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I scooped up their little bodies and twirled them around, listening to their sounds of delighted laughter, taking in the fresh scent of the outdoors and their baby shampoo from them.

We would be one big happy family once Mariya adjusted to her new role.

???

When I pressed my thumb on the keypad, I heard the door unlock, and I pushed it open to see Mariya sitting on the bed with her head on her knees. She looked up slowly, but there was no anger in her eyes or body language—only defeat.

“It’s time to feed them,” I said, walking toward the bed to toss her the dress.

I chose a one-piece wrap-around dress that would have easy access to her breasts. She caught the dress in the air before shequickly stood up to put it on while I pulled out the key for her collar. When the silence stretched between us, I moved closer to unlock her collar.

“You can't do this. Tatiana and Alexei need me. I’m their mother,” she whispered as I unlocked her collar.

“They have you for now. I explained my terms to you, but I am aware of why you escaped your arranged marriage and your family. I am aware of how long you have been fighting alone. Submission does not mean that you lose your strength,” I said smoothly while pushing her golden strands of hair back. “I won't deny that my reasoning is also for selfish purposes. To spend time with the twins alone. I want to make up for the lost time. For them to see me as their father.”

Her shoulders were tense, and the arms she had crossed over her chest in a protective manner were tight, with her nails digging into her arms.

“Think about it,” I said, dropping my voice to a low, almost soothing tone. “If you submit to this. If you let me train you, you’ll have more time with them. More than just a few minutes here and there. You’ll have the freedom to move through the house—to be with Alexei and Tatiana whenever you want. Isn’t that what you’ve been fighting for?”

Her eyes flicked to his, and I saw the conflict there—the suspicion, the fear, but also the desperate longing. She wanted to believe me, but she didn’t trust me. Not yet. Her breath hitched, and she looked away again, but I could see the tears welling in her eyes. I stepped closer, close enough to feel the heat of her body, to see the way her chest rose and fell with each shaky breath.

“This isn’t about control,” I said softly, though we both knew it was a lie. “It’s about taking care of you. About giving youwhat you need, even if you don’t realise it yet. Let me help you, Mariya. Let me take the weight off your shoulders.”

For a long moment, she was silent, her gaze fixed on the floor. Then, slowly, she nodded, her shoulders slumping in defeat. “Fine,” she whispered. “I’ll do it. But I want more time with them. Promise me.”

I reached out, my fingers brushing against her chin as I tilted her face up to meet my gaze. “You’ll have it,” I said, keeping my voice firm. “But only if you prove yourself. Only if you give yourself fully to this.”

She swallowed hard, her eyes searching mine for any sign of deception. But I was careful, my expression unreadable. I had her now, and we both knew it.

“Good,” he said, stepping back. “Then we begin tomorrow.”

Chapter 11

Mariya

The room was quiet as I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands trembling slightly as I waited. Rurik’s words weighed heavily on me. My heart thudded in my chest, a mix of anticipation and dread swirling within me. I hadn’t seen them in what felt like an eternity—my babies, my twins. The door creaked open, and there they were.

Alexei and Tatiana toddled in, their little faces lighting up the moment they saw me. Their dark brown hair, so much like their father’s, framed their cherubic faces. Tatiana’s eyes, a deep, soulful blue like my own, widened with recognition, while Alexei’s pale, icy blue eyes—Rurik’s eyes—sparkled with excitement. They seemed so much bigger, 18 months old and full of life, but to me, they would always be my babies.

“Mama!” Tatiana squealed, her tiny voice piercing the silence as she rushed forward, arms outstretched. Alexei was close behind, babbling incoherently but with equal enthusiasm. My breath caught in her throat as I reached for them, pulling them into my arms. Their warmth, their scent, the way their little hands clung to me—it was overwhelming. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them away, unwilling to let Rurik see my vulnerability.

They chattered excitedly, their words tumbling over one another in a jumble of half-formed sentences and giggles. Tatiana pointed to the window, babbling about the birds she’dseen, while Alexei tugged at my sleeve, trying to show me a toy he’d been clutching. I laughed softly, my heart swelling with love even as a pang of guilt twisted in my chest. I needed to be here for them. Nothing else mattered.

As they settled onto the bed, their energy began to wane, and their babbling turned to soft murmurs. Tatiana nestled against my side while Alexei climbed into my lap, his head resting against my chest. My hands moved instinctively, stroking their soft hair as they nuzzled closer.

I parted the dress, and as they began to nurse, a strange conflict stirred within me. I hated Rurik for what he was doing, for the way he had bound me to him through these children. And yet, as I looked down at their peaceful faces, their tiny hands clutching at me, I couldn’t deny the fierce love I felt for them. The nagging questions that plagued me returned.

Would it be so terrible to have another child? A sibling for the twins?

My gaze flickered to Rurik, who sat in a chair beside the bed, his eyes fixed on the scene before him. His expression was unreadable, but there was a softness in his gaze as he watched the twins—a tenderness that surprised me. For a moment, I almost believed he was capable of love. But then his eyes met mine, and the softness vanished, replaced by something darker, more primal. His desire for me was unmistakable, a hunger that went beyond the physical. It was possessive and all-consuming, sending a shiver down my spine.

I looked away, focusing instead on the twins. I stroked their heads, my fingers trembling slightly as I tried to push aside the conflicting emotions raging within me. They were my children, my precious babies, and no matter what I felt for Rurik, I would do anything to protect them, even if it meant enduring his presence, his touch, his control.

As the twins drifted off to sleep, their little bodies warm and heavy against mine, I felt a strange sense of peace settle over me. For now, at this moment, they were safe. And for now, that was enough.

???

Orla came late last night, and Maksim picked her up from the airport. Knowing the children had her while I was stuck down here was a relief. Rurik was taking no chances. There were two locked doors before we reached a third to get upstairs. I wasn't surprised to see his lavish house. The man was excessively wealthy.