In the Captivity of Temptation

45: Unintentional News

Andriy

Although I can't lie to myself, I am drawn to her.

The last three months have been pure chaos. But thoughts about her never left my mind. They were my anchor, compelling me to solve one problem after another, overcoming every hurdle that stood between me and the woman I love, for her sake and for the future we could have.

It’s she and that warm sensation in my chest, still burning in my intoxicated heart, that helped me neither to bend nor to break: not when I was under investigation and my business was on the brink of bankruptcy, and not when the suspicions were finally lifted off me and the true mastermind behind this dirty scheme was identified. I grip the steering wheel even tighter, recalling these memories, because close friends and even my own sister played a role, albeit small, in that affair which nearly brought about my inevitable downfall.

I leave the office and get into the rental car. An unfamiliar feeling settles in my chest. I had almost forgotten what it’s like to be nervous before talking to a woman. But a stubborn determination drowns this feeling, because I cannot let her go again.

I find myself before the building where her apartment is. I see a parking spot almost opposite the entrance and park there. I decided that the best thing to do in this situation is to talk face-to-face. I know she will consider me guilty, but everything I did was solely for her safety. It was necessary.

I sigh and turn off the car. Unbuckle my seatbelt and lean back. I sneak a glance at the watch. It’s only eighteen o’clock. She’s probably not home yet. But it doesn’t matter. I'll wait anyway.

Finally, about an hour and a half later, a car pulls up to the building and stops right in front of mine. It looks strangely familiar. Then I see the guy from this morning, Ihor, get out of the driver’s seat. He walks around the car, opens the passenger door, and offers a hand to someone. I grind my teeth, for it’s not hard to guess who the passenger is.

Milana elegantly slides out of the car and politely retrieves her hand. But that's not what catches my attention. Not at all. What I clearly see is the way this idiot looks at her. Hungry. Predatory. Evaluative.

Then, logic and control seem to disconnect for a moment. I swiftly find myself outside, and with a firm, confident step, I approach the two.

The man notices me first. His eyes narrow ominously, and his head foolishly tilts upward.

I puff. Kid, you’re no match for me.

Then she notices me.

Milana

We arrive at the office silently, but I can hardly ignore the waves of anger emanating from him. And the shock from meeting Andriy hasn’t worn off. Indeed, this total surprise just knocked me off my feet.

By the end of the workday, I am so emotionally drained that it also affects me physically. I’m exhausted and just want to lie down, relax, and close my eyes. So, when the day is finally over, I decide to call a taxi as soon as possible. Just as I reach for my phone, Ihor enters the office.

"Milana, are you leaving already? " he asks with a keen glance.

"Yes, I feel exhausted today, " I pointed to the phone." I was just about to order a car.

"No need. I’m heading to your area on business anyway. I can drop you off.

A strong wave of protest rises within me. It seems Ihor notices it well because he soothingly raises his hands:

"That’s why I came in. Want to make up for being rude this morning?" and he looks at me in such a way that I involuntarily start to laugh.

" Ihor, that’s just bribery, " I get up from the chair and take my things. Then, still smiling, I sigh, " Alright then".

I dismiss the idea of a taxi. I don’t have the strength to wait for it. So, albeit reluctantly, I accepted Ihor’s offer.

We go out and get into his car. This time, the atmosphere is not so tense. I want to believe in his sincere intentions. Or am I just tired and unwilling to see the obvious? Hard to say. But I’m definitely not in the mood for a conflict today.

So, during the trip, we both tried to chat about neutral topics. We reached my building rather quickly. Ihor unbuckles his seatbelt and gets out of the car to gallantly offer me his hand.

" Look at you, " I chuckle, placing my hand in his. " Trying to completely bribe me with your good manners?

" Of course, " he grins, aiding me out of the car.

Then I see him freeze, and the smile that just glowed on his face quickly disappears. Instead, his face takes on rough, harsh lines, and a hostile black gaze directed at someone behind me. I turn around to see who Ihor is staring at.

My pupils dilate in surprise, and my heart excitedly beats from an incomprehensible trembling hope as I recognize Andriy’s figure confidently approaching us. And when he stops two steps from me, I finally see that he seems to be no less angry than Ihor, glaring at him with a heavy look.

I switch my surprised gaze between the two. Then, finally, turquoise eyes find mine and warm up.

" Milana, we need to talk, " his raspy voice caresses and kisses at the same time.

Warmth spreads in my chest, and a barely noticeable,e shy smile touches my lips. But before I can respond.

" She’s tired, " Ihor interrupts, and I look up at him in surprise.

" Perhaps Milana can decide for herself whether she's too tired to talk? " Andriy scoffs, and I note how my friend grinds his teeth in anger.

Then I finally came to my senses.

" Thank you, Ihor. But I’m quite capable of deciding for myself.

"Milana, I mean well, " he starts angrily, then almost growls, looking into Andriy’s eyes. " You should've talked three months ago, when you put her at risk! She is running to doctors because of you to this day!

" Ihor! " I exclaim, stunned by his audacity.

" What problems? Is it true? " Andriy nervously looks into my eyes.

" No, of course not. Everything's fine, Andriy…

"Nothing is fine! You were at the clinic this morning, "Ihor insists, not letting me finish. " Why the hell are you still defending him? " he finally spits out, disdainfully looking at Poliansky.

For a moment, I want to object and respond. And in the next, Andriy's patience seems to reach its limit, for he stands before me, and now"he grabs Ihor by the chest and effortlessly pushes him away from me.

" Why the hell are you sticking your nose here, huh? We can figure it out without you! " he growls at the man.

The latter unexpectedly skillfully frees himself, and I see a clenched fist flying straight to Andriy’s face. He dodges and instead lands a strong hit to Ihor’s stomach. The latter bends over momentarily and steps back, and I burst into a scream:

" What are you doing?! Stop, immediately! I’m fine! " I glare angrily at both.

Andriy steps toward me, turning his back to the still doubled-over man. And he, seizing the moment, makes a sneaky move, trying to hit him from behind. I involuntarily cry out, covering my mouth with my hands.

This time, Andriy fails to dodge. Ihor’s punch in the back sends him stumbling forward, right towards me, and I instinctively cover my belly with my hands, recoiling back. I press my shoulders against Ihor's car, my eyes widening in fear.

­

Fortunately, Andriy keeps his balance. He turns, clearly intending to teach the insolent one a lesson, when anger wakes up within me. It erupts like a volcano, ignoring all caution:

"Idiots! Stop, both of you! " I exclaim. "I’m not sick, I’m pregnant!"