So what if you had to throw yourself down a flight of stairs, leaving a bruise on your torso and a slight limp in your leg? It meant Kirill brought you back home and got his surprise birthday party, which you and Karina had planned. Karina went all out with the gifts, but as his bodyguard, you kept it professional, giving him cards for services he might request on days off, just like the other guards.

After slipping out of the dining room and into the bathroom, you smile at the success of Kirill's birthday. Once you finish, you wash your hands and freeze at the sight of his reflection in the mirror. He leans against the doorframe, legs crossed, toying with the card you slipped him alongside the others from the guards. "So this is all I get for a huge birthday that you nearly broke your leg to have me attend?"

You grin. “I actually got you another gift, but I couldn't show it to you in front of everyone else."

He raises a brow. "Another gift? Where is it?"

You lower your waistband to reveal the fresh tattoo you got for him. Kirill straightens, bewildered, as he approaches, gripping your hip and gently tracing his fingers along the word—his name. "Fuck,” his voice is full with awe. "When did you get this done?"

"This morning."

"When you were supposed to be with Karina?"

You nod.

He narrows his eyes, and his grip tightens on your hip, his fingers digging into it. "Did a man ink your skin? Did you let a man look at what's fucking mine?"

"No, you caveman. It was a woman."

"Name? Credentials? Location?"

"So you can cause her trouble? Absolutely not. But anyway. You didn't tell me what you think? Do you like it?"

"I love it. Should've engraved my name on you a long time ago, but it would have been done sloppily with a knife."

You roll your eyes. "You're such a romantic."

"I know."

"That was sarcasm."

"I know." His gaze is still lost in the tattoo as he traces it back and forth.