Heat rises in my cheeks as I realize what he’s asking. I must have already known deep down, which was why my thoughts when to Alex. “No. There’s no one like that.”
“Why not? You’re intelligent, beautiful, and capable. I find it hard to believe you’re alone by accident.”
The compliment makes my pulse quicken, but it also brings back memories I’d rather not examine. “Sometimes, being alone is safer than the alternative.”
He frowns, as though troubled by the idea of me being unsafe. “Safer how?”
I burrow deeper into the towel, suddenly feeling exposed in ways that have nothing to do with my swimsuit. “Some people aren’t what they seem. Some relationships become...complicated.”
“Complicated like dangerous?”
I lick my lips. “Something like that.”
He nods slowly, as if my evasion confirms something he already suspected. “Is that why you left New York?”
“Partly.” I meet his gaze directly, surprised by my own honesty. “I had to choose between safety and everything else I thought I wanted.”
“And you chose safety.”
“I chose survival.” The admission hangs in the air between us, heavier than I intended. I’ve never told anyone except Nina about the real reasons I left New York, or how bad things were with Alex, but something about Yarik’s presence makes me want to trust him with pieces of my truth.
His voice is gentle and understanding. “I’m sorry you had to make that choice. No one should have to run from their life.”
I nod and half-shrug at the same time. “Sometimes, it’s the only option.”
“Yes, it is.”
We sit in comfortable silence for a few more minutes, both lost in our own thoughts. I’m relaxing despite the personal nature of our conversation. There’s something about Yarik that makes me feel safe, even when he’s asking questions I normally wouldn’t answer.
His voice is quieter now…almost intimate. “Sarah?”
“Yes?”
“I want you to know that your work today was good, not just competent or adequate.”
My cheeks flush as I feel flustered for the praise, which is silly. “Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.”
He gives me a tiny smile that’s gone almost as soon as it appears. “It should. I don’t give empty compliments.”
I smile slightly in return. “I noticed that. You’re not exactly effusive with praise.”
“No, I’m not, but when I say something, I mean it.”
“Good to know.”
He stands up from his chair and moves to sit on the edge of the coffee table, bringing him closer to where I’m curled on the couch. “I also want you to know Katya’s comments tonight had nothing to do with your performance and everything to do with her own insecurities.”
“She’s your fiancée. She has a right to be concerned about who you’re working with.” I say the words but don’t know if I mean them. They’re expected, but she’d only be insecure if she has feelings for him, right?
He’s frowning again. “She has a right to many things. Being rude to my employees isn’t one of them.”
“It’s fine, really.” I wave a hand dismissively. “I’ve dealt with difficult people before.”
His tone carries an edge of anger that surprises me. “It’s not fine. You deserve to be treated with respect.”
His name slips out before I can stop myself, more intimate than the “Mr. Barinov” I’ve been carefully maintaining. “Yarik...”
“Yes?”
