“Ehlga, I appreciate your effort to make me feel comfortable here, I honestly do. But I’m sure you know Desmier’s intentions for me. And you know what he did to me.”
The light in her expression dims and discomfort settles in the seal of her thin lips. “I do. I just want you to know there’s more to him.”
“Like what?”
“A different side. Something softer.”
“Something softer?” If I knew I wouldn’t get in trouble, I would totally taint her perception of him and tell her what he makes me do at night.
“Desmier is not always the version you’ve seen. It might help you to keep your mind open to that as you’ll be married soon.”
Married.Married to a stranger who makes my head spin and my body speak to me in a language I don’t want to understand.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good.” Her radiance returns as she smiles. “I’ll leave you with something to cheer you up.”
My interest piques. “What?”
“This.” She picks up one of the tea cups from the tray. I assumed it was empty like the one next to it, but it’s not. Dark tea leaves have settled at the bottom, looking like a shadowy butterfly. I remember using this cup at breakfast to drink her special Slovenian blend.
I guess she’s about to tell me my fortune so I try like I did the other day not to look like I think it’s a crock of shit.
“Look what the stars hold for you.” Her eyes beam like she’s about to hand me a check for a million dollars.
“Is that good? It looks like a butterfly or some sort of insect.”
“Very good. It’s the butterfly. It means success and happiness.”
“That’s nice.” I can’t even try to keep the sarcasm out of my voice. I don’t believe in the whole divination thing anyway, but now I definitely don’t. The only success I’m going to have here is not going crazy in this house. And if I accomplish that, I guess I’ll be happy.
“Don’t say it like that. My skills have never failed me.” The light ends of her gray waves bounce as she nods.
“Alright Ehlga, if you say so.”
“I do say so.” She laughs. “I’ll leave you to eat. I’m around for the next fifteen or so minutes. If you need me just call.”
“Okay, thanks.”
She dips her head and saunters away.
I pick up a chicken mayo sandwich and eat it. It tastes amazing and is a good distraction. When I’m about to grab another, my phone rings. I’m expecting a call from Lorelai but I thought she’d call later.
I grab my phone but freeze when I look at the screen and see it’s not Lorelai calling me.
It’s Viktor.
ChapterNineteen
Anastasia
Viktor’s name continues to flash across my phone screen, like the blaring red and blue lights of a police car.
A gamut of emotions assails me and my heart doubles over in a triple beat.
There’s trepidation and fear, happiness and hope, and shame.
Shame for the scandalous way I’ve been with Desmier.