Love Thy Enemy (Red Stone Security #13)(55)

*

Dominique opened her eyes and groaned as she rolled over in Viktor’s huge bed. After the insanity of today even her brain felt tired. The endless questions from the police, going through everything a dozen times, and then the worry that Viktor would somehow be in trouble for killing Shane Hollis was beyond overwhelming.

She’d thought she’d sleep until morning but it was only ten p.m. She’d only gotten about two hours of sleep. Frowning, she sat up in bed, the sharpest sense of disappointment hitting her that she was alone.

Sliding out of bed, she winced at the ache in her face. At least she didn’t have any broken bones, just some bruising from the cuffs and on her cheek. And she and Viktor were alive, the only thing that mattered.

At first she was terrified when she’d learned that Kir, the man who’d kidnapped her, hadn’t been located by the police, but Viktor had stressed that he wouldn’t be a problem to her ever again. It hadn’t been hard to read between the lines and the truth was, she didn’t want to know what Viktor had done to him. She was just glad the guy was out of their lives.

She peeked into his office and found it empty so decided to go exploring. He wouldn’t have left the house. Or she really hoped he hadn’t.

A chill snaked through her as she stepped into the hallway, the wood floor cold against her feet. She knew the chill had nothing to do with the house though—she just couldn’t seem to get warm. Viktor had already had her clothes brought to his place so at least she was in her own pajamas.

The only thing she really cared about was finding Viktor. He’d saved her and she was completely and utterly in love with him. She needed to tell him. It didn’t matter if it was too soon or if he didn’t return her feelings.

After a few minutes she found him in the kitchen, slightly bent over as he pulled something from one of the shelves in the refrigerator.

“That’s a sight for sore eyes,” she murmured, taking in the tight lines of his back and all those beautiful tattoos. The man should never, ever wear a shirt.

He jerked at her voice, a plastic container in his hands as he turned. “You’re awake.” He set it down on the island, hurrying to her side and practically carrying her to the nearest seat at the island.

“I’m okay,” she murmured.

“I thought you’d be out for a while.” Guilt flickered in his gaze. “I didn’t want you to wake up alone.”

“It’s okay, seriously. I’m…actually kinda hungry.”

“I was about to heat up chicken parm. You want some?”

“That sounds amazing.” She’d only been able to stomach a little soup when they’d finally gotten back to Viktor’s place. As if on cue, her stomach growled.

He half-smiled and brushed his mouth over hers. She felt it all the way to her toes, but he moved back too quickly for her to fully enjoy it.

“How does a glass of red wine sound? It might help you sleep since you won’t take your medicine.” His voice was slightly annoyed as he started scooping the food onto two plates.

The doctor who’d looked her over at the hospital had given her a prescription for pain meds, but she hadn’t taken anything except ibuprofen. “That sounds good.” It was weird seeing him acting so domestically, moving around the kitchen with such ease. “Did you cook this?”

He snorted and shot her an amused glance over his shoulder. “No. I have someone who comes in once or twice a week with casseroles and pre-makes things for me for the week.”

She laughed lightly. “Can I help with anything?”

He simply frowned and turned to the microwave as it dinged. “You are not to do anything for at least a week.”

“Pretty sure that’s not what the doctor said.”

“It’s what I say.” He pulled out the plate and tested it before bringing it over to her. “And you will follow orders.” There was no command in his voice, more concern than anything else.

“If you hadn’t just saved my life I might take issue with your bossiness,” she murmured, taking the glass of wine he offered her.

“And you’ll be staying here.” There was no room for argument in his tone. He leaned against the island next to her seat, determination in his blue eyes as he looked down at her.

“For the next week?”

“Yes.” There was something in his tone she couldn’t quite read.

“I’d like that…if you’re sure.” Things between them had happened so quickly, and while she knew her feelings for him were true, she also didn’t want him to get sick of her. He was such a hard man to read. Even though he’d made himself vulnerable with her a couple times, she still wasn’t sure if his feelings for her were as strong.

His eyebrows pulled together. Instead of responding he turned and put his own plate in the microwave. “I’ve got security stationed around the house but no one inside. And Abram and Lucy have gone back to his place.”

“I thought those two were together,” she murmured, blowing on her food. “Any new developments I should know about?”

He shook his head and leaned against the counter, watching her with that brooding stare she found she liked way too much. “Nothing new.”

“What’s wrong, then?” Because she was coming to learn his moods, and right now something was bothering him. A lot. “We’re not in danger, we’re alone, and we’ve got awesome food.”