Chapter 33 33

Chapter 33 33

GEORGIA

"I'm not sure I'll ever be in support of that concept," I said in response. "Life is too fragile and delicate to be taken at will."

"But what if you have to kill to avoid being killed?" Rhys asked. His eyes bore deep into mine, bearing a kind of intensity I didn't want to name. I broke our gaze and transferred mine to the cup of coffee in front of me.

"I am a bloody man Eliza." He said again. "I don't know why I'm telling you again. Maybe a part of me wants you to see me as a person with a heart prone to feelings— hurt, inclusive."

"But you are not a killer are you? I mean, you didn't kill Vanya.."

"I could have killed him," he cut in. "In fact, I was going to. And it might also have happened that very day. The person who killed Vanya was a man like me, and he wouldn't be comfortable with the idea that you're trying to find him."

"I thought we were past this."

"No, I am only trying to protect you. Suspecting Dimitri is a good hunch but sometimes..."

"Let's not talk about this anymore Rhys. I'll be fine when we can return to the mansion and after your name has been restored to its glory."

"I will find the killer by myself. I don't want you to get hurt."

"The least you can do right now is to support my endeavour. I refused to be caged and chained in the name of protection, and you know me better."

I rose from the table and turned around, but something struck my mind.

"I'm sorry for some things I said."

"And what are they?" Rhys asked.

I rolled my eyes.

"I said you should find somebody else to marry instead of asking me to stop my work. I don't apologise for saying them, I'll probably repeat them. But for the way they might have made you feel. Am I forgiven?"

A complacent smirk crossed his face, but I didn't wait for him to speak. I rolled my eyes and walked away.

"Where are you off to?" He called out.

"I'm heading to the bedroom. I have to prepare questions for Dimitri."

"Okay then."

I settled in front of my computer the instant I got to the room and began to type questions for Dimitri. Since it was a murder case the questions had to be strategic and complex at the same time. I couldn't afford to sound accusatory or suspicious. Dimitri is a sensitive man, and I could nearly read his mind.

My calculations were quite different. I preempt that Dimitri gave Vanya the details of our location and had an ambush set for him at the hospital. The sniper was shot by one of his hitmen, and the operator waited until Rhys was having a confrontation before firing.

This was enough evidence to present but the council would want a name given. The weapon was peculiar to underground men and so it had to belong to someone. They do not care whether it was fired by the devil himself, they wanted someone they could hold accountable. This bit was what Dimitri considered while having Rhys take the fall for the murder.

There had to be a way around this, security cameras, DNA samples and even incriminating motives. But alas, this was well a calculated and organised crime.

"When are you going to finish typing these questions?" I looked up to find Rhys closing the door behind him. The Safe House didn't allow for privacy, we had to share a room. There was enough space in it as it is, Rhys's only thought was that keeping us together would be easy for our security.

"What will you say about Vanya Delano?" He leaned towards my computer and read it out.

"I just hope you will be careful around this man. He is a snake, always 10 steps ahead of his enemies."

"But I am not an enemy, I am only seeking the truth."

"The truth that will tear his reputation apart, no, you are an enemy."

"But what exactly is going on?" I slammed the computer shut, rose to my feet and grabbed Rhys by the shoulder, turning him around to face me.

"I understand that Rhys massacred your family when you were a little, but aside from that, what other bone do you have to pick with him? If you truly want me to be safe, you shouldn't keep anything from me. Let me know the devil I am dining with."

"He is a bad man. There are no other gratifying explanations."

"I know that. But aren't you also bad?" I insisted. "All mafia men are bad."

"I'm not evil. Dimitri is a monster. Oh I wish I had the words to explain."

"But tell me. Let me see all of you. Tell me your secrets."

Rhys went quiet then, but in the quiet glow of his dark, grey, eyes, I could see his memories flashing. I saw fear, then pain and anger. With a small gasp, I took a step backwards, but he reached out and grabbed my hand.

"Come to bed Loo-ná. The day has gone and with it, its evils."

I went smitten, motionless and numb as he led me slowly to the bed. I placed a pillow between the us, avoiding physical touches and sexual advances but I could still feel the connection.

"Goodnight Rhys."

I expected a response but he only reached out through the tailor of the bed and pulled me close. His body was warm, a soft scent of aftershave oozing from him. Camila said something about mafia men taking their conjugal rights by force but Rhs had been a gentleman in ways I least expected. When he place my head on his chest I relapsed into his touch and let him wrap his arms around me.

Soon, my eyes were closed and I was beginning to drift away when I suddenly heard a crash sound.