Page 24 of Viktor

Then I leave her on the bed.

I stare down in my large bathtub as water fills it.It was pride. That’s what I’d felt before. Nothing else. I can’t overthink this.?

I search the bathroom to find something for her, then pour in some bubble bath to help Amaia relax.?

While the bath is still filling, I go back to the bed and undo the rest of the restraints and lift her in my arms to carry her into the bathroom.?

Her eyes squint as we enter, the bright lights stunning her for a brief moment. I place her on the counter and dim these lights too. Reaching out my hand, I wait for her to take it. Softly, I guide her to the tub with me, and she leans against me as we lay back, humming as we sink in further.?

“This is nice,” she murmurs, her voice laced with content. ?

I kiss her shoulder and hum into her skin. My hands knead the muscles on her upper back, knowing she will need it. Then I turn her in the water so I can do her legs, taking extra care so she won’t be sore tomorrow.

She leans back and closes her eyes, I’ve never seen her so relaxed around me. I would usually just shower with my girls, take care of them so they don’t have a sub drop. But Amaia, she’s different. I want this moment to be burned into my memory forever. Just her, so open around me. It’s completely different from when we first met.?

The more I watch her, the more I realize that the feeling from long agowas not pride, no matter how much I tell myself that it is. It was more, so much more. I want to keep her.

The only question is, would she want me back? That’s what's stopping me from asking for more. She is too good for me.?

But I’m also a selfish man.?

So maybe I’ll keep her like this until she falls for me. No turning back.

Chapter twenty-two

Amaia

Afterourbath,Viktorwent quiet. I’m not sure if I did something wrong. I try not to let it get to me, but the thought stays with me, clawing at my mind. Even while he runs his fingers through my hair, he is deep in thought. I wish I could read his mind for just one day.?

We now lay in bed, watching a cheesy movie while he feeds me strawberries. Another hot chocolate each. He says I need it, although I hate thinking about the calories.

But I also made an appointment with a specialist doctor a few weeks ago, and we’ve been talking once a week about my thoughts on food. The doctor said it sounds like body dysmorphia. I see a distorted image of myself when I look in the mirror.

We have been working together to help me see a healthier version of myself. So I drank those calories.??

When Viktor and I are together, he makes me feel calm and level-headed. I don’t have the urge to control everything in my life as much. For just a moment, I let it all go and let him take charge. Dancing is a large part of my life and needs control. But when I’m done training I go to him.

Eventually, I drift off in his arms, a soft smile on my face. Just as I’m about to sleep, his lips press against my hair, and it makes me feel precious.?

“Sleep well, beautiful,” he whispers.?

A low ringtone pulls me from my light sleep. It’s my phone. Viktor grumbles as I get up and stumble to my bag, pulling it out. An unknown number shines on the screen. I press the green button and answer.?

“Miss Frost?” a grumbly voice comes from the other end.?

“Yes?” I answer hesitantly, glancing at the time. 5 a.m. It can’t be the ballet association this early.?

“This is the L.A.P.D. Could you come to the station? We need to speak with you. It’s an urgent matter.” He sighs deeply.

“What’s wrong? Has something happened?” As soon as the words leave my lips, Viktor is up and pulling on clothes. Without listening to what else he has to say. I rush out, “I’ll be there soon, officer.”??

Viktor passes me my dress and a jacket of his to cover the rest of me. We both are silent as we get in his car. His cool and calm demeanor freaks me out. How can someone be so calm after getting a call to come into the police station? This is something serious, and I can’t stop my knee from bouncing, even as we pull into the parking lot.

I rush through the doors, straight past the empty chairs of the waiting area, with Viktor following close behind. I stare at the tired receptionist sitting behind the desk. The stench of old coffee wafts from the cup beside her. “I’m Amaia Frost. Someone called me to come in?”?

Viktor wraps his arm around my waist, gripping me tightly.?

The jangling of keys pulls my attention to a tall police officer as he comes through a door, gesturing for me approach, and we both move. The officer looks at Viktor. “Sir, I need you to stay out here. This won’t be long.”?

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