“Hmmm,” I said, and she lay back with me.
“Sometimes I run to the roof to get some fresh air. My Papa and Mama quarrel a lot. The roof is the one place I find solace.”
Her hand reached for the smoke in her purse. She didn't carry a lighter but a matchstick.
“Care for a cigarette?”
I sighed.
“No,” I said. “I don't feel like smoking tonight.”
“Then what do you feel like doing?” She asked after a long drag off her slim cigarette. “You know I'll do anything for you.”
I sat upright, and she did the same.
I saw the lake, and I heard the popping sound of the gunshot. The image of the lifeless man at the lakeside flashed. His body floated, and it got worse. I didn't picture Papa shooting him. Instead, I saw myself holding the gun.
“For treason,” Papa said, and I wondered what treason meant.
“Are you sure you're okay?” Ariella asked again. “I've been calling your name for a while now, but you're…”
She halted her utterance after my lips pressed on hers. She kissed me back, but this time with more intensity. My hands ruffled through her dark hair, and it felt oily. My fingers trailed upon her skin, and she moaned in acceptance. I didn't know how much kissing her made me forget how Papa murdered that man, but I liked it. My hands went from cupping her face to grabbing her neck. She moved them to her breasts, and I froze. Our eyes met, and I saw the twinkle. She knelt down and removed her short gown until all I could see was her undies.
“Take off your clothes, Vik.” She said, and I didn't move. It was Ariella who unbuttoned my shirt and unbuckled the belt around my pants.
“Ariella, are you sure you're ready?” I asked. She didn't second-guess when she said yes. Her voice was like a soft whisper in my ears, and it triggered a sensation in me.
She arranged our clothes on the roof, and I kissed her. My lips licked down to her nipples, and she moaned even more.
“Ariella, I don't have protection,” I said to her, and she smiled. “I don't need protection with you, Vik. You're my protection.” Her eyes were shining as I penetrated. Her mouth opened in a wide ‘O’ and I dipped my finger in her mouth so she could suck on it.
I didn't expect us to have sex the next day, but we did. And the day after that, and the week after that. We began to get careless, and I knew Papa had caught us having sex in that maze.
“I like everything about her, Papa,” I replied to his question. “Ariella makes me feel good inside.”
He sighed and looked at me in a way that seemed like he thought I was lost.
“Viktor, my boy. If a lady makes you feel good inside, she could run away with all your money and set you up for good. Don't be stupid because she makes you feel good. Chin up and take yourself seriously.”
“I used to think I’d still be the one to carry your heir. But, I guess it's really over between us, Vik.” I looked into Ariella's teary eyes when she said it. The words came in every shade of hurt, but I didn't mind. Already, I had lots of work on my plate. Emilia's safety and the goddammed Italians.
She walked back to her seat, and I saw Congressman Gonzales conversing with Emilia. I walked close enough to eavesdrop.
“You’re still new to all this, dear, and I must say that I'm ashamed about what your father did. Who would've thought that your father's most prized possession would be the first thing he'd give up?”
“If you mean to insult me, I think you've got the wrong person, sir.”
“No, I have the right person. Emilia Viktor Lobanov, the daughter of Senator Romano. You're your father's weakness,Emilia. I wonder how long before someone tests how far the Lobanovs' protection over you goes.”
“I think she'll do just fine under my protection.” I cut in, unable to watch his stupid speech go on.
“Are you okay?” I asked my wife with my hand pressed on her back. She turned to look at Isabella, who winked at her.
“I don't know.” She said, “This feels a bit too much. I don't want this. I never wanted to be a part of this.
“You'll be fine, Emilia. You're with me now. The sooner you realize, the better for you.”
She didn't utter a word.
