I walked back into my bedroom and headed to my wardrobe, wearing the black pajama trousers I pulled out before going back to bed.
I moved the pillow into the right position and inwardly groaned as my questions turned into answers.
This marriage might be just a safe option now, but it was going to affect both of our lives. Maybe forever.
The Alina I saw in that room with so much anger and pain over a man she’d lost several years ago didn’t look like someone who’d treat marriage as nothing or as something casual. The glimpses I’d had of her caring for Liza were enough for me to peg her as the type that did things the way they were supposed to be. Getting married would change her life forever, regardless of how long it lasted.
But, it’s either that or she’s gone, without a life to be changed in the first place.
It’s not my fault she decided to have a relationship with a bastard like Vitya.
In fact, from Siroc to Vitya, the girl seems to have something for people who put her in danger.
She should have made better choices.
My phone vibrated on the nightstand, and I turned to pick it up.
Viktor.
The missed call icon in the notifications pane definitely came from him.
“Konstantin,” my brother grated, irritation clear in his voice. “The fuck have you been? I’ve called you twice.”
“I was in the bathroom after a long night, brother,” I replied.
As I sat up against the headrest, I thought of the copper-haired woman who was in this same position just a few moments ago. I found myself wondering if she was back against the headrest or if she was still lying down.
“Without thinking to update me?”
“I was going to do that. Sorry, brother.”
“You do know I don’t need any fucking apologies. Do you have a confession now or not?”
“Not yet. But I will. Very soon,” I promised.
“And how would you do that if you were unable to do it until now?”
“I have a different tactic to keep her alive and within reach,” I said. “I’ll have the truth soon.”
“You'd better. I don’t need to remind you of how crucial this is.”
“I know.”
“Good.”
I returned the phone to the nightstand and lay back.
It’s not weakness; it’s strategy.
She wouldn’t have anywhere to hide or run to as my wife. I would get the truth, whatever that was.
But, if that’s all there is to it, why didn’t I share my plans with any of my brothers?
However, whether there was something else or not, I would rather deal with it later.
I’ll tell Viktor when we arrive in New York.
**********
