Chapter 8 - Sophia #2
Clara sat staring at me. Her eyes were filled with care and compassion. Suddenly, she got up and came around the table. Clara pulled out Kolya’s chair, placed it before me, and sat down.
She took my hands as she spoke. “You know you can tell me anything. So please, elaborate on the marriage wasn’t by choice?”
What have I done, I thought, sighing. “I do not think it is my place to tell you what happened. If your brother didn’t inform you, I should keep quiet. He might get mad and end up punishing me,” I said.
Clara burst out laughing. I wasn’t sure what I had said that was so funny. I felt agitated at her. “Why are you laughing?” I demanded.
Catching her breath, she spoke between breaths. “My brother punishing a woman? He is one of the sweetest men I have ever met. There is no way he would ever hurt a woman, not me, and surely not you.”
I was utterly confused. Did she even know her brother? Has she spent time with him recently? Before I could formulate a question, she stood up and made a call. “Hi there, can you send a team out to Kolya’s residence?”
I sat wondering what was happening. Should I be worried? What was she planning? I watched her as she listened for a moment and then responded. “Thank you, we’ll be waiting.”
My head was spinning with all kinds of ideas about what was coming. I felt awkward and slightly scared, so I didn’t ask when she hung up. I just sat there staring as she left the room. When she came back, she was carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses.
Standing in the doorway, she smiled at me. “Come on then,” she said. Turning, she headed out. I followed her to the small lounge. As I entered, she motioned for me to sit down. Clara opened the bottle and filled the two glasses.
Handing me one, she spoke. “I have a little treat for us. We are going to spend the day together relaxing and chatting. I think we’ll get along superbly. What do you say?”
I had no words. My mind was empty. I took a big sip of the wine and nodded. Not sure what she wanted me to say. She had barely sat down when one of the maids came in.
“Miss Clara,” she said. “The people have arrived. Would you like them in the sunroom like before?”
“Yes, thank you,” Clara replied. She stood and held out her hand to me. The smile on her face made me think of a happy schoolgirl. It looked like she had just won student of the year, and she was thrilled to share. “Come on, sis, let’s get spoiled.”
It all felt very weird, and even more so after she called me 'sister'. I realized I was married to her brother. But we have never met before today. It was a bit insane. Yet, I rose and followed her to the sunroom. I had not been in this part of the house yet. But I was eager to see it.
We passed the stairway and headed for a large door to the side of the mansion. Stepping through the doors, I rolled my eyes. It was the weirdest thing. Looking back, I made sure we were still in the mansion and not another dimension.
As with his bedroom, this room didn’t fit the place. It looked like a clearing in the jungle. A flowery fantasy. Scanning the room, I couldn’t believe the array of plants.
There were a variety of trees and flowers. All different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. In the middle of the clearing or opening stood two thin beds. Next to each stood a woman waiting with a robe in her hands.
The sun’s rays breaking through the trees shone on the beds, looking like glowing stripes of gold. Clara approached the women and spoke to them. My attention was drawn to the hanging beds in one corner and the gazebo in the other.
I noticed there was more as I turned to look at my surroundings. To the side was a trampoline, hidden among some trees. There was also what looked like a mattress between some flowers and fairy lights hanging from the tree above it. This was a spectacular place.
Clara lightly touched my shoulder, bringing me back to planet Earth. “Here, slip into this,” she said, handing me a robe.
I looked from her to the robe, and then at the women. “Back here,” she added as she walked around one of the bigger trees.
I followed quickly, not wanting to get lost. I was sure that if I entered these woods, I wouldn’t get out again.
Coming around the tree, I saw the foldable room divider.
Clara had pulled it open and was standing behind it.
“No one can see you here. You can slip into the robe without worries,” she mumbled.
Before I knew it, the word had slipped out of my mouth. “Everything?” I asked.
“Yes, everything,” Clara said, peeking over the top of the divider. “You can keep your panties on, though. Have you never had a body massage?”
I felt my eyes widen as I shook my head at her. “Well, then, you are going to enjoy this,” she replied. “Come on, get moving, they’re waiting,” she added as she walked back around the tree and disappeared.
Changing quickly, I followed the same path around the tree. Clara was already face down on one of the small beds. The woman standing next to the open one waved her hand for me to do the same.
This was all very new, but I got onto the bed and lay on my stomach.
There was a hole in the top part where my face fitted into.
Glancing at Clara before lowering my head, I wondered how it was so normal to her.
How many times has she done this? I have heard women talking about it.
But I had never had a massage in my life.
The woman pulled the gown down my back. I tried pulling it back instinctively when I heard Clara laughing. Relax,” she said. “Let them do their thing.”
Letting go, I tried to relax. I expected the woman’s hands to be cold and braced myself. But they were nicely warm. She applied oil and then started rubbing my neck and shoulders. It was nice, not too hard or too soft. Her fingers were like magic. Soon I could feel my muscles relaxing.
“How long have you worked at the law firm?” Clara asked out of the blue.
Turning my head, I looked at her as I replied. “For two years now. But I have known melody much longer.” I tried to explain more, but the massage was so relaxing, I was having difficulty concentrating. Turning my head back down, I closed my eyes, absorbing this newly found relaxation.
“Okay,” Clara added. “It’s short-term then. You’re still new to the firm. What’s your current position? You're still the personal assistant, right?
“Law assistant to the head of the firm, that’s the way I see it,” I managed to say.
There was movement next to me, making me lift my head and look. Clara was practically sitting up now. “It’s only been two years, you say?” she asked.
“Yes,” I responded. I felt slightly irritated. What was she getting at?
“Then it doesn’t seem right. Generally, one has to work for about five years before getting such a promotion,” Clara stated it as a matter of fact and then lay back down.
Her words repeated in my head a couple of times as I lay back down. I noticed I moved up quite fast. But I was a quick study. I have skills and knowledge. What did she know? Who did she think she was? What gave her the right to tell me such things?
The rest of the massage was spent in silence. I was glad she had no other questions. I didn’t feel like talking much after that. I vaguely heard the music playing somewhere and focused on that. I wasn’t sure how long we lay there, but I dozed off more than once.
Once the women were done, we got up and moved to get dressed. I sighed as I stretched. My body hadn’t felt this good in a long time. I was calm and totally relaxed. Smiling, I could see myself doing this regularly now.
“May I ask you about Kolya?” I asked as I pulled on my shirt.
“Sure, anything,” Clara replied from behind the divider.
“Has Kolya ever been married before?” I wasn’t sure where I was heading with this question, but it seemed to just pop out.
Clara laughed. “No. Believe me, you are the first woman in his life I have ever met. I haven’t ever seen him dating. That was why I had to come and see it for myself. I wouldn’t have believed it otherwise. My brother got married. I thought it was a joke. But here you are,” she replied.
He was a force of nature. I could see why he was alone. It also started making more sense why he would have to force a woman to marry him. Not sure how she would take my next question, I spoke softly as I asked it. “Earlier, you said he was the sweetest man you knew. Can you explain that to me?”
I walked out from behind the tree to find Clara sitting on the couch in the corner. Walking over, I joined her. We sat watching as the ladies packed their things.
Clara spoke with love in her voice as she shared her story with me.
“All my life, my brother protected me from everything. He never placed me in danger. He always understood and cared about how I felt, even when he wasn’t around.
He listened when I had something to say. He will do the same with you.”
The ladies greeted us and left. Once they were out of the room, Clara turned to me as she continued. “I grew up in a world filled with a lot of support and love. My brother was my rock. I didn’t even know he was Bratva or that this world existed.”
Before she continued, I interrupted her. “What?” I huffed. “You never knew about the Bratva world as you were growing up?” Clara smiled. I knew my face expressed what I wasn’t saying.
“Yes, and no. I knew I was a secret but wasn’t sure why.” Clara said. “I was hidden from the world known as Bratva. I never realized the extent of it until I found the love of my life. I would never have agreed that he would be the love of my life until I was kidnapped.”
My mouth fell open in awe. What? She had been in a similar position.
Clara took my hand as she continued. “I can promise you that my brother will carry you on his hands. He will respect you for who you are.”
Smiling at her, I spoke in an even tone. “I’m not so sure. I’ve seen sides of him that don’t portray that man you’re talking about.”
Clara got up, took my hand, and pulled me to my feet.
She let go of my hand only to pull me into her arms. She hugged me tightly as she whispered.
“My brother seems harsh and dangerous. Sometimes I’m sure he is scary.
But he is a very good person. Give him a chance, the benefit of proving to you before making up your mind. ”
As she let go, I nodded. “I will,” I replied.
Clara picked up her bag and walked out the door. She stopped, turned, and looked at me. “I enjoyed today. We should do it again soon,” she said.
“Thank you. I have also had fun. You can come visit anytime,” I responded.
Once Clara had left, I headed back upstairs. I had learned so much about Kolya and Clara. I was distraught. This was a dilemma for me. There was so much more to them than I expected. Today I saw another facade of his personality. A kinder, brotherly, loving personality.
Sitting down on the bed, I struggled with my thoughts. I hadn’t seen or known he had such a soft side. But being a stubborn woman, I knew what had to be done. I decided I would still proceed with the plan brewing in my head.
I had to find out the truth about the lawsuits. I had to get to Melody and speak to her. She would tell me what was happening. Nothing made sense, but once I spoke to her, I knew it would all be fine.
As I got out of the tub after a long soaking bath, I heard Kolya calling. He had just returned. I got dressed and headed down.
“Supper, dear?” he asked, standing by the dining hall door.
Moving in, we sat down and waited for the maids to leave before starting a conversation. “So, tell me about your day?” Kolya asked. He seemed eager to know about my day with his sister.
It wasn’t an issue. I quickly relayed all we did and spoke about. Once I was done, he stared at me, grinning. “So,” Kolya suddenly said. “What do you think of my baby sister?”
Swallowing the bite I took, I replied eagerly. “Well, I have to admit, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t think she was so…,”
Kolya laughed, “So, what?” he asked.
“Well,” I said, smiling. “So nice and interesting. I enjoyed visiting with her.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to hear that,” Kolya replied. His grin now spread from ear to ear.
Glancing down at my plate, I scraped up enough courage to ask. “Kolya.”
“Yes?” he inquired. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, yes. No, everything is fine. Nothing wrong,” I added, looking at him. “I was just wondering. I have some errands to run. Would you take me to town tomorrow?”
Kolya sat back in his chair. He stared at me for the longest moment. I wondered what he was thinking. “Yes, no problem,” he finally said, surprising me with such an easy yes. “But,” he added.
Lifting my brows as I looked at him, he smiled. “Nothing serious,” he added lightly. “Yet, I have to insist on joining you. Maybe we can even make a day of it. You know! We could do brunch, run your errands, and then go see a movie or something. What do you think?”
“That sounds nice,” I replied, lowering my head. I didn’t want him with me. But if it were the only way to get to town, I would take it. Once we got there, I could make a plan to sneak away.
“Then it’s settled,” he said. “We can leave around ten, have brunch, and then do your errands. After that, we could do some shopping and see what the day brings.”
Grinning at him, I nodded in agreement. I had other plans, but he doesn’t need to know that. “I think I’m going to bed,” I said as I finished supper. “I want to be up early.”
Kolya stood as I rose and nodded as I left. Once back in my room, I thought about my escape plan. Lying back, I started planning in my head.