I suggest reading my first two chapters before reading this one.
*****
"Vinnie..." Kar starts.
"Please, don't," I whisper, leaning in to cuddle him. I can't help but feel attracted to his warmth. I missed his strong arms around me and his gentle kisses against my forehead. I missed him.
But I can't go back, not after he didn't fight for me. Well, fight harder for me. But... could he have fought harder than he did? Or did he try his hardest? The questions popping into my head are making my mind swim with unease.
I sit up to put my clothes back on, throwing Kar's clothes at him too.
"I-I thought we were-"
"We weren't. We can't get back together, Kar. My parents would never allow it. And most importantly, I don't trust you. I don't trust that you won't 'have to' leave me for another woman again once your parents find out what you've done," I cut him off.
"They know what I've 'done,' Venera. They know I left my wife in Russia."
"Well, when are you going back then? When is your mother going to force you like she did when I was 16 and you were 18?"
"It hurt me, too. Not seeing you for five years... those were the worst five years of my life. Venera, I love you. I always will and I always have. You're all I want," he pauses, seeming to be searching for what he's trying to say, "I disowned them, my parents. I told them I never wanted to see them again after tearing me apart from you. I know you don't think this is a love story or some romance movie, but when I'm around you... all I know is that you make me feel like this is a fairytale. It's cliche. It's horribly cheesy. But it's true."
After his small speech, I stand half naked (having only been able to put my panties and pants on) and I stare at him. I don't know what to say. Is he telling the truth? Or is he just trying to get what he wants?
"Say it again," I say to Kar.
"Say what again?"
"Say that you disowned them. Say that you told them you're done with them."
He looks me deep in the eyes, "I disowned my parents. I told both my mother and my father that I never want to see their selfish, cruel faces again."
I can tell he isn't lying.
"Say you love me," I whisper, holding back tears as I realize what this might mean.
"Venera," he sits up, still completely naked, "I love you with all the passion in the world."
I fall into his arms like a stupid fairytale and I kiss him hard, tears mixing from both of our eyes in our mouths. It tastes like salt and love.
"I'll scream it from the rooftops, Vinnie. I'll tell everyone and anyone that I love you with my whole being and I won't let anyone hurt you."
"Kar, what are we going to tell my parents?" I ask, running my hands through his hair.
"I'm not sure, detka. The truth?" he giggles.
"You haven't called me 'baby' in years... I've missed it."
"Shut up and kiss me. We can figure out this mess that I've made tomorrow," and with that, he kisses me hard. Almost like he's trying to give me all the passion in the world.
We fall onto my bed, and within minutes we're cuddling and falling asleep.
-
"Venera?!" my mother yells as she bangs on my door.
"Yes, Mama?"
"You've been sleeping in, I was hoping you were okay."
"I'm fine, Mama! I was just tired." I smile and think of the amazing dream I had where Kar and I...
"Good morning, Vinnie," I hear Kar whisper. So it wasn't a dream.
"Good morning," I whisper back, "You should leave before my mother sees you."
"You're right. Are you going to tell your parents or should we tell them together?"
"Well, my father is going to be getting out of prison soon. His lawyers caught him a deal since there was not much evidence on him. Let's both tell them when Papa gets out."
"Until then?"
"Well, you better get skilled at climbing up to my window and back down to the ground," I wink and gesture for him to put on his clothes and leave. He quickly obliges and I feel my heart go with him as he disappears into the day.
"Miss Venera?" I hear, with a small tap on the door. It's Mylo, probably about to tell me that lunch is ready.
"Be there in a second, Mylo!" I call out, putting my silk pajamas back on. I open the door and smile. I see Mylo look into my room in curiosity before focusing back on me.
"Lunch is ready for you, Miss Venera. I was slightly worried when you didn't come out of your room this morning, you're normally up bright and early," he says with a smile.
"I had a long night, Mylo. I stayed up too late reading a book. I'll be down soon. I just need to get dressed."