Keeping my eyes locked on his—even when all I want is to look away—I push my dress up and spread my legs for him. His eyes lock on the space between my legs. I’ve never felt self-conscious over my vulva before, but now I can’t help but consider what it looks like. Does he like it? Is he repulsed?

Judging from how his eyes darken, he likes what he sees. That makes me feel … powerful. Mikhail is the one in control, but I think I have a hold on him more than he’d like to admit.

Mikhail walks over to me and kneels before the bench, his eyes at the same level as mine. “I am going to touch you, but you cannot come.”

“I’ve never …”

He tilts his head to the side. “You’ve never made yourself come before, Sofiya?”

I slowly shake my head.

“Why not?”

Before I can respond, he brings his hand between my legs—the one holding onto my underwear—and presses his hand against my folds. The fabric of my underwear rubs against my skin, creating friction.

I almost jump out of my skin at the touch.

“I asked you a question, Sofiya,” he says in a low voice.

My hands slap against the bench behind me, catching myself just in time to keep myself upright. Mikhail rubs his fingers against my bundle of nerves, still keeping my underwear between my skin and his skin. My legs open wider on instinct.

“Sofiya,” he warns. “Why haven’t you touched yourself before?”

“I was too … shy to do it. I thought I would get in trouble.” I gasp as he presses down on my nub. My toes curl at the touch. I’ve never felt this kind of pleasure. I understand my anatomy—I did research out of curiosity. I just never worked up the courage to actually pleasure myself before.

And something tells me my own touch would have paled compared to Mikhail’s hands.

“Well, you won’t get in trouble here.” He rubs me harder. My breath starts coming out in pants. My cheeks are flushed. My body is hot.

“Is this normal?” I ask. Without meaning to, my hips jerk up from his touch.

A low growl escapes him, sending more pleasure over my body. “It’s very normal. Your body is responding to my touch. I knew you’d like this.” He grinds his palm down against my folds.

My legs clamp together around his hand as a burst of pleasure fills my body. I’ve never had an orgasm before, but I’m pretty positive I’m close.

“Remember, Sofiya. No coming.” Using his free hand, he spreads my legs wide again. He grips my knee as his other hand continues pleasuring me.

“It’s too much,” I gasp, shaking my head. Mikhail has a spell on my body. I’m possessed.

“Then I think we should be done for the night.” He pulls his hand away and stands up. I gasp and clench my legs together again. My body sings for release, yet he denied it to me.

“Why?” I ask.

“Because you need to learn that I’m in control of your body. I’m in control of your pleasure. I’ll make you come the next time we’re together. But until then, don’t touch yourself. You will not come without me.”

I hug my knees to my chest and rest my chin on them.

“Now come here.” He opens his arms to me.

Without even thinking about it, I run into his arms. Mikhail wraps me into a hug, and for the first time since arriving in Russia, I feel safe.

I wait at the terminal, looking around for my sisters. When I spot Mila, I take off running. Mikhail doesn’t say a word to stop me.

“Mila!” I reach her and pull her into a hug. She cries out, hugging me back. We stay like that for a long time.

Well, until Vik clears her throat. “I’m here, too, you know.”

I pull back from Mila and turn to Vik. “I’m happy you’re here as well.” We give each other a quick hug before pulling apart.

“Are you ok?” I ask Mila, rubbing her arm. “Boris?”

“He brought over a wedding dress and everything. Just like he did with you,” she tells me as we walk back to where Mikhail waits. “Vik bought the tickets, and we left during the night before Boris could find us. You saved me, Sofiya. Thank you.”

“Of course. I would never let Boris marry you. Either of you.”

Vik rolls her eyes. “I’m not going to marry a man like Boris. Only one of good breeding for me.”

We reach Mikhail.

“Thank you for inviting us here,” Mila says.

Mikhail inclines his head. “Of course. You’re Sofiya’s sisters. Her home is your home. Let’s get your get luggage.”

Vik looks at him longingly as he walks over to the baggage claim. I give my sister a nudge.

“What?” she asks, scowling.

I scowl back. “He’s my husband.”

“I know that.” She shakes her head and mutters under her breath like I’m the problem. I sigh. Having Vik here will not be fun.

But if it means keeping her and Mila safe, then I will do what I have to.

“These are your rooms,” I say, showing Vik and Mila to their bedrooms after we arrive home.

“It’s beautiful,” Mila says.

“It’s all right,” Vik says.

Mikhail clears his throat, drawing the attention toward him. “I wanted to let you know that tomorrow night, I invited some people over. A welcome party. One to celebrate Sofya’s and my wedding as well as your arrival. It’s black tie. Dress appropriately.”

“We always do,” Vik says haughtily.

“Sofiya,” he says to me. “I’ll give you some alone time with your sisters. I’ll see you later tonight.” He grazes his fingers down my cheek before walking away.