Page 10 of Unholy Matrimony

Before we can start talking again, the server brings out our food. As they placed my dish in front of me, my stomach grumbled. Reminding me I had not eaten all day, and it was close to 2 p.m. “Spasibo2” I picked up a fork and tucked in. It wasn’t until I looked up at Lenya, who had a shit-eating grin on his face that I realized.

I didn't pray before eating.

After I swallow my bite, I cross myself and pray. He crosses himself and begans eating. I look over at his plate, his food looked divine. They filled the crusty bread with cheese and an egg atop it. It made my mouth water, and the sight of him eating it made it even more tempting.

After swallowing another bite, I say “I guess you’ll have to find a suit. Is that going to be as difficult as finding a dress on such short notice?”

“Net3, I already have my suit. I’ve had one made for a while now.” Of course, he did. He’s been planning this for who knows how long.

“So, have you just been casually stalking me at church, or everywhere else in my life, too?” I playfully tease. He looks up at me, grinning like a devil, and the playful smile that was on my face has now shifted to a straight face.

“Yes, if I'm being completely honest. I watched you when you shopped with your mother and sister. When you ran errands for the business, or when you would sit in that little bookshop. You appear so serene while enjoying your book and tea, unfazed by the world. I loved that.”

He’s been watching me beyond the church. That should freak me out. Sadly, it doesn't. Christ, what the hell is wrong with me…did you make me defective or something? I’m sitting over here thinking, “Aw, that's kind of sweet.” He is making it hard to be mad at him about all of this.

Lenya straightens up in his chair and stares at me, giving me a puzzled look. Taking a sip from his cup, he inquires, "What's got you so deep in thought, malyshka4?"

I pondered my answer because I didn’t want to sound too eager about everything. “I’m just wondering if God made me defective, you know, for being so calm about all of this.”

He puts his cup down, he grabs the last piece of his bread. He sighs. “There isn’t anything wrong with you. Sometimes the unconventional, untraditional way can work out. I wasn’t a stalker in the menacing sense so that probably helps. I know I am not a good person and I will never claim to be, but I will be good to you… if you let me.”

I can see the desperation in his eyes as he begs for a chance. I'm left with no other option. But I can choose to go into this with an open heart and maybe I can learn to love him. I already care. Strange as it is, I feel for him and whatever hurt he is hiding. I’m still hoping he will open up to me.

Before I commit to anything, I need to clearly understand what exactly I am getting myself into. “I want to know if the rumors everyone says about you are true. The man in the rumors is a womanizer who gets rough with women when they don’t want to have sex. I will not be a punching bag for you when you don’t get what you want from me.” I firmly state.

Leaning towards me, he says, “I would never hurt you. If I ever did, I would hand you the gun myself so you could end my life. Was I young and made mistakes in my love life? Yes, absolutely. I have never raped anyone. Every woman I have slept with was consensual. I’ll admit I didn't always listen well and was a selfish lover. I don’t know the source of the rumors, but I am older now and I haven’t slept with anyone from the moment I laid my eyes on you. So for over a year, the only person who's touched my cock is me. You can trust me with your body, and I am going to trust you with mine. Anything we do together sexually will be at your pace. Will I try to introduce you to things? Yes. But if you say no, I will always stop.”

He doesn't falter in his words to me, and I believe him. Call it being naïve or even just me having faith in people, but I can feel that he is being truthful. Feeling satisfied and noticing the server left the check, he rose from his seat and took out a stack of bills from his wallet. After paying and thanking the staff, he grabs our coats and his shirt and walks back to me. He helps me with my coat and then puts his own on. Catching the twins' attention, they get up and we all exit the cafe.

After settling in the car, we started. “So where are we going now?” I ask as the surroundings change from shops to more properties. “Home, malyshka5, I'm taking you to our home.” Not home with my parents and sister. But the home I will share with him. I won’t lie. I am nervous as hell!

1. Baby

2. Thank you

3. No

4. baby

5. baby

Chapter six

Leonid

The ride home was quiet. I wasn’t keen on talking. I just wanted to get her home and finally have her all to myself. Lina seemed at peace with the situation for now. This is surprising, but having seen how her papa treated her, I have an inkling that things were not so great behind the walls of their home. The thought of him putting his hands on her enrages me. I want to torture him…slowly. Lina wouldn’t want that, though. She is so loving and forgiving. How will she ever put up with a monster like me?

The car pulls up to the gated entrance of the home we will now share. “Malyshka1, welcome to your new home.” Motioning to the decently sized home beyond the driveway. She shifts in her seat to get a better view as the gate opens. “It’s lovely! There are so many trees…” she says excitedly. We pull up next to the garage, and Oleg cuts off the engine.

I get out and walk over to her side of the car, opening her door and extending my hand. She takes it and gives my hand a gentle squeeze to let me know she trusts me. Helping her up and out of the car, she straightens her coat. Looking over at the house, she let out a sigh. “It looks smaller from the gate.”

“That’s what she said,” snickered Ilya.

She gives him a furrowed stare. “It's quite large. Do you live here alone?” She asked.

I smack Ilya upside the head, as I lead her towards to the house. “I have a housekeeper. She was also my nanny as a boy. A few men also come a few times a month to maintain the grounds and the garden in the spring and summer. But the only people that live here are myself and my housekeeper.”

We walk into the house, and Lina lets out an audible gasp. Her eyes scan the foyer, and I hold out my hand for her coat. Handing me her coat, she asks “All of this is just for you? Seems extravagant, no?”