I sobbed uncontrollably in Ryurik's strong arms as he enveloped me, pulling me into a warm hug.
"Shh, it's okay," he whispered, his gentle voice a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, learning about Alek being married and how Natalia referred to me as a servant.
The realization that I'd been used and manipulated hit me hard, and Alek's silence on the matter only added to my pain.
Ryurik held me close, letting me cry out all the emotions I'd been bottling up. He didn't try to talk me out of my feelings or tell me to calm down, he just let me be, offering silent support as I processed the shock and hurt.
When I slowly began to calm down, Ryurik gently stroked my hair, his touch comforting and reassuring. "Please don't cry my beautiful princess, it hurts me to see you cry" he whispered. "
I am so sorry, he said, apologizing for Alek. He tilted up my chin with one finger so that I was looking up at him, while his other hand stroked the side of my arm, goosebumps cascading across my skin from his touch. His gaze was molten with want.
I should have pulled away, but I couldn't it seemed like I was caught in a spell.
In that moment, I felt a sense of gratitude towards Ryurik for being there for me, for understanding me without judgment. His comfort and support meant the world to me.
Unable to look at him any further, I couldn't stand the intensity of his gaze, afraid I would get ahead of myself again, and do something stupid like kiss his inviting sexy lips.
I put my head back on his chest and sobbed uncontrollably in his arms, he gently asked, "My princess, are you...on your period?" I froze, my tears-stained face flushing with embarrassment.
I hastily pulled back and checked myself, my hands instinctively going to my abdomen. Oh, yes. That would explain the extreme horniness at every man three radars away.
Call me messed up in the head, but on the bright side I was grateful for the encounter with Natalia had, yeah you're right I'm a big, fat liar.
I could have been perfectly fine without the Encounter with Miss Hotshot, only that the problem would be how to tell these men I'm on my period.
How would I have explained this to them? 'Hey, by the way, I'm on my period and need some pads and tampons'?" The thought alone made me cringe.
But now, with Ryurik's gentle inquiry, I felt a sense of gratitude. At least this way, everything made sense.
My hormones being all over the top, the mood swings...it all added up. The only thing I wasn't glad about was the pain and discomfort that came with it.
Ryurik's consideration and care only added to my gratitude, and I felt a sense of appreciation for his understanding nature.
As I payed in his arms, still reeling from my emotional breakdown, I expected Ryurik to behave like most men might, to be put off by my tears and my period. But instead, he surprised me.
I was not just surprised, I was the epitome of "The lady was too stunned to speak".
He didn't make me feel dirty or like I was a burden. Instead, he scooped me up into his arms, cradling me like a bride, and carried me towards the bedroom.
As we approached the door, he kicked it open with his foot and walked us inside. I felt a mix of emotions - gratitude for his care, but also a sense of independence that I didn't want to lose.
When he started to try to help me clean up, I put up a fight. "No, I can do it myself," I insisted, feeling a bit more like myself.
Ryurik nodded understandingly and excused himself, leaving me to get into the shower and clean up. Afterward, he brought me a comfortable set of sweatpants and a sweatshirt, which I gratefully put on.
.Thank you," I said, feeling a sense of relief and comfort, with my newfound composure, we headed out of the bedroom, and I couldn't help but notice the way Ryurik looked at me,with kindness, concern, and understanding.
It was a look that made me feel seen and cared for, and I felt grateful to have him by my side.
My admiration for Ryurik is then cut cut short, by the realization that I still hadn't called Sophie yet.
I dial her number and she answers at one ring, asking me of my where about and how I am faring.
I tell her that I am fine and on my way home. "Hey, Soph, I'm okay, don't worry," I said, trying to sound calmer than I felt. I subtly hinted at my situation, using a bit of girl code. "You know, it's that time of the month again," I said with a sigh. Sophie would understand.
As Ryurik and I headed out, I spotted Natalia seated with Alek, Natalia scolding one of the servants. I rolled my eyes, feeling a surge of annoyance.
I already felt bad for the poor girl, what could she have done to enrage Miss Hotshot, while Alek sat by her indifferent.
Natalia's gaze met mine, and she smirked, but I ignored her and turned to Alec. "Thank you for everything," I said sincerely. "For saving me and all. I'm really grateful."
I glanced down at the shirt he had lent me or I rather say I lent myself. "I'll make sure to get it dry cleaned and return it to you," I promised.
Alek's expression was unreadable, but I hoped he knew I appreciated his help. With that, Ryurik and I continued on our way.
Though I felt mislead and toyed with I was still very grateful for him saving me yesterday.
As Ryurik and I drove home, I couldn't help but think about the events of the day.
Suddenly, it hit me that I had been calling him "Monster Trunk" in my head, but I had no idea what his actual name was. I turned to him with a sheepish grin.
"I'm so sorry, I haven't even asked your name yet," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I'm Emily."
Ryurik smiled and extended his hand for a handshake. "Well, I'm Ryurik. Nice to meet you, Emily." We both burst out laughing at the formality of the introduction, given the circumstances.
It felt like a scene straight out of a romantic comedy, the meet-cute, the awkwardness, the laughter. I couldn't believe how natural it felt to be around him.
"Nice to meet you, Ryurik," I said, still chuckling, as I looked at Ryurik, I couldn't help but ask the questions that had been plaguing me.
"Was any of it real?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Was I just being used?" I searched his face for honesty. "Please, be truthful with me."
Ryurik's expression turned serious, and he replied, "My princess, I'm sorry, I'm not the best person to tell you that. You need to ask Alek yourself." He paused, his eyes locked on mine.
And even though it may seen difficult and unreasonable I want you to trust him, he would never hurt you.
I felt a pang of disappointment and frustration. Why couldn't he just tell me the truth? I thought about all the things I wanted to know, who Natalia was, if Alec was married...but Ryurik's response only left me with more questions.
Realizing he won't speak any further even if I asked, I just decided to stay quiet and reflect on my own feelings, I couldn't help but think that I was just a fool.
What was I expecting, really? I'd met Alek less than 24 hours ago, and already, I'd built an entire fairy tale in my head.
I'd imagined our future, our kids...it was ridiculous. I was Cinderella, and he was my Prince Charming, but in reality, I was just a stranger who'd gotten caught up in a strange situation. I sighed, feeling a bit more grounded. Maybe it was time to take a step back and trust the process, rather than getting ahead of myself.