Page 10 of Love to Defy You
Traveling through Europe with Alek felt like a perpetual holiday, where we spent each day doing whatever we wanted whenever we felt like it. On a whim, we could pick up and move to another country if the mood struck us, and we existed in our little bubble of bliss we constructed around ourselves, far removed from reality.
But our endless summer vacation is over, and it’s time to head back to school for the fall. It’s a bittersweet time, and while I’ll miss the freedom we’ve grown accustomed to, I’m readyto embark on a new journey with Alek by my side. Without structure in my life or goals to achieve, I’ve grown restless. I’m ready for the next challenge.
Once Alek and I grab our suitcases at the baggage carousel, we head outside and hail a cab. As the driver loads our luggage into the trunk, rain pours off the overhang and creates puddles on the asphalt, and whenever a car passes, it splashes upward toward the gray skies above. I shove my hands into the pockets of my sweatshirt, grateful I had the foresight to dress warm.
Alek ushers me into the taxi, and when the driver joins us, Alek gives him our new address in German.
It’s only the first week of September, but Alek and I wanted to arrive before the school term starts in two weeks, giving us time to settle into our new apartment. As we make our way into the city, I stare out the window at the green trees, which will soon start to change their foliage for autumn. I can’t wait to wear sweaters and boots and drink pumpkin spice lattes while walking between classes.
Zurich appears to be a typical European city with a relaxed vibe. The city streets are clean, and when I take a breath, the air feels pure. People are out and about enjoying local cafés, and despite the dreary weather today, they seem content and happy.
“Apparently, Switzerland is one of the top ten happiest countries in the world,” I say.
“I’m sure we’ll be happy here, too.” Alek reaches across the seat and puts his hand on my leg. His touch is possessive, and my heart rate accelerates under his warm palm.
He doesn’t remove his hand until we pull up to a luxurious apartment building tucked away on a quiet street lined with shady trees. Alek steps out of the cab first to open his umbrella, then helps me out of the back seat. The building’s elegant architecture reminds me of Paris with its intricate stonework,private balconies with iron railings, and dark roof with windows jutting out of it.
A café sits next door with plenty of outdoor seating beneath a red-and-white striped awning, and the aroma of coffee beans and baked goods wafts through the rainy air. I picture myself sipping a latte and reading a textbook at a table by the window with a scarf around my neck.
I think I’m going to like Zurich.
Alek pays the cab driver and grabs one of the suitcases. “Are you ready to see our new home for the next three years?”
“You mean four.”
Alek raises his eyebrow at me. “Swiss bachelor’s programs are three years. Didn’t you read the brochure?”
“Of course I did. But I didn’t see anything about a three-year degree in there.” I fold my arms. “So, you’re saying I have to cram a four-year education into three?”
He smirks. “Yes.”
“Fuck.”
Still, three years is longer than any other place we’ve stayed together, including Andarusia. After we graduate, who knows where we’ll go, but I like the idea of finding a place to set down roots and make a home together.
That will be us one day, malishka. Mark my words: I’m going to make you my wife.
I haven’t forgotten the promise Alek made to me almost a year ago to the day. He hasn’t offered me a ring yet, but it feels like we’re already married in every way that matters.
I wrap my fingers around the handle of my suitcase. “Let’s go check out the new digs.”
Alek and I retreat into the lobby, and when we’re tucked inside, he shakes the moisture from the umbrella and closes it. It gives me a chance to take in the surroundings.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but based on the building’s historic façade, I didn’t think the inside would be ultra-modern. A bored-looking blonde receptionist sits behind a desk made of gray stone in the middle of the spacious atrium, and dark, natural materials make up the columns and flooring. A gold chandelier twisted into an abstract shape lights the room.
Alek pulls out a small envelope from his sports coat and slips two key cards out, handing one to me. I follow him to the gold elevator doors at the opposite end of the lobby, where he slides his card into the reader before pressing the call button.
When we file inside, Alek presses the button for the top floor.
The elevator pings open onto a short, carpeted hallway with low lighting. Alek holds the door until I walk out, and he follows me into the corridor.
I pause. “There’s only one door.”
“You’re very observant,malishka.”
I push his shoulder, making him chuckle. “Do we have the entire top floor to ourselves?”
“We do.” The corner of his lip twitches. “I recall you accused me of being ‘a spoiled rich boy’ the night we met, and I won’t accept anything less than the best for you.” Alek slips his key card into the reader, then pushes the door open into an enormous penthouse.
