My heart drops to the pit of my stomach.
But still I know… I will do this for her.
I nod.
A beautiful smile spreads over her face, and she stands on her tiptoes and gives me the softest kiss.
Chapter 22 - Nikita
We arrive at Matvei's home a little early. Bardil sits in the car outside, reluctant to get out. I feel the same. I'm nervous to go inside, reluctant to walk into another fight and another drama that ends up being a waste of time and only makes things worse.
What am I going to do if this doesn't work?
What else is there that Icando?
I can't force people to like each other or even to give each other a chance.
A lot rests on how this dinner goes.
My whole future rests on the outcome of this dinner.
Finally, I pluck up the courage to push the passenger door open, and Bardil takes the cue and opens his door too.
We walk quietly toward the front door.
His brothers aren't here. It's just my family. I thought that I would face one battle at a time. His issues with his family are something else to deal with. One hurdle at a time.
Matvei is the one who welcomes us in, although I can hardly call it welcoming.
"Bardil," he grunts, not holding out his hand or offering to shake Bardil's.
"Hi, Matty," I say, stepping forward to hug my oldest brother.
"Hi," he says, without taking his eyes off Bardil.
The rest of my family greet him in a similar way. Only Valery is friendly and smiling.
Instead of offering us drinks, they usher us straight to the dinner table, and I sigh, realizing that they want to get this whole thing over with as quickly as possible.
I sit, but I'm determined to get to the bottom of this before we leave.
After dinner is served, I smile and say, "Thank you for having us over."
Matvei grunts, shaking his head. "You're brainwashed, Nikita. We had you over here to try and talk sense into you."
My heart sinks. "Mat, please, you said you would try."
Diomid leans forward, his eyes tight on Bardil. "Try what? To accept the man who kidnapped you isn't bad?"
Frustration shoots through me, and I slam my hand against the table.
"Dammit, everyone, just listen ok. Yes, he kidnapped me. No one is denying that. But there wasn't a single moment when I was actually in danger. He treated me with kindness and respect, and actually… he was amazing to me. He's not and never will be the monster you make him out to be!"
Before any of my brothers has a chance to say anything, Bardil snorts a loud laugh.
Everyone turns to look at him, including me.
His eyes bore into me. "It wasn't easy," he scoffs. "You are the most difficult person. Rebellious, feisty, challenging… "
