My Rival, My Temptation - Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Katherine’s POV
Three days of pure bliss.
I barely saw Nikolai, which meant the honeymoon was going better than expected.
Nikolai and I had, miraculously, fallen into an unspoken agreement: avoid each other at all costs. We never had meals together, never crossed paths in the villa unless absolutely necessary, and–most importantly–never acknowledged each other’s existence. It was the most harmonious we’d ever been.
I spent my days exploring the sprawling villa, lounging by the pool, soaking up the Mediterranean sun, and reading whatever books I could find in the house’s personal library. I even attempted to learn a few Italian phrases, though my pronunciation was so bad that one of the staff members winced every time I tried.
The only real downside to this entire arrangement–aside from, you know, the fact that I was stuck in this marriage–was the two shadows that followed me everywhere I went.
Viktor and Leonid.
Nikolai’s personal watchdogs. My own personal headache.
The two of them followed me everywhere. Every time I turned around, they were there. Standing by the door. Lurking near the pool. Hovering in the background while I sipped my morning espresso. The only place I had privacy was my bedroom, and I refused to spend all my time locked away just because my husband was paranoid.
They trailed me like silent phantoms, always lurking nearby, always watching. They didn’t intrude on my space exactly, but they didn’t let me out of their sight either.
Which, honestly, was getting on my last nerve.
I had no doubt Nikolai was behind it. Probably smirking to himself at the thought of me being babysat like some unruly child.
Not that I particularly cared what he was up to.
It wasn’t any of my business, and I preferred it that way.
Still, I found myself mildly curious. Not enough to ask, but enough to wonder. Had he really been holed up in his room all this time? Or was he off somewhere handling some shady business dealings?
Or, more likely, sleeping around.
I wouldn’t put it past him.
And honestly? That worked for me. As long as he kept whatever he was doing far away from me, I couldn’t care less.
What I did care about, however, was the fact that I was feeling restless having bodyguards watching my every move like two shadows I couldn’t shake.
And I had tried to shake them.
On the second day, I attempted to slip out of the villa while Viktor and Leonid were momentarily distracted, deep in conversation with one of the staff. I made it exactly six steps past the gate—six—before Viktor, without so much as glancing my way, casually called out,
“Khozyayka.”
I nearly jumped out of my skin.
He hadn’t even turned his head. Hadn’t paused. Hadn’t so much as shifted his weight.
Like he just knew.
It was borderline supernatural.
So, yes—my attempts to lose my overly devoted shadows had been a spectacular failure.
As if that wasn’t frustrating enough, I later discovered that Khozyayka meant Lady of the House, which was deeply ironic considering I was, for all intents and purposes, a well-dressed hostage.
What a marriage.
My mother, on the other hand, thought the whole bodyguard thing was romantic.
I’d made the mistake of calling her yesterday, and she wasted no time reminding me—no, nagging me—to perform my wifely duties. Because apparently, we were living in the 1800s now.
“We’re not in the 1800s, Mother,” I’d groaned. “What does that even mean?”
“You know what it means,” she’d replied, pointedly.
Unfortunately, I did.
She had also very delicately asked if I was at least trying to get along with my husband.
“Define trying,” I’d said, flipping onto my stomach on the lounge chair.
“Katherine.”
“What? We’re coexisting. That’s something.”
My mother had sighed, like I was a lost cause.
Lena, on the other hand, had a more appropriate reaction when I told her how things were going.
“Wait, you’re alive?” she’d gasped. “And you haven’t thrown yourself off the balcony yet?”
“Not yet,” I’d said. “But the week isn’t over.”
She’d laughed, then dramatically hugged the phone. “I’m so proud of you for surviving this long. Look at my best friend, thriving in her loveless marriage!”
I’d rolled my eyes but smiled anyway. “It’s only been three days. Give it time.”
“Impressive. I was sure you’d be a widow by now.”
“You and me both.”
At least someone understood me.
She’d sobered slightly. “But seriously. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I’d assured her. “It’s honestly not as bad as I thought it’d be. I never see him, so it’s almost like I’m on vacation alone.”
Of course, that wasn’t entirely true. I wasn’t alone. I had company.
Company in the form of my two large, overbearing bodyguards who refused to let me breathe.
Which was why, today, I had made a decision.
I was going out.
I wasn’t going to spend the entire honeymoon locked away in the villa. I wanted to see the town, explore the streets, do some shopping—experience Italy. And if Viktor and Leonid were so determined to shadow me, well… they could do it while I enjoyed myself.
As expected, they didn’t protest when I informed them I was going out. They simply nodded, like this was an acceptable decision only because they would be coming too.
I climbed into the backseat of the car they had waiting, and soon we were on our way into town.
The drive itself was breathtaking. Winding coastal roads, colorful houses stacked against the cliffs, the endless shimmer of the Mediterranean in the distance. It was the kind of place that made you want to breathe deeply, close your eyes, and soak in the moment.
Except I couldn’t. Because I had an audience.
Leonid was driving. Viktor sat in the passenger seat. I was in the back, looking out the window, taking in the sights, and wondering how difficult it would be to…accidentally get separated from them.
I tested it out when we reached a small shopping street.
“Hey, I’m just going to take a quick walk,” I said, casually stepping onto the cobblestone road.
I didn’t make it three steps before Viktor materialized beside me.
I swore he had teleportation abilities.
“Where are you going, Mistress?” he asked.
I scowled, not sure if I was offended by the fact that he had caught me trying to sneak away or the fact that he called me ‘Mistress’ like I was some olden days wife of a Lord. “I was walking.”
“Then you should call us. We’ll walk with you.”
Of course they would.
I crossed my arms. “Are you seriously going to police me everywhere I go?”
“Yes,” he said, completely unfazed.
I narrowed my eyes. “I think I need to have a word with your boss.”
Viktor didn’t react. Leonid was still in the car, looking suspiciously like he was laughing at me through the rearview mirror.
I huffed, climbing back into the car. I was going to have to get more creative if I wanted some actual freedom.
Eventually, we reached a public beach, where I decided to stop for a drink at a restaurant overlooking the waves.
As I sipped my cocktail, a girl with dark curls and a warm smile approached me.
“You’re not from here,” she said, sliding into the seat across from me like we were old friends.
I blinked. “Uh—no?”
She grinned. “Welcome to Amalfi. I’m Bianca.”
“Kat.”
“Well, Kat, if you’re looking for something fun to do, you should come to a party tonight. It’s at my friend’s villa, right on the beach. Great music, even better drinks.”
A party.
The word itself sent a thrill through me.
Of course, my excitement was immediately dampened by Viktor—who was standing nearby, arms crossed, already shaking his head.
I ignored him, because there was no way in hell that I was going to decline an opportunity to have fun.
“That sounds amazing,” I said. “I’ll be there.”
Bianca beamed. “Great! See you tonight.” We exchanged social media handles.
She was about to leave when I leaned in slightly. “Actually I might need a little help with something.”
She tilted her head. “What kind of help?”
I shot a glance at Viktor, then back at her.
“I might need to ditch my bodyguards when it’s time.”
Her smile widened. “Say no more.”
Finally.
Some fun.