Chapter Seven
Natasha
There’s a huge space between Maksim and I as we walk around the Parthenon. Tons of other tourists are here, laughing with each other and taking pictures. Having the time of their lives.
But if anyone looked at me and Maksim, all they would see is two people who look like they don’t even know each other. And it’s true. We don’t.
“I guess we could talk,” Maksim suggests.
“About what?”
“Like… what are you interested in? Hobbies?”
I wrap my arms around myself even though it’s hot outside. I can’t stop thinking about how Maksim killed that man… for me.It’s a conflicting feeling. One of gratitude and one of fear. Every time I look at him, that’s all I can think about.
“I like to read,” I offer.
“What books?”
“Romance novels.”
“Ah.” Understanding enters his eyes. “So is that why you were so pissed at me the day of our wedding? Were you expecting romance?”
I flush and look away from him. Another couple walks past us, holding us, smiling. I step away from them but that only leads me closer to Maksim. “I didn’t like that you showed up drunk. But no. I didn’t expect us to fall in love at first sight. I just… I don’t know. This whole thing is not what I expected for my life.”
“What did you expect?”
“I just wanted to be left alone. I would have preferred that but my father insisted and I always follow what he says. I never really had the chance to say no to him.”
Maksim huffs. “I’m the same way with my dad. He never lets me say no to him, despite the fact that I’m thirty now. He’ll always have a hold over me.”
“Same with me.”
“See? We have something in common. That’s a good thing, right?”
“Do you really want to make this work? This marriage? I know you don’t want it.”
He sighs and sits down on a bench overlooking Athens below. It’s a beautiful sight but all I can see is how Maksim killed a man by kicking him to death. “I never wanted it. It was forced on me. But… if I had to be forced to marry anybody, I’m not angry it’s you.”
“Why? You don’t know me.” I hover beside the bench, unable to sit down. Unable to relax.
“You’re pretty, for one thing. And there’s a… loneliness in your eyes I can relate to. We both have issues with our dads. Neither one of us wanted this. It could be worse. You could be a horrible person. But you’re not.”
“But you’re a horrible person,” I whisper. Instantly, I realize it’s the wrong thing to say.
Maksim stands up and turns his back to me. From this angle, I can see the tension in his spine, even through his clothes. “I saved you from that man. Why can’t you see that?”
Because I’m afraid Maksim killing that man might mean he’ll kill me one day. Just like my father killed my mother.
Yet, I can’t utter the words. If my dad found out…
“I’m just afraid. I’m trying but I’m still afraid.”
He nods, running his hand over his face as he faces me again. “Fine. I get it. You’ve been sheltered from the darkness in this world. But I hope that last night showed you that I’ll protect you if you’re in danger. I’m not here to hurt you. I’ve never hurt a woman before.”
“I want to believe that.”
“So believe it.”
