Page 84 of Savage Reign

With a devious smile, he lowers himself onto the bed, the tray balanced in his hands. It’s stacked with fruit, eggs, pancakes, a steaming mug of coffee, and a Russian cheese Danish perched on top like a cherry on a sundae.

“Is all this for me?” I ask as he sets the tray down beside me.

“Maybe I can convince you to share,” he deadpans, sliding into bed beside me. “Although I already enjoyed the most delicious breakfast of all.”

My cheeks redden. Oh yes, he certainly did.

“I bet Yelena was floating around the kitchen knowing that you were bringing me breakfast in bed.” In truth, he’s done this every morning, and Yelena is downright delighted.

“You can say that. She had the platter ready and waiting the moment I came downstairs. And see the pomegranate seeds.” He holds one up to my mouth, and I open so that he can slide it between my lips. “Good for fertility, she pointed out.”

“She’s on that again? I hate to tell her, but I’ve had the birth control shot.”

His eyes narrow playfully as he places the tray on the bed between us. “You did, did you?”

I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. “Calm down. It helps with menstrual cramps. I’m not very experienced, as I’m sure you’ve figured out by now. Having sex with a stranger in the bathroom was a first for me.”

“I know.”

I arch a brow. “How do you know?”

“Because I’ve kept tabs on you over the years.”

My jaw falls open. “Please explain ‘keeping tabs’.”

Niko’s lips twitch into a faint smile, and he reaches for my hand. “Exactly what it sounds like. You were my wife, Sofiya, even if you didn’t realize it. I had someone keeping an eye on you. Roman protected you well, but I still knew where you lived, your school, your teachers… and every boy who got too close.”

I should be angry, but instead, it feels oddly comforting, like he was watching out for me, even from a distance. Jesus, is this a sign of Stockholm Syndrome?

“Then I’m sure you know none of those boys held my interest long enough for me to keep them around.”

“That’s the only reason they’re still alive.” He smiles, but I’m not entirely sure he’s joking. “How come?” he asks.

“A long time ago, a man saved me from something terrible. I guess I never forgot him. Made everyone else seem like a boy in comparison.”

His eyes flash with approval, and he picks up a strawberry and gently presses it to my lips. I take a bite, the sweetness bursting on my tongue.

“Good girl,” he says, his voice thick as he stares at my mouth.

I chew slowly, narrowing my gaze. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Of course I am.” He leans in, his lips grazing my ear. “You taste better than anything on this tray.”

My cheeks burn, and I fiddle with the edge of the sheet, trying not to look at him. But my mind can’t let go of his words from earlier. “Did you… did you look into the hospital?” I blurt, cringing at how awkward I sound.

He pauses, his expression sharpening with curiosity. “Your medical records said it was appendicitis.”

I lower my gaze to the floor. “Not exactly. It happened after everything in Greece. I didn’t know how to cope. My world had collapsed, and I couldn’t process what my parents were capable of doing to their own children just to save their reputation.” My voice falters, and I grimace. “I felt like a burden to Liza and Roman, just lying around all day. I had no interests, no motivation. I knew they were worried about me, but—” I break off, swallowing hard. “It wasn’t about ending things. I just wanted to feel numb for a while, to escape it all.”

Niko’s brows draw together, worry etched into his features as his hand slides over mine.

“It was a bad mix: sleeping pills and vodka. But waking up to see Liza and Roman so distraught was when I knew I had to change. That’s when I found dance. It gave me a reason to keep going.”

He stills, his voice rough with emotion. “I had no fucking idea. If I knew?—”

“Would it have changed anything?”

He drags a hand down his face, exhaling hard. “I can’t change the past.” His intense gaze connects with mine. “What is it you want? Not what everyone else expects of you. Not what the world thinks you should do. What do you want? Is it to perform in front of a packed theater? Be in the spotlight?”

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