Page 45 of Bound Vows
“Defended against what?”
“Military assault, aerial attack, or siege operations.” Andrei’s hand returns to my thigh, higher this time, and I bite back a moan. “The facility was designed to withstand anything short of nuclear bombardment.”
“Cheerful honeymoon destination.”
His fingers find the seam of my jeans and move along it with maddening slowness. “I suspect we’ll find ways to entertain ourselves regardless of the amenities.”
The main house emerges from the forest like something from a tactical fairy tale. It’s a stone-and-steel construction that looks elegant from a distance but reveals its fortress nature up close. Gun ports are disguised as decorative elements, the reinforced windows could stop rifle fire, and the defensive positions would make military engineers weep with envy.
“Home sweet home,” I mumble as we pull into a courtyard.
“Home sweet fortress,” Andrei corrects. “Though I think you’ll find the interior more welcoming than the exterior suggests.”
He’s right about the interior. Whoever designed this place understood that luxury and security aren’t mutually exclusive. The great room features massive windows that offer spectacular mountain views, comfortable furniture arranged forconversation rather than defense, and a fireplace large enough to roast a deer.
“Not bad for a prison,” I admit as I examine the artwork on the walls. “Though I notice the windows don’t appear to open.”
“Security feature. The building maintains positive pressure with filtered ventilation.” Andrei removes his jacket and drapes it over a chair. “Temperature control, air purification, and protection against chemical attacks.”
“You’ve thought of everything.”
“I’ve learned to anticipate problems before they become crises.” He approaches from behind and places his hands on my shoulders. “Which is why we’re here instead of a tropical resort where extraction teams could operate effectively.”
“Extraction teams like the ones Max is supposedly organizing?”
He presses his lips to my pulse point on my neck, and I curse my knees as they start to buckle. “I’m protecting you from becoming collateral damage in a conflict that extends beyond our personal relationship, Piccola. Your safety requires neutralizing threats before they fully develop.”
“My safety requires getting away from you before I lose myself in this twisted relationship.” The words come out more breathless thanks to the way his touch affects my ability to think.
“You’re not losing yourself, Maya. You’re discovering who you are.” His lips brush against the shell of my ear as he speaks. “The woman who killed three men to protect Vincent. The woman who gathered intelligence while maintaining perfect cover. The woman who makes me want things I thought died with Elena.”
“Don’t.” I turn in his arms, bringing us face to face. “Don’t compare me to her.”
“I’m not comparing you to anyone. I’m telling you that you’ve awakened something in me that I thought was permanently buried.” His hands frame my face, forcing me to maintain eye contact. “Elena was gentle, sweet, and everything a good wife should be. You’re dangerous, unpredictable, and absolutely magnificent.”
“I’m your prisoner,” I remind him through gritted teeth.
“You’re my partner, whether you admit it or not. The mountain will give us time to explore what that partnership could become.”
“And if I refuse to explore anything?”
“Then you’ll spend our honeymoon fighting feelings that are only getting stronger.” He traces my lower lip with his thumb, and I resist the urge to suck it into my mouth. “But I think you’re curious about what might happen if you stopped fighting long enough to see what we could build together.”
My headache suddenly spikes to excruciating levels, and I gasp as the room spins around me. Andrei’s face blurs and doubles, and I grip his arms to keep from falling.
“Maya?” His voice sounds distant. “What’s wrong?”
“Headache. Dizzy.” I close my eyes and breathe through the nausea. “Just need to sit down.”
“When did this start?”
“This morning. It’s been getting worse all day.” He guides me to the sofa, and I collapse against the cushions with relief. “Probably stress from everything that’s going on.”
“Or something else.” Andrei disappears and returns with a glass of water and prescription medication. “Take these. They’ll help with the pain.”
“What are they?”
“Muscle relaxants. Nothing dangerous.” He sits beside me and watches as I swallow the pills. “Better?”
