“No, no. Not Sergei.”
“Lilly, you’re starting to freak me out a bit.”
Here goes, after a year and a half I finally have my best friend back and am about to dump a whole lot of crazy on her.
“When I say it’s complicated, I mean. I’m in another arranged marriage situation. This time to Ren Vitali. And not exactly by choice. I’m at his house about to go to work with him. Sergei knows, and well…. it’s all fucked up. But tonight, I’m going to be at his club and if you can come, then I’d love… love to see you. I’ll answer everything then.”
Then I take a breath and cross my fingers she’s free. Ria is a DJ and it’s Saturday night, so she might not be available.
It’s silent for a while as she takes it all in. I don’t blame her—that’s a lot to wrap your head around. Then out of everything I just told her, only Ria would say what follows next.
“Ren Vitali as in, sexy motherfucker, Ren, that just took over the family business, Vitali?”
Yep, that’s what she got.
“Um…” Well, what can I say but the truth. “Yeah.”
She gasps.
Then I remind her. “But I told you it’s complicated. Because there’s a reason, I ran Ria. And… I don’t want to go back to it. I’m not exactly here by choice. I was in Perth and a blonde, if you can believe it.”
“I can’t believe anything right now,” her voice sounds wondrous. “You are marrying Ren Vitali.”
Oh, for god’s sake. “No, I’m not.”
“You just said another arranged marriage?”
“Okay, Ria.” I let out a long breath. “I’m going to give you a run-down. So, move past me marrying Ren and keep up.”
“Okay.” I hear a shuffle, and then, “go.”
“He kidnapped me.” I get straight to the point, and she gasps, and I know she’s finally getting it. “Because dads a dick and owed him money. Once dad knew where I was, he caved quick. Ren was bringing me back to Sydney to hand me back to Dad and therefore Sergei. I had a mini breakdown and jumped out of a moving car, then explained how that could not happen. Turns out Ren isn’t that kind of bad guy. So instead, he made a deal with dad, so I didn’t have to go back to Sergei. Who, by the way, was there at the meet. He wasn’t happy at all. In fact, he told me not to get comfortable. So, I’m not marrying Ren, because Sergei isn’t going to just quit. And yes, I’m in Sydney, but not for long. But I want to see you before I go.”
“Wow.” Her voice is softer. “I want to see you, too. Anywhere. Just tell me and I’m there. I’ve got a set tonight, but I’ll come before. After. I can even cancel it.”
My heart feels that much fuller.
“Don’t cancel it. Just come when you can. And I’m not sure where, but I will message you when I do.”
Seriously, my life is not normal right now. Come to think about it, I don’t remember when it ever was.
“Oh, and I’m going to invite Ren’s sister, you will love her, she’s sweet.”
Amari definitely needs to let loose.
“Oh, getting in with the family huh? You are so marrying Ren Vitali.”
Great, she’s back there again, and I sigh. “Ria?”
“I’m so excited. Has he got hot friends?”
I can’t lie, so I answer honestly again. “Yes, the ones I have met all are. Except the blonde one is a dick.”
“Ahh you should probably learn your husband’s friends’ names,” she giggles.
“Ria,” I sigh. “Sergei will not give up. I’m not safe in Sydney.”
She’s quiet for a bit. “What are you going to do?