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“I wonder why,” I say sarcastically, my voice low.
Nikhil hears me but doesn’t say anything. My body tenses as he approaches me, an instinctive resistance flaring up. But before I can back away, he grips my arm firmly and guides me forcefully into the bathroom.
He releases me, stepping back as he flips on the bathroom light switch. The harsh fluorescent lights illuminate the polished tiles and gleaming surfaces of the walk-in shower. I’m just now realizing that I’ve never turned the light on when I’ve had to use the bathroom.
He turns the water on, adjusting the temperature until steam begins to rise from the shower floor.
“Get in,” he orders, positioning himself just inside the entrance to prevent any attempt at escape.
“Are you seriously going to stand there while I shower?” I ask incredulously, trying to mask my discomfort with anger.
“I’m just making sure you get in.”
“I don’t need a babysitter.”
Sensing he won’t leave, I begin to undress myself. I should be nervous about him seeing my naked body, but it’s nothing he hasn’t seen before.
I step into the shower without even sparing him a glance. As the water courses over my skin, washing away days of grime and despair, I can’t help but feel a sense of renewal. But that feeling is quickly overshadowed by the presence of Nikhil, his watchful gaze reminding me that I’m far from free.
Through the haze of steam and the pounding water, I catch Nikhil’s gaze lingering on my body, his eyes tracing every curve and angle. I feel my nipples harden under his intense scrutiny, betraying my arousal despite my best efforts to remain detached.
“Can’t you at least give me some privacy?” I snap, trying to cover myself with my hands.
“I can,” he says. “But I don’t want to.”
His words send shivers down my spine, but I refuse to let him see how much he affects me. Instead, I focus on scrubbing the grime from my body. “You could at least close the door.” I gesture to the walk-in shower door.
My heart races as I watch Nikhil reach out toward me, his fingers grazing my hardened nipple. A moan escapes my lips as my body involuntarily leans into his touch. The intimacy of the moment is a stark reminder of just how vulnerable I am right now.
And just how lonely I’ve been the last few…however long I’ve been here.
The steam engulfs us, the heat intensifying the tension that hangs heavy between us. Nikhil’s eyes are filled with a mixture of desire and frustration as he abruptly releases me.
“Finish your shower,” he barks, his voice strained. “And make it quick.”
With that, he closes the door. I hear the sound of the bathroom door slamming shut behind him, and I’m left alone, trembling in the hot spray of the shower.
My heart races, and I can’t help but feel my own conflicting desires for this enigmatic man. He’s the reason I’m here, the reason I don’t know where my children are. And yet, there’s an undeniable connection between us, one that threatens to consume me even in this vulnerable moment.
I press my hands against the cool tiles, steadying myself against the onslaught of emotions raging within me. The water cascades down my back, soothing my muscles while my mind races with a thousand questions.
“Dammit, Annalise,” I mutter under my breath, trying to gather my thoughts. “Focus on what matters. Your daughters need you.”
But as much as I try to push away the thoughts of Nikhil and the intensity of our encounter, they persist, lingering in the back of my mind like an unrelenting shadow.
“Get out of my head,” I whisper, though I know it’s futile. A part of me craves the danger and excitement that comes with being near him. It’s as if some dark force is drawing us together, despite the danger it poses to my heart and my resolve.
As I stand there, the water pouring over me, I make a silent promise to myself. I will not let Nikhil Volkov break me. I will find my daughters and escape this twisted web that entangles us.
But for now, I must play his game, no matter how dangerous it may be.
13
ANNALISE
As I step out of the shower, tendrils of steam curl around me like a ghostly embrace. Portia is there, waiting to attend to me. In a way, I feel like a princess, though the sensation is far from comforting given my current circumstances.
I didn’t think I’d see Portia again after our last encounter, but there’s something almost comforting about the familiar face. Almost.
