Page 93 of Velvet Chains
Nadia’s holding a tray, a smile on her face. “Are you okay, Madam Laura…?” But the words die on her lips as she sees Dimitry looming behind me. “Master Dimitry…”
Ksenia’s expression doesn’t change, but I see a muscle twitch in her jaw. She cocks her head, her eyes drilling into her husband. “What are you doing here, Dimitry?”
He shifts uncomfortably, his face pale. “Oh, I… I was just asking Laura about a book. For Eli.”
It’s a weak excuse, and we all know it. Ksenia arches one perfect eyebrow. “A book? For Eli?”
Her tone is casual, but there’s an undercurrent of danger. Like a knife hidden in a silk sheath.
Dimitry swallows hard, his eyes flicking to me, then back to Ksenia. “Yes. But I… I have to go. Meeting.”
He pushes past me, his shoulder slamming into mine. But before he disappears down the hall, he turns back, his eyes locking with mine.
The look he gives me is pure venom, a silent warning. This isn’t over.
Then he’s gone, his footsteps echoing down the stairs.
I stand there, my heart pounding, my hands shaking. Ksenia is watching me, her gaze sharp and assessing.
“Is everything alright, Laura?” she asks.
I could tell her, but… what if it makes everything worse?
I force a smile, hoping it doesn’t look as brittle as it feels. “Yes. Yes, everything’s fine. Dimitry just… surprised me, that’s all.”
“Ah…” Ksenia replies slowly, her face unsmiling, her eyes narrowing slightly as she speaks. “I’m talking about your… food poisoning.”
Her gaze drifts from my face to my stomach, and I feel a jolt of panic. Unconsciously, I bite my lip hard, my hand drifting to my belly.
“It’s… it’s better now,” I reply, trying to force a laugh. “Guess I’ve eaten something that didn’t sit well with my stomach.”
But Ksenia doesn’t laugh. She just keeps staring at me.
Rude. But she’s fucking scary.
“You know, I don’t really know you yet. Sister-in-law.” She strolls casually into the room, her eyes sweeping over every detail. Like she’s looking for something.
I swallow hard, my palms starting to sweat. “Yeah, I… I don’t think you like me too much.”
“You don’t think?” she asks, raising an eyebrow. “Or you know?”
I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “Look, I know you don’t think I’m good for Victor. You think I’m just here for the money.”
“Ah huh,” Ksenia drawls, her lips curling into a smirk. “And are you? Here for the two hundred grand a month, the property Victor put in your name? Quite the catch, aren’t you?”
Her words hit me like a slap, leaving me reeling.
But before I can reply, Nadia appears at my elbow, setting the tray down on the coffee table. The smell of the soup wafts up, rich and inviting, but my stomach churns at the thought of eating.
“Your soup, madam. I hope you feel better soon,” Nadia says, giving me a sympathetic smile.
I nod, mumbling my thanks as she slips out of the room, closing the door behind her.
And then it’s just me and Ksenia. Alone.
She circles me, her eyes raking over every inch of me. I feel like a bug under a microscope, pinned and wriggling.
Jesus, what is this, a fucking zoo exhibit?
