In the Captivity of Temptation

28 "Pleasant Conversation"

" Well, as I understand, we can talk frankly," Nadya extends ironically. I just slightly arch my eyebrow, and she continues in the same ironically mocking tone:" So, do you guys have a relationship? Not just sex? Or maybe there is love here?

I must admit, her tone openly annoys me. But I know how to keep an indifferent mask on my face when needed. And now is precisely that case.

" It's none of your business," I respond to her in a kind and courteous tone. " Neither the first, nor the second, nor especially the third.

I clearly see a shadow of irritation pass through her blue eyes. Perfect. That's exactly what I aim for. Let her know that I am not one of those who back down when someone tries to blatantly screw things up for me. But I see how the younger sister quickly recovers, and a condescending smile plays on her face:

" Milana, don’t tell me you have designs on my brother. "

" And what’s it to you? I’ll repeat — it’s none of your business," I answer with the same polite tone. "

The model thoughtfully, pensively snorts: By the way, do you know who Andriy just went to talk to?

" I presume you will now share your own truth?" I stretch a smile.

Bianka, his first and true love, there's an unpleasant scraping in my chest, and the beast seems to notice the change on my face. The phrase, And I'm sure a better suited one just hangs in the air between us, unspoken.

" Nadya, what made you think I'm not aware of the former love?" I emphasize the word "former". Actually, I blatantly lie about supposedly being aware of Bianka. But there's no telling that to Nadya, right? So I force myself to say it confidently, and it seems the model believes it because a sour expression appears on her face. Then I can't resist adding sarcastically:

" And by the way, why are you so immediately set against me? Maybe you and I are supposed to become inseparable best friends in the future, but you’re burning bridges just like that, huh?

The little devil just snickers at my statement and doesn't get to respond because of Andriy’s return.

" Is everything ok?" I turned to him.

" Fine. We'll be dealing with the issue tomorrow," Andriy responds briefly, closing the topic.

We continue to dine, though the residue from Nadya’s sharp words and her statement about Bianka settles as hot ash deep in my chest. And the atmosphere between us subtly shifts. It becomes tense and quite charged. However, Andriy doesn’t seem to notice. Maybe it's for the best, he’s visibly satisfied that Nadya and I seem to get along.

Finally, he suggests ordering coffee, but we both almost unanimously decline. Poliansky just arches his eyebrow at such consonance. I just shrug and mention that it's quite late, and I still have packing to do. Nadya agrees with me, nodding her head, suggesting she needs to pack her things too. So they bring us the bill, Andriy pays, and we leave.

Should I mention that I didn’t expect any joy from the shared car ride? But what I really did not expect was that the younger sister would boldly seat herself in the passenger seat upfront, next to the driver.

Boldly, trivially, and childishly. But it is what it is. I'm not about to drag her out of there by her hair, right?

Andriy sees this move by his sister, just raises his eyebrow in surprise, and gives me an apologetic look. I just roll my eyes and head to the back doors of the Audi. Quietly allowing Poliansky to open them for me and help me get in. I'm grinding my teeth from irritation. But let it be. I've taken note and made conclusions.

The car moves. We quickly merge into the traffic flow on the road. After this, the conversation doesn't stick at all, so Andriy turns on some music in the car. Soon we arrive at the house where my rented apartment is located, and Andriy turns off the engine. Nadya, quite boldly, turns her head:

" It was nice to meet you, Milana," this devil extends sweetly. " I hope we meet again.

Andriy unbuckles his seatbelt and gets out of the car, and I barely manage not to roll my eyes at his sister's fake statement. It's clear that it's a play for her brother. I force myself to smile:

" Likewise, Nadya, likewise," the door on my side opens, and I place my delicate hand in Andriy's broad and warm one.

He helps me out and closes the door. Escorts me to the apartment. Checks as usual if everything is alright and then turns to leave.

" Nadya's flight is at nine thirty, so I'll drop her off at the airport first," he informs me and presses me to his sturdy torso. Kisses me deeply, making my knees buckle. Then he looks away, and with that look... mmm. As if silently wanting to suggest that he would gladly stay here, with me. " I guess I'll be back at your place around eight in the morning, so be ready.

" Alright," I nod dreamily and reach for another kiss. I see how his eyes light up with pleasure from my initiative, and he passionately reciprocates.

" I'm glad that you and my sister got along," he says huskily, detaching from me. Yeah, got along. What can one say? I just smile and don't comment.

" Alright, Poliansky, go now, or else Nadia will have to wait for you in that car for a long moment," I decide to change the topic, and Andriy starts to laugh.

" Little devil," he lightly squeezes my buttocks, sending a shiver down my back.

He leaves. I close the door behind him and, without hesitation, head to the window. Watch as Andriy gets into his car, and the black Audi smoothly pulls away. Damn. I understand that thoughts of Bianka won't let me sleep well tonight, but whether to raise this delicate topic now"I'm not sure.

I quickly pack the necessary items, take a quick shower, and go to bed. I really want to call Andriy and hear his voice. Surprised by such a sudden wish, I suppress this impulse. Not sure how he would react to it in the end.

I toss and turn in the big bed for a long time. After our closeness and spending the night together, it seems too big and too empty. Finally, almost falling asleep, I hear my smartphone vibrate. Reluctantly, I pry my eyelids open and reach for the nightstand.

Unlock the screen. Andriy sent a message. A pleasant and trembling warmth spreads through my chest as I tap on the chat.

"Good night, my sweetheart."

I almost purr when I type the reply:

"Good night," and add a kissing emoji.

Then I put the phone down and blissfully close my eyelids. Oh, Milana, it seems you've gotten yourself into something, girl.

I wake up in the morning, surprisingly refreshed and well-rested. I quickly wash up, apply light day makeup, and style my hair. I even manage to drink coffee when I hear the sound of the doorbell. I open the door.

" You're quick," I smile and reach for his lips. But instead, get sweet hugs and a passionate, hungry kiss. " Mmm, Poliansky," recovering, I murmur. " Are you that happy to see me?

" I missed you, you know," he says this with such a surprised tone as if he's amazed by the fact himself.

" I see," I breathe in his scent mixed with shower gel. Can't resist and stand on my tiptoes, leave a short kiss on his neck. I feel how from my caress his sturdy body twitches, and then something hard presses into my stomach area. " I missed you today, too.

" Yeah?" covers my neck with short kisses, then bites my earlobe, sending rays of sweet spasms throughout my body.

" Uh-huh," I close my eyes and tilt my head aside, giving better access. " It's so warm in bed with you.

He pulls back for a moment and starts to laugh.

" Sneaky little devil. Only warm? Or is it actually hot?

" Maybe refresh my memory?" I arch an eyebrow cunningly.

" Oh, sneaky girl. I'd love to, but we're short on time. In Wroclaw, darling. I'll arrange a steamy night for you.