31

“That’s exactly what I want!” I fire back. “That girl built such walls around herself there’s no way to jump over them. She immediately labeled me a womanizer she’s not interested in. So what was I supposed to do?”

“And she was right,” Vicky adds calmly now.

“But there was no other way to get close! And how am I supposed to prove I’m serious if I’m not even given a chance from the start?”

“So you decided to begin a serious relationship with lies and nothing but lies? Great solution! A truly serious man’s move!” Vicky reflects, not even looking at me anymore.

“Yeah,” I agree. “But… damn it. Fine. I was wrong. I’m sorry,” I say tiredly, no longer having the energy to argue.

What’s the point? In their eyes, I’m still the same liar and asshole. And they’re not entirely wrong. I’ll confess everything to Ann today, and whatever happens, happens.

I’ll lie at her feet begging for forgiveness—but I’m not letting her go. Let her be angry, let her yell, hell, let her even hit me—but I won’t let go!

I grab my things, say a quick goodbye, and leave Kirill’s house. My mood is absolute shit, and heavy thoughts tear at my brain.

How the hell do I twist this nicely for Ann so I don’t look like a complete bastard? She’ll be hurt, angry, and definitely won’t want to see me again… but I have to do it.

I head to Moto Style to grab my metal beast. Sometimes a good ride at insane speed helps clear your head. The adrenaline and the roaring wind blasting your body make your thoughts shift.

But no matter how hard I try, Ann’s image keeps filling my head. That deep взгляд from under her long lashes, that blush on her cheeks.

Did Kirill feel like this too? And our father when he met Mom? Now their sometimes idiotic actions and decisions make sense. When you love like this, your worldview shifts, and you stop being completely rational.

After putting in quite a few kilometers around the city, I still come up with nothing on how to soften my confession. Deciding I’ll figure it out on the fly, I stop at a gas station and then head to Ann. We agreed to meet near the entrance of her building.

I arrive on time, but Ann is already waiting by the door. I kill the engine, hop off the bike, and walk up to my girl, ready to steal another kiss.

The brunette stands by the entrance, nervously fiddling with the chain of her small clutch. And again, I catch myself staring. I don’t want to lose her. I don’t want to let her go.

She’s wearing a bright yellow light dress above the knee, white sneakers, and a black leather jacket. Perfect match for me. Her jet-black hair is loose, flowing over her shoulders. So beautiful, so simple, and at the same time… special. So… mine.

I pull the beauty into my arms and kiss her without restraint. She kisses me back, wrapping her arms around my shoulders, while I press her fragile body closer to me.

“Nazar,” her soft voice whispers when we finally break apart. “You promised me a date, actually,” she laughs, still burying her nose in my chest.

Fuck… the way she gets to me…

“I promised. Then it’s happening!”