Page 53 of Corrupt: XXX Vadim 2
Chapter Sixteen
Magda and I return to the house under the disapproving glare of Ena, who skulks off the second we’re safely inside. Vadim hasn’t returned yet, it seems. Sighing, I fix Magda a pre-prepared meal, and then we spar in another round of Monopoly.
Much to my utter joy, I don’t get slaughtered minutes in. That little play date must have zapped Magda of her energy because I’m seconds away from beating her when the door opens. My body shivers in recognition of those slow, heavy footsteps before Vadim even appears in the doorway.
I gasp, alarmed at his appearance. Any irritation for his disappearance vanishes, and I lurch to my feet, staggering toward him. He’s paler than ever, his features gaunt in a way that makes me suspect he might have gone both days without eating. His hair is mussed, his suit wrinkled, and those eyes wretchedly hollow. They flit over me with barely any recognition before latching onto Magda. He barrels past me, snatching her from her chair despite her shrieked protests. Sinking into a crouch, he holds her to his chest, smoothing his hands through her hair.
No matter how she struggles or resists, he doesn’t let her go, his body trembling with tension. Eventually, she goes stiff with shock, enduring the contact.
“Vadim?” Alarm runs through me when he doesn’t even react to the sound of my voice. I step forward, bracing my hand on his back—he’s practically vibrating. “Vadim, what’s wrong?”
He says nothing, so intent on Magda that I doubt he even heard me. It’s only when she squirms against his grip that he finally lets her go. He stands as she darts across the kitchen and turns to me. Seconds later, I’m in his arms, his mouth capturing mine with a ferocity that leaves me breathless.
I arch into the kiss before common sense makes me draw back. “Wait. Baby, wait—”
He backs away, panting, swiping at his mouth. He blinks as if he’s only now realizing where he is. Then he turns and heads for the stairs.
Shaken, all I can do is grasp at the pieces of the gameboard with trembling fingers. Magda watches me, her expression unguarded for once. She looks terrified.
Forcing a smile, I grasp a handful of fake money. “Let’s clean up, shall we?”
She nods, her eyes still wide. Together we pack up the pieces and put the game away in silence.
“Why don’t you go brush Biphany’s hair, and I’ll come to get you ready for bed, huh?” I force another grin that Magda doesn’t return as she obediently heads upstairs.
Alone, I attempt to gather up the nerve to follow after her and approach the master bedroom. Vadim sits on the bed, his jacket on the floor, his dress shirt partially unbuttoned. As I approach, he meets my gaze, seeming more exhausted than ever.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
He glances away, running his fingers through his hair. “I’m fine. I’m sorry if I startled you.”
“You arenotfine.” I stalk toward him and finger his wrinkled collar. My nostrils flare with his scent—all male musk. I doubt he’s even showered since he left. “You look awful.” I run my fingers through his hair, forcing him to look at me. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
His throat works to swallow. “I—”
“I’m ready for bed,” a small voice declares. Startled, I lurch away from Vadim and turn to find Magda in the doorway her arms crossed, wall firmly in place. “Are you coming,Tiffany?”
“Yes… I’m coming, honey.”
She nods and then pointedly glances at Vadim, her expression icy. Turning on her heel, she marches away, making her thoughts on his return abundantly clear.
“Damn it,” he hisses, bracing both hands on his knees. He slumps forward, the picture of guilt, and some more of my irritation is chipped away. “The pony. I forgot…”
“I’ll go put her to bed,” I say, heading down the hall. “But when I come back, we need to talk.”
I find Magda waiting for me on the edge of her bed. As I enter her closet to pick out a set of pajamas, I sense the unlikely start of a routine. One in which I return with her clothing and arrange it on the bed while she takes her bath. When she emerges dripping wet and draped in a robe, I brush her hair and braid it. Finally, I let her crawl beneath the blankets and tuck her in, placing her toys on either side of her.
“Night, sweetie.” I linger far too long, smoothing my fingers over her hair until she finally drifts off. When I return to Vadim, he’s pacing, still partially undressed, his expression even more constricted.
“I’ve fucked up,” he declares the second I see his face. “She’s angry with me.”
“Yes,” I say, choosing not to lie. “You disappointed her. And I’ll tell you now that you’ll have to work hard to make it up to her. No more just buying her things. Spend the day with her. That’s what she wants—no, that’s what sheneedsfrom you.”
He sighs, his lips twisting into a frown. “And you are angry with me as well…”
“Pissed off, actually.” I prance past him and lift my dress over my head, but I know my posture warns him from touching me. I am angry. I just didn’t realize how strongly until now.
“I don’t know what misconceptions you have, but I am not your employee,” I tell him, my voice shaking. “You don’t get to disappear and leave me with your henchman and your kid without even asking me to stay. You don’t have that right, fake wife or otherwise.”
