Page 63 of Defiled Innocence

We’d always had a beautiful house and wonderful things to fill it, but I never knew true wealth until meeting Dmitri. The white, high-gloss acrylic tub stands free, as though it’s hovering over the floor.

“Hello, bath.”

I lean into the tub and turn on the hot water, feeling the temperature of it as it falls from the waterfall spout. Once it’s the perfect temperature, I close off the drain and let it fill.

Dmitri’s staff completely unpacked my things. I find my hair ties all bundled in a crystal bowl on the marble countertop. My other toiletries have been put away in my own set of drawers. Even my toothbrush has its own place, beside Dmitri’s.

Beside Dmitri.

How long can this relationship actually last before we turn on each other? When does the resentment of having to marry me settle in for him?

And when it does, will he banish me to my own set of rooms like my father did to my mother?

It wasn’t enough that he barely spoke to her when he was home. He had her things moved to a different bedroom altogether. He’d played it off that he was always getting home so late he didn’t want to wake her, but she’d known what it meant.

He was finished with her.

The water cut off behind me and I spun around, expecting to find Dmitri standing there.

He wasn’t.

A sensor panel had been reached, and it must have shut off the water to keep the tub from overflowing. I turn the faucet to close it off, then peel off my clothes.

As soon as my feet touch the warm water, a sigh escapes me. Sinking into the heated pool softens each muscle as I find a comfortable spot. The built-in headrest is a marvel. Whoever invented it should be given a raise.

Moments pass as I lie with my eyes closed, my body softening into the heat, and the quiet of the room giving me peace.

It’s been nonstop problems today. Then the accountant happened and my visit to Dmitri’s office.

I was awful to him, barging in the way I did. He had every right to be angry with me for it. If he’d marched into my office that way, I would have been more than angry; I would have probably thrown him out.

Not that he would go.

He’s an unmovable force.

“What has you so worried?” His voice falls over me like silk.

My eyes fly open to find him standing over me, stripped down to his boxers. It takes a long moment before I can get my brain to function properly. I mean the man is all muscle and beauty and he’s just standing there looking down at me with concern and sexiness.

“Nothing.” I suddenly wish I’d used bubbles or something. He can see everything through the water.

Not that he hasn’t already, but it’s different when he’s just looking at me like this.

Like he’s ready to devour a dessert he’s being waiting the whole meal to have.

“This tub is enormous. Do you have parties in here?” I make a horrible attempt at a joke.

“Standard tubs are too small for me. I’m a large man.” He grins as my cheeks burst into flames and my eyes move down to the hard bulge in his boxers.

“What were you thinking about when I came in?” he questions again.

“I already said nothing. Just relaxing.” I lean back against the edge of the tub.

My muscles have softened thanks to the heat of the water and some of the tension has eased from my neck. Even the dull ache behind my eyes has finally subsided.

“Hmm, I think you’re lying.” He slides a towel from the rack. “I’m feeling generous tonight, and I’ll give you another chance to come clean. What were you thinking about?”

After he pushes the button to start the tub draining, he opens the towel for me. I sit up, pulling my knees to my chest.

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