𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃| ✎

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

The car ride continued in silence, the only sound the low hum of the engine and the occasional sound of a passing car on the road.

The tension between us was palpable. My hands were clenched tightly in my lap, and I could feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I was trying to stay calm and keep my emotions in check, but it was difficult with Nikolai sitting just a few feet away from me.

I stole a glance at Nikolai, trying to gauge his mood. He had a stern expression on his face, his eyes fixed firmly on the road ahead. I could see the muscles in his jaw clenched, and his grip on the steering wheel was tight.

I couldn't read his expression, and the silence was driving me crazy. I wanted to say something, break the tension, but I didn't know what to say. The last thing I wanted was to provoke him further.

To the point where he'd actually hurt me.

Nikolai broke the silence first. "You're quiet," he said, his tone casual. "Something on your mind?"

I felt a pang of irritation at his question. "What do you think?" I snapped, my voice sharp. "Of course there's something on my mind. You showing up at my house unannounced and making me leave with you. That's what's on my mind."

Nikolai chuckled, an cold, ominous sound that sent shivers down my spine. "That's not what I meant," he said, his voice low. "I meant something deeper. Something you're hiding from me."

I could feel my heart rate quicken. He was trying to read me, to figure out what I was thinking or feeling. I had to be careful, to keep my thoughts and emotions hidden from him. "There's nothing," I said, my voice even. "Just leave me alone."

Nikolai chuckled again, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. "I don't think so," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You're not good at hiding things from me, zaychik. You never were."

Zaychik.

Hearing it felt like a mockery, like he was trying to taunt me.

I clenched my fists tighter, nails digging into the skin of my palms. I wanted to snap back at him, to tell him to stop calling me that, but I held my tongue.

I tried to take in my surroundings as Nikolai drove up to the penthouse. The building was impressive, towering over the other buildings around it. I could see a well-maintained entrance with security guards stationed at the entrance.

Nikolai parked the car outside the building. "Get out," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Nikolai watched as I slammed the car door, his expression a mix of irritation and amusement. He shook his head slightly, as if to say 'you never change.'

Fucker.

As I walked towards the entrance, Nikolai caught up to me, falling into step beside me. The security guard at the entrance nodded respectfully to Nikolai, opening the door for us to enter.

The inside of the penthouse was just as impressive as the outside. The lobby was lavishly furnished with art and sculptures, the floors a shiny black granite, and the walls a glossy white. There was a grand staircase leading up to the upper levels of the penthouse, and a few elegant couches and chairs were placed around the lobby, adding to the luxurious feel of the place.

Nikolai placed a hand on my lower back, guiding me towards the staircase. "This way," he said, his voice low.

I wanted to shrug off his touch, but I didn't want to cause a scene in front of the security guards. So I let him lead me up the stairs, my body rigid and my mind racing.

As we climbed the stairs, I stole glances around the penthouse. It was clear that Nikolai had a flair for opulence and luxury. Everywhere I looked, there were expensive pieces of art, fine furniture, and elegant decorations.

Nikolai opened the door, revealing a large bedroom with a king-sized bed, a walk-in closet, and an attached bathroom. He gestured for me to walk in, but I stopped at the doorway, my arms crossed.

"I'm not sleeping here," I said firmly. "I want my own room."

Nikolai chuckled, leaning against the doorway. "Oh, you do, do you?" he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "And what makes you think I'll give you a different room?"

I stood my ground, staring him down. "I'm not going to share a bed with you," I said through gritted teeth.

Nikolai raised an eyebrow, his expression smug. "And why not? Afraid you'll like it too much, zaychik?"

I felt my face heat up at his words, and I bristled at his words. "That's not it," I said, my voice defensive. "I just don't want to be anywhere near you."

Nikolai chuckle, taking a step closer to me. "Now, now," he said, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone. "Is that any way to speak to your husband?"

I felt a surge of anger at his words, and I snapped. "Isn't this marriage torturing me enough?" I said, my voice rising. "Do I have to sleep in the same room too? To get suffocated even while I sleep?"

Nikolai's eyes darkened at my words, and he pointed to a door on the left. "Fine," he said in a low voice. "The room on the left is your room. Sleep there, if you want. I don't care."

I felt a mix of relief and suspicion at his reaction. I had expected him to argue further, to try to force me into sleeping in the same room as him. But he had given in surprisingly quickly, and I couldn't help wondering if it was a trap.

I quickly entered my room, locking the door behind me. I changed into a comfortable pair of pajamas and threw myself onto the bed, staring at the ceiling above. Despite my physical exhaustion, my mind was racing, and I found it hard to shut off my thoughts.

I picked up my phone, intending to scroll through social media and distract myself from my thoughts. But after a few minutes, I decided to put my phone on silent, not wanting to be disturbed by any notifications that might come in. I tossed my phone onto the bedside table and lay back down, staring at the ceiling again, waiting for sleep to take over.

And eventually soon enough I fell asleep.
_________________________________