Page 60 of Nikolai

"No, Leah. I know you're pissed, but you'll get over it."

"It should be my choice whether or not I go see my mom."

"Yeah. And what if that son of a bitch is lying, Leah?"

"What if he's not?" I counter.

"Don't be naïve."

"I'm not naïve, Nikolai, and I don't like you insinuating that I am. She's my mother."

"Where was your mom when your dad was beating on you? Your mother wasn't much of a mother then, Leah. So, why is it so important you be there for her when she has never been there for you?"

Nikolai's words are like a punch to the gut. His features soften when he sees hurt flashing across my face.

"You're right, but she's still my mother, and I love her."

"I know you do, Malyshka." Nikolai kisses me. "I'm still not going to take the chance on anything happening to you."

Hours later, I'm getting ready for bed when Nikolai steps out of the bathroom, his hair wet, water dripping down his chest, and a towel wrapped around his waist. Since I'm still mad, I ignore him and go about changing out of my jeans and cardigan into a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. Nikolai and I have had sex every night since we were married, so my choice of bedtime wardrobe does not go unnoticed by my husband.

"Leah," Nikolai calls out my name. I ignore that too.

"Leah," he tries again, sounding more pissed as I continue with my silent treatment, fully aware I'm acting childish. Once dressed, I turn toward the bed to see Nikolai already under the blanket. After cutting off the light, I go to my side, peel the cover back and climb in, turning my back to him. Two seconds later, a heavy arm snags me around my waist, and Nikolai pulls me against his hard chest. He rests his face against the shell of my ear. "You can be pissed all you want, but I don't like bringing that shit to our bed, Leah."

I don't say anything in return. I don't know how long I lay here, but the longer I do, the less mad I become, and soon I feel like a brat for the way I acted. Nikolai is right. I shouldn't have brought my crap attitude to our bed. Turning over, I face him, his eyes wide awake, shining in the moonlight filtering in through the window.

"You good now?"

"Yes," I whisper. "I'm sorry."

"I'm always going to do what's best for you. Even if it pisses you off."

"I know."

"Come here."

Nikolai moves to bring me with him, and I lay my head on his chest. It doesn't take long for the steady rhythm of his heartbeat to lull me to sleep.

* * *

The next dayNikolai ordered me to stay home with the doors locked and the alarm on just before he left. Now I have nothing to do but sit and stew in my thoughts, wondering how my mom is doing. What if my dad was telling the truth? Why would he risk going against Nikolai's warning? Unless my mother is genuinely sick. I have to find out.

Jumping up from the sofa, I shuffle up the stairs to the bedroom and grab my sneakers from the bottom of the closet, putting them on. Next, I snatch my phone from the charging dock and my purse. When I make my way back downstairs, I grab the keys to the black Mercedes hanging on the wall next to the garage door. I should be able to check on my mom and be back before Nikolai gets home.

It doesn't take long for me to pull up to my parent's house. The guilt of going against Nikolai and sneaking out behind his back has my stomach in knots the whole way. And as if he has some sort of connection to my thoughts, my phone rings, Nikolai's name lights up the screen. I answer. "Hello."

"You want to tell me why the fuck you're in Post Creek? Leah."

"Nikolai…"

"Home, now."

"I'm already here. I'm just going to stay a minute; see how she's doing, then I'll come home. Besides, I don't see my dad's truck, so he's not even here. I'll call you when I leave."

I hang up the phone before he can say another word. He's mad, and I'll have to deal with that when I get home. But right now, I want to make sure my mom is okay.

Climbing out of the car, I make my way up to the front door, ringing the doorbell. Several seconds pass without an answer, so I use my old key, letting myself in. I call out. "Mom!"

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