Chapter 6

• And I’m one hundred percent sure, it’s not out of anger. I’m on the right track.
• The car started moving, and we drove on. After a while, Iris calmed down.
• - Dairy factory?
• - Yes, a family business. Top-quality products, all natural. Your parents buy from us all the time. So does the whole town.
• - It’s a whole sentence without any hint of sex.You can do it when you want to!
• - Sure I can. Do you want to?
• She just rolled her eyes, and I laughed.
• Iris
• Yeah, the trip had just begun, and I had already tried to run away twice. It felt like I was in a car with a sexy maniac. A devilishly handsome and irresistibly attractive sexy maniac.
• My face and lips burned after the kiss, and my heart was pounding in my chest. The car suddenly felt unbearably hot; my legs were weak. I needed to distract myself, think about something else.
• We drove in silence for a while. The whole time, I was studying him. Strong hands confidently gripping the steering wheel.
• He was in a great mood, whistling a tune. It seemed like he was doing it unconsciously. But his voice was deep and pleasant, so even the simple melody sounded nice.
• How could a man like him be hiding in such a backwater town? Why wasn’t his face already on magazine covers?
• - Vadim, have you ever thought about leaving? Moving to the city, for instance?
• - Sometimes those thoughts come up, but not for long. This is my home, and I’m perfectly happy here. Family business, friends—everything I hold dear. Why leave?
• - To see the world, for example. Try something new, learn a profession, or something else.
• - I already have a profession—I’m a certified livestock specialist.
• - No way!
• I was surprised. This guy? A livestock specialist? Couldn’t find a profession more unsuitable for him.
• - So, you love animals?
• - Yes, very much. I have three cats and two dogs myself.
• That was strange too. People who keep animals usually struggle with fur and smells. But I didn’t notice a single hair on him. Either he was lying, or he was incredibly neat.
• - And here’s the promenade. Let’s take a little walk. It’s the only attraction in our town.
• We pulled into what looked like a small port.
• - It’s not the sea, just a big lake. Lots of small fishing boats and equipment around. Everything looks beautiful at sunset.
• Vadim parked the car, and we got out.
• - There’s a spot near the woods where we hang out in the evenings. If you want, we can go. It’s fun. People just unwind after work, shake off stress and tension. Sometimes even the way I suggested earlier.
• And that devilish smile on his lips made my already weak heart beat even faster.
• - Not today.
• - All right. Whatever you want. Let’s go this way. There’s a fantastic restaurant over there. Let’s grab a bite. I’m getting a bit hungry.
• He gave me a predatory once-over. It seemed like he didn’t know how to behave differently.
• I sighed. What restaurant? I wasn’t dressed for it, and I had little cash in my wallet. I didn’t want him to pay for me; that would be too much.
• Vadim and I had nothing in common, and a restaurant hinted at something more. I didn’t want that—no restaurants.
• - Vadim, let’s just walk, and then you can take me home. I’m not hungry, and I’m not dressed for a restaurant.
• - Don’t worry, everyone here knows me. They’ll let us in without a dress code. You’re missing out. This restaurant is the best in town. I’m sure you haven’t tasted anything better. Come on.
• - No.
• Vadim stopped and looked at me.
• - Maybe we started off on the wrong foot. Let’s do this properly, like normal people. Just sit for a bit, talk, have a good time, and get to know each other better. No advances. I already figured out you don’t like that sort of thing. It’s a pity, but what can I do? I’m willing to compromise.
• It’s not that I dislike it—it’s just that I need to keep my distance with you. You’re too fast and eager. You want everything here and now. I’m not looking for a one-night stand. In fact, I’m not looking for a boyfriend at all. And your advances unsettle me too much. I don’t like feeling out of control or unsure of myself. I hate those feelings.
• - All right, it’s easier to agree with you than to argue.
• - Great. I’m a regular at this restaurant. Top-notch service, ambiance, and menu—five stars.
• I listened and wondered how much this luxury would cost him. I didn’t bring much money. Was I making a mistake agreeing to this? What if he demanded something in return? That kind of thing happens in nightclubs sometimes. Girls are treated to cocktails and then told they owe something. I’ve had a few such “courtships.” It gave me goosebumps.
• Vadim didn’t seem like a jerk, but none of them do. They’re all sweet and charming until they show their true colors. Well, let’s see how this turns out. After all, we’re in a small town where everyone knows each other. He couldn’t just do something like that—it’d ruin his reputation. Plus, his business is here. Such behavior would harm him too.
• - Come on, we’re almost there.
• He took my hand and led me forward. I sighed in frustration. His warm hand sent shivers through me, and my heart raced again. I tried to pull away, but it was no use. We walked a few more meters before Vadim stopped.
• - There it is, the restaurant I told you about.
• I looked around. Restaurant? Where? I didn’t see anything that remotely resembled one, except…
• - Are you serious? A restaurant?
• He gave me a cheeky smile, mischief sparkling in his eyes.
• - Yes, my favorite restaurant. Let’s go.
• I shook my head. What an idiot—I even found it funny. The “restaurant” turned out to be a simple fast-food stall. I couldn’t help but laugh. What else could you expect from this guy?
• - Come on. Pick something. There’s a wide selection.
• He wasn’t wrong. Burgers, hot dogs, shawarma, various sandwiches. Vadim approached the window.
• - The usual for me, and for the lady…
• - A salad roll, please. No sausages.
• - Your wish is my command. But you’re missing out.
• The food was ready in minutes. A smiling middle-aged woman handed the order through the window.
• - Thanks, Aunt Masha. See? Top-notch service. Let’s head back.
• We moved away from the “restaurant.”
• - Do you even know what a restaurant is?
• - Of course. Just wanted to cheer you up. You’re so cold to me.
• - I’m like this with everyone who offers me sex without even learning my name.