Okay, I will sort out the paintings and a few cushions and things.
Alina
PS I was always hungry.
It was sweet, unlike the buzzing of Nadia in his ear, and the dentist’s anaesthetic was starting to wear off.
‘Demyan,’ Nadia persisted
‘What the hell do you want?’
‘Our family together.’
‘Given what you told me, I don’t know if I have one.’
‘Demyan, please, I just said that in an argument.’
‘No, because I don’t argue with you, Nadia. And the reason I don’t argue is because I don’t care about you enough to enter a debate.’
‘Please, just think about it. I’m not asking for for ever. I just want us together...’
His head hurt from speaking in Russian, when it used to be the other way round.
As he terminated the call, Alina blinked.
She’d learnt a couple of Russian swear words working with Demyan. He glanced over at her pink cheeks.
This time it didn’t sit right with him that she had heard that. There was a part of him that wanted to explain, except, he reminded himself, he chose not to explain himself to anyone.
Yet when Alina got up and headed to the butler’s kitchen he could still feel her displeasure so he sent her a text.
You shouldn’t have had to hear that.
He headed to his room, closed the door and lay on the bed and waited for her text.
Perhaps you’re saying sorry to the wrong person?
No, Demyan texted back.
I am not sorry for what I said. The first text was correct.
He closed his eyes, again waiting for her response, planning his.
Getting hard.
God, but he loved the chase. He picked up his phone; she still hadn’t answered him.
Alina was, in fact, speaking with Marianna. Now the world knew Demyan was in Sydney the invitations were coming in thick and fast and Marianna and Alina were going through them.
‘Demyan still hasn’t given a response to the new casino for their opening night. They really want him, especially now that they know he’s here. Just prompt him.’
‘I will,’ Alina said.
They actually worked quite well together. Marianna had taken one look at Alina on a video call and decided there was nothing to worry about, and Alina had taken one look at Marianna and wanted to be her.
‘This one it’s probably best to run by him before turning it down,’ Marianna said, and Alina blinked.
‘A mental health–awareness charity dinner?’ That was one Alina would have ticked no to. ‘I didn’t realise Demyan supported—’