Page 54 of Sergei
“I’m sure he was just trying to protect you.”
“He was trying to keep you all to himself.”
“Viktor.”
“You came out of his room.”
“It’s not what you think.” I motioned my hand down at my foot as I explained, “I tripped and…”
“Be careful with him. He might seem like the hero today, but in time, you’ll see him for what he really is.”
I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. And in the silence that followed, I became painfully aware that Sergei was just on the other side of the wall. I wondered if he could hear Viktor when he said, “It’s too late, isn’t it? You already have feelings for him, don’t you?”
“I…”
“Damn, Alina. I thought you were smarter than that.”
“I know you’re upset with him for keeping all this from you, but he’s really been wonderful.”
“Wonderful?” he scoffed. “Keeping you locked up in his apartment for weeks on end isn’t being wonderful. It’s criminal. He’s keeping you prisoner here.”
“It’s not like that.”
“Of course it is! It’s been weeks since Alek died. You need to get out and learn to live again.”
“I know, and I will. It’s just going to take some time.” I motioned my hand toward my sketchpad as I told him, “I’ve been working on some poetry and a few sketches. I was thinking I might take a class or something. Maybe find a job in an art gallery or even a coffee shop.”
“You know, you don’t have to stay here. You could come over to my place, or I could set you up in an apartment. Whatever you want.”
The thought of leaving made my stomach take a nosedive. I knew he wouldn’t understand my reasons for wanting to stay put, so I told him, “I’ll think about it.”
“I hope you do.” He glanced over at Sergei’s office once again. “Because the sooner you get out of here, the better.”
“It’s really not that bad.”
“Yeah, keep telling yourself that.”
“Your brother saved my life, Viktor, and he’s spent the last few weeks trying everything he can to help me put my pastbehind me. He’s opened his home to me and made sure I have everything I want or need. I don’t know what I would’ve done without him.”
“You would’ve had me,” he clipped. “I would’ve helped you. I would’ve done anything for you. I still will.”
“I know, and I appreciate that. You’re already helping me by being here and encouraging me.” I gave his hand a squeeze. “You’ve always been such a wonderful friend.”
“Friend.”He bit his bottom lip and lowered his head. “Yeah, I’ve never been anything more than that, and from the sounds of it, I never will.”
“Viktor, I…”
“Don’t.” He stood, then leaned down and kissed me on the forehead. “I’m glad you’re okay, and if you need anything, and I mean anything, just let me know.”
“Thank you, Viktor.”
He stared at me for a moment, then turned and started for the door. Before he walked out, he glanced back over at me and said, “It was really good to see you, Alina.”
“It was good to see you, too, Viktor.”
He paused for a moment, then walked out and closed the door behind him. I waited until I was certain Viktor was gone before I stood and started down the hallway. I walked up to the office door and then lightly knocked. I didn’t wait for him to answer before I turned the knob and pushed it open. I stepped inside and found Sergei sitting at his desk.
He was still just wearing his lounge pants, and it was impossible not to notice how his muscles rippled beneath his crossed arms. His eyes locked on mine as I whispered, “Hey.”
