Page 95

I smile. "You did good for a dropout."

"Thanks, sis," she says, smiling back at me. “Don’t ask me to deliver your baby.”

I look away. I’m crying over everything these days.

"Okay, let’s get you to the bath," Polina says.

My cheeks flush with embarrassment.

I’m a sticky mess, but Matvei doesn’t care.

He bends down, lifts me into his arms, sheets tangled all around me, and carries me to the bathroom.

He jerks his head at the door, and Polina leaves.

"I can stay a little longer if you need me," she says.

"Thank you."

He stands me in front of the tub, and the sheets fall to the floor. I’m naked beneath it.

Wordlessly, he lifts me, gently settling me into the warm water.

It feels good.

I lay my head back and close my eyes.

A few seconds later, there’s the sound of a splash.

I look up and see him, naked, climbing into the tub with me.

I open my mouth, but before I can speak…

"Little witch, for fuck’s sake, let me take care of you."

He holds me in his arms, on his lap.

And for some reason, it’s okay.

I’m still bleeding, but if he doesn’t care, neither do I.

He grins at me, his eyes warm and affectionate. "Listen," he murmurs, "if you think a man like me is afraid of a little blood, it’s like you don’t know me at all."

My cheeks flush in embarrassment.

I note the way he tips a cup of warm water over my head, little droplets trickling down my face.

I sigh contentedly, and when I do, he keeps going.

"Feels good," I whisper.

He runs a soft washcloth over my shoulders, my neck, and under the water, over the curves of my body.

Between my legs.

Over my tender breasts.

Across my back and up again.