Page 6 of Darkest Game
“They have my protection now,” Mikhail promises.
“And mine,” Nico adds. I get the sense that he doesn’t want to be left out.
Natalya holds my hand. “You’re safe now, Irina. I promise you that. Let’s just focus on celebrating our reunion.”
I agree. I am safe and nothing can change that.
Chapter Two
Irina
The party takes place at Mikhail’s house since that’s the safest place to be. I know Natalya wanted to plan a party somewhere fancy but Mikhail and Nico don’t want anyone knowing that Denis is gone and we’re under their protection. In time, they’ll let others know. In a transitional time, it’s better to not take too many risks.
The guests at the party include my family and a few trusted business partners of Mikhail and Nico. Their number one guys who they know won’t spill the beans on everything.
Even though it’s not a large party – only around fifteen people in total – it still feels overwhelming to me. I’ve been locked upin my room for most of the past two years. Being around people again is making me a little woozy.
I stand next to Natalya in a soft pink summer dress as she gives a speech, welcoming me and Ana back home.
“Me and Sasha have been fighting hard for our sisters for the past year and now we finally have them back. I’m so proud of Irina and Ana for making it through the challenges they faced. They never should have had to go through with them in the first place. But I’ve learned that this life is a dark one. I know it was in part because of our mom’s strength that got them through those tough times.” She smiles at Tatiana. “Thank you, Mom. For being a rock to us. You always have been. Thank you for getting our sisters through that. And welcome home, Irina and Ana. Cheers.”
We all take a sip of our drinks. Mine is just water. I was offered champagne but I wanted a clear head for tonight since I knew the party would be challenging for me.
“How does it feel knowing you can dance with your sister again?” one of Mikhail’s men asks Natalya. “I heard that you both dance ballet.”
Natalya offers me a warm smile and I try to smile back. It’s not that I’m not happy. I am. I’m just… tired. A part of me longs to be left alone in my room after how long I was in my room for years. Another part of me knows I need to be present for the party. It’s good for me. And I don’t want Natalya to worry over me any more than she already has.
“I can’t wait to dance with Irina again,” Natalya says. “But in time. There’s no rush.”
“You sure you don’t want to perform something for us now?”
Everyone looks at me expectantly.
“You don’t have to,” Natalya says in a low voice so only I can hear.
“No. It’s fine,” I lie. “We can dance.”
“We’re not even wearing the right outfits for it,” she says to the other guests. “Some other time.”
Mikhail places his hand on his business associates arm and draws his attention away, changing the subject.
“Thank you,” I say to Natalya.
“No worries. I could tell you didn’t want to dance. It’s been a while since you performed in front of anybody. I figured you would want to get back into lessons again. Re-train your skills.”
“I would like that. But will Mikhail let me? I know he wants to keep me here for my protection.”
“Just for a little while. But in a few months, you could think about getting back into it. And in the meantime, I could help you. We could dance together when we’re not in front of a crowd.”
“That would be great. Thanks.”
She frowns and gently touches my arm. “Are you ok? You seem… out of it.”
“I’m tired,” I confess. “I haven’t been around so many people in so long.”
“Should we not have done this? I feel terrible if I’m making you uncomfortable. I just wanted to celebrate with you.”
“I know you did. And I’m not angry. I just think I’m going to go outside to get some air.”
