The brothers look at me with various expressions: from sympathy to a firm intention to hold me back; even my heart begins to burn. I nervously hug myself and repeat the question, glancing first into the blue, then into the blue-gray oceans.
— Your father doesn't know about our deal, — Vlad states confidently. — So I don’t think he considers this deceit on your part. He will blame Timur and me. We tricked him, and you’re just a pawn.
— I also think that Dyk didn’t suspect your agreement, where you give your shares to Vlad, and he promises to save mom and brother, — Timur adds.
But their words do not soothe me. Even if father doesn’t know, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t suspect. He thought Timur gave everything to me, and I would pass it on to him. In reality, it turned out otherwise; Vlad controls the majority of the shares, Vlad is the boss, and my husband, too. Timur is currently irrelevant here at all, except as a stand-in face. Therefore, father will figure it all out one way or another. He doesn’t need documentary evidence to hurt mom or little brother.
— Even if Dad doesn’t blame me directly, doesn’t redirect his anger to mom, in any case, the anger from the failure will still be directed at her. You don’t understand, — I shout in panic, — he doesn’t need a reason.
It’s hot outside, but coldness rushes through my body. Fear dictates my behavior. I am in a panic.
— I know, — Vlad says sternly. — We are going to the city immediately. I will take mom and brother, don’t worry.
— Then I’ll go to the office, I’ll hold him there while he rages at the other shareholders. I’ll perform as we agreed, in your name, — Timur calmly throws in.
— I’m with you, — I rush to Vlad.
— No, you go home.
I stop. I shift my gaze from one man to the other. I don’t know what motives they both have, but for me, the most important thing is that mom and brother don’t get hurt.
— I’m with you, — I firmly repeat. — You cooked this up. When we agreed, the condition was their safety. Because of your deals and manipulations with shares, they are in danger. I know this. So sorry, Vlad, — I throw angrily, — but it’s not going to happen.
I expected Saint to start frowning or getting angry, but to my surprise, he smiles. Timur looks at us from under his brow and snorts, while Vlad nods. In shock, I lose my speech.
— Alright. You’re right. Change and let’s go.
Not believing that he has agreed, really agreed, and that I managed to stand my ground, I quickly rush into the house, leaving the brothers alone. As soon as I find myself in the bedroom, my gaze immediately catches on the wedding dress. The echo of Saint's words rings in my head, but I push them away. There’s no time. The main thing is mom and Timur. I agreed to this adventure for them. It’s because of them that I have strength. Everything else breaks me.
I change into spare jeans and a top brought by Vlad, slip on sandals, and grabbing my phone from my bag, I leave the house. Vlad is dressed too, although I didn’t hear him come in or out. Timur is gone. He probably went to the office.
Saint is sitting in a suit on a motorcycle. He wears leather gloves, with which he holds a black, shiny helmet. I even stop, as he looks so stylish and cool that it takes my breath away.
— Yours, — he lazily lifts the helmet. — Come here.
From his tone, I understand — the Vlad who was here half an hour ago has disappeared. Now in his place stands the familiar artist, a shark in the world of the wealthy, a manipulator, and simply a dangerous player.
I submissively walk up to him. I freeze next to him and wait until he puts the helmet on his head. Once done, he tells me to get on behind him. As soon as I settle comfortably and wrap my arms around his waist, we take off. The house, fields, and woods remain behind us. I don’t look at the nature around anymore. Anxiety eats me from the inside for my loved ones, so all I can do is pray. I pray that we hurry, that Timur delays dad at work, that mom and brother are at home, safe and sound. Otherwise… I won’t know what to do.
The road tires me out; traveling by car would be much more comfortable, but I endure it. When we finally reach the city, I want to scream for Saint to speed up, to push forward and not stop even at red lights. But I know it won’t happen that way… It just feels like every second counts for us.
Finally, we arrive at father’s house. Before Vlad can even turn off the engine, I rush to the gate. I enter the code and dart into the yard. Mom must see me from the window, because she almost immediately comes out to meet me. Fear is evident in her green eyes; she doesn’t understand what’s happening, why I’m panicking.
— Mom!
I throw myself into her arms. I inhale the scent of safety and love.
— Mom, get ready, and get brother ready. We need to run.
— What? My dear, my star, calm down. What happened? Who is this man?
I break free from her warm embrace and turn around. Vlad is approaching us. He looks dangerous. I remember that mom hasn’t seen him; last time Timur came for me, he was “the fiancé.”
— This is my husband, mom, — I quietly say. — Vlad Sviatyi. Meet him.
— Nice to meet you, — he nods, — glad to meet my wife’s mother.
Mom is initially taken aback, but quickly regains her composure:
— I’m glad to meet you too. But I must ask, where is that other man?
— He’s my brother, — Saint says calmly. — You need to gather your things quickly. I promised Yuliana that you would be protected and free, so if it’s not a problem for you…
— Star, — Sofia Dyka shifts her gaze to me, — what is happening? Why do we need to gather?
— I’ll tell you everything, — I say softly. — Please, mom. Father… there are reasons he will want to vent his anger on you. You know this.
She nods. She understands everything and doesn’t resist, although I see a desire in her eyes to stop and tell me to only worry about herself. I hope she realizes that I can’t think that way. She’s my mom!
— Alright.
Sofia runs back into the house while I turn back to my husband:
— How are we going to leave? The motorcycle won’t fit everyone.
— Do you know where the garage is?
I nod.
— Then lead the way.