Page 20 of Viktor's Temptation
“How can I see in the dark?” she whispered, feeling a mixture of fascination and unease.
She turned her attention to the bathroom, flipping on the light. Immediately, she gasped in delight. The space was stunning—every woman’s dream of luxury. The soaking tub, large enough for two, beckoned from one corner, while a shower with multiple jets dominated the other. Everything gleamed in white and black, with crystal accents that caught the light and sparkled like diamonds.
“Amazing!” she breathed, stepping into the room.
Gracie’s fingers skimmed over the basket of makeup on the vanity and the shelf of exclusive bath products near the tub. The labels were brands she recognized but had never tried—far beyond her budget. Lavender-scented French-milled soaps and a strawberry-and-lemon conditioner teased her senses. She hesitated, her hand lingering on the soap.
How had Viktor known to offer her this level of comfort? The thought warmed her, though she quickly pushed it aside.
When she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror, her breath hitched. Her hands flew to her face, her fingertips tracing her cheekbones and jaw. Her hair was limp, yes, but her skin—pale, opalescent, and flawless—startled her.
“What happened to me?” she whispered, leaning closer.
The acne scars that had plagued her chin were gone, replaced with smooth, perfect skin. Her stomach tightened as she realized she wasn’t just slimmer—she was strong. Her limbs, sleek and toned, radiated power. Her breasts sat higher, fuller, and firmer than she could ever remember. Her figure was lean, almost athletic, and yet undeniably feminine.
Turning, she craned her neck to examine her backside. “Wow,” she murmured. Her usual cellulite was gone, replaced with a smooth, taut curve. She gave an incredulous laugh, twisting to look at herself from another angle. “I’ve never had a good butt before.”
A mixture of awe and confusion filled her as she stepped away from the mirror. She had always been happy to fade into the background, to let others shine. But now…now she looked like someone who commanded attention, who belonged in the spotlight.
“Viktor said I’m a predator,” she muttered, shaking her head. “What does that even mean?”
With a sigh of confusion, Gracie turned away from her reflection. She stepped into the shower, fumbling briefly with the controls before a rush of steaming water poured over her. As the heat enveloped her, the tension in her body eased. The needle-like pain she’d endured for days—or was it weeks?—was gone. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt whole.
The shampoo lathered into a rich foam, its strawberry-and-lemon scent wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. The soap glided over her skin, leaving her feeling clean, soft, and unexpectedly aroused.
Gracie paused, staring at the bar of soap in her hand. “What is wrong with me?” she muttered. She wasn’t supposed to feel like this. She’d never felt like this before, even with Warren. And this was just from a shower!
By the time she stepped out, the fogged mirror cleared just enough for her to catch her reflection again. Her body, glowing and perfect, was almost unrecognizable. “You’re losing it,” she whispered to herself as she dried off with a plush towel.
Back in the bedroom, the curtains were pulled back, and sunlight filled the space. Gracie’s eyes immediately caught the outfit laid out for her. She fingered the silver lace bra, blushing at its delicate beauty. The leggings and blouse were simple, but they fit her body perfectly when she slipped them on.
She checked herself in the mirror, smoothing her hair into a soft, loose wave around her shoulders. The woman staring back at her looked confident, poised, and radiant.
“Is this really me?” she wondered aloud.
The thought of flying crossed her mind again, and she chuckled, shaking her head. “That’s ridiculous,” she told herself.
But deep down, she couldn’t deny the spark of curiosity growing inside her. She needed answers, and she knew exactly who to ask.
With a final glance in the mirror, Gracie turned and headed out, ready to confront Viktor—and the truth about what she’d become.
Chapter 11
The security office hummed with quiet intensity. The largest cycled through footage from traffic cameras and drones, along with a running feed of Gracie’s house. The low hum of computer fans blended with the occasional beep of system alerts, creating an atmosphere of both efficiency and tension.
Viktor strode into the room, his presence commanding as always. “What have you found out?” he demanded without preamble, his tone sharp as steel.
Mikail turned from the bank of monitors, his demeanor calm but focused. As head of security, Mikail’s role was not only to protect the clan but to anticipate and neutralize threats before they became catastrophic. He gestured to the screens, his words precise. “Her name is Graciland Andrews. She’s twenty-nine years old and works as a surgical nurse at Memorial Hospital on Grant Street. I spoke to some of our clan surgeons, and they all said she’s one of the best nurses around.”
Viktor nodded but didn’t soften. “I knew all that already,” he said, his impatience barely contained.
Mikail smirked, unbothered by his leader’s mood, but he continued. “She owns her own home—or rather, the bank does. But she put a substantial down payment on it and pays twenty percent more than her monthly mortgage. She’s never missed a payment and has excellent credit, along with several thousand in a savings account and a well-funded retirement plan.”
Viktor’s eyes flicked to the financial data displayed on one of the monitors. “Who holds the mortgage?”
Mikail tapped a screen, bringing up the lender’s details. “Horizon Lending.”
“Pay it off,” Viktor ordered, his voice brooking no argument.
