Page 53 of Merciless Union
But it does.
Maxim pulls away, starting down at me with an intense gaze.
I can only lick my lips as I stare back at him.
For a moment, I think we might kiss again. But Maxim detangles himself from me and steps back. I silently watch as he turns around and leaves the house.
What just happened?
I approach the door, wondering if I should follow him or not. My eyes fall upon a pile of things by the door. I frown, reaching down to see what it is.
Little bottles of paints, brushes, and canvases.
He replaced it all. All my supplies he broke and threw away.
I’m not sure what it means.
So all I do is sit down next to the pile, grab a brush, and twirl it between my fingers, wondering what’s happening between my husband and me.
CHAPTER13
Arina
The day finally comes—my mother’s funeral.
I arrive at the funeral with Maxim. Neither of us has spoken to the other since our kiss a few days ago. He’s kept his distance from me, which makes me glad. I’m still confused about what’s happening between us.
First, he accuses me of being a traitor, and then he kisses me like he couldn’t live without me. Space is the best way for me to clear my head.
One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that he never took away the new art supplies. Even so, I haven’t painted anything.
My feelings are too painful to express on a canvas.
The day is frigid. Everyone is bundled up in black coats. The first snowfall of the year won’t be too far away.
A gloomy day for a funeral. I guess it’s appropriate.
Maxim follows me as I approach the plot of land where my mother is being buried and take my place next to my father.
He pulls me into a hug. I squeeze him so tightly even I can barely breathe. When we pull apart, I feel like I might faint. I stumble.
Maxim grabs my arm to steady me. I glance at him, and our eyes lock in an intense contest. He nods at me, then helps me sit down.
I don’t pull away from him. After a few seconds, Maxim removes his hand. I turn to my father, taking his hand instead.
More and more guests arrive. Maxim’s family shows up, taking their places beside Maxim. Kira offers me a smile. I try to make my lips move, but it’s challenging. She leans over and pats my knee, showing she understands.
Maxim looks between us, his gaze softening the tiniest bit.
Elena and Vasilisa look as stern and cold as they usually do. Alexei at least looks sober, so that’s something. He nods a greeting at me.
I look back at my mother’s casket, seeing it closed and knowing she’s lying in there, hopefully at peace.
The reverend steps forward to speak, silencing the crowd. It’s like a ghost town. Looking around, I realize that I don’t know the majority of people present. But I suspect most of them are Maxim and my father’s friends and co-workers. Still, it’s jarring that there are so many people at my mother’s funeral I don’t even know.
After Maxim’s and my kiss, I pulled back in on myself, letting my father plan the funeral. Now, sitting here, I wish I had more say. I should have stepped up and helped. But the thought of planning my mom’s funeral hurt too much.
As the reverend continues speaking, I keep looking at the faces of the guests. One face I don’t see is Stepan’s. I wonder where he’s hiding. I’m sure my husband is just itching to kill him.
