Chapter 20 - Piotr

It’s been almost a week since our romantic dinner. The difference in the way Alyssa was acting worried me. I couldn’t help but start doubting whether I had made the right decision. On our Paris date, Alyssa appeared carefree, alive, and open.

She spoke to strangers on the street. She danced down the aisles visiting every vendor at the park. Alyssa was a totally different person overseas.

Even though I have made changes to my room, and upgraded it, you could say, it didn’t seem enough. Here, she appears drawn back. I wanted her to be happy. But I didn’t want to let her go.

I had to find a way to make her see that staying could be just as freeing as Paris. With that, I headed into town. I stopped at the florist and ordered a dozen bouquets of a dozen roses each to be sent to the mansion.

I stopped at the jeweler and bought her the most beautiful necklace. It was the most extravagant gift I had ever gotten for someone. I hoped she would see that I could give her a happy life.

Riding home from town, I made up my mind. I would do whatever it took to keep her. When I arrived home, I found Alyssa and Mila in the kitchen. The entire living room was covered in roses, and the house smelled like a garden.

“Thank you for the roses,” Alyssa said as I entered.

Grinning at her, I took out the box containing the necklace and held it out as I spoke. “That’s not all, princess, I bought you a gift as well.”

Alyssa took the box and opened it. She smiled and showed it to Mila. “Thank you, but you didn’t have to,” she said as she came closer and gave me a hug.

“I had to,” I replied. “When I saw that, it made me think of you, a precious masterpiece.”

Mila smirked as she came closer. “We have some things to collect for our next project,” she said, tapping Alyssa’s shoulder.

“Oh, yes,” Alyssa replied, glancing at her. “Will you put this in the room for me? Thank you, I love it,” Alyssa added, handing me the box.

I watched in confusion as they headed to the garage. Mila grabbed Konstantin’s car keys from the wall on their way out. “Tell Konstantin I borrowed his car,” she said, turning as she went out the door.

Walking to my room, I couldn’t understand why Alyssa didn’t appear more excited about the roses and the necklace. Sitting down on the bed, I felt the silky-smooth texture of the new bedding Konstantin insisted I buy. It was warm and cold at the same time. The bedding had a brilliant feel but wasn’t something I would have bought for myself.

Pulling out my phone, I started scrolling through online sites, looking for items I thought Alyssa would love. Her reaction, or rather lack of reaction, to the necklace was bothering me. After a while, I decided to call Mila, I needed to know what Alyssa would like.

After two rings, Mila’s smooth voice came through the phone. “Piotr, what’s up? We are kind of busy, you know.”

“Yes, I know. I was wondering if I could accompany you girls. Maybe I could assist with some of the things you need?” My voice had a slight hit of desperation, and I couldn’t hide from her.

Mila sighed before replying. “Okay, we’re at the South Mall. If you must, you can come and join us.”

There was no hesitation in my voice as I replied instantly. “Yes, thanks. I’m on my way.” I rode like a man on a mission, which I kind of was. Shortly, I joined them at the mall. Neither Mila nor Alyssa seemed overly excited to have me tagging along.

As we moved from shop to shop, I bought everything Alyssa’s eyes lingered on for more than a couple of seconds. By the time we sat down for lunch, my arms were full. Alyssa excused herself and went to the ladies' room while Mila and I ordered food.

Stacking the bags and boxes of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more on the table next to ours, I sat down with Mila. Leaning over the table, Mila grabbed my arm as she spoke. “At this pace, you will drive her away. I don’t think she is a fancy type of girl. I’m sure she’s not into your money, brother. You are going about this all wrong.”

I stared at Mila in disbelief. It was getting harder and harder to keep my feelings for Alyssa under wrap. I hadn’t realized it had become so apparent that Mila had noticed. I felt sure she could see the fear pushing up in me through my eyes.

Looking away, I scanned the area to see if Alyssa was returning yet. Mila took my face in her hands, forcing me to look at her. “At this rate, you will drive her away; you will lose her,” she said softly.

Shaking my head, I tried to clear the thoughts invading my mind. I didn’t want to hear these things. Mila was wrong; I felt sure of it. As the food arrived, Alyssa returned. We ate in silence. Once we finished eating, we headed back home.

I carried Alyssa’s things upstairs and placed them on my bed before heading to the kitchen to make coffee. I had just poured the cups when Mila and Alyssa walked in. “We’re basically done and will be leaving shortly for the airport,” she said, taking her cup.

“I’m going with,” I uttered, handing Alyssa a cup as well.

Mila’s face dropped as I spoke. She looked agitated at me. I could hear her unhappiness as she replied. “I don’t think that is a good idea, Piotr.”

“I will only be watching. I won’t interfere with the mission. Think of me as added protection,” I added.

Mila glared at me but didn’t discuss it further. She knew there was no turning back once I had made up my mind. Alyssa glanced from me to Mila and back, smiling softly. We packed what was needed and headed out. Their current mission took them abroad to gather intel on an international smuggling ring.

The entire trip was spent in silence. I felt like an outsider as Mila and Alyssa discussed techniques, clothing, and such. But I said I would only observe, and that was what I was going to do.

After we landed, we headed to the hotel where the party would be that evening. Mila had already reserved a room for her and Alyssa, so I had to get one. While I was booking in, they headed upstairs to get ready. I was fortunate as the room next to theirs was still available.

I took a quick shower and dressed in my black jeans. I wore a loose-fitting black shirt that was comfortable and easy to maneuver in should I need to. Heading down, I found Mila and Alyssa waiting in the lobby. The place appeared void of any life; it was way too quiet for an upcoming event.

“Had I missed something, or was the party canceled,” I asked, looking around the lobby.

“Yeah, they moved the location at the last minute,” Mila replied, looking irritated. “But we got the address from one of the staff.”

Walking out, I hailed a cab. Mila gave him the address, and we made our way. Pulling up to the curb, a shiver ran down my spine. Something felt off, but I couldn’t put a finger on it.

After entering the club, I knew why. Mila and Alyssa were walking just ahead of me. Stepping in between them, I took hold of their arms and gently pulled them to a halt.

“Now what's wrong?” Mila asked, pulling out of my grip.

“This is a club for fighters,” I said softly.

Mila glanced around and shook her head before glaring at me. I could see she didn’t believe me. “You’re just trying to put us off our game and mess up our job,” she added angrily.

Before I could respond, someone over at the bar called out. “Piotr, is that you?”

We turned as one to face the man as he approached us. “Damm, it’s been forever saw you the last time. Are you here to fight? Are you getting back into the ring?” He uttered as he slapped me on the shoulder.

“No, no, no,” I responded instantly. He was familiar but I couldn’t place him. Glancing over his shoulder at the crowd seated by the bar, I saw someone I did recognize. Jerman, my trainer, was standing on one side, watching us. My veins filled with ice as my heart froze.

“I got to go,” I breathed out, shaking the man’s hand. Turning, I headed in the other direction as quickly as I could. I would survey the situation and catch up with the girls in a bit. Moving through the crowd, I had to push some people out of my way.

Turning quickly, I raised my fist as a hand grabbed my shoulder. I was ready to knock him to his feet if it was Jerman. Mila and Alyssa stood before me. Alyssa’s eyes were wide in shock. “What the hell, Piotr,” Mila spat at me.

Glancing at the crowd, I saw a couple of Jerman’s men heading in our direction. “I’ve got to go, I might have been made,” I said, turning and heading for the back door.

Leaving them wasn’t part of my plans. But plans change. I needed to lure the men with me and take the focus off the girls. Moving quickly through the streets, I headed back to the hotel. After taking a couple of extra turns, I could go back to the hotel safely as the men following me seemed to have left.

Pacing up and down the room, I wondered if leaving Mila and Alyssa there was such a good idea. Yet, the guys knew me; they had never met Mila. I felt sure things would be fine. As I sat on the bed's edge, the room door flew open, and Mila came storming in.

She was clearly pissed off at me. “You ruined the job. Why did you have to come? Now we have to find another way to get the intel.” She yelled before turning and leaving, slamming the door as she went.

I heard the room door next to me open and shut. I had to make things right; I had to explain. Walking to their door, I wasn’t sure what I could say or do to make things right. But I had to try.

After knocking, I waited for one of them to open the door. Alyssa stood on the other side as she opened the door. “May I come in?” I asked.

She stepped aside without a word. I walked past her and went to Mila, who was packing her things in the bedroom. “Mila,” I said softly, standing in the door. “I’m sorry.” I didn’t want to scare her and couldn’t tell her I saw Jerman, but I had to say something.

“I didn’t know there would be fighters there or that they would recognize me. I am truly sorry. Tell me what to do to fix this, please.”

Mila glanced at me with fire in her eyes. I could feel her anger and stepped back. Leaving the room, I whispered at Alyssa as I left. “I’m sorry, princess.”

She gave me a small smile and closed the door behind me. Once I was all packed, I headed to the lobby and waited for them. Mila just brushed past me as she came out and got into the cab. I assisted Alyssa with her bags, and then we headed back to the plane.

The trip home was even quieter than the one there. Mila and Alyssa weren’t speaking either. I felt annoyed at myself but kept quiet.

At home, I tried to talk to Mila again, but she didn’t want anything to do with me. Standing in the kitchen wondering what to do next, Alyssa came in. “I’m so sorry for messing up the job, I really am, princess,” I said as she came closer.

Alyssa suddenly pulled me into her arms, embracing me. “It’s fine, I can tell something else is also bothering you,” she said softly. “You know you can talk to me, right?”

I placed a tender kiss on her cheek before shaking my head. “I saw a monster back there that brought a lot of memories to mind. But don’t worry, it’s going to be fine.” I felt guilty for bringing this down on them. My guilt worsened as Alyssa hugged me; she was so forgiving.