Page 8 of Viktor

My heart picks up pace, thumping with purpose against my ribcage. The water slowly turns warm, and I try to figure out who it could be. I’m pretty sure it was Viktor, but now, I’m not so sure. He doesn’t know where I live.?

But Damien does, and he has been extra touchy since Dmitri didn’t turn up at my show.

?

I shut off my shower, yank the towel off the rail, and wrap myself up. Almost slipping on the tile as I storm out the bathroom, I pick up my phone from the bedside table to see texts from Damien. I ignore them and call instead.?

“Hey, did you get my—”?

“What the fuck. Were you in my house last night?” I can’t help but raise my voice.

My now wet hair slaps me in the face as I lean down to pick up the cum-covered clothes between my fingers, holding them out in front of me to take them to the laundry hamper. I lay them on top and remind myself to do washing as soon as I hang up, my lips curling in disgust.

“No, why? Did something happen?” he asks, concern lacing his words.?

“Someone was in my house!” I yell through the phone. He has a crush on me, but is he capable of breaking into my home??

Nausea rolls over me, and I drop the phone, running back in the bathroom and kneeling over my toilet, retching on my empty stomach.?

I take deep breaths to stop my heart from hammering its way out of my chest. I run my hands through my tangled hair and stand over the sink until I calm my breathing. I just stare at myself. I need to think rationally.??

A frantic knock at my front door pulls me away from my reflection. I shove on some clean clothes as quickly as possible, nearly falling over as I struggle to yank on my jeans. I rush down the steps as the knocks become louder as whoever it is pounds harder.

“Open the door. Are you okay?” Damien’s voice calls through the door just as I reach the bottom step. His fist pounds the door again. “If you don’t say anything, I’m going to break the door down.”?

I rip the door open, almost off the hinges, and stare at him. He pushes through and holds onto me, squeezing. I freeze.

“I thought something happened. You said someone was here last night.” He holds me back at arm’s length, checking over me. I'm sure glad I put some full-coverage clothes on before opening the door. I can’t stand the thought of someone seeing more of me while I’m feeling vulnerable.

“I’m fine, just thought someone was,” I lie, but I’m pretty sure my voice just went a pitch higher than average.?

Damien’s eyes narrow, and he pushes past me.

I stop my fists from curling. “I’m okay, I promise.” I regret mentioning someone being here now; I didn’t think he would rush over or be this possessive. Now I need to get rid of him, needing to be alone.

“I’m just going to check around the house. I need to know you’re safe,” he calls out.?

I sigh and leave him to wander around while pouring myself a glass of pineapple juice, rolling my eyes at how ridiculous this is. Damien can get too touchy, and I don’t like it. He never takes the hint, no matter how hard I try. I shouldn’t have opened the door.

“What the fuck is this?”?

Shit, he’s upstairs. If he’s in my bedroom, he will see the cum-covered clothes. I place the glass on the table and run upstairs. Seeing him holding my shorts and top out away from his body almost makes me laugh. His nose wrinkles and he drops the fabric to the floor. I chew on my lower lip to stop myself from saying anything, but he just stares at me, waiting for an explanation.

“I spilled yogurt over myself when I fell asleep last night. Couldn’t be bothered to change.” Another lie. I’m always clean, and I wouldn’t eat in bed either.?

It’s a shame he can read me.

“Do you need me to stay here, keep you safe?” He nudges the clothes away from him and steps into my personal space, but I back away, my ass bumping the dresser behind me. “I’ll stay. You don’t need to worry.” He holds onto my shoulders, but I shrug him off.?

“It’s not necessary,” I tell him, forcing a smile. Although, it doesn’t feel genuine right now. I need him to leave.

“I’ll just be on the couch. If anyone breaks in, I’ll get to them first.”?

I don’t tell him that I don’t think he has any chance against my intruder if it’s Viktor. He could snap Damien like a twig with those huge muscles of his. Damien has muscle, but Viktor looks like he would use his body for violence.

“I’ll be fine. If I need you, I’ll call.” I emphasize the smile further, hoping to ease the rejection.

He huffs out a breath and looks away. “Fine. I need you to call at any sound,” he says through a clenched jaw. He hugs me, and I try not to move, waiting for him to let go. It’s a moment too long before he does.

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