Page 83 of Her Sweet Surrender
In the days that followed, Brie was tormented by dreams of Faelan. They had no rhyme or reason, but a sense of foreboding consumed her each morning when she awoke.
Brie was grateful when Rytsar informed them he was ready to visit Faelan again. When the three of them arrived, Rytsar walked into Marquis Gray’s house without bothering to knock.
They found Faelan lying on the couch with his forearm covering his face. Little Sparrow sat beside him, her face resting on his chest. She was pushing a roll toward him with her nose.
Brie’s heart caught when she remembered the story of how Little Sparrow had stolen food for Rytsar, keeping him alive in Russia. The little dog understood the seriousness of the situation and was trying to do the same thing for Faelan.
“Come with me,” Rytsar ordered.
Faelan didn’t move or even respond.
“Now.”
Faelan croaked, “Go away.”
“I’m not asking,” Rytsar stated, striding over to him.
Little Sparrow stood up as Rytsar approached, wagging her tail excitedly. Rytsar patted her head. “You have done well,Vorobyshek.”
He then grabbed Faelan’s arm to pull him off the couch.
“What’s this about?” Marquis Gray demanded, walking into the room.
“All will be made clear,” Rytsar declared, hoisting Faelan to his feet.
Rytsar dragged him out of the room and down the hallway, ignoring his violent protests. The more Faelan cursed, the bigger the Russian’s smile grew.
Rytsar pushed him through the front door and outside with everyone else following behind.
“What the hell!” Faelan snarled, shielding his face from the bright sun.
“Just wait.” Rytsar crossed his arms, grinning proudly.
Brie could hear the low rumble of a muscle car approaching. When it rounded the corner she smiled, recognizing the familiar classic blue Mustang convertible.
Faelan’s eyes lit up. “It can’t be…”
Rytsar slapped him on the back. “But it is!”
“I never thought I would see her again,” he muttered, a slow smile spreading across his face.
It was the first time Brie had seen Faelan smile since that dreadful day.
Maxim got out of the car and handed him the keys. Faelan just stood there, staring at the vehicle as if he couldn’t believe it was real.
“Take her for a spin,” Rytsar encouraged him.
Faelan turned to Rytsar, shaking his head in disbelief. “I don’t know what to say, Durov.”
“Don’t say anything.” Rytsar pushed him toward the car. “Get the fuck out of here.”
Faelan didn’t need to be told twice. When he opened the car door, Little Sparrow jumped in uninvited and sat in the passenger seat, wagging her tail expectantly.
Faelan chuckled, then patted her on the head. “You got a problem if I take her?”
“Be my guest,” Rytsar answered.
Faelan nodded to him and then told Marquis Gray and Celestia, “Don’t wait for me. I’ve got a lot of miles to make up.” His smile grew wider when the car started up and he revved the engine.
