Chapter 9 - Iosif
Standing outside the door, I breathed deeply. Leaning back against it, I knew I had to ensure we both got out without anyone noticing. Her family couldn’t find out she was missing.
Feeling the door handle once more, I made sure it was secure before pulling out my phone.
I dialed the pilot as I moved to the front room.
“Good evening, boss,” he answered. His tone was chirpy and clear as day.
He appeared to be a person who strived to please everyone.
It was one of his stronger characteristics that I liked.
“Is there something I can assist with?” he continued.
Pacing the length of the outside of the room, I spoke in a low voice. I didn’t want Clara to hear our conversation. “I need you to submit a flight plan for two. It needs to be for midnight, and I have my guards ready. But keep it on the down low, okay? Can you do that?”
There was a moment's silence before he responded. “Yes, there should be no issues.”
“Thank you,” I replied, satisfied. I made sure all my things were packed with the bag I had placed back in the car I’d rented. There was about an hour to kill, so I decided to check in on business.
I sat down on the bench by the door and checked my emails and messages on my phone. Some issues seemed to have come up. But most of them could be handled once I was home. I replied to two emails and a couple of messages.
Getting up, I entered the room and went to the kettle. I didn’t feel like fighting any further and needed her to be calmer. I made a cup of tea with a little something special. “Clara,” I said as I turned to look at her. I could feel her eyes on me the whole time.
She didn’t respond and stood with her back to me, looking out the window. “I’ve brought you some tea, thought you might be thirsty,” I added, walking closer.
Clara turned and glared at me. Lowering my head slightly, I sighed as I held out the cup for her. “Drink the tea, relax, and then we can talk,” I said, hoping she would take it.
Her eyes never left mine as she took the cup and sat down on the bed. She took a big sip, looking up at me. Then she took another and another until the cup was empty. As I took the cup from her, I saw the horror in her eyes as she realized I had drugged her.
“What.., what did you…,” she mumbled as she sank to one side. Her beautiful eyes flickered and closed as I caught her and laid her down. Picking her up, I swept the room with my eyes. There was nothing here that I needed.
Moving out, I stayed vigilant as I headed through the corridor and down to the car. Placing her in the passenger seat, I felt relieved that no one was around. I went in, handed in the keys, and paid the bill in cash.
The drive to the airstrip was quiet. She slept peacefully. I parked as close to the plane as I could. While my guards loaded my things, I carried her in and placed her on one of the double seats.
After strapping her in, I sat down next to her. I watched her sleep as our private jet's captain announced we were ready to take off. We were about halfway home when she started waking. “What the fuck!” Clara yelled as she looked around.
She sat up in her chair and started hitting me. “Clara, calm down, please,” I said, grabbing her wrists.
“How dare you knock me out and take me against my will?” she demanded.
I felt my temper flaring, but pushed the feeling down. She was struggling, but I wasn’t ready to let go. “Clara, hear me out, please. Just give me a minute to explain,” I said, trying to stay calm.
“Let me go, release me. You can’t keep me locked up,” she spat, pulling back. I let go and watched as she folded her arms across her chest.
I sighed before speaking. “I can’t let you go, Clara, not yet.”
Her brows furrowed, and she glanced at me. “And why the hell not?” she huffed.
Staring at her, I wondered if she would believe me if I told her it was for her protection. But I decided against telling her anything. “You will find out soon enough, but believe me, I did this for you,” I said calmly.
The way she stared at me made my skin burn. It felt like she was dissecting my mind. She blew out her breath, turned her face away, and went silent. She crossed her arms and legs. I knew she was furious.
“This is your pilot speaking,” The pilot's voice rang through the intercom. “Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for landing. She strapped herself in as I buckled myself. The plane started its descent and landed softly.
As we got off, I saw my car pulling up. Before it came to a full stop, Clara took off at full speed. She was making a run for it towards the main airport terminals. I couldn’t allow her to get there and shot off like an arrow after her.
As she rounded the corner, I caught up and grabbed her arm. Pulling her closer, I tightly wrapped my arm around her waist. Lifting her slightly, I walked back to the car. Not wanting her to scream and alert people inside, I placed my free hand over her mouth.
“Calm down!” I said harshly.
She struggled all the way back. She had a lot more spunk and energy than I had imagined she could have. I wanted to laugh and scream at the same time. This was the second time she was doing this.
The guards had already loaded my bags into the car, and the driver held the door open. “Thanks,” I said, pushing her inside.
Clara scrambled across the seat and tried opening the other side door. But she realized there was nowhere to go as it was locked. Getting in next to her, she turned and kicked at me. I grabbed her legs and held them tightly on my lap.
“Let me go, or tell me why I am here!” she demanded.
“Okay, okay,” I finally gave up. “There were men following you. I noticed they were about to kidnap you. This was the only way I could think of keeping you safe. I saved your life!”
She glared at me, but I felt her relax slightly. “Let me get this right?” she said. “You are saying that I was about to be kidnapped, and then you kidnapped me to save me? How’s that any better?”
I wanted to smile so badly, but managed to keep it in. “No, not at all. I just took you with me to keep you safe,” I replied.
Her eyes told me she didn’t believe me. But I wasn’t about to admit that she was right. She sat frowning as the driver turned out of the airport. Clara pulled her legs up and sat staring out the window.
“Home, sir?” the driver asked. I realized I couldn’t take her to the home I shared with my brothers. There would be too many questions. Plus, they might disagree with what I was doing.
“Just take us through the city for now,” I said as I pulled out my phone.
I glanced at Clara as I called Avgust. “Hey,” I said as he answered. “I need you to do me a favor. Look on the outskirts for a place for me. Buy a fully furnished place and send me the details.”
“What?” Avgust breathed out.
“Just get it done, I’ll explain later,” I added before hanging up.
Clara studied my face as I stared at my phone screen. I was sure she had just as many questions as my brother, but they would have to wait. I wasn’t ready to share my plans with anyone. My phone vibrated, and I saw Avgust had come through for me. I jotted down the address.
Smiling, I handed my driver the note with the address. He nodded and headed to my new home. About an hour later, he pulled up to the large iron gates. He jumped out and pressed the button on the wall. I would get the remote from Avgust once I had Clara settled.
He had just gotten back in when the gates opened. Tall, thick trees lined the driveway. They ran for quite a bit before the sides cleared and the mansion was exposed. To one side were tennis courts and what looked like a mini golf course in the distance.
On our other side was a giant swimming pool with a waterfall on one end. It was truly spectacular. I was impressed that Avgust had found such a gem in the allotted time he had. As we neared the house, I saw the fountain in the middle of the driveway with a roundabout.
As the driver turned by the garage, which was surely enough to hold six or more vehicles, I looked at the mouse. It was an old-style mansion with a great rustic appeal, just as Avgust had described. Yet, he assured me the inside was equipped with the latest technology and amenities.
The driver stopped and got out. I glanced at Clara, who was admiring the house.
This was a new area for our family. I was building something better.
Getting out, I moved around to her side, where the driver had opened the door.
Holding out my hand, I was glad when she took it.
To my relief, she was behaving as I led her inside.