So just pull the trigger.

28. The big white knight

The following days didn't bring much comfort. Their holiday was officially ruined. Joni didn't get much sleep and neither did Misha. The worry that Chris had woken hung heavy above them and affected them each in different ways. Only Aron managed to distract and ease their troubled thoughts at times.

Joni wouldn't have wanted to talk about it. He didn't want anyone to mention Chris' name, but it didn't help the situation. Misha felt annoyed, he would have liked to target his frustration on that lowlife of an ex in Joni's life. And when, on their last night in New York, Joni got another Facebook message from Chris, apologizing for his earlier messages, and expressing his hope that Joni could simply forget them, Misha reached his limit.

Joni had looked hopeful when showing him the message, such naïve hope. "Perhaps he means it?" Joni said and looked at him in a way that hoped for reassurance from him.

Misha knew that the answer Joni wanted from him was something along the lines; 'Yes, it seems he means it! And I'm sure we'll never hear from him again!′ He would have wanted to say it, but he couldn't since he didn't believe it one bit. His insides were boiling with rage. Chris' message was apologetic to be sure, but what the man wanted was Joni's reply, he was hungry for it, waiting for Joni would write that it was okay, and he'd forgive something that could never be made right.

"Perhaps," was all that Misha could reply with a gentle smile to his fiancé.

"I'm exhausted," Joni sighed." And it's only half past seven."

"You've slept so poorly lately that it's no wonder you're tired. Go to bed my love."

"Our holiday was a shite... Damn, Chris!" Joni cursed.

"We'll come back another time," Misha promised. "Perhaps early fall, when the weather is still nice but not too hot?" Joni smiled and nodded, brushing his hand softly on Misha's cheek.

"I'd like that... And so... I guess I'll give in and go to bed."

"Good, I'll go and spend some time with Adam and Suvi—good night," A kiss on his temple. Misha got up and watched Joni for a while as he started to undress.

"Good night," Joni grinned and Misha was glad that he at least seemed more relaxed.

" I'll just pop outside for a bit," Misha said as he walked to the living room where Suvi sat. Adam was in the nursery trying to get Aron to sleep, but the boy didn't sound agreeable to bedtime. "Do you need something from the store?"

"Hm, I don't think so. Did Joni go to bed already?" Suvi asked and Misha nodded.

"Yes. He's quite exhausted."

" Well, I hope that he'll be able to fall asleep now," Suvi smiled. "Wait and I'll give you the key with you."

Misha walked to the lobby, took his phone out, and searched for Chris' number. He drew a deep breath before he made the call. Now the bastard would hear what's what. The phone rang for quite a long and just when Misha was about to give up, the hesitant-sounding voice answered.

"Hello?" Misha felt how the rage made his body tremble. Chris' voice was just as repulsing as he remembered.

"Listen you asshole, you will stop Joni's harassment once and for all, got it? No more messages or phone calls, ever!" Misha hissed. Chris let out disbelieving laughter, which annoyed Misha further.

" Oh, the big white knight, defending his blushing bride, how very sweet," Chris mocked and the reaction wasn't quite what Misha had expected and it escalated him even further.

"You have a restraining order and you've violated it grossly!" Misha said and Chris was quiet, his breathing changed and revealed his anger. "Do not think that you'll get away with it," Misha added.