Tonight she held out her beautiful bare arms to him: “Why so late, darling? What is it?” “Nothing,” Erchov said with a forced smile. At that moment he became clearly aware that, on the contrary, there was something, something enormous; it was here, and it would be wherever he went — an infinite threat to himself and to this woman. Perhaps she was too beautiful, perhaps too privileged, perhaps … Footsteps measured the hall — the night guard going to check on the service entrance. “Nothing. Two of my personal guards have been changed. It annoys me.” “But you’re the master, darling.” She stood
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