“I'll talk to Trifon about finding you a real role in the business. Hell, god knows you’re probably smarter than the rest of us. Might as well use that brain he gave you,” I say finally, adding a small smile.
Her eyes widen in surprise. “Really?”
“Yes, really,” I tease and lean over to ruffle her hair. “But you have to stop the reckless behavior. No more club brawls, no more putting yourself in dangerous situations. Deal?”
She beams and leans over to hug me. “Deal.”
We head inside, and the first person we see is Gela, who is sitting in the living room waiting up for us.
“Oh my god, are you okay?” she asks, rushing forward to hug Nadya.
Nadya nods, suddenly looking exhausted. “Just a rough night.”
“How's Leonid?” I ask Gela.
“I settled him upstairs, and he’s sleeping now. The doctor gave him something for the pain.”
She touches Nadya's arm gently. “Let me help you get cleaned up. You can use the guest room if you want—I just changed the sheets this morning.”
“That would be great,” Nadya says, looking exhausted. “Thanks, Gela.”
I catch Gela's eye as she leads Nadya toward the stairs, and mouth a silent thank you. She gives me a small,understanding smile and nod in return, and I realize we’ve become that couple that can speak without words.
Something about this moment, this exchange, feels more intimate than any of the times I’ve slept with her. Feels like we’re truly becoming a partnership.
But I wonder if she feels it too. I head to the bar and pour myself a whiskey, thinking over what Nadya said. She wasn’t wrong to say she’s stifled.
I might have my feelings for Gela, and I might feel disappointed when she doesn’t want the future I offer, because I never really made room for her in it. Not in the way she needs.
Something has to give, and my idea of what’s right for Gela is the first thing I need to let go of.
I just finished off the glass of scotch when I heard footsteps and turned to see Gela standing in the doorway.
“Hey.” She smiles. “Nadya's asleep. I gave her some painkillers and bandaged that cut.”
“Thank you,” I say. “Come sit with me?”
She closes the door to the living room behind her and comes and sits down on the couch, where I join her. “Are you okay?”
“Not really,” I sigh. “But I'm getting there.”
We sit there in silence for a while, then she’s the first to speak. For that, I am grateful because I don’t know where to start.
“I meant what I said downstairs,” she says softly. “I want to help with the Zakharovs. I can do this, Valentin.”
I look at her, and all I see is determination. She's not the same, terrified, innocent woman I once saved. She's so damn brave, and I haven’t been able to see that.
“I know you can,” I admit. “And I'll let you. But not because I don't care if you get hurt. It’s the opposite, actually.”
“What do you mean?” She tilts her head, urging me to carry on.
“When I said I wasn't letting you go, back when we fought, I didn't mean it the way it came out. I wasn't trying to control you or trap you here. I just... I can't imagine my life without you in it anymore, Gela. The thought of you walking away...” I shake my head, unable to finish.
Her eyes soften. “Valentin...”
“I'll never hold you prisoner, Gela. If you want to leave when this is all over, I won't stop you. But I hope you won't want to.” The words feel like they're being ripped from my chest, but it’s important for her to know.
She reaches over and takes my hand in hers. “I trust you, Valentin. I do. But I needed you to trust me, too. I got scared when I didn’t see that happening. Your fear for my safety overruled any logic and sense, you know? It got too heavy to be on the receiving end of.”
