I need to talk to Irina.

I’m sitting in a quaint coffee shop across the street from Mikhail’s apartment building. Well, I guess my apartment building now.

I told Mikhail I wanted to go out for coffee, and he let me, just with a guard in tow. Danil, my guard, stands a few feet away from me. I wanted my space to do what I have to do.

When I spot Irina stepping up behind the counter, I remind myself of my plan. Irina has answers to my questions.

I knew she worked here or frequented here when I saw her bag from last night. I just didn’t realize she worked right across the street from where I live. From where Mikhail lives.

I slowly approach the counter. Irina smiles at first, then tenses when she recognizes who I am.

She speaks in Russian, holding onto a pen and a notepad.

“You know I speak English,” I tell her. “And I want to talk to you. When’s your next break?”

“In a half hour. Why do you want to talk?”

“Just meet me outside, then.” I walk back to my table and sit down. Irina glares at me before turning to the next customer.

In a half hour, we’re standing outside together.

“What?” she asks, crossing her arms. “It’s because of you I didn’t get to be with Mikhail last night. You’re a horrible woman.”

I flinch. “I’m his wife.”

“So?”

I sigh and cross my arms to match her stance. “I want to know what Mikhail is like. As a … dom.”

She raises an eyebrow. “And what makes you curious? You’re so innocent, like a baby bird.”

“Just tell me. What does he do to you?’

“You saw it that one time.”

“I know. But what else?” Other than a whipping. God, the thought of that still scares me.

She sighs. “Fine. He pleasures me. He makes me beg for his attention. He gives me the best orgasms of my life. And once we’re done, he comforts me. Makes sure I’m all right. Which is why I am mad at you. You took that away from me.”

“So, he’s good to you?”

“He’s the best dom I’ve ever been with.”

“You’ve been with more than one?” I ask, barely believing her words.

“You’re so innocent. I’m amazed Mikhail hasn’t eaten you alive by now.” With a wave of her fingers, she walks back into the coffee shop.

Even though Irina unnerves me, she’s given me hope. Irina has no reason to lie to me. She wants to be with Mikhail, which means he’s doing something right with her. She’s choosing to be with him.

Which means I can choose to be with him, too.

I’m still nervous about what Mikhail has planned for me, but … if his goal is to make sure I’m all right, then it can’t be all bad, can it?

I have to save my sisters. And if this is how I can, then I’m going to do it.

I stand outside the door to Mikhail’s sex room. It’s strange to think of a room like that, but I don’t know what else to call it. Which only makes me think of what Irina said—that I’m still so innocent. The moment I cross the threshold that will be it. I’ll be giving myself completely over to Mikhail.

I don’t think I’ll be innocent for much longer.

With a gulp, I turn the doorknob, ready to get this over with. I have to choose to trust Mikhail. Otherwise, I can’t imagine living in a home with a man I can never trust.

The room is filled with a soft glow from the lamps. It makes everything more cozy than it should be, but my eyes land on the whips and canes aligned on the wall, and I know this room is anything but cozy.

Mikhail stands in the middle of the room, his hands in his pockets. He’s wearing a white button-down shirt and slacks. Dark shoes cover his feet. I glance down at my own feet. Barefoot again. I rub my right foot against my left ankle.

“You came,” Mikhail says, a lightness in his eyes. He’s happy, I realize. For how confident he is, maybe he wasn’t sure I would show up. That puts me more at ease.

“I did.”

“Before we begin, shut the door behind you.”

I do as he instructs, then turn back to him. He nods like he’s proud of me and I’m surprised to find that notion is addicting.

“If you’re at all uncomfortable with anything, you can always say stop, and I will stop. You have my word on that. But know that I will push you. And I urge you to keep an open mind. I will tell you everything I will do to you before I do it. I’m not here to surprise you. I want you to trust me, Sofiya. This type of relationship only works if there’s trust.”

“Ok,” I whisper. “I understand.”

“Good. Then, let us begin. I want you to take your panties off but leave your dress on. Then I want you to lean over that bench and pull your knees up to your chest. You’ll stay like that until we’re finished. Is that clear?”

I gulp. “Yes.” That doesn’t sound too bad. He’s not using a whip or cane on me. Maybe I’ll be fine. He said I could tell him to stop if need be.

Ducking my head, I slip my underwear down my legs.

“Hand it to me.” Mikhail’s commanding voice sends shivers over my body. I’m not sure if they’re good shivers or bad ones yet.

I pick up my underwear and hold it out for him. He takes the fabric and rubs it between his fingers. Watching him touch my underwear—the piece of clothing that was pressed against my most intimate area—makes me feel wild. I don’t think my heart will ever beat at a normal rhythm again.

“Now, sit on the bench and pull your knees up to your chest.”

I manage to sit down without falling over from nerves. My hands tremble as they grab my legs and pull them up.

Mikhail gazes down at me with his striking eyes. I could get lost in those eyes. “Now, push your dress up around your waist and spread your legs for me.”

For the first time since entering this room, I feel a throb of pleasure.