Avrora
Bright light shines down on me.
It's too bright, too powerful, too harsh.
I force my eyes open and find myself staring at Ehlga pulling open the curtains on the other side of the room.
It's morning. Sunday morning.
I survived the night. I'm not sure when I actually fell asleep, but thank God I did and there were no nightmares. Maybe because I'm living in one.
Anatoli isn't in here, and I can't hear him in the shower. It's just Ehlga.
Looking at the older woman, I straighten at the same time she faces me with that disgruntled expression on her face.
I don't think Ehlga likes me. She hasn't said anything to make me think it; I just assumed from the haughty glare she keeps giving me. I can't stand people who judge you when they know nothing about you.
"You need to get up. Breakfast is almost over." She speaks in a thick Russian accent. I get the feeling that she and Jayce only speak English when they need to.
"What time is it?"
"Nearly midday."
I straighten even more. "I didn't realize I slept for so long."
"Master Scarfoni allowed you to sleep. However, he wants to speak to you now before he leaves for the day. After breakfast, I'll show you around and help you sort your things out when they arrive." She sounds so official. As if she's about to train me to start a new job.
"Okay."
"Five minutes. There's another T-shirt and yoga pants in the bathroom for you."
"Who do the clothes belong to?" It might be petty on the scale of things to worry about, but I want to know.
"They are a few things his aunt left behind before she died."
"Do you mean Polina?" Polina was Leif's wife.
"Yes, I do."
As Polina was a lovely woman, I don't feel awkward wearing her clothes. I do wonder, though, about all the secrets in this family. That part is none of my business, but since I'm here, I'm wondering who was ever truthful. She knew about Anatoli and never said anything to anyone.
"Five minutes," Ehlga reminds me, and I nod. "I will wait for you in the hallway and take you down to the dining room."
"Thank you."
When she leaves, I steal a minute to gather myself.
Instead of being here, I should be with Mikhail in the Caribbean on our honeymoon for a two-week cruise.
But I'm in his brother's bed.
If not for Dad, I wouldn't be here. I love my father with all my heart, but this is his fault. When I think of what the hell he must have done to get me wrapped up in this disaster, I feel like screaming and running through the walls.
I thought I had problems before with my nightmares, but damn, that was nothing.
I look at the nightstand and notice my engagement ring is gone. That's the first sign that today will undoubtedly have its own set of challenges. I hope Anatoli wasn't spiteful enough to throw it away, the same way he disposed of my dress. Ehlga cleared away the pieces of fabric when she cleared the food last night.
With him wanting to speak to me, I can't help but fear what new bomb he'll drop on me to shake my already fragile state. There's a lot to talk about and the same amount of things to think about.
At the top of the list is my freedom, which is getting further away from me.
There has to be a way out of this-a path I have to find. So, I need to see what I'm up against and keep my eyes open for opportunities.
With that reasoning, I head to the bathroom, shower quickly, and change into the clothes that were left for me. I leave my damp hair down so it can air-dry.
When I'm done, I look at myself in the mirror, noticing the dark circles under my eyes. My usually vibrant blue irises don't even look blue anymore. My eyes look like someone placed a toner in them to fade the color, and my skin is blotchy. The glow I had from the facials I did at the spa with Lorelai only days ago is gone.
In a nutshell, I look like shit dragged in from the highway. But at least I'm alive and still have my virginity intact.
I walk away from the mirror and make my way out to the hallway, where I find Ehlga.
She leads me down the stairs on the opposite side of the landing. They lead down to a section of the house I didn't see before. This part feels older, and the decoration is more fitting to the period style of the house.
Ehlga shows me into a grand dining room fit for royalty or some A-list celebrity. There I meet Anatoli's scrutinizing stare.
Today, he's wearing a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up his forearms. He's dressed like he's going to work in an office.
Tearing my gaze away from his, I look around the room and take in the oil paintings of pirate ships and beautiful landscapes. There is a row of antique plates on one wall with images of ducks.
The large, long mahogany table holds a delicious spread of pastries that remind me I'm starving, but when I return my gaze to the dangerously handsome man sitting at the head, my appetite disappears.
"Sit here." He points to the chair next to him.
Pulling in a deep breath, I make my way over and lower myself into the cushioned seat.
Ehlga leaves us, but the door is still open, and I can hear people milling about.
I keep my breathing measured so I can think about all the things I need to ask. This is an opportunity for me to talk, too. And surely, there's no way he can think it's acceptable for me to blindly follow along with this charade without more information than he's given me.