Irish Promises

Chapter Twenty-Six

Stasia 

I hate lying to them.

Every time I look at them knowing that I'm keeping something from them it makes me sick to my stomach.

Just seeing their faces this morning as they all stared at me, wanting me to say something. Urging me to stop being distant with them.

I couldn't take it.

I had to get out of there as quickly as I could.

I can't do it anymore.

I can't keep lying to them like this because it's tearing me apart. 

I want to be honest with them. I really do, I want to tell them where I've been going and who I've been with but I can't. I can't tell them. 

Pulling my phone out of my bag I shoot off a quick message, the response I get back being quick like it usually is.

Stasia: I'm on my way
Irvin: I'll see you soon

Then I'm pulling off, knowing that with every mile I drive I'm betraying them, that when they find out where I've been going it will destroy them.

When I pull up outside the restaurant Irvin is already standing there waiting for me. Clearly eager to hear what decision I've made.

Because as agreed today's the day I tell him.

After our kiss I kept away for all of a day before I found myself heading back to him and he's who I've been with everyday since. 

I haven't been at work like they think I've been, I've been with him.

He's given me time, told me he wants me to be sure of the decision I make. Willing to respect it no matter what the outcome is, although I know he's hopeful It'll be that I want to stay with him, to go back to Russia where we can start again. 

I have two options, stay here with the brothers or go with him.

Taking a deep breath I get myself out of the car and make my way towards where he waits for me patiently.

"I've made my decision" I say as I reach him and he arches a brow, not saying anything and allowing me to go on by myself.

I take a step forward and his arms come around me holding me close to his body, his warmth flowing through to me straight away. 

Resting my head against his chest I take a deep steadying breath before I then say "It's you"

"You're the one I want to be with" The words feel so wrong, betrayal soaking through with every one and I know that it's going to destroy the brothers.

"You've made the right choice Anastasia, you know you'll be happier" Irvin says, his voice soft.

"I know" I say, tilting my head up to look at him, our lips brushing against each other briefly before he's cupping the back of my head and his mouth ravishes mine. 

A short while later we're both sitting quietly watching my phone ring for the 5th time.

"Anastasia, you don't have to go back" Irvin says, his voice soft but still making me flinch slightly as it draws my attention away from my phone.

I take a moment to collect myself before I find the strength to respond.

"No" I say, shaking my head. "I have to tell them myself"

"I can't just leave and not explain to them" I say, causing him to sigh.

I look over to him, blinking away the tears in my eyes as I bite down on my lip.

"I just need to figure out the right time and how to do it" I explain and he nods his understanding.

"So how do you want to do it?" he asks, giving me an option like he always does.

"After the ball" I say knowing that will be the best time.

When he arches a brow at me clearly confused I elaborate.

"I can leave with you and we can go, we can get as far away from here as possible" I say and he waits for me to go on. "I've worked so hard on it and I don't want to miss it but I don't want them to do something, to try and get to you if I tell them before"

"I don't want anyone to be hurt Irvin" I say looking down at where my hands are clasped in my lap. "I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me"

There's a moment of silence between us and when I finally look up his soft caring eyes are on me.

"Come here" he says, pushing his chair back and gesturing for me to sit in his lap.

I don't hesitate to rise from my seat and go over to him, resting myself in his lap and leaning back into his warmth as his arms come around me. 

"I make the arrangements for us to leave that night, but I need you to stay in contact with me the whole time you're back with them Anastasia so I know you're safe" he says and I nod my understanding. "The moment you feel different I'm coming to get you" he then says his tone stern telling me he means every word.

 "I will, I promise" I reply softly, tilting my head towards him. I give him a halfhearted smile and blow out a long breath before I then say "Thank you, thank you for being patient with me. For understanding"

His lips tug up slightly as his hand comes to cup my face, pulling me in towards him.

"You belong to me Anastasia, you just needed time to understand that" he says his lips brushing against mine.