Arranged To Be|18+✔️

'26

We arrived at the private airport quickly. The jet was already waiting. Since our luggage had been left behind during the attack, we boarded with nothing. Czar assured me we'd buy what we needed later.

Once in the air and the seatbelt light dimmed, I stood to get some water. Czar was on the phone, and from the tone of his voice, I could tell he was speaking to Anderi.

"How many men do we have looking for Liam?" he asked. There was a pause, then he slammed his fist on the armrest. "That's not enough. I want every man on this."

I stopped listening, quietly sipping my water before returning to my seat. When I looked over, Czar's face was buried in his hands.

"What's wrong?" I asked gently.

"My mother's funeral is tomorrow. And I won't be there."

His words gutted me. He didn't even lift his head.

"Czar, I—"

"Don't. Just... don't." He finally sat up, his expression full of anguish. "You painted me as the villain. Said I ruined your life. But it was your father who did that. I didn't force you into anything. I helped you. And the one time I ask for something small, you go behind my back. Now my mother's dead."

I had no reply. I wanted to argue. To blame him. But I couldn't. He was right.

I turned to the window, and we didn't speak for the rest of the flight.

~

I must have dozed off,  because I woke to turbulence and the sound of tires hitting the runway.

"Where are we?" I asked groggily.

"Hawaii," Czar said, already exiting the plane.

I hurried to follow, squinting against the setting sun. The sky was painted in soft pinks and oranges, the ocean a sparkling expanse of turquoise. Palm trees lined the landscape, and I felt the humidity kiss my skin.

"Really?" I whispered, breathless. "This is amazing."

Two women in traditional grass skirts approached us, placing flower leis around our necks.

"Thank you," I said, smiling.

They led us to the hotel , a stunning, luxurious building with glass walls and lush greenery.

"This place is magical," I said in awe as Czar checked us in.

He said nothing, taking the keys and walking away. I followed slowly, heart heavy.

"Czar—"

"Not another word. Please."

I bit my lip, turned away, and stayed silent.

There were so many things I wanted to say. But none of them would change the damage I'd already done.

~

The elevator ride was tense. Neither of us said anything. I tried to look anywhere else besides Czar. Every now and then I'd glance at him out the corner of my eye, seeing just how broken he looked. It was heartbreaking.

When the doors finally opened, I hurried out, grateful to escape the silence. Czar walked ahead without a word. I followed him down the hall and waited as he opened the room door.

I gasped. The room was breathtaking.

White sandy wood walls with beach-themed paintings. A soft, grey carpet. A queen-sized bed draped in cream silk sheets and heart-shaped pillows. A small white couch with blue and light grey cushions. A white dresser holding framed photos of previous guests.

But the most stunning feature, a full glass wall that offered a sweeping view of the beach.

"This room is beautiful," I said, walking to the bed and brushing my fingers over the silky fabric. "Absolutely amazing."

Czar disappeared into the bathroom, and I heard the shower turn on. No one had asked about his cuts or bruised suit. I guessed people in Hawaii just minded their business.

I checked the closet. It wasn't a walk-in like Czar usually preferred, just a standard closet with two sundresses, a bikini, and a set of T-shirt and sweatpants for him. He must've called ahead.

I picked out a baby blue sundress and laid it on the bed. Undressing, I let my hair down from its bun and slipped into the dress.

Then I sat and thought about everything.

Czar was right. My father had gotten me into this mess. But why had Czar agreed to marry me? He didn't seem like the type to want a wife or a family. Power? Maybe. But after everything, it didn't make sense anymore.

The bathroom door opened. I turned to see Czar with a towel wrapped low around his waist. His hair was wet. He looked exhausted.

He walked to the closet and dropped the towel without a second thought. I immediately turned my head, face burning.

"So, um... I was thinking we could maybe walk the beach. It's nice out," I said quickly, eyes locked on the wall.

No response.

"Or maybe get something to eat. I'm kind of hungry."

Still nothing.

Frustrated, I turned to him. He was fully dressed now, towel in hand, drying his hair.

"Listen, you can't be mad at me forever! You can't blame your mother's death on me. I never asked for any of this!"

"And you think I did?" he snapped. "You think I wanted to marry you?"

"Then why did you?!" I shouted.

"To protect you! It was all to fucking protect you."

I blinked. "What?"

"You think your dad was just in debt to me? He owed a lot of dangerous people. He was scared they'd come after you. So he begged me. Night after night. Told me you and your brother were all he had. I didn't want to at first. But he was desperate. He came in beaten so badly I didn't recognize him. He begged me to marry you, said no one would touch you if you were mine."

"So why didn't you ever tell me?"

"Because he didn't want you to know. He wanted you to believe he was better than he was. We made a deal, I'd stay married to you for five years, or until he paid off his debts."

I sat on the bed, overwhelmed. "I... I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. Just know that you've made this ten times harder. I've only ever tried to protect you. And you've hated me for it."

I stood and crossed the room to him. "I'm sorry, Czar. I really am."

He shook his head. "It's whatever."

"No. It's not." I gently placed my hands on his cheeks. "I'm sorry."

He inhaled deeply, pressing his forehead to mine. "Ты пахнешь потрясающе."

I blinked. "What?"

He smirked. "Я забыл, что ты не понимаешь."

I lightly slapped his arm, making him chuckle.

"Can we at least agree to get along?" I asked.

He smirked again. "I thought we were."

I rolled my eyes and sat on the bed. "Sooo... what should we do, friend?"

"How about that walk on the beach?" he said, offering his hand.

I smiled and took it.

~*~

Ahhh, yay an update. I finally feel like we are getting into the romantic stuff with Czar and Zariah and I am so excited. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to like comment and vote. Until next time my lovelies.