Fuck, he’s probably right about that.
I’m surprised he even considered the threat to me.
I eye him, wondering if it’s genuine concern or if there’s an underlying motive behind his decision. “You’re just going to let her go that easy? After everything you’ve done to keep us apart?”
“I know you’ll take care of her, given your…feelings for her,” Gavriil replies as he lifts his eyes to mine, his expression blank. I wish I could rip off his damn mask. “I can’t predict the outcome of the fight, but you should be able to get her somewhere safe once the dust settles.”
He’s adamant about me protecting her. Like it’s for his peace of mind as well.
“And you’re determined to stay here?”
“You should already know the answer to that,Bratishka,” Gavriil says. “I’ll fight to the end.”
“And if our enemies capture the estate?” I question him.
He has to know that’s a possibility. We’re probably outnumbered and out armed. Sure, he knows the layout of the house better, but will that matter when they have men flooding every hallway?
Gavriil slowly flexes the fingers of his right hand. “They won’t capture me.”
He’d rather die than be taken prisoner, and I don’t bother trying to convince him otherwise.
The Irish and Armenians could do the dirty work for me, letting me keep my brother’s blood off my hands while I get to start a life with Alina.
It’s everything I wanted just weeks ago.
But now, my mind is splitting in two different directions.
Part of me wants to stay and fight alongside Gavriil as I’ve always done, but there’s another part of me that’s done.
I’m tired of fighting with him. I’m tired of wondering when I’ll see Alina again. And I’m tired of not having a say in my own goddamn life.
If I take his offer, I get my life back. I get Alina back. And maybe I finally stop bleeding for a brother who never stopped cutting me.
Still, deep down, I know that Alina isn’t going to be happy.
“When do we leave?” I ask.
Gavriil’s frown deepens. “As soon as possible.”
If I wasn’t certain of his growing feelings for her before, I am now.
He’s genuinely worried about her safety. My brother who loves his unrealistic deadlines can’t give me a specific time, probably because he’s so reluctant to let her go.
I wouldn’t call it love, but he feels something for Alina, more than I ever expected.
I almost feel sorry for the son of a bitch. But I don’t trust Alina’s recently formed connection to him. He’s manipulated her, I know it. And for that, I won’t ever forgive him.
The sooner I can get her away from him, the better so she can move on from all the trauma he’s caused her.
“I’ll have my men come get you when everything is ready.”
I quietly nod before getting to my feet.
Gavriil does the same, silence lingering between us as we peer at each other. There’s a lot to say, but will anything truly make a difference?
“Shouldn’t you be happier? I’m giving you exactly what you wanted,” Gavriil says, his voice coming out stiff. Unnatural.
I frown slightly at his words, his version of an apology.
