Red Reaper - Soldiers of Fortune [book one]

Chapter TWENTY ONE

Lucky O'Cléirigh

I gape up at the ornate decorative structure that is The Grand River Theatre.. Darkport's most esteemed performance house..If elegance and class were to be embodied by architecture, they would be this beautiful building.. I have driven past the place for years now and never once had cause to go inside.. Until now..

"The Russian Ballet?!" I squeal in glee, bouncing up and down with an overload of excited energy.. "Oh, Konstantin! I'm so excited! I've never seen Swan Lake before!"

He smiles to himself, handing the keys to his Porsche to the valet before taking my hand to help me climb the stairs to the theatre entrance.. "Ah, I had much hope to see thiz make you smile, Luchenskaya.. Moy mIliy angel.."

Feeling like I might smile forever I wrap my arms around him as he leans down and I press up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.. "Thank you so much.. For thinking of me, and for planning something so wonderful.. Nobody has ever thought of me the way you do.."

"Ty vsegda v moikh meeslyah.." He hums, petting my hand between his before leaning down to kiss the top of my head in a doting way that makes me giddy.. "You are alwayz in my mind, Malishka.."

"Oh.." I feel the prickle of joyful tears in my eyes and I blink rapidly so as to not smudge my mascara as we continue on towards the door..

Konstantin pulls me to a halt and frowns in confusion when he sees me sniffling.. "Do not cry, My Solnyshko.."

I shake my head and swipe a careful finger at the corners of my eyes.. "I'm not-- I'm just so happy.. Aren't you?"

"Ya mechtal ob etom noch' vsyu svayu zshisn.." He utters the melodic phrase with a beautiful rhythm..

I try to decipher his words from what I have learned but he speaks them too fast for me to untangle entirely.. "You dream for--? Something about dreams? I'm sorry-- I don't understand--"

He nods once, bringing the back of my hand to his lips.. "I dream of thiz night, all my life.."

I blush.. "Me too.."

"Come, Kiska.." Leading me inside my gaze is cast upward to the intricate gilded leafing of the painted cathedral-esque ceiling..

"Oh wow, it's so beautiful!" I squeeze his bicep and smile at a polite usher who leads us up a lavish staircase to a private loge that overlooks the stage.. The small, secluded room is swathed in plush red velvet curtains and there are four intricately carved golden chairs by the balcony ledge.. Beside our seats sparkles a chilled bottle of champagne in a silver bucket and a gleaming bowl of ice and black cherries..

Suddenly I am glad I decided to wear my prettiest dress, anything less wouldn't have been appropriate..

Konstantin helps me from my fluffy coat and we sit side by side to watch as the seats below are slowly filled..

"This is absolutely incredible.." I lean a little closer to him to whisper as he relaxes back patiently in his seat..

"You like?"

"I love!" I giggle and he smiles at me with the kind of truly wonderful warmth that is rare from The Russian..

Sometimes he smiles to be polite, other times to be rude, sarcastic or glib.. But now, he smiles because he can't help it.. That is my favourite kind of smile..

"'Zen I have accomplished much." He pours me a golden-rimmed flute of champagne and extends the chilled glass to me.. My pulse sings and butterflies flap in my belly when my fingers skim over his as I accept the drink..

"You know, I would have been happy with just takeout and a movie.."

He scoffs a bitter disapproving rumble.. "Thiz iz vury American ov' you.."

"No.. I mean-- maybe.." I chortle, amused by his disdain.. Not because I agree, but because I appreciate his traditional approach.. "But what I'm saying is, all I really wanted was to spend the night with you.."

"Ah.." He sighs.. "And all I v'want iz to make you see 'zat you are worth more to me 'zan a cheap evening of entertainment.. Becauze even when you are doubting my affection, you are precious treazure to me.."

My heart melts when he speaks so romantically.. No man of my age would ever say something so lovely.. They are all dumb jokes and entitled ego..

No.. Konstantin is a gentleman..

I lift the flute to my lips for a bubbly sip of the sweet champagne as our eyes meet and the theatre lights begin to dim.. "My Big Sweet Bear.. The only treasure here is the memories we will make tonight, together.."