AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Because he is Kristof. His siblings and he, they are a strong team. A good team.”
I nod absently. He is the best at what he does, but is he really the best when it’s against people he knows?
“He is a strong man and talented too. He was your father’s right-hand man for a reason. Remember that,” Alyona states, although her voice quavers slightly, but I can’t be sure whether that’s uncertainty or age.
My stomach twists sharply, and another flush of sweat takes over me, but no more sickness follows. I sip the water just in case.
“You should take the test,” Alyona says, turning and pointing a wrinkled finger at me. “Give him some good news when he comes back.”
“Why do you care so much?” I ask, squinting up at her. “You barely know me.”
“Secrets do nothing but harm,” she states stiffly. “Look at the mess we’re in.”
She has a point. None of this would have happened had Kristof not stolen me. That’s the greatest secret. Then again, he’s sometimes spoken of plans against my father regardless of me, and I can’t help but feel like Alyona is wrong. I almost tell her that, but the words don’t come.
Maybe I’m just trying to reason in an attempt to make myself feel better.
Taking the test might be a good thing. After all, if I am pregnant, then Kristof will surely come home, right? Family is important to him, and if I’m having his baby, there’s no way fate would keep him from me.
Three minutes later, I perch on the toilet and stare at the test on the counter. Alyona hovers near the door, chewing on her cheek and tapping her fingers on her elbow. Andrev remains near the window, ever the protector, and time passes impossibly slowly.
“I told him I love him,” I whisper softly, closing my eyes. If I focus enough, I can imagine I’m talking to Katja instead. I ache for her comfort, for her advice or humor. I bet she’d love to be an Auntie.
“Who?” Alyona barks. “Speak up, child.”
Illusion ruined.
“Kristof. I told him I love him. It just sort of slipped out in the heat of the moment. I didn’t think. He was so angry, and I was so scared. It just seemed like the most natural thing to say, like I finally understood how I’ve been feeling.” I run my fingers through my hair. “He didn’t say it back.”
“He’s a busy man,” Alyona remarks. “He doesn’t have time for thoughts of love right now.”
Andrev shifts near the window, glancing over his shoulder at us.
“I know. I know. I just… I wonder if he feels the same.”
“People like Kristof do not love,” Alyona says. “God knows, I love that boy, but he is not like those soft American boys.”
Andrev scoffs by the window, and I look up at him.
He catches my eye and grimaces. “Sorry.”
“No, it’s… do you think he loves me? You’re a man.”
“Yes, I am.” He smirks slightly as Alyona grumbles. “I won’t speak for him.”
My heart drops.
“But,” Andrev continues, “In all my years by his side, I have never seen him stray so far from long-laid plans or risk so much for anyone. Ever. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.”
I don’t know if he’s just saying that to make me feel better, but my heart lifts a little.
“Thank you.”
Andrev nods and turns back to the window.
Alyona mutters something I don’t catch in Russian, but she doesn’t sound too believing in Andrev’s statement. Maybe it’s a Russian thing.
I can’t put it off any longer.
