and even if they did, I don’t think they’d really care. They’d be more upset about the fact I wouldn’t be around to get them free champagne.

Their lack of contact only confirms my theory that they only wanted to see me last night in order to get into the club, and that realization stings.

I guess Elle is my only real friend, and Mikhail too.

Despite everything, he’s becoming someone I can count on, and that means far more to me than lavish gifts or grand gestures.

To cheer myself up, I turn on one of my favorite playlists and lie back on the sun lounger as I try to soak up as much of the sun's rays while they’re out.

“I thought you might be hungry.”

I bolt upright at the sound of Mikhail’s voice. I look tomy left to find him walking toward me carrying a pizza box, a bottle of wine, and two glasses.

“I’m always hungry.” A huge grin spreads across my face at the sight of him.

He looks a little tired, but he’s still dressed as immaculately as ever.

The sun set a few hours ago, but I decided to stay out by the pool while Bianca was getting Leo ready for bed. From the sounds of it, he was getting fussy, and I didn’t want to get in the way or make him cry again.

“How’s your day been?” Mikhail asks as he takes a seat on the lounger next to mine and pours us both a glass of white wine.

“Well, I haven’t been kidnapped or murdered, so I’d say pretty boring to be honest.” I shrug before opening the pizza box and helping myself to a slice.

“That’s not even remotely funny,” Mikhail scolds.

I smirk as I take a huge bite of pizza.

---