But I can’t let this happen.
This is not how it should be.
I pull away from her, still holding her steady.
“Raisa, this can’t happen tonight. Not after so much champagne.”
“Why?” She pouts her bottom lip out and I shake my head, grinning at her.
“Because you need to sleep. I told you—I won’t be blamed for your hangover tomorrow.” I lift her in my arms and put her on the bed. She wiggles up to the top and tugs her pants off,throwing them over the side of the bed. I hand her the t-shirt, continuously telling myself to keep my eyes to myself.
She slips the t-shirt on and I pull the blankets over her.
“Get some rest, beautiful girl. I’ll bring you some water,” I whisper, staring down at her as she closes her eyes with her face snuggled into her pillow.
I brush the hair away from her face, admiring her beauty.
Then, with a tight sigh, I walk away, even though all I really want to do is slip beneath the blankets and hold her naked body against mine.
Chapter 14 - Raisa
Oleg set up a desk for me in the sunroom. I have all of my study books, my colorful pens, bright notebooks, and a brand-new laptop spread across the desk.
My internet is limited. I think he is worried I will try and contact my brothers, but I’m not even upset about that. I am just really grateful to be starting this course because it’s all I wanted from the moment I arrived here in this city.
I flick through the pages of my textbook until I find the one I was busy summarizing this morning.
I’ve just had a half-hour break, a cup of coffee, and a sandwich, and now I am back at it.
I love this.
I feel like the pages of these text books are my stepping stones. Each one carrying me closer to where I want to be. I’m so happy to not be wasting time anymore. I’m making good use of my days now and it feels amazing.
“Do you want a coffee?” Oleg asks, standing in the doorway of the sunroom.
“I just had one, thanks so much.” I say, spinning my chair to face him.
“Alright. I’ll see you at dinner then.” He smiles, setting my heart alight with that gorgeous face of his, then he disappears down the passage, back to his own office.
As he walks away, I hear him talking to the housekeeper.
“You look pale, Melissa, what’s wrong?”
“My grandson—he’s sick. It’s a very bad flu and my daughter is worried because of his asthma.”
“Has he been to the doctor yet?”
“The doctor just sent him home with cough syrup. I told my daughter—he’s not a good doctor. But she doesn’t have money for the—“
“I’ll book an appointment at a specialist for you. Go home to your grandson. and help your daughter look after him. The driver will come and collect you to take you to the specialist later this afternoon.”
I have snuck away from my desk to peek down the passage and watch them. I have a warm smile on my face. My heart glowing because he is such a gentle man.
“Oleg, you are always so kind, I can’t thank you enough.”
“There is no need to thank me, Melissa. I just want your family to be healthy. I know how important family is. Also, you should have come to talk to me already about this. I’m always here to help when you need it, ok? No matter what it is, just talk to me.”
Melissa’s voice sounds tight with tears when she says thank you again, then she wraps her arms around his waist and hugs him while he stands awkwardly, patting her gently on the back.