I wanted to spend time with him. I really did. But why did it feel different. He spent time with me as if we didn't have much time. He held me against him like it was the last time.
I didn't mind but it felt weird. He was always busy and sad and always tried to make time for me. He finally woke from sleep and I stared into his grey eyes. "What's wrong?" I asked.
He raised an eyebrow. "You're hiding something. Don't bother denying it. I'll find out eventually." He sighed and kissed my temple before speaking. "I have to leave in four days." I stayed still, my body tense.
He didn't meet my eyes when they searched for his. "Since when?" I said, barely a whisper. "Three days. I have to leave for Russia because the French mafia is trying to infiltrate Russia since they know I'm not there." I nodded, barely listening.
I could only hear his erratic heartbeat as I snuggled in his chest. "When will you be back?" He kissed me. "I don't know. It's uncertain moya lyubov' (my love)" It wasn't the time to try to cheer me up.
"Eu știu, iubitul meu. (I know, my lover)." He raised an eyebrow and lifted me up the bed. I shrieked and he brought me in the bathroom as he put the water in the tub on. "Do you want to?" I smiled an nodded.
At one moment, I slipped inside and I was followed by Alexei in the tub. I relaxed on his chest and he played with mg hair. "I love you. I promise to come as soon as I can." I nodded. I didn't want to think about it.
***
I was training. Like every single day of the week. I couldn't stop. I had gained endurance in a bit of muscle since I arrived. My aim was flawless and hand to hand combat was good.
What I really couldn't do was concentrate. Inessa was mumbling under her breath at me. "Why can't you concentrate? What are you thinking about?" I sighed. "Alexei. He's leaving soon." She placed her hands on her hips.
"Alexei told me to train you flawlessly. He wants you to always be safe and sound and be able to protect yourself. I will do all I can but you aren't helping! You need to chill! Specially after he leaves."
I frowned, turning around. "What do you mean?" She muttered once again. "He's sending you and your sons elsewhere. With me and others. Somewhere safer. And you'll be one of the leaders."
I gasped. "What are you talking about? I'm not a leader!" She rolled her eyes. "I didn't choose and plus, he wanted people to see you." I frowned. I didn't want or would be a leader. I couldn't. It was too much energy.
As I was thinking, I heard movement behind me. I spun around, pinning the person on the ground. It was Roman. I pushed myself off and he simply looked unfazed. Something was burning on his tongue and he wouldn't spit it out.
"What?" Inessa finally said with annoyance in her tone. If I hadn't seen her mouth move, I would've thought I said it. I had never been truly fond of Roman. He always stared at me as an animal. Something dirty and useless. I bothered me.
He stayed silent a few more seconds. "I need to speak with Andreea." Inessa grabbed my arm, dragging me further away. "When she has time. Some of us have important things to do." He didn't protest. Most likely just left but I couldn't tell why.
"Is there something that happened with you two?" She frowned, gagging. "I hate him. He does too. Since maybe when I was 10. It's a long story." I nodded, my curiousness taking the best of me. "I have time..."
***
She was staring me with a look that said 'one day, I will kill you'. I shrugged it off and turned to her. "I'm listening." She pouted and stretched her arms. "First of all, Alexei and Roman are my step-brothers."
