Bound by lies, Trapped by Desire - Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Elena’s POV:
The next week passed in a blur, a whirlwind of emotions and events that left me both exhilarated and unsettled.
Mom had recovered enough to return to her corporate job, her strength and resilience shining through as she resumed her daily routine. The house felt livelier with her presence, her footsteps echoing in the hallway, the familiar clatter of dishes in the kitchen, and her soft humming as she prepared for work. It was comforting, grounding me amidst the chaos that had become my life.
Nikolai had been staying with us for over a week, with only one day absent. His presence was both a comfort and a source of tension. Comfort because we were growing close, and I had started to think of him as a good friend. His sense of humour for one was really….interesting.
We were intimate every night for the days he stayed, and as much as it embarrassed me to admit, I enjoyed every second of it. It felt like a release, a way to shed the stress and burdens that weighed me down. I had even started initiating things, surprising myself with my newfound boldness.
However, Nikolai had been getting rougher with me, his touches more intense, his grip firmer. Often leaving bruises and marks. Not that I was complaining. In fact, I found myself craving it, the pain mingling with pleasure in a way that was both confusing and exhilarating. I knew he was doing this because he felt my reaction towards it was positive. Perhaps this was why I hadn't quite enjoyed sex before—because I had a pain kink? The thought made me blush, but I couldn't deny the truth in it.
Despite the highs, there were lows. Dmitri and Lazar had kept their distance after the incident, but I still felt eyes on me whenever I went out. I had asked Nikolai about it, and he confirmed that he had someone keeping an eye on me, insisting he wouldn't stop. But the paranoia persisted, a constant weight on my shoulders. Why did it feel so different now? So much more sinister?
It was Friday evening, around 6 pm, and we were having dinner together—mom, Nikolai, and me. Nikolai had brought takeout, seafood soup, grilled and fried seafood, and garlic bread. The aroma filled the dining room, mingling with the soft clinking of cutlery and the hum of conversation.
As we ate, Nikolai cleared his throat, drawing our attention. "We need to go on a trip to celebrate the opening of the fifteenth branch of SIRROCCO in Beacon Hills," he announced.
I paused, my spoon halfway to my mouth. "Is it going to take longer than a day?"
He shook his head. "One night will be enough. The opening is in the morning, and the anniversary gala for Forever 99 is at night, which we will also be attending."
I nodded in understanding but then remembered.
“I don’t have anything suitable for a gala. Unless you count the dress I bought for my high school prom.” I laughed at the thought of wearing that poofy purple princess gown. Yeah…George was sometimes too supportive of my choices. I was a fan of my little pony even as a teenager and so that had been my dream dress. Mom was skeptical about me wearing that ‘abomination’, maybe if I had listened to her then I wouldn’t have looked like a complete weirdo.
Nikolai smiled, his eyes twinkling. He’d gotten his hands on my photo album, so he knew exactly what I was talking about. "We can go shopping now if you're not too tired." He said.
I looked at my mother, who only shook her head. "Go. You should relax. I can take care of myself."
Nikolai turned to her, his expression warm. "Would you like to join us, Beatrix?"
She laughed, waving him off. "I'd rather not be a third wheel. It's Friday night; you two should go on a date, even if you've already had dinner. Maybe watch a movie."
Once we finished dinner, we left, Nikolai driving us downtown to another store. I looked at the name SIRROCCO and recognized it as the Vetrov's fashion brand. The staff greeted us politely as soon as we entered, not giving my green T-shirt and white-washed jeans another glance. Nikolai walked alongside me, scanning the racks with a discerning eye.
Instead of waiting for me to select something, or going to sit on the sofa and use his phone, he walked beside me, after a few minutes he pulled out a dress he liked and showed it to me. I grimaced at the bodycon dress in light blue.
"Not your type?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Looks a little uncomfortable. And tight," I added.
He chuckled. "Okay... so something comfortable and flowy."
He turned around and led me to the other side of the store, where the dresses were less boujee, more wearable, but just as gorgeous, with darker and more vibrant colors. He picked out a dress in wine red—velvet, with a sweetheart neckline lined in rhinestones and off the shoulder sleeves, and a long tea-length skirt. My brows hooked up as I shook my head, smiling.
"There's... no way that would look good on me." It was too... expensive-looking. I wasn't used to dark colors. Especially not red.
Nikolai looked at me, moving closer. "Just try it on for me, alright? If you don't like it, we can buy something else."
I bit my lip, wanting to argue, but then sighed and took the dress over to the changing room. As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel another shiver up my spine. I frowned, turning around. I was inside a room, then why did it feel like someone was still watching? I was thinking too much, wasn't I? At least I hoped I was as I put on the dress.