“She will not be needing you today. You can go,” I say to him before I drive us home.
The tension in the car could be cut with a knife, and I avoid speaking.
“Will you explain where you know Victor from?” Valentina breaks the silence.
“We used to fight against each other,” I answer shortly, not ready for the longer version of events.
“Is that why you were telling him to stay away from me?”
“Among other things.”
She exhales. “Look, Gabriel, I need you to elaborate.”
“There isn’t anything you need to worry about. I will talk to Boris. He never should have let this fight happen.”
“It’s not your decision. You can’t decide who I fight or train with.” I take a deep breath, summoning calm that does not come. “They didn’t do anything wrong. We fought, and it was a good experience. According to Victor, he should be here in town for a week, and they said they will train here.”
I turn the car to the right and off-road and push on the brakes, bringing the car to a stop. I turn to a wide-eyed Valentina and grab her face in my hand. “He will not come anywhere near you, do you understand?”
She pulls on my hand. “I don’t know what your problem is, but if you don’t let go, we will have a problem.”
I lean into her face. “Tell me you understood what I said.”
“You're not making any sense, Gabriel.”
“Dammit, just for once, say you understand!”
“Let go of me!” She glares.
I exhale and let go. “Why do you always have to question me?”
She closes her eyes and inhales. “I want to go home. Can you just drive?” Her voice breaks, and the realization of what I’ve done hits me like a stroke.
What did I do? I’ve never treated any woman like that before. I swallow the lump in my throat, put the car on the road, and drive to the penthouse in silence.
I’ve done something I shouldn’t have; I’ve done something I condemn. I make sure men like that get what they deserve, and now my anger has made me become someone I despise.
I don’t even park the car and Valentina is already out and running toward the elevator. I try to catch up with her, but before I can, the elevator door closes.
“Fuck!”
twenty-nine
Valentina
I can’t look at Gabriel right now. I can’t bear for him to see me vulnerable like this. I promised myself no man would ever again hurt me. Not after all I had to endure before my father was sent to prison, or the time I was engaged to that bastard who got off on hurting me. When they were sent to prison, I made sure they stayed there, and I found the strength I needed.
I enter the code of the penthouse and press the close button desperately until the door shuts.
My back falls against the wall of the elevator, and I close my eyes. I watch how the numbers change and exhale a breath of relief when the door opens. I need to collect myself.
I shut myself in the bathroom and twist the shower handle; the water rushes, drowning the outside noises. I peel off my sweaty gym clothes and step into the spray. Hot water cascades over me, and I wait for it to wash away my fears, powerlessness, and my vulnerability, but it doesn’t.
“Valentina.” Through the running water, I can hear Gabriel’s muffled voice. I shut my eyes, hoping not to hear him, but hisvoice still comes through. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. Can we please talk?”
I ignore his apology and the persistent knocking on the door. I lift my head, gaze toward the swirling water, and silently beg it to cleanse everything.
I lose track of time under the warm cascade. When I finally shut it off, the cool air prickles my skin. Looking in the mirror, I feel a cold resolve to harden my features. Now, I’m ready to face Gabriel.
