Day after day, I retreat to my workshop and try to bury myself in the renovations. I can’t stop thinking about it, though. Her answer. The problem is that the more I think, the more likely it becomes that she won’t choose me.
It’s her family.
She’s choosing between her own happiness with me and the needs and wants of her family. The type of person she is—she will sacrifice everything for those she loves. And that means she won’t choose me.
So, inevitably, I am waiting for her rejection. And the longer it takes, the more difficult it becomes to stay patient.
But I refuse to treat her with the same disrespect her brother has given her. I already made that mistake once before when I took her and held her against her will. At the time, I thought I was doing it to keep her safe, but deep down, I knew I was just being selfish.
I won’t force her into anything.
I won’t manipulate her with guilt.
She will come to her own decision, and whatever she chooses, I’ll know in my heart I did the right thing by her.
Artur has hurt her with his bullying and complete disregard for her happiness.
I am not him. I never will be.
So, I wait. Almost a week now.
It’s three in the afternoon when the guards call me to inform me that Katerina has left the studio early. She’s locked up and sent them home for the day.
“When did this happen?” I ask sternly.
“Fifteen minutes ago, sir,” he replies.
My first thought is that she’s going back to her brother’s place. My stomach knots and my heart sinks.
I flick on the security footage in her studio because some part of me wants to see it for myself. And it’s true. The place is quiet, closed down. The lights are off.
Katerina has made up her mind.
I guess her actions might speak louder than her words in this case, but still, I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, right? Even if she has gone to see her brother…
My shoulders are tense as I start packing up the workshop, unplugging power tools and putting them on their designated shelves.
To my surprise, Katerina bursts through the open door. “Yulian,” she snaps, bold and aggressive.
I stop what I’m doing and turn towards her, my brow furrowed. “Katerina,” I say in return, bracing myself to hear the worst. She lifts her head high. The white dress she’s wearing steals my attention for a moment as my eyes trace over her perfect curves. Fuck. She’s gorgeous. And I might never have her again.
“Thank you for giving me time. For being so patient,” she smiles and looks down at her feet. All of the boldness seems to have evaporated.
“It’s no problem. Have you decided?” I ask, terrified, but trying to hide it.
“This past week, you’ve kept your distance from me.” She tilts her head to the side as though it were a question.
“Yes, so that I didn’t interfere with your choice. I told you what I wanted to say, and from there it was up to you,” I sigh, pushing my hand nervously through my hair.
“Well,” she says, walking towards me, her smile growing wider. “I’ve really missed you.”
“You have?” I blurt out.
“I have,” she nods, slipping her hands around my waist, pressing her body against mine. My hands automatically brush down her spine, over the clinging fabric of her dress. “I choose you, Yulian,” she whispers.
My heart begins to hammer wildly, like a thousand horses stampeding on open ground. Katerina raises herself onto her tiptoes and lifts her face towards mine. She presses her lips against mine. Soft, beautiful warmth spills through me.
The moment she kisses me, my body gives in to her.
