“Please pour yourselves a drink,” I said, opening the door leading outside. Turning back, I met Avgust’s eyes as I spoke again. “I just have to grab something., I’ll be right back.”
Avgust nodded, knowing what I was up to. I rushed out, feeling my pulse racing. I glanced back as I headed up the stairs.No one was following; that was a relief. I knocked on Clara’s door as I pushed it open.
She was standing by the window, looking out at the flower fields. She was wearing a long shirt and no pants. My eyes traveled down her back as my blood started boiling. Darn my family, how dare they just show up? She looked so delicious standing there.
“Printessa,” I huffed as she turned. “I’m going to be busy for a bit.” I swallowed hard as I fought the urge to take her into my arms. “Something has come up. You’ll hear the guards moving through the house. Please stay in your room. I’ll come get you later.”
I watched as she nodded. A couple of locks came loose from the messy bun on her head. Her eyes stayed focused on me. “So, how long do I need to stay put?” she asked. There was a hint of something in her tone like she was teasing me. The smile forming on her lips was so inviting.
She looked so innocent, but I knew better. “Not sure,” I replied, stepping back. I knew I had to get back to the family before they came looking.
Clara moved to the bed and flopped down on it. She crossed her legs and pulled the shirt down. I could see she was studying my face for a reaction. “Okay,” she whispered. Clara played with the strand of hair on the side of her face as she licked her lips. “Hurry back,” she added.
“Clara, please,” I huffed, walking back more. I was standing in the doorway. “I need you to take this seriously.”
Her mouth puffed up as she straightened herself out. “Okay, I get it,” she huffed back.
As I left, I pulled the door closed, hoping she would listen and stay inside. I headed back to my family and the other guests. I wasn’t entirely convinced Clara would listen. But hopefully, I could get rid of the family quickly.
Everyone was settled and chatting away as I entered the entertainment area. “So, why the new place?” Aleksandr asked as I poured myself a drink.
Grinning, I kept my tone level as I replied. “I felt it was time to let the younger ones live their own lives. I am giving them the house as I feel it’s time to start my own life.”
Alexsandr looked satisfied with my reply as he nodded. Akim and Zenya came closer and stood next to him. “So, how’s business? All the projects on track?” I asked, looking from Akim to Alexandr. I wasn’t truly interested but wanted to change the subject. I didn’t want my sister to start asking questions.
“All is going as planned and on schedule,” Akim replied.
I smiled weakly at him as I turned and walked to one of the chairs. My mind was racing, wondering how I was going to get rid of them. I sat down on one of the couches so they could sit with me.
“Everything is on track,” Alexandr added as he sat down. “We have a couple of new projects starting up soon and may need your assistance.”
“Sounds good. Shoot an email, and I’ll have a look,” I replied.
“So,” Zhenya suddenly interrupted. “What’s been happening in your life?”
I smiled at her as she leaned into Akim’s arm. They were clearly still in their honeymoon phase. I was happy for them, even though Akim wasn’t the man I would have picked for her.
“I’m fine, all is good. And with you?” I replied, sipping from my glass.
“Good,” Zhenya replied, grinning. “We should come visit you for a weekend so I can explore.”
What? Where did that come from? We haven’t spent weekends together for quite some time. I was sure she knew I was up to something.
Trying to keep the shock from showing, I took another sip from my glass.
“But maybe you should ask your friend over there if she’ll be fine with it?” Zhenya added, getting up. Her tone was light and playful. “Why didn’t you tell us you have someone visiting?”
I looked at her, confused, unsure what she was talking about. “You have someone staying with you, don’t you?” Akim added. He rose, and his hand instantly went to his gun. I blinked, trying to figure out what was happening.
That’s when her odor hit me. I rose so quickly that I nearly spat out the sip of whiskey I had taken. “Of course, he has a friend visiting,” Avgust said, smirking as he stepped closer. “Everyone, meet Clara, Clara, meet everyone,” he said, waving his hand from one side of the room to the other side.
I slowly turned to find her standing in the doorway. She was such a stubborn woman. Why could she not follow one simple direction? “Clara,” I mumbled, still catching my breath. I felt frozen in the moment and couldn’t get another word out.
“Clara is Iosif’s friend. She came to visit him for a bit,” Avgust added as he walked towards her. I was glad he stepped in.
“Yes,” I finally got out as I straightened myself out. “I’m sure she won’t mind the visit, but we will get back to that at a later date.” I was relieved she had taken a shower and dressedbefore coming down. All I needed was to have any of them see her as I did earlier.
I would never hear the end of it from any of them. Clara walked closer, extending her hand to my sister as she spoke. “I’m Clara, pleased to meet you.” Her tone was soft and light.
