Robert still felt watched, even more so after what she had told him. He pressed her against him. At one of the bends, he finally noticed him. From the beginning, he was sure that he was following them. He wasn't going to give him the satisfaction, or even the slightest shadow of faith, that this relationship could be broken. The time has come to clearly show where he belongs. If he wanted to make someone jealous, Robert had to show how to do it right. He hoped it would be enough for the delinquent to give up once and for all. They were approaching the stairs leading down, it was enough to go down them to reach the corridor connector and go to the ballroom where the rest of the family waited. He didn't need that many onlookers. Before she placed her tiny hand on the railing, he pulled her sharply toward the wall, pinned her wrists, and pressed his sweet mouth without pardon, pressing his whole body against her. She squealed in surprise, but did not tear him away from her, did not resist, and even responded willingly. Adrenaline hit the shaft of the skull and spattered all over the head like colorful fireworks. He wanted to go on, let his instincts speak. He licked her lips, and she obediently parted them, letting it intertwine with her tongue. He let go of his wrists, then wrapped one arm around her waist, and with the other he sank into the blonde hair flowing from the back of her head. She placed both hands around his jaw, tucking her fingers into the short wisps. She was wonderfully warm, even hot, she was influenced by emotions. He reluctantly moved away from her, but seeing the characteristic gleam in his honey-colored eyes, he decided it was worth letting go of the reins. He hadn't thought he would be so overflowing with delight, and she would surrender so meekly. It wasn't the first time she had succumbed to him in such a situation. He wanted to continue kissing passionately, but knew temporarily he needed to slow down a bit again. Their joy was only spoiled by the presence of a young man standing nearby, staring blankly at the couple. This, however, was something he was counting on. He managed to ease his breathing considerably, she was still looking at him speechless, with a lovely flush on her face.
- Ivan ... are you lost? - Robert asked calmly, holding the girl in his arms. - Or are you looking for happiness?
He did not answer. Jurgens only noticed the Adam's apple moving, as if the boy had just nervously swallowed a good deal of saliva. He clenched his hands into fists and, with a completely indolent step, walked down the stairs, then turned straight into the hall. As soon as the intruder was out of sight, he looked back at his blonde companion. She wrinkled her nose sweetly, this time as if offended. She pulled him close, holding his white tie.
- So I was just an instrument of intrigue, Master Jurgens? - she hissed, smiling slightly.
- Rather its co-creator, Miss Koroliov. - He returned the smile and sucked on her sweet lips again.
They didn't manage to reach the rest of the family. As soon as they put their feet on the stone floor of the link, the door in front of them swung open. A dark-haired man burst through them, as big as a mountain, dressed in a thick jacket and dark pants, his face lavishly blown by the cold Moscow air. He ran over to her, trying to catch his breath.
- Nadia! Where is Zoja ?! - he croaked finally.
- Kris ?! It's you?! I thought you stayed with the kids! - The blonde was surprised. - Zoja ... should be in the room with the rest. Sit, calm down, I'll look for her.
He guessed it was her cousin's husband whom she was talking about. He watched as the huge Bulgarian fell heavily down one of the steps, unbuttoning his jacket and propping his face helplessly on his hands, elbows in his thighs. They didn't wait long, the blonde hastily returned with her parents.
- Kristijan? What happened? - asked Ms Koroliov.
- Where's Zoja? - he choked out.
- We can't find her. Nobody noticed that she was leaving ... - Nadia explained nervously, sitting down next to him. - Say what's going on!
- You better see for yourself ... - he croaked, handing her the phone.
Robert sat down next to the girl in horror as he watched what he showed them. A series of messages from the very morning, in a full range of emotions, from joy, through sadness, regret, bitterness ... finally desperation and deep depressive states. The last messages from an hour ago looked as if the girl had had enough of her life. They both looked with fear at the tall man, depressed, dying, not knowing what to do. The blonde handed him back the device.
- I've been following her since she started writing that they were driving her crazy. It had been bad for a while, but I didn't think it would be so ...
- What's happening? - asked Mr. Koroliov, looking at his daughter and future son-in-law.
- It looks like Zoja wants to kill herself. - The blonde whispered, covering her mouth with her hands in horror.
- We have to find her, it is not known what she will do in this state. - Jurgens ordered.
- As always, you are right, Robert! - Ivetta admitted. - Igor, let everyone go in search! We've got the entire mansion to be ransacked!
Some guests didn't like it, but the situation turned out to be exceptional, and the hosts were adamant. Nadia and Robert rushed to her room to release the girl's beast as soon as possible. Basilisk, sleepy and not very happy to wake up, agreed, promising to inform if he found anything. They left the room as quickly as possible, meeting the sisters talking in the corridor.
- Divine punishment with that girl! All trouble, nothing else! - Zinaida snorted, pretending to look around.
- How dare you! - growled petite next to her sister-in-law Irina, slapping her violently. - Your child is suffering and you are only pointing out the blame! What kind of mother are you ?!
Nadia quickly pulled him in the opposite direction. They set out to search on the upper floors. Oddly enough, they found no one else there. Finally, Igor senior, Kristijan and Tatiana came out of nearby rooms.
- And nothing? - The blonde asked.
- No sign. - Tiana replied.
- Damn it ... - Robert grunted, then glanced at the blonde. - Nadia ?!
She slumped against the wall, covering one eye with her hand. The expression on her face suggested tremendous pain. Jurgens ran up to her, holding down so that she wouldn't be hurt. She looked in their direction in horror, revealing a blue iris.
- Dina ... - sighed the older sister nervously.
- Did your father give the beast to you? - the older man asked, then added more matter-of-factly. - What did you see?
So not only she knew about the special connection with the beast? Robert thought for a moment, but quickly returned to earth, promising to talk to her as soon as the problem was solved.
- Zoya is on the roof. I think she wants to jump. - she gasped, trying to calm herself. - We have to stop her!
The huge Bulgarian ran straight to the stairs leading to the last floors. As soon as she raised her legs saying that the pain had stopped, they ran after him. They rushed to the top floor. They found a petite blonde in a flowing dress with braids blowing in the wind. It took only one step, even a half, for her to stagger and fall down, right into the stone driveway covered with a thick layer of snow falling all night. Thick, but not enough to save a life. She turned to face them, Nadia heard a crunch under her bare feet. One of the bricks she was standing on, had crumbled. Robert felt his heart leap in his throat, and the girl next to him gripped her wrist tighter. The broad-shouldered man approached his wife slowly, step by step.
- Zoya, baby, calm down, please ...
- I didn't tell you anything so as not to worry you, but I'm sick of it. Mother is terrible. Father, too, goes above and beyond. - she sobbed, looking at her husband. - They keep telling me that I let you take my children, that they are growing up without me.
- I've begged you so many times to come with us!
- They're threatening to kill themselves if I leave them. They keep saying "get rid of the bastards"... - Tears glistened on her pale, but flushed cheeks from the frost. - It's not for my nerves, Kris.
- Zoya, please think. Children need a mother. They need you. - Nadia said.
- They have a father.
- Stop! No matter how much he tries, Kris will not replace you! - The blonde snapped. - And the parents are adults. YOU don't need them to be happy!
It looked as if something was reaching her. The Bulgarian looked gratefully at his cousin. He took another step closer. The filigree figure turned frightened deer eyes towards him.
- Come with me to Varna. - he whispered, extending his hand towards her. - Don't take the love of my life away from me.
She thought for a moment. Jurgens was watching the scene with great anxiety. Regardless of the girl's decision, one wrong move was enough for her to fall off the roof. He wondered what he would have done in Kristijan's place. Probably the same, if not more. He wouldn't have forgiven himself if something had happened to Nadia. He watched as the girl slowly extended her hand. As soon as he touched her, the great Bulgarian pulled her with all his strength, saving her from wobbling and falling. She disappeared into his broad shoulders, petite and fragile. He felt Nadia wrap her arms around his waist, snuggling against his torso as she tucked her face under his jacket. She tried to calm her rapid breathing. He covered her a little tighter. Watched the hilariously selected couple, realizing that love doesn't count for years, doesn't care about appearance, doesn't connect the like, and differences, sometimes even seemingly insignificant. He is as big as an oak tree, dark haired, strong. She is tiny, blonde, as fragile as Chinese porcelain. They looked at Robert and Nadia gratefully. Jurgens felt a movement on his side.
- Thank you ... - Zoya whispered, not distracting herself from her husband. - I hope you will invite us to your wedding.
- Of course, send an invitation to Bulgaria. - Kris laughed.
- Feel invited immediately. - Robert replied with a slight smile. - But of course we will.
- Can we go back inside now? - Nadia chattered her teeth.
It was well past two in the morning when everyone went to their rooms. There were also complaints from Zoya's parents, but she remained deaf, hiding in her husband's protective arms. Robert didn't feel tired. He was heavy with emotions, he still couldn't get over the shock. Nadia didn't look sleepy either. They accosted Svetlana, who was walking towards the kitchen, and asked for a warm sbiten. They hid in the living room, where they liked to hang out together so much. The girl fell heavily on the soft couch, then took off her shoes and tucked them under the table. As soon as took off his jacket, he loosened his tie and sat down next to her, she rested bare feet on the armrest, and head on his lap. He could stroke her hair freely.
- I'm sorry you were part of this. - she whispered, staring at the crackling fire in the fireplace in front of them.
- Don't even joke. - he replied, burying his long fingers in the golden curls. - Life is not a fairy tale. I did not expect only wonderful moments.
- But for such a thing ... I'm ashamed of my family.
- Speaking of family ... your grandfather wasn't particularly surprised to see the connection between you and the beast. - he asked, wanting to change the way of conversation.
She turned to face him. Honey irises glowed with a warm glow, fueled by the glow of the flames.
- He's the previous owner, just like my father. - she explained. - Vasyl mostly passes from father to son in our family. Since my dad descendant was not born male, the beast chose me. I don't know why. He had my cousins to choose from ...
They heard a soft knock, the clang of the door handle. A tall woman in an apron entered the room, a large tray in her hands. She was carrying a bulky jug and two thick-walled mugs. She set them on the table in front of them.
- Thank you Svieta, you are great. - The blonde muttered.
- It's my job, Miss. - she replied.
- You know perfectly well what I'm talking about.
They smiled to each other, then Svietlana bowed lightly in front of them and left. The blonde leaned into a sitting position, poured the golden, steaming liquid into the cups. The surroundings smelled sweet and spiced.
- Oh, that was what I needed ... - She sighed, taking a sip, then asked coquettishly. - How about a game of chess?
- I love. - he replied, also enjoying the warm, velvety drink.
The last time they played was shortly after she defeated Johnny. Much hadn't changed, she continued to change tactics smoothly, cleverly eluding him. The crystal figures flashed with warmth, slightly reflecting the board upholstered with gold. Playing with a girl relaxed him. He enjoyed watching the slender fingers gently taking the plumb lines and moving them from place to place, as was the moments when she worked with him with the laptop on her lap. He loved seeing her focus.
- Ivan is the only one using your middle name? - he asked, introducing the queen.
- Yes. - she laughed lightly. - I always wondered about it, but I never asked.
- It looks like he shouldn't cause any more problems, although who knows.
- I wouldn't count on it, he is stubborn. He will attack when you least expect ... - she muttered, shifting the tower. - Check.
She took a sip. She tried the same maneuver again. She had blocked him in the same way that day. He still couldn't tell when she had made a mistake. This time he didn't see it. Despite all her experiences, she was focused.
- Are you flying to Glasgow with me this weekend? - he asked after a moment of silence.
- For training? If you want, I can accompany you. - She replied shifting the plumb. - I'd love to see how you are doing.
He thought. The situation was not looking good. She surrounded him, leaving little room for maneuver, not giving great chances to win. He wasn't going to give up without a fight. He moved more pieces, but it must be time for him to give up the banner this time.
- Checkmate. - she sang singingly.
- I'll get back. - He laughed, getting up and extending his hand towards her.
- No doubt. - Muttered shaking his hand.
He dragged her with a dance step towards the couch, turned Nadia around axis and, sitting down, he pulled her behind him so that she fell onto his lap.
- I will never give you to anyone. - he whispered directly into her ear.
- I know ... - she replied softly, kissing him.
She started it for the first time. Her nimble, warm tongue slipped easily into his mouth. He felt a shiver of excitement flowing from his lips straight to his brain, spreading from several sides simultaneously to his spine. He put one arm around her, with the other propping himself up and slightly lowering her to a lying position. She grabbed his tie again, though he wasn't going to pull away. He hid them from the world under a huge, warm blanket.