Sergei crouched down in front of you, his hand resting on your back as you cry in his chest, his expression softening only for a moment as he looked at you. He knew the drill by now - three days together, then it was time to hand you back over. But the look in your eyes as you clung to his arm made his jaw clench, and he didn’t care if she saw it.

“She can wait a damn minute,” he muttered, just loud enough for his ex to hear. She stood by the door, arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently, clearly ready to get you out of his sight as fast as possible. Sergei’s eyes flicked to her, a steely glare cutting through her frustration.

“You’ve had your time, Sergei,” she snapped, but he didn’t budge.

Sergei tightened his grip on you, his voice low and steady, but there was a warning there. “Two weeks… then you’re back with me. Got it?” His gaze didn’t leave yours, ignoring her, as if daring anyone to break that promise.