Chapter Five: A Glimmer Of Vulnerability.

The initial warmth was a deceptive comfort, quickly replaced by the jolt of full awareness. A heavy, unfamiliar weight pressed against me, and my eyes snapped open to the sight of a muscular arm draped across my waist. Vladimir. His presence in my bed was an immediate, jarring intrusion. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic rhythm that accelerated as a familiar wave of nausea surged through me.

I scrambled from the bed, my hand clamped over my mouth, barely reaching the bathroom before my body rebelled. Violent retches tore through me, mingling with ragged, involuntary sobs. A strong hand was instantly there, gathering my hair, while a thumb rubbed soothing circles on my lower back. I registered a low murmur of indistinct words, lost beneath the tumult of my distress. When the storm subsided, I rinsed my mouth and meticulously brushed my teeth, pointedly avoiding his gaze in the mirror. Anger simmered within me, fueled by his unannounced entry into my home, and a cold dread tightened its grip as I thought of Caroline.

Where was she? What had he done?

I reached for my phone on the nightstand. A message from Caroline appeared, offering a small reprieve: "Left early. Didn't want 'Mr. I ll-Kill-Everyone' to make me more scared than I already am. Good luck. See you at work." A small sigh of relief escaped me; at least she was safe.

I turned, encountering Vladimir's intense, almost dreamy gaze fixed on me. I attributed the unsettling feeling to the hormonal tide surging through my body.

"I can help you with your thoughts," 

Vladimir stated, his voice a low rumble.

"No, you can't. You don't even know what I'm thinking," I retorted, pushing past him.

"I know," he countered, his gaze unwavering. "Because of that look you give me."

Ignoring him, I moved to select an outfit for work, opting for a tailored navy blue pantsuit with a crisp white blouse. A shower became a necessary ritual, a means to cleanse away the lingering remnants of morning sickness and the disquiet his presence brought. I left him in the bedroom, needing a moment of solitude.

Refreshed, I emerged from the bathroom, drawn by the enticing aroma of food. Vladimir stood in the kitchen, casually preparing breakfast. He looked undeniably good – his strong, exposed chest visible above sweatpants that hung precariously low on his hips. I wryly noted that at least my child would inherit favorable genetics.

"Come," he instructed, gesturing to the table.

I took a seat, and he placed a plate of a perfectly cooked omelet and fresh fruit before me. "Why don't you pack? Where are you headed?" he asked, his gaze unwavering.

"I'll pack tomorrow. I'm going to work. I need to inform my boss I won't be available," I replied, taking a bite of the surprisingly delicious food.

"You email it," he stated.

"No," I insisted, shaking my head.

He moved to my side, his hand settling firmly on my waist. "If you go, you go with two of my trusted guards."

I hesitated, then conceded with a nod. "Fine."

He leaned down and kissed the top of my head, then walked into the living room, where I now noticed a tailored suit laid out on the couch. Minutes later, just as I finished eating, Vladimir emerged, impeccably dressed. He extended a hand towards me.

"Hold on, let me get my things," I said, quickly gathering my phone and a few essential items into my bag. Then, I took his hand, and we walked out, hand in hand.

As we stepped outside, two men stood by a sleek, black car. One was undeniably imposing and heavily built; the other appeared more approachable. Vladimir gestured towards them. "This is Alexie," he said, indicating the more intimidating figure. "And this is Ivan." He then turned to me. "They will ensure everything goes well when I am not around." He pulled me gently to face him. "I will come to see you. You eat and take care of yourself." He produced a card and offered it to me. "Get anything you want."

I attempted to decline, but he gently pressed it into my hand. "You hold it." He kissed my head once more, then walked towards the other black car. The vehicle was a high-end luxury sedan, its dark-tinted windows and polished exterior exuding an aura of expense and power.

The car's interior was a silent cocoon, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions churning inside me. I attempted conversation, primarily to break the oppressive quiet. "So... long day, huh?" I directed at the rearview mirror, hoping to catch Ivan's eye.

Ivan offered a short, clipped "Da," his gaze fixed on the road. Alexie, in the passenger seat, remained a block of stone, seemingly impervious to any attempts at interaction. I sighed, leaning back against the plush leather, realizing this ride would be a quiet one.

After a few minutes, we arrived. I stepped out, walking into the building with my two "bitches," as I'd decided to humorously refer to them. I entered the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor, where my office and Caroline's were located. 

Upon arrival, I walked straight to Caroline's office, swinging the door open. Caroline greeted me with wide, worried eyes. "Oh my God, you came! And with a personal security detail, I see," she whispered, glancing at Alexie and Ivan, who stood stiffly by the entrance to our office floor, radiated an air of unapproachability.

"Long story," I muttered, but couldn't help but crack a small smile. "And yes, they're forming hard heads. Ivan seems a little softer than Alexie, though."

We kept our voices low, sharing hushed jokes and worried glances about the new developments. Alexie remained a stone wall, but I caught Ivan almost smiling a few times during our conversation. It felt strangely normal, even with two imposing men guarding the door. After our brief exchange, I walked out of her office, heading to my own.

Hours later, while immersed in a report, the office door opened, and Vladimir walked in. I looked up, startled by the unexpected arrival. Vladimir scanned the room, his eyes landing on me.

"I thought you had quit," he said, his voice carrying clearly across the quiet office.

I sat up, trying to project an air of calm. "I just wanted to assist my sweet boss with something before my official departure."

Vladimir's jaw tightened. "Sweet boss?" he repeated, a hint of something cold in his tone. The jealousy was evident, and I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

"Stand," he commanded. I noticed then that Alexie and Ivan were no longer by the door. They must have been instructed to wait outside. Vladimir walked over to my chair, and before I could react, he sat down and pulled me onto his lap.

I gasped, utterly shocked, yet his touch was surprisingly gentle, though firm. My face was close to his, and I found myself looking deep into his eyes – dark, intense, and surprisingly vulnerable at that moment. I found myself mirroring his gaze, lost in the depths of it. He leaned in, and his lips met mine. I accepted it instantly, a warmth spreading through me that caused a flush.

His kiss was deep and strong, a possessive claim that left me breathless when he finally pulled away.

"I want us to work," he said, his voice slightly rough with emotion. "You give me a chance. I have never been... a lover. But I want to learn. I want to be good to just you and baby."

I was dumbfounded for a few minutes, his words echoing in my mind. The vulnerability in his voice was unexpected. "Let's... let's start with a date," I finally managed to say.

A small, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. "We will go on a date tomorrow. We leave in the next two days. Anything you want, I will do." He paused, his gaze hardening slightly. "You should not expect this treatment for everyone else. Not even your roomie."

I laughed, a genuine, joyfulsound, and leaned in to kiss him again. "I know," whispered against his lips.