Alexei knew: Maxim was not the type to back down.
— Come in, since you've come, — he invited the uninvited guest with a restrained gesture.
As soon as the door closed, a palpable tension arose in the room, sharp as an electric charge. For a while, the men exchanged silent glances.
— Want a drink? — Alexei broke the silence.
— I didn't come here to drink with you. I need answers. And I won't repeat myself.
— I know.
Two strong, tall men stood on the threshold of a personal war born of the secret past between Alina and Alexei. Maxim looked at him intently, his usually gentle gaze burning with undisguised, almost scorching fury. But Alexei did not rush. Behind the mask of cold indifference, a rapid, tumultuous analysis of the situation was underway. Losing a friend was unbearable, but he could no longer hide the truth about Alina, about the past that bound them.
— What the hell, Lyosha, — Maxim couldn't hold back, breaking the oppressive silence again. — We've known each other for almost ten years! You've never been so emotional! What is going on?
— Before I answer, I also have questions. How long have you known Alina?
— Almost two years.
— You've been in a relationship for two years? — Alexei was surprised.
— No. I've been trying to win her over for two years. We started dating a couple of months ago.
— And you immediately decided to marry her?
— I already told you I've known Alina for two years. That's enough for me.
— But apparently not enough to tell the truth about yourself. Were you afraid she'd bleed you dry for money?
— No. I couldn't. Alina avoids rich men. Maybe it's because of her stepfather. He's a gambler, he's put the family deep in debt. And he owes money to wealthy crime bosses. And you know how they treat debtors and their families.
— Funny.
— What's funny about that?
— The fact that I know her from a completely different perspective. And she certainly didn't avoid rich men. Quite the opposite, in fact...
— Then what the hell connects you to Alina? And what were you doing with her in the makeup room?
— Talking about our past.
— About your past? — bewilderment softened Maxim's anger.
In response, Alexei silently poured himself a whiskey and drained the glass in one gulp. For the first time, it was so agonizingly difficult for him to restrain his own anger and hidden indignation.
— Yes, Maxim, about the past. And it only surfaced because of you. You dragged me into your silly game, Max. And your girlfriend... she's not who she pretends to be.
Maxim raised an eyebrow mockingly.
— Oh really? And what do you know about her that I don't?
— Remember I told you about the girl I've been looking for for five years? Well, Alina is that girl.
Maxim was ready for any news except this. Such a turn of events drove him into an absolute corner. He knew his friend's story well, but had never met his vanished fiancée personally. During that period, he was abroad, building his company. The fact that his Alina would turn out to be the "runaway" fiancée was an incredible blow. Maxim also felt like drinking. Pouring himself half a glass of whiskey, he finished it in one go.
— Five years ago, when I temporarily left the country, Alina came to my mother. She knew that Mom was against our wedding. Taking advantage of her dislike, Alina demanded a large sum of money in exchange for disappearing from my life forever. She sold our love, Max, for money.
Maxim's face didn't flinch. He knew Alina: she was definitely not a fortune hunter or after rich men.
— A lie. She's not like that.
— Enough! — Alexei's fist slammed down on the table. — You are blinded! Just as I was blinded by her five years ago! Maybe she doesn't know who you are, but she's definitely using you! She came here for money! You're just her ticket!
— Alexei! She doesn't know who I am! But you know perfectly well! I am one of the sponsors of this project, — Maxim's voice acquired a dangerous, steely calm. — I invested a large part of my funds here through third-party companies so that you, my friend, could help me. I love her. I wanted to use the show to help Alina cover the debt, marry her, and then reveal that I'm not some poor lecturer, but the owner of a holding company. But you... you're trying to ruin everything. If I had known about your past earlier, I would never have brought Alina to this show.
Alexei squinted.
— It's too late for regrets. The show has started and must continue.
Maxim understood Alexei's point. He couldn't reveal his identity to Alina now. In her eyes, he would become a deceiver who dragged her onto the project to force her into marriage. And although that was the honest truth, it worked against him. It would be different after the wedding, when Alina would have no choice but to accept the truth and stay with him. He had to play to the end. But Alexei, instead of an assistant, had turned into an obstacle threatening the entire plan.
— Alina is my future wife, Lyosha. Whether you like it or not. What happened between you in the past is irrelevant. You're angry at Alina, that's obvious. However, whatever misunderstanding there was between you before, you have no right to interfere in our relationship. Five years have passed. Alina is with me now. Accept that as a fact and stop pursuing my fiancée, or I won't be so amiable with you anymore.
— Are you threatening me?
— I'm warning you. I love Alina. And she will be only mine.
The men exchanged a long, icy look. Two former friends became enemies. The film set had now turned into their battlefield.
In the control room, holding her breath, Karina stood alone. Through the monitor screens, she watched the argument between Maxim and Alexei. As the men aired their grievances, they didn't suspect that they were under the scrutiny of hidden cameras that Karina had secretly ordered to be installed in Alexei's room. Her lips stretched into a thin, predatory smile. Maxim turned out to be rich, resolute, and, most importantly, in love with Alina. The perfect ally to eliminate her rival.
Karina exited the control room and headed towards Maxim's room. If you can't eliminate a rival—marry her off. That was what she intended to do. Waiting for Maxim, she blocked his path. She didn't beat around the bush, immediately stating the purpose of her visit.
— Maxim, we've both been betrayed, haven't we?
— I don't understand what you mean.
— I mean that Alexei is blinded by revenge. I know everything about you, about Alina, about her secret past with Lyosha. He won't let Alina be happy after she abandoned him. His wounded male ego won't let you be together.
— What do you want?
— Don't worry. I don't wish you harm. I want to help. Lyosha is guided by emotions and can't think clearly. His actions are harming the project. And they are harming your plans. But I want the show to go on, and for you and Alina to win. You'll get her. I'll get Alexei. We're in the same boat.
Maxim looked at Karina with deep suspicion, but then nodded. He needed help in this game, and she needed a weapon.
The next morning at the breakfast table, gossip about the previous day's filming halt was boiling. Alina sat next to Maxim, trying her best to maintain her composure, but her skin burned with the memory of Alexei's kisses. She felt an acute sense of guilt toward Maxim, not daring to look him in the eye. The atmosphere was tense. All eyes were fixed on Alina and Maxim, and the participants' voices were loud, as if delivering a verdict. Eva sat opposite them, gracefully sipping juice and keeping the conversation going so that everyone could hear her.
— Didn't anyone notice how our "most sincere" couple was upset about the halt yesterday? — Eva cast a predatory, clinging glance at Alina, smiling at her fake partner, Vladimir. — Maxim, weren't your efforts enough? The scene was so... wet.
Maxim tensed, his hand gripping Alina's tighter.
— We were also upset that we couldn't finish the declaration, — he replied calmly. — I wanted Alina to hear how much I love her.
— Yes, yes, of course, — Eva drawled, demonstratively rolling her eyes. — Alina, you seemed to be in makeup for too long. What was Alexei Sergeevich fixing for you for so long? Maybe your lipstick? He had a little smudge of it yesterday, by the way.
Maxim found this incredibly unpleasant to hear. He instinctively felt Alina tense up next to him, and his grip on her hand tightened—whether to support or restrain her.
A quiet, yet vicious, chuckle rippled through the table. Alina felt her cheeks flush. She winced with shame and lowered her head, afraid Maxim would see her confusion.
— Don't invent nonsense, Eva, — Alina retorted sharply, trying not to raise her voice. — I was just following the producer's instructions. Everyone knows you have to look impeccable on camera.
— Yes, yes, of course. "Impeccable," — Eva sighed feigning concern, addressing her neighbor. — But Alina... you know, everyone saw the way Alexei Sergeevich looked at you. It was too personal for a producer who's merely concerned with picture quality.
Then Eva leaned closer and, lowering her voice to a whisper that was audible throughout the room, said:
— Or maybe you and Maxim aren't a real couple at all? You gave in so easily to that "technical pause." True love would fight! Or... do you just know Alexei Sergeevich better than we think?
Maxim slammed his hand on the table loudly.
— You are crossing the line! — his voice broke, making everyone jump.
— Look at them! Such vulnerability! Real lovers would never allow someone else to separate them so easily. This only proves that their story is just a game.
— That's not true! I love Alina! And I need no one but her, and I will prove it.
The conflict was interrupted by the appearance of Karina. With a professional and impeccable smile, she made an announcement.
— Attention, participants! I have good news and bad news for you. Which would you like to start with?
— Let's start with the good news! — everyone said in unison.
— After yesterday's broadcast, the audience voted for all the couples. No one is eliminated after the first challenge. And now for the bad news. Tomorrow will be a challenge called "Trust," and it will decide the fate of one of your couples.
— What is the task? — one of the participants inquired.
— The couples will navigate an obstacle together. One partner will be blindfolded, fully trusting the second. The pair that demonstrates absolute trust and support will win. And the losing couple will immediately leave the villa. This time, the partners switch roles. Those who prepared the declarations of love will lead their partners. Those who received the declarations of love will be led.
As soon as Karina left and breakfast concluded, Eva, driven by fierce jealousy, decided to act. She needed an ally, and only Vladimir could be that person. She hurried to take him out to the terrace to discuss the plan.
— This challenge is a good opportunity to eliminate Alina.
— Eliminate, how? — Volodya asked, not quite understanding her hint.
— You are so stupid. The obstacle is a risk, a danger... Do you understand?
— And?
— And a perfect opportunity to take that lying bitch out of the game. She needs to get injured so their couple is disqualified from further participation.
— Eva?! Have you gone mad?! — Volodya grabbed her hand. For the first time, his eyes showed not unconditional adoration, but masculine firmness. — You can't do that!
— Why?
— Eva! Have you completely lost your mind? It's one thing to seduce, and completely another to maim an innocent person!
— Innocent?! That bitch is clearly up to something. Everyone saw the way Alexei looks at her, and that he came out of the makeup room covered in lipstick! Her lipstick. That predator was clearly trying to seduce him.
— Even if that's true, you shouldn't turn into a monster out of jealousy.
— So, are you going to help me or not?
Eva sweetly rolled her eyes and put on a pleasant, standard smile. This always worked on Volodya. But this time, her feminine tricks had no effect.
— I won't participate in this! I knew you did small mischievous things, but this is a crime. This isn't the Eva I fell in love with.
His unexpected, courageous protest stunned Eva. He had never refused her anything. Always covered for her and supported her. She snatched her hand away.
— Fine! I will act anyway—with or without you.
While the participants were mentally preparing for the upcoming challenge, Karina was conducting careful and deliberate preparations. From the participants' files, she learned all of Alina's phobias. The most destructive to her psyche was the fear of fire. Karina's idea was simple: stage a fire flash, cause panic, so that Maxim would save Alina and become her unconditional hero. As soon as everything was ready, Karina met with Maxim in a secluded corner of the garden.
— The burners will be disguised under the rock, — Karina quietly explained, sipping lemonade. — It will cause intense panic. You must act quickly, take control of the situation. This will be your moment to shine.
— Alina is mortally afraid of fire, — Maxim replied in a steady tone, showing no emotion. — Her reaction will be... unpredictable. Are you sure you're not going too far?
— A man in love should always be ready to save his lady, shouldn't he? — Karina smiled her predatory smile. — The audience loves drama and heroic acts. If you want her to be yours, you must become her absolute support.
Maxim was silent, contemplating. The simple plan reminded him of a scene from a romance novel. But in the context of the show, it could help him become the only one who could help and save her. He knew he was exposing Alina to risk and would exploit her phobia, but the temptation to become the only hero in her eyes outweighed his moral considerations.
— Fine. But I must be sure it's safe. That the flame won't get out of control.
— The technicians have thought of everything; it's a controlled flash. Just an effect. Don't worry, — Karina assured him.
— See you tomorrow then, — Maxim said, standing up. — I hope your plan works.
— It will work, Maxim. Just play your hero.
Eva wasn't idle either. As night fell and everyone at the villa was asleep, she secretly crept to the cliff where the "Trust" challenge structure was set up. Using her charm, the girl found out from one of the show's directors that Alina and Maxim would be the first to do the challenge. That was enough to start acting. Eva didn't want to kill her rival; she just wanted her disqualified. Eva quickly reached the site, lighting her way with the dim screen of her phone. She felt adrenaline and excitement. It wasn't fear talking, but the anticipation of the upcoming victory. Seeing the massive rope fixings for the "Vertical Trust," she realized she couldn't cut them.
"No, not death. Just an injury that will remove her from the show for medical reasons," the thought flashed.
Eva found the main locking mechanism that was supposed to hold Alina's and Maxim's weight. With hands trembling from excitement but resolute, Eva used a knife to loosen the internal rope clamp. It only took her a few seconds. She did it deliberately carelessly so that the failure would look like a random technical malfunction, not deliberate sabotage. Satisfied with her "successful" crime, Eva quickly disappeared into the night. She didn't suspect that her small sabotage, combined with Karina's fire plan, would lead to a real catastrophe.
The next morning, the entire film crew gathered at the foot of the cliff. The sky was clear, the sea was calm, which only heightened the contrast with the drama that was about to unfold. Karina stood by the monitors, her professional smile unwavering, even when she met Maxim's gaze.
— So, participants. The "Trust" challenge begins! Remember, not only the prize is at stake, but your sincerity too.
Climbing ropes were secured to Maxim and Alina. They were briefed. Maxim carefully checked Alina's carabiners; his movements were focused and careful. A thick black blindfold was placed over Alina's eyes. The world narrowed to Maxim's voice and the sound of the wind.
Cameramen took their positions on the cliff ledges. The cameras lit their red lights. The show began.
Maxim approached Alina, his breath warmed her ear.
— Alina. Listen to me. We are going into the dark now, but I won't let go of you. I am your eyes, your support, and your safety. Trust me, sun. We're doing this together.
— I'm ready, — Alina's voice was quiet, but there was no hesitation. Her desire to save her mother was stronger than any fear.
They took the first step of the descent synchronously.
In the control room, Alexei, grim and tense, watched the couple. He tried to read Alina's facial expressions, but her face was perfectly composed. Suddenly, Alexei, glancing at the overall shots of the cliff, froze sharply. His eyes slid down to the narrow gorge at the foot. He saw them. Several metal stands with nozzles, skillfully camouflaged among the rocks. Gas burners.
— Karina! — his voice was so sharp that the directors in the control room flinched. — What the hell is that?
Karina turned to him, her eyes gleaming with triumph.
— Set dressing. An added effect. The audience loves drama.
— That's not set dressing! Those are burners! You know what you're doing! Alina is afraid of fire! — Alexei lunged for the exit, but Karina grabbed his hand, her fingers digging into his wrist.
— Stop. You're not going anywhere, Lyosha. You're the general producer, not a rescuer. The essence of this challenge is to show the couple's interaction in a dangerous situation. Or do you want the whole country to see you stopping the show again?!
At that moment, Maxim and Alina began their descent.
— They are already too far to stop them, — Karina said, pointing at the monitor for Alexei. — The show is starting! Now! — her command sounded.
At the same instant, in the narrow gorge, a column of flame erupted with a loud hiss. A roar and a sudden, searing heat rose along the cliff. Feeling the heat of the fire on her skin, Alina screamed. Panic robbed her of the ability to think. She let go of the rope and desperately clung to Maxim. He was ready to receive her. Clasping Alina tightly with both arms, Maxim held her close. Now he needed to stabilize the situation, but he was too late. A piercing metallic screech rang out. Due to Eva's sabotage, the rope, weakened and taking a double, sharp weight, slipped out of the lock. All participants and show organizers froze in horror.
— We're falling! — Maxim's cry echoed across the area.
Alexei, watching everything in the control room, saw the rope suddenly drop and the shot cut out.
— No! — Alexei instantly ran out and dashed to the edge of the cliff.
Below, he saw the falling couple. Maxim was trying to cling to the cliff to reduce the speed of the fall. They needed urgent help. Alexei had no time for safety gear. He grabbed a spare rope, tied to a support, and jumped after them. He didn't climb down—he fell, his palms burned by the friction of the sliding rope. Blood, mixing with dirt, streamed down his hands. Despite the cutting pain, he continued to descend. A few seconds, and his arm tightly grasped Maxim below the chest. Trying to hold both of them, he swung sideways into the cliff. A strong impact of his back against the stones tore not only his shirt but also left ragged wounds on his skin. Alexei groaned from the sharp pain, but held the rope. They froze. All three of them. A few meters above the hissing flame.
Alina, trembling, ripped off her blindfold. Her eyes, full of terror, saw Maxim, who was still holding her, breathing heavily. And above him—Alexei. His face was strained with pain. Blood oozed from his palms, caused by the friction of the rope.
Maxim, gasping, wheezed:
— I told you... I wouldn't let you fall.
Below, on the ground, a collective, stifled exhale was heard. The participants and film crew, frozen in absolute horror, finally released the air trapped in their chests. Cries from the technicians rang out from the platform: "Pull them up! Quick! Add safety lines!"
The only one who wasn't rejoicing at the fortunate rescue was Eva. Noticing the look of displeasure on her face, Volodya rushed over to her and sharply pulled her aside, where no one could hear them. In his eyes, usually full of adoration, icy anger burned.
— Was this your doing?
— And if it was, so what? That bitch got off easy.
— How could you? — he hissed so quietly that only she could hear. — Do you realize that because of your jealousy you almost killed people?!
— They wouldn't have died. Only slightly injured.
— Are you completely insane?
— You worry too much about the wrong person. That viper started the unfair game first. She got what she deserved.
— You've turned into a monster, Eva! — Volodya pushed her away. Disgust, worse than any curse, was reflected in his eyes. He, who was ready to fulfill her every whim, felt repulsion towards her for the first time.
Alina, reaching solid ground, immediately collapsed. Maxim knelt beside her, embracing her. Alexei stood over them. His hands were covered in bloody calluses, dirt was caked on his face. Seeing the blood on his hands, Alina felt guilty. He risked his life, despite seemingly hating her.
— Take them to the medical point! — Alexei commanded, his voice muffled and authoritative. — Filming is stopped. No one is eliminated today.
Karina watched from the monitor screen as Alexei turned and walked heavily away. She understood that she had lost. She not only failed to eliminate her rival, but she also made Alexei publicly perform an act of sacrifice that needed neither words nor a script.
— Did we save the footage? — she quietly asked the director.
— All of it. It was incredible material. A heroic scene.
— Excellent. At least some good came of it all.
The tragedy on the cliff, averted only by a miracle and Alexei's desperate jump, shook everyone. The show's participants were openly outraged by what they had witnessed. No one wanted to risk their lives for the sake of some show. Alexei didn't like to apologize, but now it was the only way to restore order to the set and calm the discontent. To defuse the atmosphere, he organized a formal dinner. Wine and exquisite food yielded results. When the participants relaxed and passions subsided, Alexei stood up and walked to the center of the hall.
— Gentlemen, — Alexei began, his voice low and authoritative, but without the usual producer's coldness, — today is not the time for scripts. Today is the time for truth.
He looked around at those present, his gaze momentarily resting on Alina and Maxim.
— What happened on the cliff is inexcusable. It was not an element of the show. It was a tragic, unacceptable mistake, a technical miscalculation that nearly cost two participants their lives. Your life, your health, your trust—that is what we promised to protect. We broke that promise. And for that, I, as the owner and producer of this project, offer my deepest apologies.
He bowed slightly, and this gesture, unusual for the usually proud Alexei, made many flinch.
— In particular, — he continued, raising his voice to override the whispering that began to rise in the corners, — I want to address Alina and Maxim. Your courage, your composure, your true trust in each other, displayed at a moment of mortal danger, has become the best proof that this project can be more than just a game.
Alexei paused and looked directly at Maxim, and then at Alina.
— I understand that my words mean little now. My actions may mean more. I officially declare: Filming will only resume after every piece of equipment is checked three times. I will personally ensure that every rope, every carabiner, every piece of set that could pose a threat is replaced and tested. I am responsible for your every scratch. Such incidents will not happen again.
He turned and looked around at everyone again. In his eyes was not only determination but also the bitter realization of how much his personal dramas had harmed his professional work.
— Tonight is not about the show. It is about restoring your trust in the project and, just as importantly, your peace of mind. Please, relax. Enjoy the dinner. We are here to work, but no job is worth your life.
He raised his glass. A ripple of applause followed.
During Alexei's speech, Maxim never took his eyes off Alina. His face was tense. It caused him deep pain to see how she listened to her ex with admiration and attention. Maxim understood: with this speech, Alexei was restoring not only his status as a producer but also drawing Alina back into the past that Maxim was so desperately trying to erase. He publicly acknowledged their couple as "genuine," and himself as guilty. This tactical move made him an even greater hero in the eyes of others than Maxim himself.
Maxim felt he was losing control of the situation and of her. Jealousy and fury churned in him, and his carefully constructed image was collapsing before his eyes. He needed to vent this poisonous anger on someone. And that person, in his opinion, could only be the one because of whom this dangerous gamble got out of control—Karina.
Leaving Alina, who was still looking toward Alexei, Maxim sharply headed for Karina, who was standing by the bar counter.
— Karina, we need to talk. Right now, — he demanded in a quiet but icy tone.
Karina gave a strained smile.
— I thought you'd be accepting congratulations now, Maxim. Did something happen?
— What happened is that my fiancée was almost killed! — he hissed, lowering his voice to a whisper. — You promised a controlled effect, not a catastrophe! What the hell happened? You didn't tell me the rope was faulty!
— Maxim, calm down! That wasn't in the plan! — Karina scanned the room. — I'm in absolute shock myself! We checked the equipment. It must have been an incredible accident, a technical failure! I assure you, no one wanted it to go this far.
— An accident? — Maxim mockingly raised an eyebrow. — This "accident" led to Lyosha being the hero now, not me! She admires him, not me. I can't trust you anymore! Our tandem is over. I don't need your help anymore. It cost too much. I don't want this collaboration anymore! I want Alina to be my wife, not to crash onto the rocks. If something had happened to her, you would have been next.
With those words, he sharply turned and, without looking back at the stunned Karina, walked back across the hall.
While Maxim was venting his anger and helplessness on Karina, Alina, feeling the need to express her gratitude, resolutely headed towards Alexei, who was standing slightly apart, pouring himself wine.
— Alexei, — she began, her voice quiet but firm. Alina looked at his wounded hands, and the feeling of guilt burned her more intensely than the heat of the flame the day before. — I wanted to thank you. You saved us. You risked your life, and...
— I don't need your cheap gratitude. I did it for the sake of the project.
— Why are you humiliating yourself in front of him? If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have gotten into this situation at all, — Maxim's sharp, crude voice interjected.
He immediately came up to Alina as soon as he noticed her talking to Alexei. His face was tense and distorted by the uncontrollable jealousy he had been trying to hide all evening.
— You are my woman, and if you should thank anyone, it's me. I'm the one who kept you from falling. Let's go.
He grabbed her elbow, his grip far too strong.
— Maxim, let go. You're hurting me.
She sharply pulled her arm away.
— What is wrong with you? — Her eyes flashed with anger. — You're acting as if I'm your property. I'm a free person and I can talk to whoever I want, whenever I want.
Maxim's face darkened. He realized that in the heat of jealousy, he had crossed a line, and now his carefully constructed image as the perfect partner was crumbling. He gritted his teeth. He couldn't afford any more aggression. He needed to calm down quickly.
— Fine! Play your independence game! — Maxim sharply turned around and, without looking back, quickly walked away from the party, narrowly missing a waiter.
— The perfect couple broke up, — Alexei drawled, pouring wine into a glass. Ironic mockery laced his voice. — What a pity.
Alina, clenching her teeth, turned to leave.
— Where are you going? — Alexei stopped her and offered the wine glass he had poured. — Stay. Drink, calm down. Everyone came here to relax. There's been enough tension for today.
Alina, without moving, cast a look full of resentment at him.
— Suit yourself, — Alexei said, carelessly putting the glass on the table, and walked away.
Alina was left standing alone, humiliated by Alexei and struck by Maxim's rudeness. It was the perfect situation for Eva's new plan to eliminate her annoying rival.
— Alina, — she approached her, her voice soft and penetrating. — I'm glad everything ended well today. I apologize if I was harsh with you earlier... After what happened on the cliff, you know... it seems you and Maxim truly proved your feelings.
— It's fine. I'm not offended.
Alina looked away, watching Maxim's retreating silhouette, which had already disappeared down the corridor. Her momentary inattention—and it was enough. Eva quickly shook powder from a capsule clenched in her palm, sprinkling it into the glass of wine that Alexei had poured. This stimulant, which causes distorted perception and uncontrolled craving, Eva had brought with her for an "emergency"—she planned to use it on Alexei to compromise him and gain power over him. But now that Alina was alone, humiliated and emotionally drained, this powder was "just right" for eliminating her rival. The stimulant instantly dissolved in the red liquid. "Let her show everyone how 'sincere' she really is," Eva thought with a predatory smile. When Alina turned her head toward Eva, she quickly thrust the glass of poisoned wine into her hands.
— Then I suggest we seal our reconciliation with a glass of exquisite wine, — Drink. You need to relieve the tension after what happened. Enjoy the evening, — she advised softly, casting a triumphant, predatory glance at Alexei, who was talking to one of the directors.
Suspecting nothing, Alina took the glass that Alexei had poured for her and drained it in one gulp. Volodya watched the women's strange interaction from an observer's perspective. He sat in a corner, crushed by his recent argument with Eva, but still watching her closely. Knowing her nature, Volodya suspected she wouldn't give up so easily. And he was right.
The stimulant took effect. Alina felt a sudden dizziness. Colors became too bright, sounds—too loud. She felt unwell, and she struggled to maintain her balance.
— Oh, my dear, I see you don't handle alcohol well. Wait a minute, I'll help you now.
Eva intercepted the first young waiter she saw. Slipping a large sum of money into his hand, she whispered quietly.
— See that girl in blue? She's had too much. Carefully take her to the restroom. Take a few photos... you know, compromising ones. And you don't have to hold back.
— What makes you think I'll agree?
— Why would you refuse? Where else will you earn so much money so quickly? You'll leave the villa after the party. And in the morning, she won't even remember anything. I've taken care of that.
Looking around and making sure no one heard them, the waiter nodded in agreement. Hiding the money in his pocket, he quickly approached Alina and led her out of the hall by the arm. Alina, whose mind was foggy, did not resist, perceiving him as a vague image of help.
Sensing that something was wrong, Volodya followed them. He arrived just in time and prevented the struggling Alina from being dragged into a dark room at the end of the corridor. Volodya often hung out with Eva in nightclubs, where such incidents were not uncommon. Seeing Alina's glazed, unfocused eyes, her confused, hot breath, and inability to walk straight, he immediately understood what was going on.
His anger was instantaneous and furious. With one yank, he threw the waiter away from Alina. After receiving several blows to the jaw, the waiter recoiled against the wall, covering his face.
— Did you spike her with that crap?! — Volodya demanded an answer, pinning the waiter against the wall, his voice low and threatening.
— No. I already found her in this state, — the waiter wheezed. — It wasn't me. It was her friend.
— Get out! Or I'll call the police!
Volodya didn't need an explanation of which friend he was talking about. The situation was delicate for everyone, including Eva. No one could allow it to become public, especially after the morning's incident with the rope. Therefore, Vladimir allowed the waiter to simply run away.
— Alina? How are you?
— Volodya, help. My body isn't obeying me.
— Don't worry. You're safe.
Quickly taking Alina into his arms, Volodya carried her to her room. He hurried as fast as he could, trying to avoid being seen by anyone. He couldn't let Eva use the situation for her own gain and make a mockery of Alina. And his fears were not unfounded.
Waiting about fifteen minutes after the waiter had led Alina away, Eva began her performance. She approached a group of participants and, in a deliberately loud, concerned tone, addressed them:
— Have you seen Alina? She looked so unwell. And after she drank that wine... Maybe she's feeling really sick? Did anyone see her?
Eva's words drew Alexei's attention. The goal was achieved. Alexei, without saying a word, rushed into the corridor. It was enough for him to know that Alina was alone and might be unwell. Seeing his concern, a joyful smile appeared on Eva's face. In her imagination, she had already pictured the scene of Alexei catching Alina in the arms of the waiter and throwing her off the project.
While Alexei was running through the halls searching for Alina, in the room, Volodya was trying to bring Alina around. He soaked a towel in ice water and gently applied it to her forehead.
— Alina, you must drink water! Please, it will help, — his voice was full of genuine care.
She pressed against his chest, her feverish heat burning him. Her eyes were clouded, her consciousness struggling against the stimulant's effects.
— No... I can't... I'm hot, — she whispered. She tried to push him away, but every movement looked like a plea, a desperate invitation. — Go away, Volodya! Go away! — she moaned, fighting herself.
At that very moment, Alexei approached the door. He saw the light under the crack and, without knocking, pushed the door open slightly. The scene that greeted his eyes was an explosion: Volodya standing over Alina, her hands, trying to push him away, appearing to be embracing him from the side, and her blouse unbuttoned, exposing a thin strap. It seemed to Alexei that Volodya was trying to rape her.
— Bastard!
A second later, Volodya fell to the floor from the blow.
— I was trying to help! She was drugged! — Volodya shouted back.
— Who?! Who did this?!
— I don't know. I found her in this state.
Alexei immediately rushed to Alina.
— I was trying to bring her around.
— You can go. I'll take care of her. And keep your mouth shut. No one must know what happened.
— I understand.
When the door closed behind Volodya, leaving them alone, Alexei went to Alina. She was sitting on the bed, her blurred eyes looked at him.
— You haven't changed at all, — he said bitterly. — You're willing to drug yourself... but for what? What goal are you pursuing?
— I'm not pursuing anything. I didn't do anything, — Alina barely managed to say. Her voice trembled, she clung to the last remnants of clarity. — I'm so hot. Help me.
Inside Alina, a desperate, agonizing struggle was taking place. A sober, guilty part of her screamed for him to leave, but waves of unnatural heat caused by the stimulant overwhelmed her, focusing all her wild, uncontrollable attraction on the only man who had always been her true weakness. She knew she shouldn't, but her body no longer belonged to her.
Her hands, burning hot, slid over his body, and she began to tear off his shirt. The thin buttons flew off with a crackle. When her lips found his, Alina emitted a greedy, low moan and, tearing off her own blouse, pressed her flaming chest against his bare skin. The heat of her body was unnatural, but it passed through Alexei like lightning, burning away the remnants of his reason. He groaned, feeling her compliant, desperate passion. His whole being desired her. Desired her immediately. Desired her as he had never desired anyone.
Alexei tore his lips from her mouth and began to cover her neck with kisses, descending to her heavily breathing, heaving chest. He wanted to tear off her bra. To tear off everything that prevented him from being the only one to feel this scorching heat. Her touches, her trembling, hot response were agonizing pleasure. Quiet, broken moans escaped her lips.
— Alina, do you know what you're doing? Who am I to you?
She tried with all her might to focus her vision, to find the strength to say "No," but the word was stuck in her throat. The stimulant won.
— You...
— Who am I?
— Lyosha. — The name sounded like a confession, like an admission that all her attempts to build a new life were a lie. — I want you. I want you so badly...
— Alina... — his voice was hoarse. He was fighting, but not with her, but with himself. With his love for her. — Alina, if you don't stop, I won't be able to hold back anymore.
She didn't answer with words. Her answer was purely animal, dictated by chemistry and hidden desire. She reached for him again, her lips found his again. He felt her strong, wild desire, pulsating in rhythm with his own.