Andreas’ jaw tightened. He stood up without saying a word, which only increased Jonas’s amusement.
“Ah, this must have something to do with Vlora. Isn’t it?” Jonas asked, his expression making Andreas sick. “Why are you so angry? Haven’t you always belittled me by saying that I would accept anything as long as it fulfilled my life and my desires? That’s exactly what I’m doing. I want Vlora to fulfill my wishes.”
“Jonas!”
Andreas’ cry echoed. He stepped forward and his fist swung. His strong fingers jammed into Jonas’ nose.
A cracking sound rang out, causing pain. Fresh blood flowed. But it was not enough to release all the rage that consumed Andreas.
Jonas tried to push Andreas away, but failed. Andreas quickly attacked him. He grabbed Jonas by the collar of his shirt and pushed him until his back slammed against the wall.
“Do you think you can get away, Jon? Do you think I’m going to let you go?”
The attempt to free himself was futile. Jonas really was cornered and helpless.
Andreas grinned. “Of course, I’ll let you go, and that will be your life.”
Andreas’ fist hit Jonas again. He continued to strike while Jonas tried to defend himself, looking for a chance to counter.
The opportunity came. Jonas kicked Andreas in the stomach. His kick was strong, but Andreas did not seem to feel any pain.
Andreas moved in again. He pushed Jonas until they both fell to the floor. They wrestled, and Andreas held Jonas down.
One hand grabbed Jonas’s shirt. The other balled into a fist and delivered a series of blows. It was not long before more fresh blood flowed, staining his fingers.
Jonas’s nose was broken. The corner of his lip was split. But Andreas was not finished.
Jonas tried to fight back, tried to punch, and kick with his knees, but it was in vain. Andreas remained unmoved and continued to strike relentlessly.
“I won’t let you touch what’s mine again, Jon,” Andreas said ruthlessly. Ignoring Jonas’ helpless state, he continued to beat him. “Never again.”
Anger consumed Andreas. Darkness had covered his eyes. He stopped hitting and switched to choking Jonas.
Andreas’ eyes shone with judgment. There was no mercy.
“Reas, don’t. Please.”
Nadine approached, tears streaming down her face. She reached for Andreas’ hand and tried to loosen his grip on Jonas’ neck. But Andreas immediately pushed her away without turning away.
Nadine stumbled. Jonas was powerless. Andreas became more indiscriminate.
“You’re going to die, Jonas.”
Jonas’ mouth opened wide. His tongue stuck out with terrified eyes. He flailed wildly, trying to breathe.
Suffocating. Tortured. Jonas was truly suffering in the face of the terrifying possibility that was looming before his eyes. It seemed ironic that the last sight he would see in his life would be the face of Andreas, a half-brother who now resembled the Angel of Death.
Harsh and merciless, Andreas implied no forgiveness for Jonas. His grip tightened and tightened. He gave Jonas no chance to breathe.
“Die!”
Andreas growled. His angry eyes became even more ruthless as Jonas became more and more helpless. Jonas’s suffering fueled him even more. He twitched and all he wanted to do was to cut off Jonas’s breath, to end Jonas’s life.
Jonas could do nothing more. His strength was gone. Attempts to free himself failed. He could only surrender in the shadow of impending doom.
“Reas.”
A voice made Andreas freeze. It sounded faint, but it managed to pierce the darkness that had clouded his eyes. His strength vanished and his grip on Jonas’ neck began to loosen.
“Reas.”
Andreas’ head lifted. His eyes blinked and his gaze was cast across the corridor to two people standing on the other side.
Andreas’ eyes focused on the beautiful, pale face. “Vlo.”
Vlora smiled weakly, trying to hold back tears. She spoke in a soft voice, but it was crystal clear to Andreas’ ears.
“Don’t, Reas. Please, don’t.”
Andreas held his breath. This time he could no longer hide the sadness behind his anger. All the pain and torment revealed itself. His tears fell while Vlora still smiled.
“Please. Don’t let Jonas take the last thing I have. Please.”
Andreas winced with a pain that indicated deep wounds. “Vlo.”
Vlora knew that it was not just her that was hurt, but Andreas as well. So, she steadied herself. She strengthened herself and fought against her grief to support Andreas.
“You are the only one left in my life, Reas.”
Andreas was hit by reality. Vlora had spoken a valid truth. Only he belonged to Vlora. Only him.
“Jonas took both my parents, Reas. He took my brother. He also took my child. So please don’t let him take you away from me. I don’t want to lose you, Reas.”
Andreas was devastated. The narrowness pressed on him from two directions. The desire to kill Jonas and the common sense that wanted to be with Vlora erupted with equal intensity. But he realized. Killing Jonas meant that he had to be ready to leave Vlora.
Andreas could not bear that. Besides, he did not want to leave Vlora alone. He had to stay at Vlora’s side. He had to keep his promise; he would protect Vlora and make her happy.
They had many dreams. Many wishes they wanted to fulfill. A lot of happiness waiting to be created.
Andreas closed his eyes. He let the tears fall again as he released his grip on Jonas’s neck.
Andreas stood up weakly. Ignoring Jonas and Nadine, he went to Vlora, who had been waiting for him.
His steps faltered. Andreas almost thought he would not be able to reach Vlora.
Vlora greeted Andreas. Her hand rose and cupped Andreas’ face. She smiled beautifully, even though her wounds were still gaping and bleeding.
“Don’t leave me, Reas.”
*