Page 30 of Tainted Empire
These thoughts whirl around in my head, each more irrational than the last. I try to push them aside, but they cling like stubborn cobwebs.
Finally, there’s a knock at the door. It’s like my entire body goes on high alert. My palms are sweaty, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, and walk towards the door.
Opening it, I’m greeted by the sight of Mikhail in a fitted tux; my goddamn Kryptonite.
He looks so different with his hair cut short, more intense, more... something. It’s hard to put a finger on it. His cologne hits me immediately – that same scent that used to make me feel safe and wanted. My heart lurches in response.
“Mikhail,” I say, surprised at how my voice seems to catch in my throat.
“You look beautiful, Gabriette,” he says, and his voice is deep, filled with an emotion I can’t quite place. As his eyes rake over me, I see the predatory glint there that sends a shiver up my spine. God, I love the way he looks at me, even after all this time.
My heart flutters at his compliment, and I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. “Thank you,” I replied, feeling a bit shy under his gaze. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
We stand there for a moment, the air thick with anticipation and unspoken emotions. But when he offers me his hand, for a split second, I hesitate. What am I doing? Is this really a good idea? But then I place my hand in his, and it feels right, like coming home after a long journey.
He kisses the top of my hand and as we step out together, I realize that despite all my nerves and fears, this is where I want to be.
I take a deep breath and allow myself to hope, to believe in the possibility of a new beginning with Mikhail.
As we approach the sleek Phantom, Alexei stands by the driver’s side. “Hey, Alexei,” I greet him with a familiar smile, appreciating the sense of normalcy his presence brings.
“Good evening, Mrs. Baranova,” Alexei responds with a respectful nod, a hint of warmth in his green eyes.
I slide into the back seat after Mikhail gets the door for me, then he walks around to the other side and sits next to me. The interior of the Phantom feels like a separate world, luxurious and detached from the bustling city outside. Alexei gets in the driver’s seat and we pull away smoothly into the evening traffic.
Sitting beside Mikhail in the enclosed space, I’m acutely aware of his presence even with a console separating us. He looks out the window, his profile illuminated by the passing streetlights. After a moment, he turns towards me, initiating conversation.
“So, how’s your music coming along?” he asks, cutting through the tension.
“It’s going well,” I answer, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Actually, Mr. Orlov has been really encouraging. He’s even suggested I join the philharmonic full-time.”
Mikhail’s expression shifts to one of mild surprise and unmistakable pride. “That’s impressive,” he says, his eyes lingering on me. “Are you considering it?”
I think for a moment, feeling the weight of the decision. “Yes, it’s always been one of my dreams, but it’s a big step, and there’s a lot to… consider now,” I reply, feeling a bit exposed under his gaze.
He nods lightly, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “I’ll be proud of you either way. It’s a blessing to hear you play so beautifully, Malyshka.”
I beam under his scrutiny and feel my face heating up. How does he still manage to get this kind of reaction out of me even after everything we’ve been through?
The rest of the ride is filled with a tentative kind of small talk, neither of us delving too deep into the emotions that surely lie just beneath the surface. He inquires about the archives, my rehearsals, and I find myself sharing more than I had anticipated.
As Alexei pulls up to the restaurant, my heart starts to race with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. This dinner is about more than just food; it’s about Mikhail and me, about the possibility of healing and moving forward.
Mikhail steps out first, then he walks around and opens my door. He smiles down as he extends his hand to help me out of the car and I take it. His touch is gentle, his presence reassuring. We walk towards the restaurant entrance, side by side, yet with an invisible distance between us.
The restaurant is nothing short of breathtaking. The interior, with its rich mahogany and plush red velvet, creates an atmosphere of intimate luxury. The gentle hum of conversation from other diners and the soft notes of a piano in the background provide a soothing backdrop to our own private drama unfolding.
Once seated, Mikhail and I order from the exquisite menu, and as we wait for our meal, the weight of the moment settles between us. He looks at me, and his gaze is intense, filled with a mixture of longing and remorse.
It’s a look that makes me feel cherished and yet utterly vulnerable.
“I’ve missed you,” he says softly, his voice laced with a raw honesty that takes me aback. “Being near you, seeing your smile... it feels like a blessing to a sinner.”
His words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. A tense silence falls over us, and I can feel my heart beating in my chest, loud and clear. I take a deep breath, steadying my racing heart.
“Mikhail, I...” I start, my voice trailing off, unsure of how to respond to his openness.
He reaches across the table, his fingers tentatively brushing against mine. “Gabriette, I need to say this. I am so, so sorry for everything that’s happened. For the pain I’ve caused you, the fear... I can’t change the past, but I’m here, trying to make things right.”