“You have to be careful, Mikhail. Your safety matters a lot to me.”
“I know about that, and I'm indebted to you for your care.”
“Are you alright?” Viktor asked, and I gave a light nod.
“Yes, I am. What about you?”
“I don't think I'm alright, Mikhail. All this doesn't feel right.”
“Well…why?”
Silence ensued for a while.
“I want to think that you have it all figured out, and you're in control of yourself. But here I am, fighting back the truth that you might just be slowly losing yourself to Isabella. You've become obsessed with her, and the way I see it, she's more of a liability to you, and that's dangerous, even for a Lobanov like yourself.”
I let Viktor's words settle for a while, and I thought about it. I didn't let myself think twice before I labelled his judgment as false. There's never been a point in time when Isabella put me at any risk. I'm the one risking all I have to protect her, and as dangerous as it may seem, I’ve never felt more certain about anything.
“She's not a liability to me, I can assure you.”
“If she's not, how would you explain all this?” His hands opened wide, and I turned to visit the chaotic sight of my already damaged mansion.
“Isabella is my wife, and she has never felt like a burden to me.”
“She's making you weak, Mikhail.”
“No, Viktor, she's not. She's the only person who brings out the strength in me. I'd kill the whole world if I had to, forher safety's sake. I don't want you to take this the wrong way, brother. I love her, and I promise that no man will ever touch her. She's a part of us, Viktor. She's family too.”
Roman stood silent. His arms were folded over his black suit. I’d hoped he'd defend me, but he didn't.
Viktor sighed, dusted off the top of my shoulders, and looked at me. “I admire your courage, Mikhail. You're brave, smart, hot headed. I watched you come out with your rifle and stand your ground against the Italians. While that was an incredible display of bravery, I thought it was insane. You should know that you ought to be alive if you want to keep saving Isabella from the enemy, and fighting violently won't save you from trouble. Rather, you're putting yourself out there to be killed because your heart and mind are clouded with emotions. If you're dead, she won't be worth saving and would be snatched off from you. Promise me, Mikhail, that you will stay careful.”
“I promise to be careful, ” I replied, trying to reason with the sensible words of wisdom he uttered.
“I don't want you to say it like it's nothing. I want you to mean what you say.”
I sighed. “I promise to be careful, Viktor. It's not just a promise but a vow I make to you. At least for Isabella's sake.”
Viktor gave a half smile, and I knew he was pleased. He hugged me and broke the embrace in less than a second.
“Do you need help with your place?”
Of course, I needed help. All hands needed to be on deck to rebuild my walls. I'd love to get new furniture. But most importantly, I'd need help with clearing all the dead bodiesinside and outside of the house. But, with all my pride, I looked into Viktor's eyes and said.
“No. I have it all covered.”
“Hmm.” His reaction seemed as though he was impressed. “I see my work is done here.”
I smiled.
**********
Yuri walked up to us after we had entered the mansion. Both Viktor and I sat on the chairs in the bar area. Roman looked around the house as if it were something that had once haunted him before.
“I have news, Mikhail.” He said.
“Okay, you have my attention.”
“There's been a sighting of Marco.” The mention of his name made my stomach churn. I felt the rise of veins in my arms, and my pulse increased in rage.
