Adrik
When I claimed her, that was it. I made her mine and betrayed her. She longed for a story that wasn't mine to narrate, so I did the only thing a man like me would-I sent her back. Little did I know the secret she was keeping. The worst of all...
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After our blissful honeymoon, we're back in Russia, and reality kicks in. Last night, we arrived at the staff's welcome, and I went straight to bed whilst Adrik had 'work' relations.
At some point in the night, he returned to me and spoke Russian to my belly. He didn't even know I silently cried from his affections. He has made it a habit that I'm living for.
We're having breakfast on our bedroom balcony before he leaves for work. "What will you do today?" He asks, drinking from his mug and watching me intently.
"Learn Russian. I will start, and I will call Greta, too. Maybe try reaching my sister again."
"Right. Sasha says she doesn't go anywhere but has friends coming to her apartment." I swallowed.
"Is she happy?"
"I don't know." I nod once. We're eating in silence again when he sighs and puts the cup down. "What is it?"
"What is what?" I avert my eyes to my plate of pancakes.
"What's on your mind, Giulia?"
"Will I ever leave this place alone? Like going to the mall, visiting a museum or going to mafia parties with you."
"And where is this coming from?" He cocks a brow.
"I know you said you will have the babies' room fixed and a closet ready, but I was thinking I could go and check some things out myself. Pick up pampers or onesies." I'm scared to hear his answer when I've lived a trapped life for years. I know it's dangerous, but staying locked doesn't remove the threat. It only postpones it.
"Fuck, Malyshka. It isn't safe right now." I smiled, although it didn't reach my eyes. I drank the lump in my throat with my tea and decided to ask him about work.
"It's not safe? Do you want to talk about it?"
"No." I almost dropped my cup at his harsh tone. Gaetano's words rang in my ears, and suddenly, I couldn't breathe. "I will take care of it."
Where did that rudeness come from after one week of him being anything but? He had me fooled, then. Who was I kidding? It's how he is. The honeymoon was only ecstatic because he was miles away from his throne. He didn't have anything to worry about, right? I never heard him on the phone or doing anything relating to work. "Giulia?"
It felt like my head was beneath the water. "Yes?"
"You were thinking about something."
"Yes, and no, I don't want to speak about it." I wait for him to say anything, but he remains silent. I'm seething, on the verge of tears with this man.
One week-just one fucking great week, and now this. He is already shutting me-his wife-out. So much for being a happy bride!
Adrik pushes his chair back and gets up. "I have to leave now." He leans in for a kiss that I swiftly turn my head. His lips land on my cheek, and I avoid his eyes. He retracts, slides his hands into his pockets, and watches me in the silence.
