Dominik tapped his fingers against his desk obsessively, staring down at his desk without actually doing anything. It's the day his parents were supposed to be here. He hasn't left the office in a few days since the news, keeping Salina glued to his side even if she desired to do something else.

"Domo!" Salina called softly once again, finally he came out of his trance and looked at his wife who was swaying over to him. She wore a white dress today, his eyes softened immediately as he was reminded of their wedding. It was short and frilly and he fucking loved watching her buzz around his office doing work with him.

"You're worrying me, I don't want to go nagging wife on you but I will if I have to hm?" Salina was trying to hold it together for him as she cupped his jaw. She wasn't one to be scared of many things. It's just not how she is.

But Salina was terrified to meet his parents. And she was even more worried because Dominik was tense too, he hasn't told her much about his growing up but it didn't seem great. Andrei Ivanov is known for his brutality and Irina Ivanov was known for supporting him in all of it. Originally, she thought that he was close to his parents because of the pride he bore in his name.

Now, she isn't so sure anymore.

Dominik snorted at her threat, gripping her hips and easily lifting her up onto his desk as he rolled his chair so he was parked between her thighs.

"Don't threaten me with a good time. Speaking of a good time- how 'bout I take a lunch break?" He grinned slyly as he pushed the skirt of her dress up. Salina laughed softly, covering his hands with her own.

Her nails were painted a soft pink, shaped into pointed almond tips. "Stop, not right now."

"No fun," he murmured while leaning down, still holding eye contact with her. Purposefully, he kissed the hickeys over her chocolaty inner thighs just to remind her what she's missing out on. As usual, he's been spoiling her- setting aside a good amount of time to lay between her thighs as often as he could.

"You know what this reminds me of?" He toyed with the white laced fabric of her dress.

Salina rolled her head back, a sly smile tugging at her lips. He admired her long hair tumbling down her back, today he watched as she used a new lotion to which she rudely corrected was body butter but now he was appreciating it thoroughly since it was glittering on her tits nicely.

Delicious, he licked his lips as the simple sight made his dick hard. She hummed softly, "What does it remind you of?" Of course, she was teasing.

"The day you made me the luckiest man on Earth, so pretty in white," he grinned wolfishly while holding up his phone. Where her ass in her wedding dress was still his screensaver. His tone was teasing, appreciating the dress on her. Salina swatted at his phone playfully, her tongue poked out at him.

"I do wish we got to have a first dance, that's one thing they should add to courthouse weddings," Salina thought aloud. Dominik's brows furrowed as he rest his cheek against her pillowy thighs.

"What's different from courthouse weddings and venue weddings besides the location?" he asked quietly.

Salina's eyes widened. Wondering if he was being serious but when no sarcasm or jokes followed, her head tilted in confusion before she answered. "Well there's a bunch of things that are different, mon cœur." She ran her nails over his scalp soothingly as he listened.

"There are different customs but generally, I walk down the aisle to you. Some people write personal vows about how much they're dedicated to their partners, that's the ceremony that everyone watches. We did that part at the courthouse. And after is the party or celebration, we have our first dance where the couple has a first dance as a married couple- oh there's this song I absolutely love- I'll have to show you later. It's very romantic." Her face lit up at the thought.

"We have dinner with our guests, gifts are brought, speeches are made. And there's a part where we cut the cake together and feed it to each other, it's really sweet. It changes from couple to couple," Salina shrugged. "Just like how ours was different and turned out being good for us, we did it the easiest way and I can proudly say we're probably better off than half the couples I've seen throw huge, gaudy weddings."

Salina waited for Dominik's response, expecting the mocking of others for wasting their time on huge weddings but heard nothing of the sorts. Instead, he stayed quiet and thought.

While she worried, he was thinking about Salina's wistful tone of voice about these wedding traditions. He wasn't truly aware of how much went into weddings, he'd never been to one.

Besides Angelo he doesn't even know anyone personally that's even gotten married in his lifetime. Were they really that big of a deal? His mother described her wedding as a business transaction simply sealed with a signature and maybe a kiss.

Bending down, Salina kissed the top of Dominik's head. "Maybe we can do something for our first anniversary," she thought aloud. Already, she imagined the trip she could plan them or the gifts she could get Dominik that he didn't know he needed yet.

She swallowed hard as she thought about something else to do for Dominik in the bedroom that he wouldn't have to wait the six months for.

Lately, Salina has been thinking more and more about sleeping with Dominik. Having sex with her husband- the thought made her want to throw up in the best possible way. She's done it before, the experiences were lukewarm at best but she knew it would be different with him. Intimacy, despite what some may think, is a big deal for her.

Of course, she trusts Dominik. And she was forced to trust him at the beginning but now she chooses to trust him everyday. Now, it was just a matter of bringing it up even if she knows his response would more than likely be enthusiastic.

"What are you thinking about?" Dominik asked.

For a moment, she considered voicing her thoughts and vehemently shot the idea down. Instead, "... What are you thinking about?"

Neither were willing to spill.

He decided to stand out of his chair to distract, hiking his hands under her knee to lift her closer. His eyes trailed to all the work she got done over the last few hours while he was lost in his own head.

"Look at all you do for me, so perfect," Dominik kissed up her neck.

The two of them chuckled quietly when he was nipping at her ticklish spots with an eagerness he couldn't shake.

Just as she wrapped her hands around his shoulders, the door opened abruptly. Both of them, expecting Lev, glanced over to the entrance with smiles lingering on their faces were caught off guard by the unannounced visitors.

Behind Andrei and Irina, an out of breath Fern jogged up. "They-" he wheezed. "They went around- was 'bout to call!" He coughed as Irina had hit him in the gut with her bag when they passed each other to give it to him to hold.

Dominik's smile had fallen at their presence, but Salina was never one to budge. Her grin smoothed into a content face, everything on her features reading relaxed because one of them has to keep their head straight.

"Andrei," her husband nodded at his father as he stood up straighter and held Salina closer. He helped her off the desk, wrapping his arm around her small waist.

"Neither of you were invited," Dominik grunted. "I found out from Lev you were flying out of Moscow."

Irina frowned, walking further into the office and sitting herself down. Salina realized that Dominik was the perfect mix between both of his parents good looks. He had his fathers eyes and facial structure and the rest was his mother. But his dark eyes and hair were from Andrei. Irina crossed one leg over the other, "Obviously we have to drop by to even hear from you. You just tell us that you're getting married and then we hear nothing for months."

"I've been busy."

Andrea scoffed, walking further in and it was as if Salina was on display. Both of his parents examined her top to bottom. Holding back a sneer, she kept her face neutral as to save both her and Dominik the trouble. Dominik himself was on edge, staring at his parents who made a habit of snatching any source of enjoyment he's ever had. His hand on her back slid up to the back of her neck, cupping it possessively as he glared.

"Yes, we've heard just how busy you truly are. This mess with the Beaumont's, I wonder why that hasn't been taken care of." Andrei looked straight at Salina, his dark brow raising. "I met with your father when you were just a girl, Dominik came with me. Frankly I wasn't impressed then and I'm not impressed now." Not that anybody should be impressed by Laurent.

Salina weighed her options, bringing more tension to the room by defending herself might not be the smartest course of action in the long haul. She has no idea how much power these two still have. But still, she itched to open her mouth.

"Beaumont is a rat that'll be dealt with accordingly, the McCaffrey's have already been tracked down. They're waiting on my word to finish the problem," he informed his parents.

Irina's eye twitched as she looked at the hands Dominik laid on Salina, the softness in his grasp. "Don't shift blame, from what we've heard Beaumont was the brains behind the attack."

Before anyone else could speak up, Salina's lips parted. "My relationship with my father isn't an issue. It isn't a factor in Dominik's decision on how to deal with him."

The older Russian couple both looked at her, Salina stared back before they overall dismissed her. Snarling low in his throat, Dominik sucked on his teeth. "She's already fit into her position better than any Donna I've witnessed, you should listen to what she has to say." Irina went red in the face but kept her composure, Salina squeezed Dominik's hand as the room became stifling in the following silence.

"I think we should have a discussion- just family," Andrei finally rasped while folding his hands together with finality in his voice.

Before Salina could speak up, Dominik glowered. "Salina is my wife. She's an Ivanov in the same way I am, the same way mom is, and the same way you are. If you don't agree get the fuck out."

Andrei sat up in his chair, the vein in his neck bulging before Salina cut in. Her soft hands grazed Dominik's chest, "I'll work on some paperwork out in the living room. Besides, it might be good for you three to catch up." Andrei nodded in silent appreciation.

Dominik held her in place as he searched her eyes, wondering if she was truly okay with leaving but she pressed a sneaky kiss against his ring finger. Sighing through his nose, he nodded once and released her to grab three manilla folders that were on the desk besides them.

Before she left, Salina glanced at both Irina and Andrei over her shoulder. Pursing her lips, she kept her tone soft, "Dominik's a good man, one of the best I've met. You should be proud."

And without another glance, Salina walked out of the office. When she was about to walk away, the door cracked behind her and she wondered if it was wrong to leave her husband like that. Nibbling on her lip in thought, just when she was about to walk away she heard Andrei loudly through the door.

"Her? Really Dominik, have we taught you nothing?"

Salina's hands tightened around her paperwork, her feet felt like lead and she was unable to move as she rested against the wall. Their voices flowed clearly.

"She has done exactly what I asked of her as Donna," Dominik barked. Inside the office, Dominik leaned back against the desk as he tapped his foot at the sight of his parents. The audacity they carried, he couldn't stand it. And now, he had to deal with them so he could go back to his wife. Whatever got them out faster.

"The way you defend this girl is ridiculous, Dominik. Has she brainwashed you already? She's just a girl you happen to be arranged to- not that I understand why you went through with it anyway."

Sneering, Dominik stood and snatched a bottle of whiskey he had stored on the shelf. "I'm not goddamn brainwashed. You're both fucking crazy. Salina is in check and an asset to my operation."

Irina looked at her husband, "If I didn't know any better I'd say he feels something for the girl."

"She's not some girl!" Dominik snapped. "Use her fucking name and show her respect!" He chucked the glass of liquor in his hand at the two of them. Neither flinched at his outburst or the glass shattering on the wall besides them.

"He's throwing one of his fits again, Andrei," Irina sighed. His father nodded as he looked almost amused by his sons display of emotion. "I think your right, жена. All those lessons we taught him. The girl has ruined him. It's a wonder the men following you still have any respect for you," Andrei's voice began to rise in volume as he stood out of his chair.

He came face to face, "Marriage isn't about your fucking feelings, Dominik. It's about business, love is a waste of time. That's. It. If the marriage isn't beneficial then you goddamn terminate it before someone does it for you." It was a thinly veiled threat as the two men openly seethed at one another.

"There are no feelings between me and Salina! Absolutely none so get it out of your head. Physical attraction is just a perk of convenience but Salina has earned your respect in what's she's done as a Donna and that is the end discussion. It's not about me and it's not about her."

"As long as she's useful to me as a Donna- I'll keep her around as I please. If I allow someone to threaten my wife- my entire industry looks weak. It's as simple as that. Don't get my strategy twisted up with your idea of emotion. I know enough by now that they're a fucking waste."

Andrei lent back, looking finally pleased with his son. "Maybe you're not a waste after all," his wrinkling face crinkled as he smirked.

"Now, give me the run down on how you're handling the McCaffrey's. Those cowards are always running from something. And later I expect that your wife can make herself actually useful and prepare us dinner before our flight later."

Outside of the office, Salina stared at the ground. Her tongue pressed into her cheek as she mulled over what had been said. But all she could focus on was Dominik's words. No feelings, her bottom lip trembled. Simple physical attraction... it's a convenience.

Shooting her eyes up to the ceiling, she tried to force back the tears stinging at her eyes. He had no feelings? She wanted to be confident that he was lying, she really wanted to. All of their conversations and all of her own feelings came to the forefront of her mind. This could all just be out of convenience for him, he said he'd only keep her around if she stayed useful.

She pressed her fist to her forehead frustratedly, she told herself this would happen. She knew. She was just being used, just like she'd been before.

The problem is, Salina came in expecting to be used and prepared for that. But he lied, he lied to her and convinced her that it was more than her being Donna and filling a role.

Humiliation spread through her, Salina had believed him. Despite every part of her she managed to believe him. For a moment, Salina thought they could fall in love one day. A sob bubbled up into her throat but she clamped her hand over her mouth to silence it. For the first time in a long while, she felt stupid.

Sniffling, she stood up quickly to avoid being caught and made a speedy exit towards their bedroom. But on the way there, while the guards had not tried to stop her, Dima happened to run into her. His dark brows furrowed at the sight of so much emotion on Salina's face and he gripped her arms to stop her.

"Hey, what- what the hell is wrong?" he blurted. Salina shushed him and looked around, before glancing back and shaking her head. "Don't act like you care, Dima. I'm fine, I'm on my period so don't worry Dominik about it."

Dima's face contorted with suspicion as he held her arm tighter and began taking he through the house. Her eyes widened but she didn't fight much as he took her towards her craft room. "What the fuck is the matter with you?"

Now in private, aside from Dima, Salina was struggling to stop her tears. "It's nothing, I-I'm just going to call Lev. Really, it's fine."

He stood in front of the door, with his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed at her. "I know I was a dick and all at first but I'm not moving, Salina. Not until I know you're alright. You're... Y'know you're family and all." His face heated up but still he didn't budge.

Her nose twitched and once again her lip began to quiver, lifting her hands up she dug them into her eyes as if it would stop the tears. Dima winced, leaning forward and gripping her forearms and easing them off her face.

"He said none of it mattered. He said that to them and I heard from outside- it's not that big of a deal I'm just e-emotional. I'm going to call Lev to stay with him for the night. I-I can't believe I fell for it," she cried as she pulled away to grab a cat carrier for Dulce who she missed dearly in the hecticness of their lives now. The cat rubbed against her calves sweetly.

"You can't really think he meant that shit, Salina," Dima hissed. "His parents- they're fucked up. They fuck him up even more when they're around. That's just how it is."

"That's fine. He said as long as I'm a good Donna he'll keep me around, well I can be a good Donna while staying at Lev's for a little bit. I-If he doesn't think that fits his expectations then he can just get rid of me like everybody else," she hissed while glaring at Dima.

"Now get the fuck out of my way," she snarled and watched the large man immediately move to the side so she could pace into the bedroom as Dulce followed. He saw her from the doorway grabbing some things and putting them together as she called Lev.

Dima raked his hands through his hair, fully stressed now. He didn't know how to deal with this, it's not what he was trained in. The art of emotion is not his wheelhouse. But Dima knew the second Dominik found out Salina was trying to leave that all hell would break lose.

Especially, if he was the last to find out considering Lev could get her through the guards if he doesn't know to tell them otherwise.

Hissing quietly, he turned on his heel towards Dominik's office and stormed down there. When he got to the door, only for a moment did he registered that the only three people in the planet he has ever felt fear of were on the other side. He exhaled deeply before opening the door fully, all three Ivanov's looked at him. He didn't look at his aunt and uncle, instead he met Dominik's gaze. "Boss, you're needed for something," he cleared his throat.

"What's so important that you need to interrupt us, Dima," Irina scowled to her nephew.

"Something I need to discuss with the boss, ma'am."

The older couple did not look happy at the dismissal from someone who used to be beneath them in ranking but Dominik didn't pay them any mind. Instead he saw the look in Dima's eyes and waved off his parents.

"Get the fuck out," the Don barked. "Check into a hotel before your flight, sit in the airport, I don't give a fuck but get out before I have them force you out."

His parents both yelled in protest but Dominik stalked forward, shoving Dima out of the office with a confused glare. "Where is she?"

Growling, Dima shoved his hands off and pointed a finger in Dominik's face. "I don't know what the fuck you said in there but she heard it all. And you better fucking fix it because if I ever have to see Salina cry again I'm going to kill myself- I didn't sign up for tears."

"Tears?" Dominik croaked with wide eyes as he turned as if to look at her. Dima threw his hands up, "I don't fucking know- figure it out while I get them out of the house."

•••
surprise update!!!
i'm rlly happy how this chapter came out that's why i wanted to post it early hehe

what are my lovely readers thoughts and feels?

also reading salina's character back as i post these i literally just love her like and how she handles things like when she's bitchy to dima i giggle at her cuntyness

but nyways domo is screwed😛