Page 4 of Bound by Love
“What?” he asked, turning around and looking at her questioningly.
“I bet that’s the way you looked every time your mother caught you doing something naughty. No wonder she adored you.”
Rytsar stared at Brie for a moment, his eyes softening for a second before he made an abrupt about-face and strode briskly to the car. Brie realized she’d caught him off guard and hoped her innocent comment hadn’t caused him pain.
Quickening her steps, Brie was able to catch up to him. His expression showed no emotion whatsoever as he loaded the bags of whoopee cushions into the vehicle. She became more concerned when Rytsar let out a long sigh as he stared aimlessly out the window.
“Are you okay, Rytsar?” she asked in a timid voice.
He inclined his head toward her, frowning. “There are times,radost moya, when remembering my mother only reminds me of how much I’ve lost.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mea—”
He shook his head. “Do not apologize. I need to embrace the pain rather than shove away my memories of her.” His eyes filled with unshed tears when he confessed, “She deserves to be remembered. I missMamulyaso much it hurts—even though it’s been years.”
“Sir feels the same about his father. He told me there will always be a part of him missing because Alonzo is gone. It has become even more pronounced and painful for him with the baby coming.”
Rytsar reached out and clasped her shoulder, his tone somber, “I am sorry for my brother.”
Brie’s heart ached for both men, knowing the weight of the pain they carried. She was lucky she had never known that level of loss.
Rytsar broke the silence, his lips slowly curving into a grin. “Let’s head over to Anderson’s so we can deliver your package…and mine.” The seriousness of the moment seemed to evaporate as Rytsar sat back against the seat, his arms folded, that mischievous look returning to his face.
Brie still found it remarkable that this respected sadist, who was so intimidating during a scene, had this playful side to him.
He turned his head and asked, “So what exactly was your plan for the cat food?”
“I’m simply going to ring the doorbell and dash.”
“Nyet.I want to see the expression on his face.”
Brie bit her lip nervously, aware that Rytsar was still cross with Master Anderson. “You’re not planning to cause trouble, are you?”
“I simply want to observe his reaction…and take pleasure from it,” he answered with a wicked smirk.
When they arrived, she bounded up to the porch and pushed the doorbell. She grinned excitedly at Rytsar while the two of them waited for Master Anderson to answer.
After a minute, Rytsar pushed the doorbell again.
“He’s not home,” Brie groaned, noticing that all the lights were off in the house. “But why is his truck still here?” she asked, making a sweeping motion toward the new Chevy. Brie set the cat food down on the welcome mat. “I guess Shey must have picked him up for a hot date or something. At least, when they get back, they’ll have a good laugh together.”
Rytsar wasn’t listening to her as he moved toward the door and fished something out of his pocket. In a matter of seconds, he had the door unlocked and opened.
“Oh my goodness, Rytsar! What are you doing?”
He shrugged, wearing a mischievous grin. “Why not take advantage of this rare opportunity?”
“Wait…are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“Da. Every possible place he might sit that ass down will have a whoopee cushion hidden, just waiting for him.”
Brie giggled but hesitated at the doorway. “You know this is considered breaking and entering, even if he is our friend.”
“Nyet,” he scoffed. “Not when it is done for amusement.”
“I’m pretty sure Sir would not approve.”
“I will gladly face his wrath for both of us. You can tell him I commanded it.”
