Chapter 14

Clara

 

He left me in his room the other night. He never returned and when I woke, I noticed the bed on his side was never slept in. I returned to my room and haven’t been back. That was over a week ago. Alexei is very hot and cold with his attitude toward me. I find myself wondering what runs through his head.

“What are you doing?” I ask Vera when I walk into the kitchen. She looks up at me with flour on her face and a smile.

“I’m baking. It’s Christmas Eve and I’m going to see my family,” she says happily. My smile slowly fades wondering what my father must be thinking. Vera notices, moving around the counter and pulling me into her arms.

“I’m so sorry, Clara. I didn’t even think,” she apologizes.

“No, it’s fine. We never did anything for the holidays anyway. I would most likely be in my room alone,” I tell her when she pulls back. Her hand comes to cup my cheek, a soft smile tugging across her face.

“Do you have kids?” I ask when she walks back around and gets back to work.

“I don’t. I do have nieces and nephews though. I don’t think I want children to be honest. What about you? Do you want children one day?” Her eyes sparkle as she looks up at me and I find myself smiling at her.

“I never really thought about it. My mother left us when I was young, and my father was more worried about work. I wouldn’t want to treat my children that way but it’s all I know,” It’s hard to admit that even though it’s the truth. Vera has grown on me, and I really find myself opening to her more and more each day. I would even consider her a friend.

“I don’t think you would. I think you’d make a great mother. You’re beautiful and sweet.” My cheeks heat up, a blush no doubt creeping up my neck. No one has ever said those things to me.

“Can I help? I don’t know how but I can try,” I tell her. Vera claps her hands together and nods. I round the counter and she begin to show me how to make pies. I’ve never done this in my entire life. It’s almost fun with Vera. I’ve never really had a good time either, but I’d like to think that is fun. We work together side by side laughing and talking as we work. I find myself letting go and just being me. I haven’t been that in a long time.

“You’re good at this!” Vera cheers me on and I can’t help but smile brighter. We get the pies in the oven when I hear his deep voice thunder through the room.

“What are you two doing in here aside from destroying my kitchen?” he asks in a playful tone. It’s one that I’m not accustomed to from Alexei. Dmitry smirks at us, leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed over his chest. I suddenly feel out of place. My smile slowly fades, and I take a step back. Alexei moves, kissing Vera on the cheek before his gaze moves to mine.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be here,” I say in a rush. I turn on my heel and start to move when his arms wrap around me.

“What’s wrong? What did I say?” He asks into my ear.

“I don’t belong in your kitchen,” I say softly. His lips nibble at my earlobe and I shiver under his touch.

“You’re right. You don’t,” he says. I start to move, knowing that somewhere deep down he didn’t want me after what happened to me. He has to find me disgusting.

“I… I can’t finish.” His lips skim over my neck and I moan.

“You don’t belong in my kitchen. You belong in my bed,” he says biting into my neck. Vera giggles behind us when Alexei pulls away. He spins me around and pulls me into his side, his arm resting possessively around my waist.

“I will see you after the New Year and I hope you enjoy spending time with your family,” he says speaking to Vera. She’s leaving? She can’t leave! What am I supposed to do with her being gone? I tense within his grasp and he notices.

“Are you afraid of being alone with me?” he asks looking down at me. When I look back up at him, I shake my head. Being alone with Alexei doesn’t scare me. It’s when he runs away and hides that I need someone. “Good. Now go change. There’s a dress for you in your room.” Tilting my head to the side, I study the man. From his sexy accent to the raspy undertone. He’s all man, dark eyes, and tanned skin. He makes my skin come alive when he touches me. I find myself yearning for him when he isn’t around.

“What?”

“I’m taking you out tonight. Go get changed,” he says once more, that smile of his crossing his face. I’ve learned that Alexei rarely smiles and when he does that’s it’s a treasure you must cherish. I smile back, and he leans down, pressing his lips to mine before giving me a little shove.

“Vera, would you go help her, please? I’ll watch these,” he says nodding toward the oven. She nods her head and moves toward me, a strange look on her face. She wraps my arm around hers and as we walk out of the kitchen, I hear Dmitry speak.

“What are you doing with that girl?” I try to listen to see what Alexei has to say but Vera is already dragging me down the hallway and up the stairs.

“I saw the dress. He picked it himself. It’s amazing,” she gushes as we step into my room. Just as he said, laid out on the bed is a long red silk dress. I gasp when I walk over and run my fingers over the delicate fabric.

“Why is he doing this?” I ask more to myself but Vera answers.

“He cares for you. He’s never left the house on Christmas Eve. He’s never even had a woman here before, let alone buy her clothing and take her out. That isn’t who he is.”  I turn to face her.

“I know that. I’ve learned that. He avoids me at times and I just thought that he wanted me gone.”

“I don’t know what you’re accustomed to Clara but I’m pretty sure it isn’t Alexei’s type. He’s different in every sense of the word. He doesn’t trust easily, and he doesn’t let anyone get close to him.”

“You’re close to him,” I reply.

“I am, but I’ve also known him since he was a child. I’ve never seen him so interested in anyone the way he is with you.”

“He bought me,” I remind her. The thought alone sends a chill over my body. I cringe at the idea of him only wanting me for that reason.

“Stop! That isn’t what this is, and I think you know that, Clara. Money means nothing to him. He bought you for a reason that he himself has never figured out. The fact that he kept you here that is something altogether different. He doesn’t let people in, but he is slowly letting you in. If you care anything for that man you will handle him with care.” I let her words settle inside of me as I change into the dress. Vera helps me curl my hair, letting it hang down my back before setting about to do my makeup. I don’t typically wear any but whatever she did with the black really makes my blue eyes pop. I stand in front of the full-length mirror and look at myself. I don’t even recognize me. Who the hell am I?