Page 98 of Sweet Deception
Then, slowly, I pulled back. I ran a hand through her hair, let my fingers trace the soft skin of her cheek. When she didn’t move away, I tilted her chin up.
I hesitated, then leaned in to kiss her.
But before my lips could touch hers, she turned away.
I froze.
“What?” My voice came out sharp, more confused than angry.
She slipped off my lap and settled beside me, hugging her arms around herself. “I need to know why kissing me, touching me, repels you.”
“It doesn’t,” I said immediately. “Not anymore. That was in the past.”
I tried to kiss her again.
She turned away. Her eyes narrowed. “Then tell me why.
“Anna.”
“No. You owe me the truth, Gleb.”
My throat felt tight. My fingers twitched at my side. I didn’t want to talk about this. Not now. Not ever.
“You won’t understand.”
“Of course.” She scoffed, her voice tight with hurt.
“I’m moving out of the room.”
The words sliced through me like a blade.
“You’re what?”
She lifted her chin. “There’s no reason for us to share a bed, Gleb. We don’t act like husband and wife. And you wanted space, didn’t you?”
“Not that kind of space,” I snapped. My voice lowered. “Do you think I can afford to sleep alone now?”
She swallowed but didn’t answer.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “You’re not moving out. We’re married, and we’ll stay in the same room. End of discussion.”
I turned and walked away before she could protest.
***
I was supposed to attend a meeting that evening, but I couldn’t bring myself to go anywhere. My mind was consumed with thoughts of my sister, where she was, what she had endured, and whether she was even still the same person I once knew.
Anna’s father, Romano, must know by now that I’ve discovered Tatiana’s whereabouts. Would he punish her for it? Make her suffering worse? The thought made my stomach churn. I just wanted to give her a new life, one far away from all of this.
I had locked myself in my study, losing all sense of time. The curtains were drawn, shutting out the world. I didn’t notice when the sun set or when it rose again. Hours, maybe days, blurred together. There were knocks on the door at times, probably Zoya trying to get me to eat, but I ignored them all.
I had already told Anna I needed space. If she didn’t see me in bed for a few nights, she’d understand. Or at least, I assumed she would.
But then the dizziness set in, my body rebelling against my stubbornness.
Fuck.
My fingers clenched the desk, grounding myself. The hunger gnawed at my insides, but I refused to acknowledge the weakness. Not when there were more important things to deal with.
