Honestly, I was a wreck last night.
This morning I’m feeling slightly better. My thoughts are clearer, more focused. But the shock is still there.
At least I know the truth now. And knowing the truth means I can finally figure out a way to fix all of this, even though that seems like an impossible task.
“Marlen?” His voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I set the coffee cup down on the counter next to the machine, turning to look at her.
“Stef,” I say quietly. “Do you, um, want a coffee? I’m busy making one.”
Her eyes drift over me. She looks cautious of me. She has every right to me.
“Yes, thank you,” she says, tilting her head to the side. “Are you ok?” she asks quietly.
I nod. “I will be. Are you… ok?” Asking her if she’s ok feels pathetic compared to what I said to her before.Harsh, hurtful things.
She walks toward me, lifting her arm as though she wants to touch me, but then changes her mind. This small, nervous gesture breaks my heart. I don’t want her to be scared of me.
My walls crumble, and I step forward and pull her into my arms.
“I’m so sorry,” I murmur quietly against her hair, holding her close.
Her body relaxes into me, her arms tighten around my waist.
“I’m sorry too. I can’t imagine what you’re going through,” she says, her words muffled against my chest.
She’s too good for me. Even after everything I’ve done to her, she still has so much compassion for what I’m struggling with.
Pulling her away from me, I look into her eyes. Beautiful, serene strength; that’s what I see in her.
“I was so wrong, Stef,” I say.
“We can make it right, though,” she smiles.
“How?” I ask, my brows furrowed.
“Last night I spoke to Talia. We both agree and have already started to make the arrangements.”
“For what?” I ask tensely.
She takes a deep breath. “You’re going to meet with the Abashins and the Shevchenkos. We think it’s important for everyone to sit down so that you can explain what happened and apologize on behalf of your brother, but make it clear he acted without your knowledge or involvement.”
“Stef…” I mutter. “It’s not that easy.”
“It is, Marlen. And this is your responsibility. You are the leader of this family. You’re the only one who can do this,” she says, determined and forceful.
She’s right.
As much as I don’t want to face the two families I’ve been blaming, it is my responsibility as the Bratva leader.
“Ok,” I sigh. “Let’s set it up for today if we can. I’d rather face this now than draw it out.”
She smiles, reaching up to wrap her arms around my neck, and she pulls me down to kiss me.
It’s not a deep kiss. It’s not intense or passionate. But it means the world to me. She’s showing me that she’s still on my side, that she doesn’t hate me for what I said to her.
I pull her closer and place my finger under her chin. “You’re really something special, Stef. I hope you know that.”
***
