Chapter 14
T he baby bump on Erica's abdomen caught my attention as I relaxed on the patio in the warm weather. She was showing more every day and practically glowing, ready to pop. Her husband adored her and catered to her every whim and craving. He had just brought us both some refreshing drinks and sat down to rub her feet. She moaned and let her head fall back, enjoying the princess treatment she was given.
I decided it was time for me to retreat indoors. There was only so much I could take. I was jealous. Looking at them only made me think of what I could have had if things wouldn’t have turned out the way they did. It had been months since I allowed myself to think of him , and it still stung.
On my way to the kitchen, I heard my father beckon me from his office, wiping the sweat off his forehead with a handkerchief. His Hawaiian shirt was half open, revealing the gold chains that adorned his stubby neck and hairy chest.
“Malyshka, glad I caught you, Come, sit with us.” I could tell he was missing our winter home in Moscow. Stepping into the study, I noticed Logan already lounging in one of the wicker chairs. He was casually smoking a cigar and taking a sip of his iced scotch.
“Privyet. What is it?”
“Sadites', Valentina.”
Taking the seat across from my father, my eyes darted between the two of them. Something in the back of my mind was prickling and it had nothing to do with the air condition unit blaring in the corner.
“It’s been almost a year we’ve been on this island.” He began, fanning himself with a magazine. I simply nodded, waiting for him to continue. “I know it hasn’t been easy to be away from our homes, but that is about to change.”
“Change? You mean we are going back?”
“Yes.” Pausing for dramatic effect, he lifted his glass to his lips and emptied his drink. “Logan here has assured me that he and his crew have eliminated the threat.”
I knew it. There had to be a reason he was in this conversation. I glanced over to him only to find him already staring back at me. His hungry eyes raked over my body as he licked his lips, making my skin crawl. Suppressing a shiver I shifted my attention back to my father, who was already filling another glass.
“That is good news then.”
“It’s wonderful news. I’ve just about had enough of all this fucking sunshine.” He said. Still unsure why I had been summoned, I turned the ring on my finger. It felt loose on my skinny finger. “Which brings me back to you, malyshka.”
“What of me?”
“I’ve decided you shall be wed, again.”
“What?” -the fuck. Not again.
“To Logan. He was gracious enough to only ask you as payment for his services.”
“I’m not some toy you can bargain off.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Not this again. How many times do you plan on contesting me before you learn your lesson? Need I remind you what happened last time you disobeyed me?”
“No, but-”
“I’m not having this argument with you again! You and Logan will get married.” His fist met the table with a bang, making a dent in the wood. I almost leaped out of my seat when his bloodshot eyes met mine with a familiar fury. “Show him some gratitude. He has risked his life for your safety. Your submission is a small price for that.”
My stomach hollowed and my fingers dug into the hand rest for support. How many times would I have to endure being someone's puppet? I was trapped in a never ending circle of being passed around like some token, a trophy. My breathing was so loud I barely registered what Logan was saying to me.
“Valentina, I promise you, I’ll be good to you. I’ve spent this year building our future. You’ll have nothing to worry about, ever. I’ll keep you safe.”
His honed words slithered over my skin like venom, turning my blood into ice. Something about the way he reached over and grabbed my hand had my heart racing in the wrong way. He promised me safety and security. I'd be taken care of, be covered in riches and bathe in his wealth. He would keep me sated, forever.
A gilded cage is still a cage.
The thought was suffocating.
When I thought I’d have all those things, it wasn’t Logan’s face I imagined, it was Jax. He was the one that haunted my dreams. He was the one still holding my heart. With him, I didn’t feel trapped. This was not right. I simply could not go through with another marriage while I still had a glimmer of hope. I had to see him one last time.
“May I ask for one thing?”
“Of course. Anything for my future wife.” Cringe.
“I wish to see Jackal O’Hara.”
“Why?” His eyes narrowed. The jealousy practically oozed out of him like a dark shadow, as his grip tightened on my hand .
“I want to be sure our marriage is truly over.”
“What do you mean ‘truly over’? You think he would want you back after all this time when there is nothing to gain from it? That’s ridiculous.”
“Maybe, but I demand to see him.”
“Is this some trick? It’s over, Valentina. Just accept it.” My father added.
“Not until I see him.” Standing up and rounding the desk, I approached my father, pleading for my life. I was not above begging. I got down on my knees in front of him, something I hadn’t done before. “Do this one thing, this one and only thing I ask of you, please, Papochka.”
“I do this and you will marry Logan, no arguments, no fighting, no back talk. Not a single word or action out of line. You will behave and be nice to your husband and do as you’re told.”
“Yes. I promise. I’ll do anything he wants, just grant me this one wish.”
“Anything?”
“Yes, anything.”
He leaned back in his chair, crossed his fingers above his chest and looked down at me, puzzled. The minutes ticked by and I fought the urge to move as I felt the pins and needles creeping up my legs. Just when I thought he would refuse, he let out a big sigh.
“Very well. When we get back, I will arrange a meeting with Mr. O’Hara. Till then, you better be on your best behavior or else-”
“Yes, Papa. Spasibo.” I jumped to my feet and kissed him on both cheeks.
The deal was sealed.