AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It's like a delicate dance, a game of diplomacy that requires finesse,” I said. “I had promised to safeguard the envelope and its contents, ensuring that the powerful men whose secrets it holds would continue to maintain a favorable relationship with me. In essence, it is a matter of mutual benefit – 'one hand washes the other,' as the saying goes. The envelope holds the key to maintaining the link of alliances that allows me privileged access to the world of business and influence.”
Her head bobbed up and down slowly. “I get it now, and I see why it was so important.”
“Yes,” I concurred. “It is important. When I was called in for questioning at the station...”
“You were called in?” she was stunned.
“Yes, I was,” I smirked. “I already had one of these men prepare and fabricate an alibi to prove that I was having a meeting with business partners, that day at Clooney's.”
She laughed and relaxed in her seat. “Unbelievable.”
“Very believable,” I responded, finding the sound of her laughter soothing. A smile found its way up my lips and I grinned.
“You don't want to know how many similar situations like that I have gotten away from.
“
She laughed even more. Then, she sat up straight and scratched her brow.
“I can't help it,” she said.
“You can't help what?”
“The significance of this information, Igor. I am not sure it is wise for you to keep such powerful and potentially dangerous information in your possession. It might sound weird, but I am worried for your safety and the consequences that might follow are too hard to be ignored.”
I sensed her hesitation and decided to pull the car over to the side of the road. The quiet surroundings offered a moment of privacy where we could speak openly, and honestly.
Something burned fiercely in my heart, and I knew I wouldn't last a second longer if I didn't say it. I mimicked her sitting position, adjusting on my seat, and turning around to face her.
I cleared my throat and took her hand in mine. She stared at me, and I looked back at her, feeling the weight carried by my feelings.
“Grace, I need you to understand something. This USB drive is my protection; it's like a shield. At first, I wanted this power for myself, but after I met you…” my voice trailed off.
“After I met you,” I repeated more firmly. “I decided that I wanted it not just for myself, but to protect you as well. So, it's not about me anymore. I am fully aware of the risks that come with having this, but my love for you pushes me to the point where I know I can take a bullet for you.”
Her eyes grew large. “D-Did you say your love for me?” she stuttered.
“I did,” I said, and kissed the back of her hand.
“Hey, I'm not dreaming right?” I quirked a brow. “You are the same man that called me a little shit, about two months ago, right? You're the same man that locked me up and threatened to kill me, are you not?”
I chuckled. “That is me. And you're the same woman who escaped through two different windows of the house on two different occasions. But that doesn't matter, does it?”
She laughed and leaned towards me. “I guess not.”
“Hey,” I called out, arching an eyebrow with a cocky smirk on my lips. “Are you finally going to admit that you love me too? How much longer are you going to deny that you love me?”
She shook her head and giggled. “I think I’m in the position to deny it for as long as I want. Now, go on with your speech. I think I want to hear more.”
I narrowed my eyes and furrowed my brows. “Look, the truth is, I love you, Grace, and I want a life with you. I want a family with you, I want everything with you.”
"...I thought I was incapable of feeling such things, but you have changed that, you have changed me. I can't bear the thought of losing you. I want you by my side, I want to protect you, I… I feel overwhelmed by all these feelings, and the only source of these feelings is you.”
Her eyes turned glassy, and she flung her arms around my neck. “This is the sweetest thing I've ever heard you say. And do you know the best part?”
I shook my head and shrugged.
“I feel the same way about you too. I love you, Igor. I grew to love everything about you.
