Page 40 of The Bratva's Virgin Bride

He gently pulls me under the water and starts to rinse me off. “Do you want me to wash your hair? It seems to have some blood in it.”

“Yes, please,” I murmur. He gets out and takes some shampoo and conditioner from under the basin before getting back in. He lathers up my hair and massages my scalp before running the soap through it and scrubbing it clean. We rinse itoff, and he applies the conditioner. When he's done, I pick up the sponge, squeeze more soap onto it, and start to wash him.

He tries to stop me, but I shake my head and say, “Please, I want to.”

I wash his body just as gently before focusing on his hair. He turns off the water and gets out first, grabbing a towel. He wraps it around me and secures one around his waist before guiding me to the bedroom. He's still gentle while drying my body and my hair. He's brought a shirt and a pair of shorts that are lying on the bed. They must be from Fiona. He dresses me before drying himself and putting on a pair of briefs. He pulls back the duvet and helps me lie down. He climbs in on the opposite side, and I turn to cuddle up to him. He wraps his arms around me while I rest my head against his chest. He kisses my hair and whispers, “I'm so sorry you had to wait for me for so long. I'm sorry I couldn't call and let you know I was fine.”

“Where was he?” I ask croakily.

“Marina,” I say.

“Did you have to kill people?” I ask.

“Yes. I will never lie to you, Riley, but if you don't want to know about it, then don't ask me any questions. I won't volunteer the information unless you ask.”

I nod slowly and sigh. “I'm so exhausted.”

“Why don't you go to sleep? I'm here. You're safe. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here when you wake up.” He strokes my arm.

I sniff and nod again, holding onto him tightly. I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. I am exhausted and I soon fall asleep.

Chapter 19 - Viktor

When I wake up, I can feel Riley still clinging to me. I yawn and look around the room sleepily. For the first time in my life, I feel content. This is right; this is what I need. Just Riley in my arms, the warmth of her body pressed against mine. I watch her sleep against me, the soft rise and fall of her chest. She's so at peace. I want her to always feel this safe.

I sigh softly and Riley stirs. I stroke her back gently and she looks up at me. I kiss her nose softly. “Good morning, princess.”

“Good morning,” she whispers, resting her head back against my chest.

I kiss the top of her head. “Did you sleep well?”

“Amazing,” she replies. She looks up at me with a small smile. “I feel so safe in your arms.”

“I like that,” I say quietly. “I want you to always feel safe when you're with me.”

“I do,” she leans up and presses her lips against mine.

I return the kiss until she pulls away and strokes my chest lightly. “Thank you.”

“For what? Coming back alive?” I chuckle softly.

“Yes, and thank you for helping me through yesterday. I didn't think I could help Anton. I was… so lost in my own mind. Everything was a jumble, and I was panicking, but you brought me back to my senses, and I could help him.” She looks at me with wide eyes. “You may be reckless, but under all that bravado, there’s a really good person who people underestimate.”

I give her a small smile and stretch. I wince as I feel my tight muscles.

She sits up and places a hand on my chest. “You're hurt?”

“I'm fine,” I reassure her, sitting up slowly. “Just a bit tense.”

“No, you're not. You're hurt,” she says with concern in her voice. “Let me take a look at you.”

“Oh, are we playing nurse and patient now?” I tease with a grin as I rest back against the headboard.

She blushes slightly but smiles broadly. “Maybe we should. Does it hurt here?” She kisses my cheek.

“Lower,” I murmur.

“Here?” she asks, kissing and sucking my neck.

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