A Fated Night

by Kay Loren

  Guilt was slowly setting into Audrina’s face when she realized the fact that she had cheated on Michael. She didn't feel too bad about it because he had cheated on her two times during the course of their relationship that she knew of. But two wrongs don't make a right, she thought.

  "About that Nikolai," she said lowly, "We have to talk…"

  Nikolai set his coffee down on the marble counter and turned his complete attention towards her. He didn't know exactly what she wanted to talk about, but he had a strong idea of what. "About?"

  "Well," Audrina began, fidgeting with the gold bracelet on her wrist. "You know that I'm engaged to Michael right?"

  Nikolai nodded his head slowly. Stupidly, he had forgotten about Michael and her relationship with him. He didn’t regret what they did, but he knew it was weighing heavy with her.

  "So this… between us… it never happened… okay?" she sighed, running a hand through her wet hair. "Let's just pretend it never happened… and forget."

  Nikolai stared at her cold in the eyes. He felt hurt and angry that she wanted to act as if nothing ever happened and to 'forget' it all. He knew they had a connection and after last night it was undeniable. He wished that she would leave Michael so he could be with her fully.

  "That I cannot do," Nikolai replied, shaking his head slowly. "I will never speak of it but you cannot ask or… expect me to just forget."

  "If I can forget it, so can you!" Audrina raised her voice.

  "No Audrina! You want to cover everything up and hide!" Nikolai raised his deep voice as well. "You want to pretend as if nothing ever happened because you're scared of the truth!"

  "You know what-" Audrina was about to fire back at him until Nikolai cut her off with his mumbling in Russian.

  She didn't know what he was saying but she knew by his tone, he was pissed. His eyes had none of the light they usually shined with when he looked at her. They were cold, dark and sent a chill up her spine. He reminded her of Michael in that moment.

  "Just get out!" Audrina yelled, shutting Nikolai up instantly.

  Nikolai glared at her for a moment before he grabbed his coat from a nearby chair and walked out of her apartment, shutting the door harshly behind him. Audrina hated the fact that they just ended on a bad note… she didn't know what to do… After the night they shared she thought he would have understood that no one could find out about it and it was just best to forget it completely. She knew if Michael got one whiff of what happened he would be furious.

  She went to the couch and threw herself on it. She wanted to just sleep the week away until Michael got back and forget her tryst with Nikolai.

  As she was on the verge of sleep, she heard a knock on her door. She pulled herself up to answer it, hoping it was not Nikolai, so she didn't have to face him again. She peeked through the little peephole and saw that it was Nikki.

  "Hey you," Nikki smiled as soon as Audrina opened the door. "I haven't talked to you since your engagement party… I came to see if you were still alive."

  Audrina groaned as she let Nikki into her apartment, "I wish I wasn't alive right now."

  "What happened?" Nikki asked as soon as they both sat down on the couch Audrina was on moments ago.

  Audrina told Nikki about what had happened between her and Nikolai as they drank some wine that Nikki had brought over. Everything…. Nikki, being the great friend she was, comforted her and gave her advice. She didn't agree with what Audrina did, but she didn't chew her for it either. She just listened.

  "Well," Nikki sighed. "He won't tell Michael that's for sure. So you're okay."

  "How do you know?" Audrina asked. Nikki only met Nikolai once, so how would she know he wouldn't tell Michael.

  "Me and Sergei talk a lot, and from what he's told me, Nikolai is a quiet guy who doesn't like his personal business out there," Nikki replied with a shrug. “He keeps everything to himself… It drives Sergei crazy.”

  The fact made her less nervous and Nikolai more endearing despite the cold glare he gave her earlier. She knew deep down that was not him. She felt foolish for even arguing with him over something she knew she could not expect even of herself. She never wanted to forget any night with him. She couldn’t.

  "And how are you and Sergei doing?" Audrina asked, trying to lighten the mood and change the subject.

  Nikki turned really red, hiding her face as she giggled, "Amazing!"

  "You had sex with him didn't you?" Audrina laughed. She knew her best friend well to know when she had sex with a guy.

  "Yes," Nikki blushed. "I don’t know how it happened but we ended up in the backseat of his car!"

  They both began to laugh uncontrollably. Audrina held her stomach losing her breath, “Oh my god! In the car he drives Nikolai around in?”

  “Yes!” Nikki but her lip and laughed some more. “Apparently Nikolai found my, ahem, underwear stuffed under the backseat and he wasn’t too thrilled. Sergei was so embarrassed but I was like what the hell!”

  Oh how Audrina aspired to have Nikki’s personality. Nikki was carefree, funny, and lived life to the fullest with no regrets. Audrina got embarrassed for the littlest reasons yet Nikki did not sweat the small things. She was too glad to have Nikki as not only a best friend but as close as a sister could get without being blood related. She loved her tremendously.

  "Those Russian guys are something else," Nikki commented. "I swear, Sergei went on and on and I'm not kidding… I had to ask him to stop because the pleasure became unbearable."

  The girls burst into another fit of giggles.

  Audrina chuckled as she thought about Nikolai, "I don't really want to talk about him, but I've never experienced someone so intense like Nikolai and someone who could make me 'O' more than once."

  Nikki choked on her wine as she laughed, "Not even Michael?"

  "Well yeah but only one time and then he rolls over and falls asleep," Audrina chuckled again. "Not Nikolai… He actually ran his hands through my hair, rubbed my back and was ready to go at it again after a little break."

  "You really like him huh?" Nikki pointed out. “Your eyes light up when you talk about him.”

  "I don't know what I like anymore," Audrina sighed as she lay on the couch.

  Nikki took that as a sign to just not push the subject any further. Instead, they spent the rest of the day eating take-out and watching movies on the couch until they both fell asleep.

  The next morning Nikki had to leave to run some personal errands while Audrina thought it best to head back to Michael’s place. She didn’t want to be in her apartment anymore since everywhere she looked she thought she might see Nikolai standing there. He haunted her every thought and despite her mind’s protest, her body craved him.

  "Alright Audri," Nikki sighed as soon as they were outside the building. "I'll call you later."

  "Bye Nik," Audrina smiled as she hugged Nikki tight. “Careful.”

  They both went their separate ways as Nikki went to catch the subway and Audrina hailed a cab. Well, tried to at least…

  The crowded, busy streets were hectic as people walked and hailed cabs to go to work. Audrina stood on the edge of the sidewalk trying to get a cab but they drove past her. Most of the cabs were all filled and didn't stop for anyone.

  "Oh great," Audrina whispered to herself, knowing she would have to walk half ways through the city just to catch a cab.

  She began walking down the street and with each block she passed, the streets were getting less crowded. As she was about to cross a busy street, a familiar black car pulled up directly in front of her. Audrina watched as the back window rolled down, revealing Nikolai.

  Audrina sighed as she crossed her arms, "Hello."

  Nikolai stepped out of the car, leaving the door open, and stood in front of her. "Get in.”

  "I'd rather walk," she muttered, walking away. She felt a little embarrassed being in front of him after their little 'argument' the morning before. She wanted to get as far away as possible from him.

/>   She heard the car door close and then a hand on her arm before she walked too far. "Wait."

  Audrina turned to him, "What?"

  Nikolai cleared his throat before he spoke. "About yesterday… I want to apologize. I should have just … respected… what you wanted-"

  Audrina shook her head and interrupted him, "I don't want to talk about it Nikolai."

  She was about to walk right past him but he blocked her way. "Please… just let me say I am sorry and I'd like to just forget about it all like you said."

  With a quick glance up at him, she saw the utmost sincerity. He had light bags under his eyes and looked like he had been thinking about the argument all day and night. She hated to see him like that on her account.

  Her heart melted and she smiled. "No Nikolai… I thought about what you said and you are right. It did happen and I have no right to ask you to forget when I can’t forget myself… so I'm sorry for that… and for raising my voice at you."

  Nikolai smiled back at her. "No need for sorry. Just please get in the car and let me take you to where you are going."

  Audrina hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing, and got in the car. They began to make small talk as they drove back to Michael's house.

  “What are your plans for the day?” she asked curious to know about his daily life.

  “Work, meetings, work and more work,” he smiled. Every day for him was work. “You?”

  “Whatever the day brings,” she shrugged.

  Since Michael made her stop working her days were filled with boredom. He gave her money to go out and buy whatever her heart desired, but she still found herself bored. She wanted to take classes at the local community college but even then Michael said she’d never need them so why bother. He just wanted her to be a housewife and take care of their children once she had them.

  “You should go to the aquarium that just opened up where the old library used to be,” he suggested after a while.

  She chuckled, “The aquarium?”

  Nikolai smiled, his brilliant eyes lighting up. “Yes. It is quite relaxing.”

  “I’ve never been to an aquarium in my life.”

  “You are missing out,” he shook his head. “I like to visit every month if I can make it.”

  “I wouldn’t have taken you for an ‘aquarium’ enthusiast,” She smiled.

  “I like fishes… the ocean,” he shrugged. “If I could, I would buy a boat and sail the world.”

  Audrina knew Nikolai was filthy rich. She remembered the night they first met he told her he had owned lots of buildings and businesses so the idea of the phrase ‘if I could’ was weird to Audrina. Of course he could.

  “What’s stopping you?”

  Nikolai sighed, “Work… I’m always working.”

  “I’m sure you could retire,” she suggested.

  The thought of ‘retiring’ in his line of work was not an option and nor a possibility. He had never heard of anyone leaving the business on their own accord. Everyone either died by the bullet or in prison. He accepted the possibility of either fate many years ago.

  “Life’s too short,” she added with her hand on his. “So if you want to get up one day and sail, then just do it.”

  “One day,” Nikolai smiled when he saw her beautiful face full of hope. Hope for him. Her genuine smile warmed his heart.

  As soon as they pulled up in front of Michael’s lavish house, they noticed two black Escalades right out front. Trucks she had never seen before with men guarding each one.

  "Whose trucks are those?" Sergei asked from the drivers' seat.

  "Never seen them before," she replied as she exited the car. Nikolai and Sergei got off the car as well and were about to accompany Audrina into the house when Michael came out and greeted them.

  "Ah, there you are!" Michael smiled as he ran up to Audrina and picked her up, spinning her around.

  Nikolai got a little jealous as he saw Audrina in Michael's arms but he knew she was Michael’s. For now, he thought bitterly.

  Audrina was surprised that he was home a couple of days early. "Why are you back so early?" she asked as he set her back down.

  "You don't want me home? Huh?" Michael teased her with little kisses.

  "Of course I do," Audrina shook her head and smiled. She didn't really want him home just yet but she was still kind of happy to see him. “I just thought you were gonna be gone for a few days, that’s all. You just left yesterday.”

  “Plans change mi amore,” Michael replied nonchalantly and then turned his attention to Nikolai and Sergei, shaking their hands. "Thank you for keeping an eye on my princess. I hope she was not a burden on you two."

  "Not at all," Sergei smiled and Nikolai nodded in agreement.

  "Good," Michael nodded. "You guys want to come in for a drink?"

  "No," Nikolai shook his head as he straightened out his suit. "We have business to take care of."

  "Speaking of business," Michael said. "We have to talk about that 'thing'."

  Audrina looked at Nikolai then at Michael then back to Nikolai. She wanted to know what 'business' they were speaking of. Nikolai’s eyes briefly glanced at Audrina’s for a moment and looked back at Michael with a hard look in his eyes.

  "Of course," Nikolai sighed. "Next week perhaps?"

  "Fine with me," Michael replied.

  Michael shook Nikolai and Sergei's hands and said bye.

  "Goodbye Audrina," Nikolai smiled and pecked Audrina on the cheek. Audrina blushed slightly but shook it off quickly just as Sergei followed suit.

  Once they were gone, Michael walked with Audrina back into the house.

  "What was that all about?" Michael asked Audrina with an eyebrow raised.

  "What?"

  "The kisses on the cheek," Michael chuckled walking up the staircase. "They could have shaken your hand."

  Audrina sighed as she followed. "Just like your 'friends' kiss you on the cheek and pat your back, they do the same… It's not an Italian thing only Michael."

  "Oh really?" Michael laughed once they reached their bedroom. "Your friends?"

  Audrina nodded her head.

  "Well your 'friends' can't kiss you like I can," Michael smirked as he pressed his lips to Audrina's.

  Audrina wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, inhaling his scent. He was freshly showered and shaved. His aftershave was a welcome comfort to her. The feeling didn’t last too long. Michael looked down at his watch and announced that he was leaving.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I got to run a few errands,” He said as he sauntered over to the closet and put on the jacket that matched his dark suit. “And then I got a thing tonight so I might get in late.”

  “What thing?” she asked with a raised brow.

  “A thing,” He shrugged. “Don’t worry mi amore. I’ll see you later… love you.”

  He kissed her once more and exited the room before she could ask him anything more. It dawned on her after a while that he was really dressed up. Too dressed up for errands. And the aftershave she adored so much on him was always saved for special occasions since it was no longer produced.

  She didn’t ponder much longer on it. It wasn’t the first time he had gone out like that. Instead she found herself surfing the web for the rest of the day, looking up pictures of aquariums.

  Chapter Eight

  "Why do I have to go to dinner with you guys?" Audrina whined as she slipped into a tight, blue dress. "Can't you just go by yourself?"

  Michael sighed loudly in an annoyed tone. "Stop fuckin' whining Audrina! You've been bitchin' at me for days now. Just shut up and get dressed. We leave in 20 minutes."

  Michael threw on his jacket and left the room, slamming the door behind him. Audrina picked up a stray silver heel and threw it at the door. She was so sick of Michael's attitude that he had since coming back from his trip. He was being more of an asshole and leaving at all hours of the day. They were arguing nonstop and fighting more
than usual about his late nights and constant need to control everything Audrina did.

  Audrina was so sick of him, she didn't even want to go with him to a dinner his business partners were having. She tried to get out of going but Michael would not allow it. Audrina sucked up her pride and got ready.

  When she arrived downstairs, Michael was already there talking to one of his bodyguards.

  "Finally," he sighed looking down at the gold watch on his wrist. "You're gonna make us late."

  Michael held out Audrina's black coat to help her put it on but she grabbed it from his hands instead and put it on herself. She shot Michel a death glare, annoyed that he was making her come along.

  "Wait for us by the car Bruce," Michael said in a demanding tone.

  Bruce, a beast of a man, nodded and walked out. Michael turned to Audrina and gave her a cold stare. "You will not act like this at the restaurant, do you understand me? If you make me look bad Audrina I swear I'll-"

  "You'll what?" Audrina spat. "Threaten to cancel our engagement. Go ahead."

  Every time they fought, Michael called of their wedding. When she showed she didn’t care it angered him more and he always ended up tossing something -or lately, everything- across the room. She was getting tired of him quickly yet she always found herself being pulled back to him soon after.

  Michael angrily sighed. "Much worse... Now go get in the car… Fuck. We're not even married and we are already going at it like we are."

  Audrina ignored him, brushing past him, and walked out of the house and into the waiting car. Michael got in shortly after and sat on the other side of the car, a foot away from her. The whole ride was quiet and tense. Audrina entertained herself with the memory of her and Nikolai as she usually did when Michael was being an ass.

  As soon as they arrived at the restaurant, Audrina and Michael parted ways. Michael went with a few guys and Audrina mingled with a few snotty wives who talked about nothing but shopping and jewelry. Michael insisted she bond with the wives of the men in his circle even though they had nothing in common. All the women had children and different views on how a woman should behave.