Page 52 of Romi

“I’ll figure it out. I promise,” Romi said suddenly, sounding tired.

“No. We have to leave. Now!” I pulled at his hand, and he tugged me back against him.

“Sonia, I know you’re worried, but we can’t leave when there is a war about to start. We need to be smart and…”

“You don’t want me!” I cried, pulling out of his arms again.

“Of course I do, baby,” he said placatingly, “But now isn’t the time. There’s too much happening…”

Too distraught to listen, I backed away from him, shaking my head before turning and running back into the house.

“Sonia!” he called after me, but I kept running, unable to bear hearing him make excuses as to why he wouldn’t leave with me.

Running past Miki on the way to my room with tears streaming down my face, I glowered at him.

“I hate you!” I shouted before rushing inside my room and slamming the door.

CHAPTER 25

ROMI

THURSDAY AFTERNOON – GETTING NONNA TO HELP

“Sonia!” I called after her, but she kept on running.

Watching her retreating figure and knowing she was distraught made me want to bellow with rage. I was fuming. I didn’t know who I was more angry with at that moment, Miki for making that stupid arrangement or me for making a mess of things and contributing to her upset.

Fuck! I punched the nearest tree and winced at the pain which shot straight up my arm. I shook it out, clenching and unclenching my fist to relieve the ache.

Serves you right! The snarky little voice in my head said.

Sighing heavily, I knew it was right. I really hadn’t handled that well at all. Damn it!

I needed to fix things. Now!

There was no way she was marrying anyone else but me. I should have told her that right away. I should have made sure she understood that needing to stay didn’t mean I was giving up on us.

Turning quickly, I hurried towards the house, intent on seeking Sonia out and sorting things out with her. I couldn’t let her believe I didn’t want her. I needed to reassure her that as soon as this situation was over, I would figure out a way to get her out of this marriage to Dariusz.

Unfortunately, as soon as I entered the house, Miki came down the stairs with a scowl that rivalled my own.

“Everything set for tonight’s pretend attacks?” he asked, his gaze was sharp as his laser-focused eyes studied me.

“Yeah, all set,” I replied, returning his stare as calmly as I could.

Thankfully, he seemed satisfied enough with my response.

“Miki!” Marko called, jogging towards us.

I really wanted to go to Sonia, but with her two brothers hanging around, I couldn’t risk it. So, I abandoned the idea and headed straight to see Nonna in the kitchen instead. I needed her help.

As I walked away, the intensity of Miki’s eyes watching me burned my back, and I wondered if he was beginning to become suspicious.

Hoping I was just being paranoid, I pushed the thought aside and entered the kitchen, happy to see Nonna was there alone.

“Romi, darling, how are you?” she said.

“Not great, Nonna,” I told her truthfully.

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