Page 54 of Tainted Empire
Viktor smirks, handing me a pair of safety glasses and ear protection. “I don’t do ‘easy’, but I promise you’ll learn something valuable.”
He guides me through the proper stance and grip, correcting me gently but firmly. I take my first shot, the recoil jarring but exhilarating. Viktor watches me closely, offering tips and adjustments.
His teaching style is strict but effective, and I find myself absorbed in the lesson, the weight of the gun in my hand both frightening and empowering.
“Remember, in our world, knowing how to handle a gun could save your life,” he says seriously. “And never underestimate your opponent.”
I nod, firing off a few more rounds, each one more confident than the last. Viktor’s right – in the world I’m now a part of, these skills are essential.
By the end of the session, my arms are sore, but there’s a sense of achievement in hitting the target more times than I miss. Viktor’s gruff approval is surprisingly gratifying.
“Not bad for your first day, Mrs. Baranova. We’ll make a sharpshooter out of you yet.”
I smile, feeling a sense of pride in my progress. “Thanks, Viktor. I guess I have more of a knack for this than I thought.”
As I leave the armory, the experiences of the day weigh on me. The physical training with Alexei, the shooting lessons with Viktor – they’re molding me into someone capable, someone who can stand tall in Mikhail’s world.
Exhausted from the grueling training session, I trudge upstairs, my muscles aching with every step. The thought of a hot bath is the only thing keeping me going. In our luxurious bathroom, I start running the bath, pouring in a generous amount of Epsom salts, hoping they’ll soothe my sore muscles.
As the tub fills, I peel off my sweaty gym clothes, letting them drop to the floor. The steam from the hot water fills the room, promising a temporary escape from the aches of the day. I slide into the bath, closing my eyes as the heat envelops me, slowly easing the tension in my body.
Man, these guys are definitely not going easy on me even if I am the wife of their boss. I smile as I think this, feeling thankful for it.
A while later, the door opens, and Mikhail looks at me. He pauses, taking in the scene, a chuckle escaping him. “Looks like you had quite the day.”
I open one eye, smiling tiredly at him. “You could say that; your men are bullies, but I’m okay with that. Alexei doesn’t believe in going easy, and Viktor was just as relentless with the firearms training.”
He leans against the doorframe, his eyes sparkling with pride. “I heard you held your own pretty well. Alexei doesn’t compliment easily.”
I laugh, feeling a swell of accomplishment. “Well, I might have ended up on the mat more times than I can count, but I’m learning. And Viktor... let’s just say I have a newfound respect for the art of shooting.”
“You’re doing amazing, baby. But remember, you don’t have to push yourself too hard.”
I shake my head, the water rippling around me. “No, I need to. I have to be as strong and capable as everyone else in your world. Plus, I actually learned a lot. Did you know Viktor has a pretty methodical approach to teaching shooting?”
He smiles, the pride in his eyes unmistakable. “I’m not surprised, he’s a master with firearms. I’m glad you’re taking this seriously, but still, take care of yourself.”
I stretch my legs, feeling the last of the tension start to fade. “It’s hard, but it’s worth it. I want to be able to stand beside you, not just as your partner but as someone who can handle herself.”
Mikhail’s smile widens, and he steps closer, sitting on the edge of the tub, his hand gently brushing a wet strand of hair from my face. “You’re already there, Malyshka. And I couldn’t be prouder.”
I reach out, taking his hand. “Thanks, Mischa. For believing in me, for pushing me to be better.”
He squeezes my hand gently. “Always, baby. We’re in this together, remember?”
I lean back, letting out a contented sigh. “Yeah, but I won’t lie, it feels good to be learning, to be growing stronger. Not just for you, but for myself.”
Mikhail nods, understanding. “I know. And that’s one of the many reasons I love you. You’re not just part of my world; you’re making it your own.”
I sigh, smiling again. “Thank you, mio re,” I say and close my eyes.
He leans forward, kisses my forehead then stands up. “I’ll let you relax. Dinner will be ready soon. Something to help you recover from the day.”
As he leaves, I sink deeper into the bath, my mind reflecting on the day’s lessons.
In Mikhail’s world, these are the qualities that define you, and I’m determined to embody them, to be his equal in every way.
Chapter 29