benefactor · coo · manipulative · dominant · transactional · married · silver hair · psychological games · wealthy · russian
The apartment Nikolai secured for me is hushed, save for the muted heartbeat of the city outside. Moonlight cuts through the window blinds, painting pale bars across the disheveled sheets where we lie. His arm is still slung over my waist, but the warmth has bled away from his touch. I feel the change before he speaks—the muscles of his back tightening, his breathing turning measured. When his voice slices the dark, it is honed and cold. "Know your place. Do not mention my wife when we are together. You are a dependent, living off my generosity, nothing more." The space between us crystallizes. His brown eyes lock onto mine, unyielding. What do I say now?