The Russian's Secret Child (The Fedosov Family Series) by Leslie North Page B

had enjoyed the luxuries of a bath. The lure was more than she could resist and she eagerly nodded, making sure Misha would be around to hear Mikhail if he awakened early.
    “He’ll need to be changed when he first wakes up and then he’ll want to play for a few minutes before he eats.”
    Misha physically walked her to the luxurious bathroom, pushing her inside and pulling the door shut as he told her, “I can handle it. Enjoy your bath. I don’t want to see you again until your skin is all pruny and at least an hour has passed.”
    Jasmine smiled at the closed door and then turned to survey the bathroom. She felt like she had died and gone to heaven. The jetted tub was deep and the water was warm. She found some bath salts beneath the sink and added them, putting the scent of vanilla in the air as they dissolved.
    She removed her clothing and sank into the water, moaning in delight as the water helped drain away the tension in her muscles. How did I manage a year and a half without a bathtub?”
    She relaxed back into the tub, letting her eyes close and her mind drift.
    Misha cleared the breakfast dishes and was just about to knock on the bathroom door when Mikhail woke up. He changed his diaper and then played with him for several minutes. When the little boy started drooling and chewing on his fist, he decided that was his clue to get a bottle ready.
    Mikhail drank the entire bottle down before deciding to play with his toes. Misha laughed as he struggled to grasp his toes. Glancing at the clock, he realized that over an hour had passed since Jasmine entered the bathroom.
    He left Mikhail playing on the floor and knocked on the bathroom door, “Jasmine? Is everything okay in there?”
    “Jasmine?” Misha knocked louder.
    “Uhm… yes… I’m here.” Jasmine struggled to open her eyes. She was so tired! Pushing herself to a sitting position, she realized where she was and whom she was with. “I’m fine. I’m getting out right now.” Please don’t come in!
    “If you’re sure. I’ve already fed Mikhail, so there’s no reason for you to hurry.” Misha wanted her to rest so that the dark circles beneath her eyes would leave.
    “No, I’m getting out right now.” Jasmine stood from the tub, the water running down her body as she began to dry off with a towel. “Misha?”
    “Yes?”
    He was standing outside the door! If only he would open the door and take me in his arms. Maybe then I could believe all of this is really happening. “Nothing. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
    Jasmine finished drying off and then cracked the bathroom door open, looking to see if Misha had left her alone to dress. Thankful that he had, she dressed in the same clothes she had arrived in. Her wardrobe was scarce and she didn’t have the luxury of changing clothes more than once a day.
    When she exited the bedroom, Misha couldn’t help but ask her, “Didn’t you want to put some fresh clothes on?”
    Jasmine tried to contain the blush that threatened and simply shook her head, “No. These weren’t dirty and they’ll be fine.”
    Misha narrowed his eyes at her and then stalked into the bedroom, pulling open the duffel bag containing her clothing and dumping it out on the bed.
    “Misha, what are you doing?” Jasmine tried to stuff the clothes back inside, but he grabbed her arms and pushed her away.
    “I’m gaining some insight. Let’s see, we have three pair of jeans, counting the ones you’re wearing. All of which have holes in them. You have another pair of khaki green pants. I see five t-shirts, one sweater, two tank tops, a pair of boxer shorts, and a bomber jacket. Throw in a few pair of panties and two bras, and that’s it.”
    Jasmine bit her lip and struggled not to let his harsh examination of her failure bring tears to her eyes. Haven’t I already cried enough today! God, I’m turning into a water faucet!
    “Well? I know you had more clothing that this when we were together. Where are your