Page 45 of Crimson Fate
“Well, if that’s your way of asking how this weekend has been going, the answer is better than I could have ever expected.”
“Really?” she exclaims, her voice revealing an excitement laced with surprise.
“Yeah, Gia and I have been really connecting. I don’t know, maybe I’m crazy, but I think I could see her maybe really being the one.”
“What? Did my big brother just sound like a guy open to love?” Amelia teases.
“Not so quick, we’re not done talking about you dropping a bomb on me that you’re heading to Russia,” I interject.
“It’s complicated,” she finally says, her voice barely above a whisper. “But necessary.”
“Complicated how?” The words are out before I can stop them, concern sharpening them to a point. “I know you’re not telling me everything. Are you in danger?”
“Vincent, please,” she pleads. “It’s family obligations. Nothing for you to worry about.”
“Family obligations,” I echo, skepticism threading through my tone. “In Russia. I don’t understand why you would be summoned halfway around the world unless it’s bad.”
She sighs. “Don’t blow this out of proportion or anything, but Alex didn’t go through the proper channels when we got married.”
“Proper channels?”
“He needed to ask for the blessing of his family in Russia, and with everything that was happening between his brother and father, he didn’t do that.”
“And why does that mean you have to go to Russia?”
“Can you please not make a big deal about all of this? His family in Russia has asked that we come over so I can meet all of them.” Amelia’s words are measured and precise.
“Fuck, Sis, I know you’re not telling me something,” I reply firmly.
“It’s really nothing, but Alex mentioned that if they meet me and don’t approve, he will likely face a decision.”
“What kind of decision?”
“He either divorces me, or he won’t get the blessing to take over when his father steps down,” she explains.
“What? This sounds like a very big deal! I don’t think you should go. That fucking piece of shit. I can’t believe he’s even considering taking you there to be judged by these cocksuckers like that.”
“Stop it! You’re overreacting,” she assures me. “I’m sure it’s mostly ceremonial, and Alexei is only trying to inform me of the worst-case scenario. You have to trust me to make decisions for my own life.”
“Ceremonial doesn’t necessitate a sudden flight across the world.”
“If you ever loved me, you will understand this must be done. I need to be there for him—for us. It’s what’s expected.” Her voice cracks like thin ice beneath the weight of unsaid truths.
“Damn what’s expected!” My outburst echoes off the walls, and I’m immediately chastened by the surge of protectiveness that rises within me. “You know I don’t give a fuck about their expectations. What if they want to get you over there because they have no intention of letting you return? Maybe they’re worried you have already seen too much, and you are secretly reporting everything back to me. Did you ever think of that?”
“You’re being paranoid. This is his family, and they love him,” she assures me, but her words are a Band-Aid over a bullet wound.
“Amelia,” I say softer this time. “If I can’t change your mind, please promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I always am. And will you promise me you won’t go getting married before I get back?” She laughs, but I’m in no mood to have my spirits lifted.
“Promise. Will you check in with me regularly so I know you’re okay?”
“Of course. Love you, Bro,” she answers.
“Love you too,” I say before we hang up.
I turn from the window and square my shoulders, shaking off the vestiges of vulnerability. Despite my sad attempts at cooking, I decide to make Gia breakfast. I head to the kitchen, doing my best to put the worry about my sister out of my mind.