4: Surprise Surprise

Adrian.

I was frozen in place like a startled rabbit. Though Nikolai was gone, it was as if he was still sitting right next to me.

He left a malicious presence in the air.

It was the first time I felt someone's rage burning in my chest. I could tell-he meant every word he said. 

One mistake, and I could lose my life in this place.

When Gabriel had said I should live here after the wedding, for a moment I felt liberated from my father, but every bit of that feeling crumbled to the ground after Nikolai’s threat.

I knew this was a suicide mission, but why does it burn this much, hearing those words from him?

I clenched my eyes shut trying to heave in deep breaths to calm my nerves, but it was useless.

Just before I could drink from my glass, the sound of heels clicking the tiled floor echoed in my ears, and I dwindled in the direction.

Vivian.

I sneered.

“If you want my advice, then I'd tell you to stay away from Nikolai.” She took her seat, placing a hot cup of tea on the table. 

There was a snugged on her lips as she stirred the tea. “You heard that he is the head of the family, they even own the largest Russian Mafia.” 

There was a satisfactory smile playing on her lips. Her words were full of false concern, but she didn't try to conceal her expressions, it was as though she was laughing at my face. 

She took a sip from her tea and then said, “Another piece of advice.” The smile on her face faded obscenely, and she fixed her gaze on mine-

“Don't even think of coming back to the Moretti family if you haven't successfully carried out your mission. Of course, it's not me you need to be worried about, but your father.”

“You will die even before you explain the reason for your failure Adrian, that's if you don't die here.” 

I've learnt never to exchange words with her, it leads to nothing but trouble. 

“Mind your business.” I muttered pushing the chair backwards as I stood up to leave.

“Oh dear Adrian, if only you were smarter we would have gotten along.” Her teeths opened, waiting for me to make one mistake so she could rattle to my father and have me severely flogged just like in the past.

But I've learnt my lesson. Barely two years after she started living with us, I've learned to never exchange more than two sentences with her. 

It's been six years now, and it has kept me safe, for now.

She has come to think it was because I feared her, and it only amused me.

When I settle my affairs with the Mancini's, she was next on my list.

My eyes brushed over the floor and a shining red ruby caused me to stop. 

I looked down, and it seemed like the ring from Nikolai. It must have dropped from his finger due to our little ruffle. 

I picked it up, taking a better look at it.

It was indeed quite similar to the man's I had met at the club. 

But could Nikolai be gay? 

I doubted. A proud man like him, would never have such an obscene identity.

He looked like one who would judge every single strand of hair on my head. 

I wobbled my head, trying to shake the thoughts off. Even though it was him, I'd care less. 

Nikolai is my enemy and that he will continue to be.

I trudge towards the balcony on the third floor, taking in the quiet earth friendly view of the estate.

It was quite bigger than ours, not only in size but in space. It's been thirty minutes since enjoying this view, and no one had disturbed me or tried to demean my existence.

It was quite the breath of fresh air I needed. 

Arching my brow, I could hear the faint sound of unsteady breathing. And the sound of hips being slammed against the wall. 

I followed the directions of the sounds, to a secluded walkway. When I got to a room whose door were slightly ajar, my eyes instantly caught two bodies, writhing against each other.

Half naked, moaning and tangling the sheets as the man swerved the other around. 

The upper man's nape glistens with sweat. His clothes were fully untouched unlike the other, who had his hips hooked between the man's thighs.

His hair covered the most part of his face, I could barely see him. Yet, he looked so rugged and handsome and it make me ache with desire.

My body responded to him out of instinct, it was brought to life by his skillful hands, even though I wasn't the one he was touching.

I felt like I was about to explode, inside and out. 

The way he pinned down the man on the bed who was almost his size, caused me to wonder who exactly he was. 

The bottom moaned quietly, as the slams became more aggressive.

I wanted to be down there. 

I bite down on my lips forcing myself to stay quiet so as not to get caught.

The man's pace increased, and I knew he was close to cumming. 

I watched him as he spilled himself on the other's body with a low moan. 

When the other's lip seek his, he pushed him away as he said-

“Don't even think about it.”

His voice…

I knew that voice. It was new, but familiar.

It couldn't be…

I waited to be more certain and then-

He brushed his hair backwards as he zipped up his pants and I caught a clear view of him.

Nikolai.

It was truly him.

My feets stumbled forward, and mistakenly my body crashed against the door. 

He looked at the direction instantly and I quickly fell to ground and crawled out. 

I ran towards where I was before, but he seemed to be trailing behind.

Before I could get to the terrace, a voice echoed in the hallway.

“Adrian!”